Abstract: A constant liquid feeding device of the invention comprises a flow meter for measuring quantity of liquid flowing through a pipe, a valve attached to the pipe, a valve control device attached to the valve for opening and closing the pipe, an operating device having a feeding switch and a learning switch, and a control unit electrically connected to the operating device and the valve control device. The control unit is provided with a first memory, a second memory and a comparing device for comparing data stored in the first and second memories. When the learning switch is actuated, the control unit operates to memorize an amount of liquid flowing through the flow meter in the first memory, wherein the amount of liquid is manually controlled by the valve control device. When the learning switch is not actuated, the control unit checks if the feeding switch is turned on.

Abstract: Programmable additive controllers control flow of fluid additives from a fluid supply line. A flowmeter is connected to the solenoid control valve for measuring flow of fluid. A controller opens and closes the control valve. A settable input controls cyclic operation of the controller. The controller further incorporates an input for required quantities of additive to be added on each cycle. A comparator in the controller compares a required quantity with signal output indicating flow through the flowmeter. The comparator is connected to a valve closing control for closing the control valve and preventing further flow of additive when the cumulative flowmeter output signal approaches the requirement. A three-way valve is connected to the flowmeter for selectively flowing fluid additive to a test and to an outlet for ejection into a mixing tank. The controller has an input for a local panel factor and reads out mixing ratio volume per cycle and total volume of additive.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use as an in-line fluid flow monitor through filter media of a variety typically employed in households upstream of a kitchen faucet. The apparatus includes a housing with an input port leading to a housing cap within which a turbine chamber retains a rotating turbine. The rotating turbine is coupled to a reduction gear train positioned within a gear housing, in turn, retained within the body of the housing in a reduction gear chamber. Fluid communication is provided from the turbine chamber to the gear reduction chamber. The gear reduction chamber ends in an eccentric output which drives the pawl of a pawl and ratchet assembly forming a part of a rotatable valve. This rotatable valve rotates in increments as a camming stem affixed thereto moves along a camming surface until encountering a slot component.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for use as an in-line fluid flow monitor through filter media of a variety typically employed in households upstream of a kitchen faucet. The apparatus includes a housing with an input port leading to a housing cap within which a turbine chamber retains a rotating turbine. The rotating turbine is coupled to a reduction gear train positioned with a gear housing, in turn, retained within the body of the housing in a reduction gear chamber. Fluid communication is provided from the turbine chamber to the gear reduction chamber. The gear reduction chamber ends in an eccentric output which drives the pawl of a pawl and ratchet assembly forming part of a rotatable valve. This rotatable valve rotates in increments as a camming stem affixed thereto moves along a camming surface until encountering a slot component.

Abstract: A stop valve (1) provided with an inlet opening (2) and an outlet opening (3) which both open at one side of a sealing (4), that is adjustable for height in dependence on the pressure in an upper chamber (5) at the other side of the sealing (4). The delivery of such a stop valve is enlarged and the diameter of the passage between the inlet opening and the outlet opening is made controllable by applying pressure puls means (9-1, 9-2) connected to the upper chamber (5), which pressure puls means may generate instantaneous pressure variations in the upper chamber (5). The height of the sealing (4) can be adjusted in steps and is therewith controllable by inferencing the time duration of the pressure pulses delivered by the pressure puls means in the upper chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for optically controlling the volume of adhesive extruded from an orifice. A camera continuously monitors the adhesive discharged from the orifice; this adhesive is not applied to the target area until its volume is within preestablished limits. When the volume of adhesive is visually determined to be acceptable it is then applied to the target area. The camera is used again, to confirm the proper amount of adhesive has been applied to the target area by measuring the volume of adhesive remaining on the orifice after contacting the target area.

