Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing fluid in preselected volumetric quantities.

Abstract: An ice supply system includes an ice transport system, a volumetric feeder coupled with the ice transport system and adapted to deliver a preset volume of ice to an ice output system, and an ice delivery controller coupled with the ice transport system, the volumetric feeder, and the ice output system. The ice delivery controller receives ice requests from the ice output system, controls the delivery of ice from the ice transport system to the volumetric feeder in response to ice requests, controls the volumetric feeder to receive the preset volume of ice therein, and controls the delivery of the preset volume of ice from the volumetric feeder to the ice output system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing fluids. The systems can include a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location. The systems can also include a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location. In addition, the systems can include a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser. The control unit can receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.

Abstract: A measuring fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured quantities has a user input device for generating at least one user input signal. A flow regulator provides a known fluid output flow rate by regulating fluid flow between an input port and an output port of the regulator. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals, wherein a first electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow permissive state, and a second electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow restrictive (i.e. interrupting) state. The first electronic valve has a first valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and also has a first valve output in fluid communication with a fluid output port. A processing unit is communicable with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal, and is also in electronic communication with the first electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first electronic valve.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a specified-quantity of a fluid using a flow controller based on a fluid delivery profile is described. One embodiment includes a fluid delivery profile that includes a delivery time window with a plurality of set points that each correspond with a specified instant in time within the delivery time window. The method also includes delivering the fluid according to the fluid delivery profile through a variable valve using the flow controller and a feedback signal from a flow sensor.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing unit for refueling vehicles, comprising a fuel line having a fuel inlet, a gas exit and a fuel exit. A sensor is arranged to measure the amount of gas in the fuel flowing through the fuel line.

Abstract: A printhead includes a chamber layer and at least two orifice layers. A first orifice layer is disposed on the chamber layer, and a second orifice layer is disposed on the first orifice layer. The second orifice layer has at least one counterbore formed therein. A first nozzle is formed through both orifice layers and produces droplets of a first drop weight. A second nozzle is formed through the first orifice layer, coincident with the counterbore, and produces droplets of a second drop weight that is different than the first drop weight. In one embodiment, the printhead is used in a stand-alone fluid-dispensing device.

Abstract: Techniques for mixing liquids in a specific ratio at synchronized flows are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention a dispensing system comprises a plurality of tanks, each of the tanks includes an overflow outlet to limit a liquid therein to a certain measurement, and an array of volumetric outlets spaced apart and vertically arranged. The corresponding overflow outlet and the volumetric outlets of the tanks are located at the same height. The dispensing system further comprises a dispensing assembly including a manifold coupled to the volume outlets of the tanks via respective pipes, and further a flow-regulating device in at least one but not all of the pipes to control a flow of the liquid coming downwards from each of the tanks through one of the volumetric outlets thereof.

Abstract: A water dispensing device that is so small it fits on a kitchen countertop that provides very accurate measurements of water by using a pressure regulator on water coming in from a typical kitchen water faucet and then using a timer in order to better control the amount of fluid dispensed. In an alternative embodiment, the timer is eliminated and replaced with a flowmeter. The water dispensing device has an interactive panel to allow a user to input how much water to dispense, or to pre-set the device to dispense a specific amount of water at a specific time of day. It is contemplated that this system would be a convenient way to accurately dispense the exact amount of water to fill a particular user's favorite coffee mug, or to assist a small volume baker in quickly and accurately getting just the right of water for a baking recipe, where accuracy is critical.

Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: A windshield washer fluid dispenser providing a delayed start function, whereby the user can open the hood of their vehicle and cap to their fluid reservoir. A windshield washer fluid dispenser utilizing a cellular credit card processing system for payment means, whereby the processing system is configurable for a given application. Embodiments with proximity device, RFID and wireless telephone verification are included. A windshield washer fluid dispenser having a ready light, a warning light, a start button, a flow meter and a programmable logic circuit. A windshield washer fluid dispenser system providing for a replaceable fluid drum. Methods pertaining to the disclosed apparatus are also provided.

Abstract: An ice supplier includes a case configured to store ice from an ice maker. The case includes an outlet and a transfer unit configured to transfer ice pieces in the case to the outlet. A sensor is configured to sense ice pieces passing through the outlet and a controller is configured to control the transfer unit according to input from the sensor.

