Abstract: Methods and systems for blending multiple batches of mixed hydrocarbons into fuel streams downstream of the refinery are provided that do not compromise the octane value of the fuel and do not cause the volatility of the fuel to exceed volatilities imposed by government regulation.

Abstract: A filling apparatus for serially filling multiple lanes of containers includes a plurality of piston pumps which receive flowable product from an associated source. Each pump includes a reciprocably movable pump piston, which can “float” upwardly during a filling stroke, as each pump is filled with product delivered thereto under pressure. The pump pistons can move upwardly independently, until each reaches a predetermined position, corresponding to the quantity of product with which each container is to be filled. After all of the pistons reach their respective predetermined positions, valves of the pumps are simultaneously operated, and the pistons simultaneously stroked so that respective containers are filled with the flowable product. The multiple lanes of containers are thereafter indexed, and the filling cycle repeated.

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 drink layering portion machine reliably creates undisturbed air bubble free multiple drink layers. The portion machine includes a flat bottom hollow structure, a top with a pouring cup that is shaped as a bowl having a hemispherical or semi-circular basin and having a central aperture at its bottom base. A thin rod, preferably textured, passes through the aperture with a small clearance. A second aperture displaced from the first aperture supports the thin rod providing wobble free movement. The bottom end of the thin rod carries a float, preferably textured. The drink layering portion machine is placed with a hollow structure encircling or hovering over a glass and stabilizing it from tilting. The float rests on the liquor in the interior of the glass as liquor is poured into the pouring cup. The liquor runs down at a slow volumetric rate through the small clearance, down the thin rod, over the float external surface into the glass forming layered undisturbed drink free from air bubble entrapment.

Abstract: A method for producing concrete blocks, and in particular paving stones, building blocks or the like, with a storage container forming a receiving space for a plurality of layers of different-colored concrete, dispensing means being provided in order to dispense partial amounts of the layers from the receiving space in such a way that a downstream release device receives a mixture of the layers of different-colored concrete, characterized in that at least a partial portion of a side wall of the receiving space is provided with at least one dispensing opening for dispensing a partial amount of the layers, the size of passage of the dispensing opening being variable by the dispensing means.

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 method for filling containers with liquid. Liquid is provided from a reservoir and at least two filling positions, of a filling position group, are each configured to fill a container with liquid at a filling rate. With a common flow meter, a total volume of liquid flowing into the containers at the filling positions of the filling position group is measured during a filling phase. A liquid control valve of each of the filling positions is opened and closed in response to: a measurement signal provided by the flow meter; and at least one of (a) and (b) where: (a) is a time correction compensating for filling rates being different for the filling positions; and (b) is at least one throttle influencing the filling rates. The containers at the filling positions are filled such that each of the containers contains a required volume of liquid at the end of the filling phase.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making a frozen confection product is provided. The method includes the use of a plurality of nozzles on a product-making machine. The nozzles are rotated while dispensing a frozen confection to create a swirl configuration in a product holder, such as a cone. The nozzles continue to rotate and dispense the frozen confection therefrom while moving from one set of product holders to the next, to continually dispense the frozen confection to fill each additional set of product holders. An additional confection may also be dispensed in the interior and exterior of the frozen confection and/or product holder. Additional stations, such as filling, stomping, freezing, dipping, and wrapping may be also included with the machine, with the product being indexed to the additional stations of the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for the filling of a dialyzer with a dialysis liquid and/or for the draining of dialysis liquid from a dialyzer is mobile. The apparatus has at least one liquid container for the reception of a liquid, preferably of RO water, at least one concentrate receptacle for the reception of concentrate and/or a concentrate connection for the connection of a container holding concentrate as well as at least one preparation unit which is arranged and configured such that liquid from the liquid container can be mixed with concentrate from the concentrate receptacle and/or from the container holding the concentrate in the preparation unit.

Abstract: A device for loss-free filling of continuously mixed media in containers may include a mixing tank, a filler valve, and a connecting line. The mixing tank serves to receive and mix at least two different media, of which at least one medium is a fluid, and has a closing device for closing an outlet from the mixing tank. The filler valve serves for filling the mixed media from the mixing tank in the containers. The connecting line is arranged between the outlet from the mixing tank and the filler valve. Here the closing device has a ventilation line that can be connected with the connecting line to ventilate the connecting line to the filler valve. Also a plant may include such a device and a transport device for transporting the containers to the filler valve of the device.