Abstract: An adjustably controllable accuracy-enhancing pump arrangement and method is disclosed, as embodied in a digitally pulse-driven rotary peristaltic pump having a rotor which acts on a fluid pumping conduit to effect pumped output of fluid. Inaccuracies in volume pumped for a given quantity of pulses applied to the pump intended to effect a selected desired volume are minimized by adjusting the total quantity of pulses applied to the pump for a given desired volume, and/or for subsequent selected volumes, if desired, as a function of an adjustment factor formed by the ratio of the given desired volume relative to actual volume pumped by the application to the pump of the quantity of pulses estimated or calculated to be required for pumping the given desired volume through a given sized tube set conduit.

Abstract: An automotive fluids dispensing and blending system wherein a customer may select various fuel additives such as octane enhancers, fuel injector cleaners, varnish dissolvers, compounds to free-up piston rings, etc., all choices of which may be automatically blended with the selected fuel as the fuel is being dispensed normally into the vehicle fuel tank. The system also allows the customer to select and dispense various engine oils and oil additives, antifreeze solutions, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, and other automotive fluids directly into the vehicle using provided lines, nozzles and controls. All sales transactions are displayed to the customer and station operator for purposes of payment, and all sales transaction data is recorded and stored.

Abstract: Apparatus for coloring paint base material comprises a plurality of container assemblies mounted for indexing movement along a path of travel. A dispensing station is provided adjacent the path of travel. The container assemblies include metering apparatus to discharge preselected amounts of colorant into a container of paint base material. Valves on the container assemblies block the discharge of colorant material from the metering apparatus. Meter actuating and valve actuating apparatus is provided at the dispensing station for automatically dispensing metered colorants into passing containers of paint base material, according to formulae stored in the apparatus.

Abstract: To control with precision and repeatability the amount of fluid dispensed or aspirated by a pumping system, a volume disk rotates with the output shaft of a DC motor that drives a reciprocating dispensing pump. A sensor detects indicia on the disk and provides periodic signals spaced-apart in time by an amount: (1) an amount proportional to the volume of fluid pumped; (2) proportional to the angle between indicia; (3) less than one-third of the length of the total stroke of the piston as the piston moves linearly in its working portion of a cycle; (4) necessary for the piston to sweep out a volume of less than five milliliters. The speed of the pump is controlled by a second disk having equally spaced indicia that are sensed to provide signals proportional to the motor speed. During dispensing or aspirating large volumes, the motor speed is increased to a high speed, run at the high speed and then decreased before stopping and during dispensing smaller volumes, it is maintained at a constant lower speed.

Abstract: A quantitative feeding apparatus usable for pulverized and/or granular material, a multi-colored automatic feeding apparatus in which the material to be handled is fed in the form of a master batch while the quantitative feeding apparatus is used therefor and a runner recycling apparatus are provided. At every time when the kind of color is to be changed to another one, it is necessary that the quantitative feeding apparatus using the master batch therefor is heretofore disassembled for the purpose of cleaning with the result that a number of manhours are consumed for cleaning operation. In view of the foregoing problem, a plurality of cleaning nozzles directed toward the upper feeding port of the quantitative feeding apparatus, the feeder and the bottom discharging part are arranged for the purpose of cleaning whereby automatic cleaning can be achieved satisfactorily.

Abstract: A soft drink dispenser is provided with an electrical circuit path defined between the syrup and soda streams and the cup receiving the drink. By interrupting the path and then reestablishing it, the level of the reservoir of beverage within the cup can be instantaneously determined and the volume of beverage to then be dispensed to achieve a full measure of beverage within the cup, without overflow, can be attained.

Abstract: A cleanser feeding mechanism has a cleanser housing portion, a cleanser feeding member for feeding a cleanser housed in the cleanser housing portion, and a synchronous motor for applying a drive force to the cleanser feeding member, and feeds an amount of cleanser corresponding to the number of revolutions of the synchronous motor. A cleanser feeding amount-setting unit sets an amount of cleanser to be fed from the cleanser feeding mechanism. A driving unit applies an AC source voltage of an AC power source to the synchronous motor. A counter counts the number of cycles of the AC source voltage from a timing at which the AC source voltage is applied to the synchronous motor. A reference cycle number-setting unit sets a total cycle number of the AC source voltage which corresponds to a cleanser amount set by the cleanser feeding amount-setting unit.

