Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To improve temperature control and cooling efficiency, the present invention preferably employs heat exchangers adjacent to the nozzle assemblies. The present invention can take the form of a multi-fluid dispensing gun having such a nozzle and heat exchanger relationship and having the pressure controlling valve as described above.

Abstract: An automated electrophoretic system is disclosed. The system employs a capillary cartridge having a plurality of capillary tubes. The cartridge has a first array of capillary ends projecting from one side of a plate. The first array of capillary ends are spaced apart in substantially the same manner as the wells of a microtitre tray of standard size. This allows one to simultaneously perform capillary electrophoresis on samples present in each of the wells of the tray. The system includes a stacked, dual carrousel arrangement to eliminate cross-contamination resulting from reuse of the same buffer tray on consecutive executions from electrophoresis. The system also has a gel delivery module containing a gel syringe/a stepper motor or a high pressure chamber with a pump to quickly and uniformly deliver gel through the capillary tubes. The system further includes a multi-wavelength beam generator to generate a laser beam which produces a beam with a wide range of wavelengths.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a measured quantity of a liquid has a container holding a quantity of liquid to be measured and dispensed and a conduit with an inlet end, an outlet end and a measuring section having a known volume. A sensor determines when the measuring section contains liquid. A passage with a first valve is provided for delivering liquid from the container to the conduit inlet end and air under pressure urges liquid from the container to the conduit. A source of air under pressure is connected to the conduit and a second valve controls delivery of air to the conduit from the source. A control connected to the sensor and to the first and second valves sequentially closes the second valve and opens the first valve to cause flow of liquid from the container to the conduit until the sensor determines that the measuring section contains liquid, and then closes the first valve and opens the second valve to admit air to the conduit, thereby expelling a measured quantity of liquid from the outlet end.

Abstract: A highly hygienic machine for producing and dispensing still and carbonated crushed-ice or slush-type products comprises a base for accommodating conventional operating elements above which at least one tank for containing the slush-type products ready for consumption is installed; the tank is provided with a dispenser tap, is hermetic and can be hermetically connected to pressurization means and to pre-cooling elements for volumes of still or carbonated beverages.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved injector/valve combination which permits nearly immediate response time to an actuator signal. Such a combination is particularly suited for injecting colorants into polyurethane slabstock foam and permits a substantial reduction in foam waste due to low colorations during an on/off cycle. Specifically, this invention combination comprises a novel ball valve which allows for instantaneous shut-off and -on without appreciable leakage or pressure drop and without the need to utilize a high throughput flow rate. Such a ball valve is used in combination with an injector which is actually attached to the valve, the configuration which permits continuous use and instantaneous on/off without a deleterious pressure drop and minimizes the possibility of turbulence as the liquid polymeric colorant flows through the injector.

Abstract: In a beverage dispensing nozzle, a cap member includes first, second, and third beverage syrup inlet ports coupled to a respective first, second, and third beverage syrup sources and a mixing fluid inlet port coupled to a mixing fluid source. A first annulus coupled with the cap member includes discharge channels, wherein the first beverage syrup inlet port communicates beverage syrup to the discharge channels for discharge from the beverage dispensing nozzle. A second annulus disposed within the first annulus and coupled with the cap member includes discharge channels, wherein the second beverage syrup inlet port communicates beverage syrup to the discharge channels for discharge from the beverage dispensing nozzle. A third annulus disposed within the second annulus and coupled with the cap member includes discharge channels, wherein the third beverage syrup inlet port communicates beverage syrup to the discharge channels for discharge from the beverage dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metering device comprising: a base plate (1) fitted with heating means (25) and a pipe (7) which connects two openings, at least one (4) of which is located on the upper wall of the said plate two or more tanks (2, 2′) designed to rest on the plate, which are fitted with a connector (5) designed to be inserted into the said pipes metering means (8) designed to be connected to the other end of the said pipes (7) to convey the product from the interior of the said tanks through the said plate; the outlet of the said metering means (8) leading to a dispensing head (10) which contains two chambers (28, 29), connected to feed devices that convey the adhesive from each tank, while two nozzles (32, 33) connect the said chambers to two outlets, one of the said chambers (28) also being connected to a second pipe (37) which dispenses the adhesive.

Abstract: A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.

Abstract: A supply tube isolation system for use with a chemical delivery system includes a feedback tube connected between the manifold and each of the supply tubes connected between the chemical supply containers and the chemical pumps of the chemical delivery system. A controllable valve means is provided at or near the junction of the feedback tube and the supply tube so as to effectively segment the supply tube into first and second portions, where the first supply tube portion is that which is connected between the valve means and the manifold, and the second tube portion is that which is connected between the valve means and the chemical supply container. During delivery of the chemical to one or more destinations within the delivery system, the valve means is positioned so as to close the feedback tube and connect the first and second portions of the supply tube.

Abstract: A user interactive custom nail polish color and effects dispensing system and method of doing business, including for both point of sale and remote (e.g., via internet) transactions.

Abstract: In automobile dealerships having a service department and wherein a plurality of flowable products in bulk containers are used, there is an improvement which comprises a storage and dispensing device which has a cabinet with a plurality of shelves thereon, the bulk containers being placed on the shelves, a plurality of dispensing outlets located in a wall of the cabinet, a plurality of individual pumping devices with first conduits extending between each bulk container in respect of one of the pumping devices and second conduits extending between each of the pumping devices and a respective dispensing outlet. The arrangement provides for control of cleaning chemicals and prevents waste thereof.