Abstract: A method for the preparing mixtures of pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical substances (11, 11?) includes arranging a preparation container (3, 3?, 3?) already made up with ingredients in a receptacle (2) of a device (1, 1?, 1?) feeding a fluid (10) from a storage container (4, 4?) into the preparation container (3, 3?) via a feed line (6), preparing the ingredients with the fluid (10, 10?) into a substance mixture (11, 11?), and removing the substance mixture (11, 11?) from the preparation container (3, 3?, 3?) into a receiving container via a discharge line (12, 12?, 12?). A device also is provided for carrying out the method.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for changeover of containers of a highly soluble substance in a continuous flow process, fluid is flowed through a container of the substance to generate a solution until the substance is depleted and the concentration of the solution starts to drop. The solution from the first container is then directed through a second container containing a charge of the substance to maintain a saturated solution. When the first container is fully exhausted, the flow of fluid is switched to isolate the first container and to flow the fluid directly into the second container whereupon the first container can be safely removed. The arrangement is operated as a lead lag system with solution flowing through the containers at or close to plug flow to minimize mixing.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for creating a precision blended seed product. A first seed group is received in a first seed hopper and transferred to a first automated metering device. A second seed group is received in a second seed hopper and transferred to a second automated metering device. A controlled portion of seed may then be metered from the first seed group with the first automated metering device and from the second seed group with the second automated metering device. The respective metered portions can then be combined together to create a precision blended seed product that includes a predetermined portion of the first seed group and a predetermined portion of the second seed group. In addition, a system and method are provided for separating two or more seed groups from a blended seed product, for example, to test one or both components and replace bad seed.

Abstract: A user interactive custom cosmetic powder color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling insulating glass units with one or more insulating gases (e.g., Argon and Krypton gas). The insulating gases are supplied to gas filling tubes that are inserted into one or more interpane spaces of the insulating glass units. Each interpane space may be filled with more than one insulating gas. A control unit controls the injection of the insulating gases in accordance with gas filling data received by the control unit.

Abstract: Described is a device for establishing desired proportions of water and coffee beans. The device includes a fluid vessel and a laterally attached coffee solid vessel. The fluid vessel has vertical height and a fluid volume capacity, with the fluid vessel being formed to hold water therein. The coffee solid vessel has vertical height and an interior that defines a coffee solid volume capacity, with the coffee solid vessel being formed to hold a solid coffee product therein. Importantly, each of the fluid vessel and coffee solid vessel are formed such that a desired solid-to-fluid ratio exists between the fluid volume capacity and the coffee solid volume capacity when laterally attached with one another, with the desired solid-to-fluid ratio being maintained along the vertical height of each of the vessels (which can be readily verified through a visual inspection of the horizontal equality of contents).

Abstract: Apparatus for processing liquids or liquid-based substances includes a plurality of volumes at least two of which are defined at least in part by one or more phaseguides inside the volume and/or in a conduit connected thereto for controlling aliquoting of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances inside the volume. Each volume has an upstream and downstream side with respect to meniscus advancement direction via which it may be filled with or emptied of one or more liquids or liquid-based substances. The apparatus also includes at least one common upstream-side conduit connected to supply a liquid or liquid-based substance via a plurality of the inlet or extraction conduits, a plurality of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined level of stability and one or more of the phaseguides exhibiting a predetermined different stability compared with the stability of at least one of the other phaseguides whereby to control the preference order in which the volumes fill and/or empty.

Abstract: Methods and systems for blending multiple batches of mixed hydrocarbons into fuel streams downstream of the refinery are provided that do not compromise the octane value of the fuel and do not cause the volatility of the fuel to exceed volatilities imposed by government regulation.

Abstract: Vehicle tires are filled with perfluorocarbon gas to extend tire life.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling containers (3) with a filling material consisting of at least two components that are introduced separately into the respective container (3), with the aid of a filling element (1, 1a).

Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers (2) with a liquid filling material comprising at least two components, using a filling system (1) comprising at least one filling element (3) having a fluid channel (6) for the controlled dispensing of the filling material by way of at least one dispensing opening (11), said channel forming said dispensing opening, a liquid valve (13) being disposed in said channel and said channel being connected to a first component supply container or vessel (8) by way of a liquid connection (7).

Abstract: Techniques for nanoflow serial femtosecond x-ray protein crystallography include providing a sample fluid by mixing a plurality of a first target of interest with a carrier fluid and injecting the sample fluid into a vacuum chamber at a rate less than about 4 microliters per minute. In some embodiments, the carrier fluid has a viscosity greater than about 3 centipoise.

Abstract: A distribution apparatus for media and, in particular, for beverages may include a vessel suitable for holding the media, a first supply line which supplies the vessel with a first, liquid medium, and a second supply line which supplies the vessel with a second, gaseous medium. The first supply line and the second supply line are arranged in a stationary manner with respect to one another and the vessel is arranged such that it can rotate with respect to the first supply line and the second supply line. The first supply line and the second supply line open into the vessel in a region of the vessel which is above a filling level of the first, liquid medium.

Abstract: Volumetric enclosure(s) provide methods and/or apparatus for teaching, generating and deriving supply chain efficiency improvement. Prime Manifold Enclosure(s) methods and/or apparatus provide for deriving and generating efficiency by volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of dissimilar material(s) and volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of material having dissimilar origin. Apparatus for generating matrix patterns comprising fluent material manifold(s) cooperatively structured for creating integrated composite communication flow matrix pathways are disclosed. Supply chain efficiency advantages are conferred in part by encroachment across distinct disciplines of manufacture/care, by the interposition of prime manifold enclosure(s) between distinct disciplines previously un-traversed and volumetric displacement and volumetric replacement of dissimilar materials deriving from dissimilar origins.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for filling reusable containers employing a plurality of moveable spigots located in a planar rectangular arrangement inside two frames positioned to move back and forth on X and Y axes to position a selected spigot over the open top of a reusable container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for generating a filling pattern for filling a product in a container, comprising a measuring unit (11, 12) for measuring each composition (10, 20); a filling head (30) having an output nozzle (31) oriented towards the mouth of a container (2); a distribution conduit (21, 22) configured for distributing the flow rate from the measuring unit to the filling head; rotating means (40) configured for rotating the container (2) about a vertical axis (Z) thereof and vertical displacement means (50) configured for varying the relative vertical distance between the container (2) and the nozzle (31). It additionally comprises horizontal displacement means (60) configured for varying the relative horizontal distance between the container (2) and the output nozzle (31) in a horizontal plane (XY) perpendicular to the vertical axis (Z); and control means for controlling the filling of the container (2).

Abstract: A method of producing a coating composition in an in-store tinting machine comprising the steps of selecting a base paint, adding at least one additive to the base paint, adding at least one colorant to the base paint, the at least one colorant being selected from a range of colorants in the in-store tinting machine, mixing the base paint, the at least one colorant, and the at least one additive so as to produce a coating composition, in which the additive is not a base paint or a colorant from the range of colorants in the in-store tinting machine.

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 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: The present application provides an automated beverage dispenser for dispensing a beverage and ice into a cup. The automated beverage dispenser may include an ice dispensing station with an ice auger and a weight sensor, a beverage dispensing station, and a control device. The control device instructs the ice auger to fill the cup with a predetermined amount of ice and instructs the beverage dispensing station to fill the cup with a predetermined amount of the beverage in response to a weight of the cup as determined by the weight sensor.

Abstract: An inkjet printer cartridge refilling system is described. The system may include a plurality of fixtures or adapters that are configured to hold inkjet printer cartridges. The adapters allow a variety of different configurations of inkjet printer cartridges to be refilled and cleaned by mating the cartridges to universal stations on the refilling system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for filling a sprayer tank with at least one liquid solution, including at least a first tank containing a first liquid solution and a second tank configured to contain a second liquid solution, means for temporarily connecting the system to the tank, means for incorporating an active material into the first tank or between the first tank and the connecting means, and pumping means controlled by a control device and configured to selectively fill the tank with the liquid solution(s). The system also includes means for preparing the first liquid solution in the first tank by mixing the second solution and the active material in predetermined proportions. The means for preparing the first liquid solution include at least the means for incorporating the active material, which are positioned between the first tank and the second tank, as well as agitation means configured to ensure that the first liquid solution remains a suspension in the first tank.