Abstract: A method of optically controlling the volume of adhesive extruded from an orifice. A camera continuously monitors the adhesive discharged from the orifice; this adhesive is not applied to the target area until its volume is within preestablished limits. When the volume of adhesive is visually determined to be acceptable it is then applied to the target area. The camera is used again, to confirm the proper amount of adhesive has been applied to the target area by measuring the volume of adhesive remaining on the orifice after contacting the target area.

Abstract: A dispensing system for metering precise quantitites of liquid to a use site in droplet streams. The system includes a reservoir containing a quantity of liquid to be dispensed, a droplet generator for producing a stream of uniformly sized droplets of the liquid in the reservoir; and a device for controlling the droplet generator to produce a droplet stream containing a predetermined number of droplets. The control device can include an operator-settable counter for selectively varying the quantity of dispensed liquid by adjusting the number of produced droplets or by adjusting the size of droplets comprising the droplet stream.

Abstract: A portable infusion pump assembly utilizing continuous drive propulsion means (8) to effect automatic and incremental displacement of a plunger (5) within a disposable syringe (3) so as to deliver accurately repeatable volumes of fluid from the syringe (3) over a predetermined period of time.Intermittent drive of the continuous drive propulsion means (8) is effected. Comparison of desired delivery rate with actual delivery rate is made by use of angular displacement signals received from a shaft encoder (10) attached to the shaft of the continuous propulsion means (8).This method of control also allows indirect measurement of fluid pressure in the syringe (3) without the need for a pressure sensor to be located in direct contact with the fluid being delivered.

Abstract: the device is provided for measuring an exact amount of fluid in a dispensing operation, the device being made easily portable and self-contained. The fluid motor has a device on it to measure the number of rotations of the motor and that number of rotations is translated through appropriate circuitry into a corresponding fluid volume. Initiation of the dispense cycle by means of manually opening a handle latches open a valve which stays open until the desired predetermined volume of fluid has been dispensed. At that point, a solenoid is energized with a brief electrical pulse which unlatches the valve and allows it to close quickly, thereby assuring that an extremely accurate amount of fluid has been dispensed.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a desired quantity by weight of a fluid material such as a liquid color printing ink for shade mixing purposes includes a container (1) for the fluid material to be dispensed, a main fluid material dispensing discharge outlet (2) on the container (1) and a secondary fluid material dispensing discharge outlet (3) on the container (1). The container further includes a movable pressure assembly plate to apply a pressure to the fluid to dispense the fluid from the discharge outlets. The secondary dispensing dischage outlet (3) incorporates a gear pump (5) which is adjustably operable to dispense a particular volume of fluid material corresponding to a particular weight of fluid material to be dispensed. The pressure plate assembly (4) includes a presser plate (21) slidably movable in the container (1) in sealed contact with side walls (1a) of the container (1) to engage directly or indirectly the upper surface of fluid material in the container (1).

Abstract: Device for delivering hot water comprising a hot water tank (1) in which a thermostatically controlled heating unit (3) is provided, a syphon (4) for the removal of hot water, the inlet opening of which syphon is situated at a first level (5), a cold water inlet pipe (6) in which a shut-off valve (7) controlled by a control unit (8) is provided, and a level probe (10) at a second level (9) above the highest point of the syphon. After the opening of the shut-off valve in response to a start signal the level probe (10) detects when the rising surface of the water has reached the second level and then delivers a signal to the control unit in order to close the shut-off valve. A second level probe at a third level above the first level but below the second level, provides an "open" signal to the shut-off valve unless the presettable end setting of a counter, counting the number of generated "open" signals, has been reached.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a product in predetermined metered amounts. The product is contained in a tank including an output orifice associated with means which continuously control the output of product from the tank. The opening of two adjacent valves, each comprising a calibrated nozzle, is controlled by a piezoelectric crystal. Electronic means are provided to control the deformation of the crystals to control the output of product from the tank in predetermined metered amounts.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a switch for driving a pump in response to moving of a fuel supplying nozzle from a waiting position, a circuit for driving the pump and carrying out a fuel supplying operation until a desired quantity or price of fuel is reached, a circuit for driving the pump for a predetermined short time after completion of the fuel supplying operation, and a circuit for comparing a measured flow rate which is measured in the flowmeter and a predetermined flow rate when the pump is driven for the predetermined short time, and for prohibiting the pump from being driven in a subsequent fuel supplying operation when the measured flow rate is greater than the predetermined flow rate, even when the switch operates.