Abstract: A method and a system for jetting droplets of viscous medium, such as solder paste, onto a substrate, such as an electronic circuit board. The volume of the droplets are adjusted by regulating the amount of viscous medium that is fed into a jetting nozzle for subsequent jetting of the viscous medium droplets therefrom. The exit velocity of the jetted droplets is adjusted or maintained substantially constant by regulating the velocity with which the viscous medium is impacted. Furthermore, the rate at which viscous medium is fed, for instance by a feed screw, into the nozzle is adjusted in order to regulate the feeding time required for feeding the viscous medium into the jetting nozzle, for instance in order to maintain a constant feeding time.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a faucet with a spout, a fitting for connection to a beverage supply, and a lever operated valve. A servo motor, coupled to the lever, operates the faucet and proportionally controls the flow of the beverage. That proportional flow control manages the amount of beverage foaming. A flow sensor has a magnetic turbine within the faucet and a Hall effect element that magnetically senses turbine motion and produces a signal indicating an amount of beverage flow. A keypad enables service personnel to designate various portions of the beverage to automatically fill serving containers of different sizes. A control circuit responds to activation of the keypad and to the flow sensor by operating the servo motor to dispense the related quantity of the beverage.

Abstract: A backsplash includes a faucet that provides point-of-use dispensing of water to a cooktop container. The backsplash includes controls that allow a user to select a desired amount of water to be dispensed, as well as the temperature of water to be dispensed. A filter assembly includes a replaceable filter that allows for filtered water dispensation. Optionally, the backsplash can be connected to one or more appliances in the kitchen in order to communicate information and/or power. The backsplash may also include a ventilation channel to direct vented air from a range to a ventilation shaft.

Abstract: Wireless methods for dispensing water supplied by a main purification unit to a remote dispensing device. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: Fluid-dispensing apparatus include a fluid-dispensing needle. A gas discharge member is positioned proximate a dispensing end of the needle that is configured to direct a gas towards a fluid tear-off position below the dispensing end of the needle. A controller controls discharge of the gas by the gas discharge member to control dispensing of fluid from the needle. The dispensing control may control an amount of fluid dispensed from the needle and/or tailing off of fluid dispensed from the needle. The amount of fluid dispensed from the needle may be a microliter range volume of a viscous fluid.

Abstract: A dosing system to dispense a predetermined quantity of a fluid medium comprises a digital signal processor control having an interface to emit a start signal and a stop signal and an interface to measure a sensor signal. A dispenser is provided that is triggered by the start signal and the stop signal and, in the interval between the two signals, dispenses a specific quantity of fluid, as well as a sensor unit which, triggered by the start signal, continuously measures the flow rate of the fluid fed to the dispenser and emits a sensor signal as a function of this flow rate. The digital signal processor control measures the sensor signal, determines the quantity of fluid dispensed by the dispenser from this signal and sends a stop signal to the dispenser when the quantity of fluid dispensed by the dispenser corresponds to the predetermined quantity of fluid.

Abstract: A valve comprises a valve cartridge, a valve stem and a valve seal. The valve cartridge comprises a generally cylindrical cartridge body, a bore extending longitudinally through the cartridge body, and an outlet passage and intermittent inlet passages extending through a side wall of the cartridge body to intersect the bore. The valve stem comprises an elongate body configured to slide within the bore, and a neck and a seal channel circumscribing the elongate body. The valve seal is seated within the seal channel. The valve stem slides within the bore to move the seal channel past the inlet passages. Portions of the cartridge body between the inlet passages retain the valve seal within the valve channel until the inlet passages are open to the neck. In one embodiment, the inlet passages form a crenelated edge. In another embodiment, the inlet passages form a ported end.

Abstract: A hand-held flow metering device for dispensing a pressurized fluid comprises a valve, a flow meter, a trigger lever, a trigger release mechanism and meter electronics. The valve is connected to the pressurized fluid to regulate flow of the pressurized fluid through the device. The flow meter is disposed within the flow of pressurized fluid to measure volumetric flow of the pressurized fluid. The trigger lever is configured to be manually displaced to mechanically open the valve. The trigger release mechanism is connected to the trigger lever and is selectively actuated to mechanically prevent the trigger lever from opening the valve when the trigger lever is displaced. The meter electronics is connected to the flow meter and the trigger release mechanism to actuate the trigger release mechanism based on output of the flow meter.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid includes: estimating a fluidic property of the fluid being metered; and adjusting one or more control parameters based on the estimated property to improve the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid. Preferably, the estimating the property of the fluid being metered includes: monitoring a physical event during the metering operation to collect sensed data; extracting features from the sensed data; and using the features to estimate fluid properties. In another preferred embodiment, the estimated fluidic property is viscosity and the sensed data is a pressure profile during a fluid aspiration. In another preferred embodiment, the method includes a diagnostic analyzer which includes a metering probe having a hard probe or a probe having a disposable tip and wherein the fluid is a body fluid sample.