Abstract: Apparatus for inserting air and/or sealant into a tire, comprising a container for the sealant having inlet and outlet connected or connectable to a hose whose other end is connectable to a tire to be filled, and means for generating pressure connectable via a switching valve selectably with the inlet of the container or with a hose, of which the other end is connectable to a tire to be filled. The same hose is provided for connecting the means for generating pressure to the tire to be filled and for connecting the outlet of the container and the tire to be filled. The switching valve is configured for providing either a direct fluid connection between the means for generating pressure and the hose or a fluid connection between the means for generating pressure and the inlet of the container and between the outlet of the container and the hose.

Abstract: A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated.

Abstract: An exemplary system for dispensing liquid and solid materials can comprise a tank; one or more liquid feeders configured to dispense one or more liquids into the tank; a powder hopper comprising a powder inlet, a powder outlet, and a valve configured to open and close the powder outlet, the powder outlet being coupled to the tank; one or more powder feeders coupled to the powder inlet of the powder hopper; a first scale configured to measure the mass of powder dispensed into the powder hopper; a second scale configured to measure the mass of the liquids dispensed into the tank; and a control system configured to control the dispensing of liquids and powders based at least in part on the mass measurements from the first and second scales.

Abstract: A filling line for filling a number of containers. The filing 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: A multi-compartment beverage container allows multiple distinct beverages to be stored and consumed or dispensed. The container may comprise an outer shell separated into multiple compartments by a divider. A user may select which of multiple beverages to consume or dispense aligning a conduit or opening of the container's cap to the desired compartment. The beverage in that conduit may then be consumed or dispensed through the conduit or opening. An inner cover may be included to help ensure liquids are sealed within each compartment.

Abstract: A storage and dispensing system for viscous fluids using a single aerosol container having a multi-valve body wherein the valves are activated by a single actuator and viscous materials are kept separate until used. The system may use multiple collapsible bags, a barrier liner, a dip tube, and an omnidirectional valve. Novel mounting cups lacking conventional central pedestal portions are disclosed. New domes for containers are disclosed which eliminate the need for mounting cups. New static mixing devices are disclosed. The devices are made up of static mixing components and static dispensing components. New filling machines for aerosol containers are disclosed. The filling machines contain a plurality of conduits for the separate viscous materials. Filling heads having nozzles depress the actuators of the containers and fill the containers.

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 method for controlling an amount of material transferred in a system having a plurality of material feeds and concurrent material transfer periods. The method comprising steps of: supplying each of a primary material having a target weight and a secondary material, to a receiving vessel; determining a decision threshold; feeding the primary material to the receiving vessel, feeding the secondary material into the receiving vessel as or after the primary material begins feeding and before the decision threshold, determining a feed status of the primary and secondary materials at the decision threshold; changing the feed status of one of the primary or secondary materials at the decision threshold; and feeding only the primary material within a feed alone time period until the target weight amount is fed.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a beverage includes the steps of: providing a housing having a plurality of reservoirs of beverage concentrate each reservoir having a concentrate pump and flexible conduit terminating in a nozzle; providing a plurality of drivers driving said concentrate pumps; providing diluent to the pumped concentrate to produce a beverage; providing a multiple dispense head accepting the plurality of nozzles; selecting a flexible pouch and bringing it into alignment with a nozzle in a filling position where it is filled via an opening; closing said opening and dispensing said filled sealed flexible pouch; wherein the filling position is a fixed position and wherein said nozzles are movable relative to the filling position such that any one of said plurality of nozzles can be presented at said filling position.

Abstract: Compressed gas delivery system and process for use thereof wherein compressed gases are withdrawn from compressed gas storage vessels, passed through pressure regulated flow control valves and critical flow venturis to control the mass flow rates of the compressed gases forming the blend of the compressed gases prior to dispending the blend.