Abstract: A measuring device for an apparatus for measuring and delivering predetermined quantities of liquid, for example quantities of water, comprises a measuring vessel, to which a liquid supply pipe and a liquid discharge pipe are connected, measuring apparatus being mounted in the measuring vessel, which measuring apparatus serve for measuring a fixed quantity of liquid in the measuring vessel and for controlling the liquid supply to and the liquid discharge from the measuring vessel and the measuring apparatus further causes the liquid supply pipe to close and the liquid discharge pipe to open when a set residual quantity of liquid is supplied in the measuring vessel.

Abstract: A pump in accordance with the invention has moving equipment (32) driven by a reversible synchronous motor (42) whose windings (44, 45) are connected to a power source by means of optocoupled triacs (48, 49) which, under microprocessor control, are used to adjust the flow rate of the pump by acting on its admission period (by powering the windings in one direction) and on the pumping cycle time (by varying the period for which the pump is unpowered in each cycle).

Abstract: An improved precision diluter/dispenser device is provided with features for effecting automatic compensation for non-linearity of aspirated fluid volumes of the particular piston and cylinder syringe assemblies that are included with the diluter/dispenser device in order to enhance the accuracy of the device by varying the piston stroke length in order to correct for non-linearity of aspirated or dispensed fluid volumes. Suitable correction factors are programmed into the control mechanism of the device in order to automatically make the necessary adjustments in stroke length so as to significantly enhance the linearity of the movement of fluid volumes throughout the working volume of the piston and cylinder assembly, whether the movement of fluid be of a very small percentage or a very large percentage of the volume capacity of the assembly.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a switch for driving a pump in response to unhooking of a fuel supplying nozzle from an accommodating part, a circuit for driving the pump and carrying out a fuel supplying operation until a preset fuel supplying quantity or a preset amount of money is reached, where the preset fuel supplying quantity and the preset amount of money are preset before the preset fuel supplying operation is started, a circuit for driving the pump for a predetermined short time in response to accommodation of the fuel supplying nozzle in the accommodating part after completion of the preset fuel supplying operation, and a circuit for comparing a measured flow rate which is measured in the flowmeter and a predetermined flow rate when the pump is driven for the predetermined short time, and for prohibiting the pump from being driven in response to the unhooking of the fuel supplying nozzle from the accommodating part when the measured flow rate is greater than the predetermined flow rate, even w

Abstract: In order to be able to simultaneously fill with a liquid, gaseous or solid flowable medium, without it being necessary to measure and monitor the filling volume or weight of each container, the filling plant has a pipeline system (10) for conveying the medium to be filled with a plurality of drawing-off lines (13, 113, 213) leading to the filling valves (20, 120, 220) and in which are arranged volume chambers (40, 140, 240) with rotors rotated by the medium flowing through the same, arranged jointly on a shaft (40) with a system pressure-dependent controlled brake (45). A balance (50) is only associated with a single filling valve (20) of the valves controlled by a control cylinder (25) and is used for controlling said cylinder (25). A feed pump (15) connected upstream of the filling valve (120) associated with balance (50) ensure a uniform exit velocity of the medium in the container when pressure fluctuations occur in the pipeline system (11, 13, 113, 213).