Abstract: A turbine wheel and gear system rotate an output shaft in response to flow, where the output shaft is connected to a clutch cup that engages a clutch and valve disk. The disk cooperates with a valve seat formed on a piston to permit/prevent flow within the piston. During flow, the clutch clamps to the disk, and the piston and disk move downstream until an associated control member hits a stop, opening the valve (as the disk stops), while the piston continues downstream. The clutch rotates the disk and control member, and if a maximum flow volume occurs, the control member rotates to an interrupt position and is released from the stop, closing the valve. Passages allow restricted flow to disengage the clutch and permit a spring to move the piston and valve upstream until engaging a reset cam that rotates the control member back to an initial position.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system comprises a feed system controller having a set of instructions to store an input set point weight or amount; sense a progressing weight or amount of material fed by the feed system; compare the progressing weight with the set point weight or amount and terminate feed from the system when the compared progressing weight is substantially equal to the set point weight or amount; and a vicious material compounding system connected to the feed system to receive material fed by the feed system.

Abstract: A water cooler assembly and/or liquid dispensing apparatus and method for using same, having various, alternative features including: a bottom load water cooler, including such a cooler with a door stop mechanism; an adjustable drip tray assembly; a leak stop mechanism; an adjustable bottle interface accommodating dimensional variations in water bottles; an instaboil feature; and programmable dispensing and visual display modes.

Abstract: A variable flow rate water dispenser mounted on a refrigerator door is provided that can dispense water at user selected flow rates. The water dispenser includes a nozzle for dispensing water from a dispenser housing on a refrigerator door and a user adjustable flow control. The user adjustable flow control can include a variable flow rate water valve or a plurality of water valves that can have different flow rates and can be operated separately or in combination to provide different flow rates. The user adjustable flow control can alternately include a variable flow pump for controlling flow of water to the nozzle at a user selected flow rate. The refrigerator can include a reservoir inside or outside the refrigerator. The reservoir can be connected to a source of water and automatically filled or can be manually filled. The nozzle can include a flow straightener or aerator to minimize splashing.

Abstract: A dispense verification meter for measuring and verifying dispense operations (e.g., actual dispensed volumes) of media dispense systems. The dispense verification meter preferably automatically corrects zero offset drift, preferably samples the flow rate of media being dispensed at a sufficiently high sample rate, and verifies whether the desired dispense operation has been achieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a first additive to an appliance are disclosed. The systems include a first storage container located in a pedestal, a first pump operatively connected to the first storage container and the appliance. A controller is configured to activate the first pump upon receiving an input. The first pump configured to deliver the first additive from the first storage container to the appliance. The methods include receiving a first input. The first input specifying an amount of the first additive to be delivered to the appliance. The first additive is delivered by activating a first pump in response to receiving the first input. Activating the first pump causes the first additive to be delivered to the appliance.

Abstract: An injection device including an accommodating device for a substance to be delivered, e.g. a vial or ampoule holder, which is insertable into and can be displaced relative to the injection device or a part thereof; an adjusting element for adjusting a dose to be administered from the injection device, which element is inserted in the injection device; and a coupling element for coupling the accommodating device to the adjusting element so that the adjusting element is at least partially moved out from the injection device when the accommodating device is inserted. A method for preparing an injection device using a dual chamber vial or ampoule to administer a substance, wherein the method involves using an adjusting device which is released, extended or pushed out from the injection device not before or after the substance to be administered from dual chamber vial or ampoule is mixed.

Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a faucet with a spout, a fitting for connection to a beverage supply, and a lever operated valve. A servo motor, coupled to the lever, operates the faucet and proportionally controls the flow of the beverage. That proportional flow control manages the amount of beverage foaming. A flow sensor has a magnetic turbine within the faucet and a Hall effect element that magnetically senses turbine motion and produces a signal indicating an amount of beverage flow. A keypad enables service personnel to designate various portions of the beverage to automatically fill serving containers of different sizes. A control circuit responds to activation of the keypad and to the flow sensor by operating the servo motor to dispense the related quantity of the beverage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering a predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant into a vaporization system. A single vacuum source is used to fill an injector with the predetermined quantity of liquid decontaminant and to also establish a vacuum in a chamber. The chamber is injected with the liquid decontaminant filling the injector. The liquid decontaminant is vaporized in the chamber to produce a vaporized decontaminant.

Abstract: A combined fuel cell and combustion tool including a combustion tool configured for receiving a fuel cell; the fuel cell having a housing defining an open end enclosed by a closure; a main valve stem having an outlet, disposed in operational relationship to the open end and reciprocating relative to the housing at least between a closed position wherein the stem is relatively extended, and an open position wherein the stem is relatively retracted; a fuel metering valve located within the housing, associated with the main valve stem, including a fuel metering chamber defined in part by a metering chamber seal and configured so that when the stem is in the open position, only a measured amount of fuel is dispensed through the outlet, the stem having a radially variable exterior contour periodically sealingly engaging the seal such that in the closed position a non-sealing relationship is defined between the stem and the seal, and in the open position a sealing relationship is defined between the stem and the se

Abstract: A dose setting module and method for use with an injection device, the module including at least one sensor element and at least one sensor actuating element, wherein the at least one sensor element and at least one sensor actuating element at least partially overlap along the longitudinal axis of the injection device and can be moved into at least one position in which they at least partially overlap in the circumferential direction of the injection device, and wherein the at least one sensor element generates a magnetic field and, in the at least one position, the at least one sensor actuating element causes a change in the magnetic field.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing fluids. The systems can include a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location. The systems can also include a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location. In addition, the systems can include a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser. The control unit can receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.

Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: Wireless methods for dispensing water supplied by a main purification unit to a remote dispensing device. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device of the type, including a shut off valve means for controlling fluid flow through the device and an actuating trigger operable to cause the shut off valve to adopt an open position in which fluid can be dispensed from the device and a closed position, a control meter which enables the volume of fluid being disposed to be measured, a latching mechanism operable to hold the shut off valve in the open position and cause the shut off valve to adopt the closed position when the predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed, and a setting mechanism being operatively connected to the control meter for indicating a predetermined volume of fluid required to be dispensed and indicating when that predetermined volume has been dispensed.

Abstract: An electronic metering apparatus for metering liquids, with a longitudinal, handleable housing, a drive, arranged in the housing, with an electric motor, at least one displacer device, arranged in the housing or being capable to be arranged on the same, with a displacer element, which is connected to the drive and/or connectable to the same, at least one holding device on the bottom end of the housing for holding a pipette point or a syringe, at least one electric operational control in or on the housing, at least one electric information device in or on the housing, an electric control unit arranged in the housing, which is connected to the electric motor, the electric operational control and the electric information device, and which controls the information device depending on the position and/or previous changes of the position of the displacer element, in order to put out an information concerning the next reasonable dislocation of the displacer element, and an electric power supply.

Abstract: A measuring fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured quantities has a user input device for generating at least one user input signal. A flow regulator provides a known fluid output flow rate by regulating fluid flow between an input port and an output port of the regulator. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals, wherein a first electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow permissive state, and a second electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow restrictive (i.e. interrupting) state. The first electronic valve has a first valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and also has a first valve output in fluid communication with a fluid output port. A processing unit is communicable with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal, and is also in electronic communication with the first electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first electronic valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensing fluid in preselected volumetric quantities.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating fluid detects an actual fluid dispensing characteristic, such as dispensing speed, and automatically adjusts the dispensing characteristic to match an ideal dispensing characteristic. The adjustment is conducted by a controller that controls fluid dispensing based on a function that correlates dispensing speed, a dispensed volume, and a dispensing time. The function allows calibration to occur automatically by converging system operation to the ideal dispensing characteristic, without requiring a user to calibrate the system through manual iterative methods.