Abstract: A medicament transport system includes a syringe adapter assembly; and a vial adapter assembly including a base defining an opening having a seal member disposed therewithin, a stem extending from the base and defining a lumen therethrough and an opening through a wall thereof, a needle shuttle valve slidably disposed within the lumen of the stem and supporting a transfer needle and a vacuum needle; and a vacuum cup slidably supported on the stem, wherein a vacuum chamber is defined in the space between the base, the stem and the vacuum cup. The medicament transport system includes a condition where the transfer needle and the vacuum needles penetrate the seal member of the vial adapter assembly, and the vacuum cup is moved to draw a vacuum through the vacuum needle. An automation system is provided that utilizes a medicament transport system for forming a medicament solution from a liquid/non-liquid solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to the restoration of leather and vinyl surfaces. Specifically, this invention relates to a composition for use in maintaining and restoring leather and vinyl surfaces as well as a method of creating the composition.

Abstract: A process for dispensing a beverage into a cup comprising the steps of : providing a dispensing structure; providing a transportation mechanism linked with the dispensing structure; providing a staging structure linked with the transportation structure; providing a control system linked with the dispensing structure, staging structure and the transportation mechanism; providing a sensor mechanism linked with the control system, the sensor mechanism providing signals indicating the position of a cup; providing a cup identification system having an interactive display connected to the control system; picking a cup from a storage device and positioning it within a dispensing structure; dispensing ice and a beverage at separate locations within the dispensing structure; transporting the filled beverage to a staging structure; positioning the filled cup in the staging structure; removing the filled cup from the staging structure for sale to a customer wherein the cup identification system and the display outputs v

Abstract: A beverage system includes an ingredient module and an ingredient dispensing valve dispensing an ingredient into a beverage container. The ingredient module comprises a housing, an ingredient container disposed within the housing, a first ingredient conduit disposed between the ingredient container and the ingredient dispensing valve, and a pumping device that causes the ingredient to move from the ingredient container, through the first ingredient conduit, and through the ingredient dispensing valve under pressure. A valve receives the ingredient from the pumping device and passes the ingredient to the dispensing valve. The valve includes a second ingredient conduit, where the valve controls the size of the second ingredient conduit, such that the size of the second ingredient conduit is reduced during dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve and enlarged when the dispensing of the ingredient to the dispensing valve is terminated.

Abstract: A multi-chamber container includes at least two sections for storing at least two separate bulk materials in isolation from one another, and/or in isolation from environmental elements such as water or humidity, and/or in isolation from other chemicals. The container may include at least two separate openable apertures or regions for dispensing the respective bulk materials separately or simultaneously, and may be filled in a manner that surrounds one bulk material with another, but isolates the bulk materials from one another while they are in the container. The container permits flexibility in storage and handling of the bulk materials, which are substantially prevented from premature chemical reactions or undesired exposure to environmental elements or chemicals.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser (11) is disclosed for use in combination with a water cooler, wherein the water cooler comprises a cooling device (5) and a water bottle (1) and the beverage dispenser is intended to be positioned between the cooling device and the water bottle.

Abstract: Rechargeable containers and dispensers, in particular spray bottle dispensers including structures such as strips, pouches, pills, capsules and the like for providing concentrates of chemical agents for charging or recharging the spray bottle dispenser, preferably, individual chemical refill charges containing chemical concentrate are deployed within the spray bottle dispenser to fully contain any inadvertent spillage of chemicals, and to insure a high degree of safety against accidental spills or ingestion. The device is specifically designed for reuse, having a wider opening which is easier to fill, clean and refill without spills, readily accommodates concentrate inserts in any format, minimizes trigger failure, and has a wide base for stability.

Abstract: An automatic machine for dispensing beverages has at least two rotatable cup dispensing towers having a plurality of housings for variously sized stacked cups. The housings may be rotated in a selective manner. Cups are dispensed from the housings. A cup holder device includes cup holders that receive the dispensed cups. The cup holder device is rotatable about a vertical axis that is parallel to the axes of rotation of the rotatable cup dispensing towers. The cup holder device is provided with at least two cup holders that move along concentric circular trajectories with respect to the vertical axis of the cup holder device.