Abstract: A machine for consecutively metering individual quantity portions of a stuffing substance such as sausage meat. The machine includes a nozzle through which the substance is stuffed into a casing, and feeding apparatus for feeding the substance under presssure into the nozzle. The machne also includes cut off apparatus operable to divide the substance into individual quantity portions. In preferred form, recirculation apparatus is provided to permit continuous recirculation of the stuffing therethrough when no substance is being fed into the nozzle, recirculation of the stuffing being prevented when it is being fed into the nozzle. Also, and in preferred form, a metering device, that preferably includes a magnetic/inductive flow meter capable of making velocity or flow measurements, and capable of determining stuffing quantity form those measurements, is connected with the cut off apparatus for metering the stuffing to be provided in each individual quantity portion.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a fuel supplying hose having a fuel supplying nozzle provided on a tip end thereof, a preset switch comprising a fuel supplying quantity preset switch and a fuel supplying price preset switch provided on the fuel supplying hose at a position in a vicinity of the fuel supplying nozzle, where the fuel supplying quantity preset switch is for selectively and sequentially presetting the predetermined quantity of fuel for preset quantity fuel supplying operation in response to the number of manipulation times of the switch and the fuel supplying price preset switch is for selectively and sequentially presetting the predetermined price of fuel for preset price fuel supplying operation in response to the number of manipulation times of the switch, an indicator unit for indicating either one of the preset quantity and the preset price preset by the preset switch, and a control circuit for presetting either one of the preset quantity or the preset price selected from the predetermin

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a first circuit for measuring a flow quantity of fuel which passes through a fuel supplying hose, a single mode setting switch provided on the hose at a position in a vicinity of a nozzle, a second circuit for discriminating the state of the apparatus based on the existence of an output of the first circuit, and a third circuit for controlling the supply of fuel. The second circuit discriminates that the apparatus is set to a preset quantity supplying mode when the switch is manipulated in a state before a fuel supplying operation is started, and discriminates that the apparatus is set to an integral quantity supplying mode when the switch is manipulated in a state during the fuel supplying operation.

Abstract: A fuel supplying system comprises a first circuit for discriminating whether a previous fuel supplying operation is carried out in a normal fuel supplying mode or a preset fuel supplying mode, and for storing a discriminated fuel supplying mode of the previous fuel supplying operation, a second circuit for discriminating whether a present fuel supplying operation is carried out in the normal fuel supplying mode or the preset fuel supplying mode, and for storing a discriminated fuel supplying mode of the present fuel supplying operation, a third circuit for counting a flow quantity signal generated from a flowmeter when a fuel flows through the flowmeter so as to fill a fuel supplying hose before a valve of the fuel supplying nozzle is opened upon starting of the present fuel supplying operation, and for storing a counted value as a correcting quantity, and a fourth circuit for reading out the correcting quantity stored in the third circuit depending on the previous fuel supplying mode and the present fuel sup

Abstract: A control system for controlling a supply of fluid to an integral quantity, and automatically and precisely supplying an integral quantity of fluid. When an operation is performed so as to stop the supply of fluid at the point when the quantity of supplied fluid reaches the integral quantity, the driving of a pump is once interrupted. Thereafter, the pump is repeatedly driven in terms of minute time periods, so that the fluid supplying operation is stopped at the point when the quantity of fluid which is finally supplied is equal to the integral quantity which is closest to a quantity of supplied fluid at the point when the driving of the pump was once interrupted.

Abstract: An improved liquid dispensing nozzle (10) for dispensing a liquid such as fuel, from a dispensing pump. The improved dispensing nozzle comprises a body (12) defining an internal passageway (13) provided with an inlet port (14) for releasably connecting the nozzle (10) in fluid communication with a dispensing pump and an outlet port (16) for carrying a spout assembly (17) for selectively directing the flow of liquid from the nozzle (10). A main valve (18) is mounted within the body (12) between the inlet port (14) and the outlet port (16) and is provided with an operating lever (32) for selectively opening the main valve (18) to allow liquid to be discharged from the nozzle (10).