Abstract: A gasoline pump system for the concurrent filling of more than one car, tank or container with gasoline or other liquid petroleum products comprising: a plurality of fuel outlets, each for delivering a predefined type of fuel, wherein each outlet is supplied by a fuel pump from a reservoir containing one type of fuel and further including a flowmeter for measuring the amount of fuel delivered; a plurality of sets of interface means with a station operator, each set relating to one serviced car, wherein each set comprises input means for selecting the type of fuel for that serviced car and display means for indicating a filling status for that car; and a digital controller comprising an output for activating pumps for desired fuel types responsive to electrical signals received from the sets of interface means, input means for receiving signals indicative of the amount of fuel delivered from each of the flowmeter means, computer means for computing filling-related status information and for outputting the stat

Abstract: A method of reblending aggregate includes delivering aggregate of various sizes to the classification tank having a plurality of stations with primary and secondary discharge valves. The tank is then calibrated to determine raw feed analysis, discharge rates and the flow multipliers needed to develop a mathematical model of the tank. Inputting the calibration information data and the desired production specification into a computer allows the tank to be operated and controlled with appropriate adjustments in discharge rates and valve percent settings at each station. This method provides more accurate control than the existing min-max control methods. The apparatus for this method includes the tank, a pumping device, and a computer interconnected with a PLC and electrohydraulic mechanisms for valves at each tank station such that both the discharge rate from each station and the valve percent settings of the individual valves at each station are variable and controllable.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a base substance and a booster substance in a user selectable ratio includes a dispenser head having a pair of spaced apart outlet ports, a first cartridge containing the base substance which is removably coupled onto the dispenser head and a second cartridge containing the booster substance which is removably coupled onto the dispenser head. Each of the first and second cartridges include a collapsible plastic liner which is mounted onto a supporting frame, the supporting frame of each cartridge having a uniquely shaped flange. A first pump assembly is disposed within the dispenser head and serves to draw a fixed amount of the base substance from the first cartridge and dispense the fixed amount of base substance out one of the outlet ports upon depression of a trigger which is slidably disposed in the dispenser head.

Abstract: A dispensing and dosing machine for dyestuffs includes pins having the same diameter as ducts wherein which the pins are located, the pins acting to both dispenses dyestuffs and clean the walls of the ducts.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.

Abstract: A new class of precision powder feeders is disclosed. These feeders provide a precision flow of a wide range of powdered materials, while remaining robust against jamming or damage. These feeders can be precisely controlled by feedback mechanisms.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for preparation of custom blended fuels is disclosed. A bar code on a fuel tank or vehicle, such as an automobile, is scanned by a bar code reader operatively associated with a fuel dispensing means to convey information about a fuel required or desired to a computer controlled customized blender associated with the fuel dispensing means. Multiple fuel components, such as gasoline and replenishable fuel components such as methanol and ethanol may be custom mixed at the point of purchase. Preferably an octane analyzer and other fuel property analyzers, such as RVP analyzers, are associated with individual component or blended gasoline streams.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system has a number of cartridges, preferably two or four, selectively coupled to a single motor with a respective clutch for dispensing dots of liquid at high speed. The motor drives a spur gear that meshes with individual spur gears associated with each of the clutches. Multiple cartridges are thus activated with a single motor and are housed together in one housing. Each cartridge is movable relative to the housing and is biased downward to a dispensing position with a spring. Air is selectively provided between the dispensers and the housing to drive the cartridges upward to a non-dispensing position. When the air is not provided, the spring returns the cartridge to its downward position. By moving the cartridge relative to the housing, the assembly can dispense at different locations without it being necessary to move the entire pump assembly every time a dot is dispensed.

Abstract: Preferred embodiments of the present invention have a nozzle assembly capable of controlling pressure of comestible fluid exiting the nozzle assembly, a refrigeration system in which refrigerant pressure and temperature is controllable to enable control of comestible fluid temperature, heat exchangers connected to cool comestible fluid in the nozzles, an ultraviolet sterilization system for sterilizing locations outside and inside the system, and a hand held comestible fluid dispenser capable of cooling and selectively dispensing one of several comestible fluids supplied thereto. To provide comestible fluid at rack pressure to the nozzles in one highly preferred embodiment, each nozzle preferably has a valve movable through a number of closed positions to change pressure within the nozzle. Prior to fluid dispense, pressure at the nozzle is preferably reduced by actuating the valve through its range of closed positions.

Abstract: A dispenser to dispense material onto a person's hand, comprising: a dispensing device to dispense material from an outlet when the dispensing device is activated, a fingerprint reader adapted to read a fingerprint of a user's finger when located proximate thereon, a control system to activate the dispensing device to dispense material from the outlet when a user's finger is proximate the reader, the outlet and the reader positioned relative each other such that when a user's finger is located proximate the reader material dispensed from the outlet engages a user's hand.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser for flowable agents, comprising a main body (1) to which at least two stores can be secured for receiving said agents. The main body (1) has a first channel (16) and at least one second channel for releasing said agents out of the stores and is fitted with a first closing device (21) which can be actuated to sealingly close at least one of the channels. In order to enable said agents to be released out of the various stores, it is suggested that the main body (1) be provided with at least one additional closing device (22) desgined to selaingly close at least the second channel, independantly of the others.

Abstract: A condiment dispensing apparatus for dispensing condiments from a bag-in-box type container (108). There is a high durometer compressible elastomeric liquid flow tube (14), an infeed and outfeed thereto and therefrom, and a movable anvil (26) with a round surface to compress the tube. There is an opposed stationary anvil (28) which holds the tube for compression by the movable anvil. The tube is held between the anvils (26, 28) in a slightly compressed state even when the anvil is retracted. There is a control assembly (FIG. 15) that causes extension and retraction of the movable anvil to cause flow through the tube, and subsequent delivery of condiment to a dispensing fixture (110).