Abstract: The device comprises a valve body with an input adapted to be connected to a water supply source, and with at least a first and second output. The body is provided with at least a first and a second electrovalve with direct actuation, whose hydraulic inputs are interconnected with one another and are connected to the input of the valve body and whose outputs are independent or separate and are connected to the first and the second output of the body respectively. The body is provided with a third solenoid electrovalve, for safety purposes, interposed between the input of the body and the inputs of the first and second electrovalves. Control devices are coupled to this third electrovalve such that the latter may be opened/closed each time that the first or second electrovalve is opened/closed. This third electrovalve closes in a delayed manner with respect to the closure of the first and the second electrovalve.

Abstract: An air displacement liquid delivery system including a liquid delivery device, one or more sensors, a control unit, and a preprogrammable computing device, and a method for using the air displacement liquid delivery system. The one or more sensors are capable of obtaining information regarding conditions within and external to the liquid delivery device and sending this information to the control unit and/or the computing device. In turn, the control unit and/or computing device are capable of using this information to calculate one or more properties of gas contained within, and the air external to, the liquid delivery device, and one or more properties of a liquid that it is to be aspirated or dispensed by the liquid delivery device. The system may optimally control the performance of the liquid delivery device based upon any one or more of these calculated properties.

Abstract: A pump system includes a peristaltic pump having a rotor, a motor and a controller. The motor is configured to drive the peristaltic pump so as to deliver a liquid product from a source to a receiving location. The controller monitors a drive current of the motor so as to track rotation of the pump's rotor. The controller counts units of rotation of the pump's rotor, and stops the motor when the counted units of rotation reach a specified target count value.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser containing electronic/electrical components controlled by a computer is disclosed. The computer and all electronic components, including a touch screen display, are mounted in a module or rack provided with a pair of slides. A recess in the fuel dispenser receives the module on mating slides. At least one connector or plug on the back of the electronics module engages a mating plug mounted in the recess so that when a replacement electronics module is installed, connections to all electronic components is automatically made. As one feature of the invention, configuration data for the fuel dispenser is stored in a flash memory either permanently mounted to the computer or in removable relation therewith. After replacing an electronics module, the configuration data may be uploaded to the permanently mounted flash memory or the flash memory may be removed from the defective module and installed in the operating module.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dispenser installed on a door of a refrigerator to dispense a liquid or an ice. The dispenser for the refrigerator supplies a fluid to a fluid container or an ice maker from a fluid supply member W through an operation process of a plurality of supply lines and regulation valves. An outlet line of the fluid container is divided into a main outlet line and an auxiliary outlet line, in which the main outlet line and the auxiliary outlet line are equipped with a main switching button and the auxiliary switching button, respectively, which are operated in response to an output signal of a flow rate measuring device. The discharge amount of the fluid can be constantly maintained by selecting either of the main outlet line and the auxiliary outline provided in the fluid container of the refrigerator, irrespective of the pressure in the fluid supply system, thereby improving its use convenience and solving the inconvenience of overflowing and delay.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying friction modifying materials to a railroad track includes an input for receiving a signal representative of the passage of railroad vehicle wheels, and means for applying friction modifying material to the railroad track for a user defined, field programmable time duration when the number of wheels reaches the user defined, field programmable, activation level. A method of applying friction modifying materials to a railroad track performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: A method and a device for the manual lubrication of a plurality of lubrication points with a quantity of lubricant individually predetermined for each lubrication point. The lubrication points are provided with individual identification elements. Information on the quantity of lubricant that is to be administered to each individual lubrication point in each instance of lubrication is stored in a memory. During lubrication, the lubrication point is identified and information on the predetermined quantity of lubricant is retrieved from the memory, following which lubricant is administered to the lubrication point. Information on the lubrication carried out and the time thereof is stored in the memory. The device includes a lubricant gun with a lubricant reservoir, a pump device, a measuring device with indicating element and a nozzle.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating fluid detects an actual fluid dispensing characteristic, such as dispensing speed, and automatically adjusts the dispensing characteristic to match an ideal dispensing characteristic. The adjustment is conducted by a controller that controls fluid dispensing based on a function that correlates dispensing speed, a dispensed volume, and a dispensing time. The function allows calibration to occur automatically by converging system operation to the ideal dispensing characteristic, without requiring a user to calibrate the system through manual iterative methods.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a fresh food compartment, a freezer compartment separated from the fresh food compartment by a mullion, a water dispenser coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, a user interface coupled to at least one of the fresh food compartment and the freezer compartment, and a controller operationally coupled to the water dispenser. The controller is configured to receive a signal representative of a user desired amount of water, and dispense an amount of water equal to the desired amount.