Abstract: A liquid filling machine has a plurality of discharge nozzles for simultaneously filling a plurality of containers. Each nozzle is connected to a manifold and has a restriction. A discreet pressure sensor is connected to each nozzle upstream from its restriction, and a solenoid valve is provided for each nozzle. A programmable device is connected to each pressure sensor and each valve for calculating a number indicative of fill time and closing each valve when the number is reached.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, the actual volume of a liquid chemical additive used to treat fuel is measured by an additive flow transducer so that a desired mix ratio can be maintained. In a first preferred embodiment, the amount of additive measured is converted to an equivalent volume treated fuel, and displayed. The user watches the display and stops adding additive when the display indicates that he has already added sufficient additive to treat the actual amount of fuel to be added to the fuel tank. In a second preferred embodiment, the user sets in the desired mix ratio and the volume of fuel that is to be added to the tank, and an electrically driven pump adds additive to the tank until a desired mix ratio obtains. In a third preferred embodiment, both the cumulative fuel flow and cumulative additive flow are sensed and the rate of additive flow is controlled by an automatic control system seeks to maintain a desired mix ratio.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a carbonated beverage including a source of propellant gas, a reservoir for beverage to be dispensed, one or more dispensing valves connected to the reservoir, a propellant gas conduit for applying a first gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage supply vessels and for applying a second and lesser gaseous propellant pressure upon beverage in the reservoir, a beverage supply conduit for transferring beverage from a supply vessel to the reservoir and normally closed valves in the beverage supply and gas conduits, which valves are controllable by a level sensor in the reservoir; the apparatus also features structure for automatically switching from one supply vessel to another as vessels become emptied; a method of dispensing includes the steps of providing a supply of carbonated beverage, applying a first propellant pressure upon the supply, selectively transferring beverage from the supply to a reservoir, applying a second and lesser propellant pressure upon the reservoir and dispensi

Abstract: Automated fluid dispensing apparatus operative under stored program control includes an attended console for controlling an array of dispensing pumps or the like, e.g., a pump island in a self service filling station. An array of data input fields, display and status signalling fields and control keys are disposed on the console. Input signalling from the console may illustratively comprise data from price-per-gallon and transaction limit registers, pump enabling keys, and display controls. Console presentations are for such as pump identity and status, and dispensed fuel value or volume. A microprocessor is connected to the console equipment, and to individual pump controllers, sensors and the like. Fluid flow at each pump is thus readily monitored and controlled by an attendant at the console via the microprocessor.

Abstract: In order to simultaneously fill several containers with a liquid, gaseous or solid flowable medium, without it being necessary to measure and monitor the filling volume or weight of each container, the filling apparatus has a pipe system (10) for carrying the medium to be filled. The pipe system includes a plurality of branch lines (13, 113, 213) leading to valves (20, 120, 220). In the branch lines there are arranged volume chambers (40, 140, 240) having impellers jointly placed on a shaft (41) with a system pressure-dependent braking device (45). The impellers are rotated by the medium flowing through the volume chambers. A balance (50) or a rotary piston meter (150) is associated with only one valve (20) of all the valves controlled by a control cylinder (25) and is used for controlling the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, for instance gasoline and the like fuel to vehicles, especially in the manner of the so-called "full tank dispensation", includes a dispensing nozzle with a liquid level sensor at the tip end thereof and a circuit for receiving signals from the level sensor to control flow-out of fuel from the nozzle, the circuit issuing a signal to stop the flow-out in response to receipt of a fuel detection signal from the level sensor after a predetermined time period has lapsed, issuing another signal to recommence the flow-out and if it receives from the level sensor a signal indicating the absence of fuel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, efficient, precise method and apparatus for compounding solutions for use in hyperalimentation therapy. The apparatus includes a controller for entering the volume and specific gravity of the solution to be compounded.A load cell monitors the weight of the solutions that have been transferred to a collection vessel and in connection with the controller thereby maintains the precise amount of each therein. The controller also surveys various process conditions and warns of any failure of those conditions. Peristaltic pumps are used for the delivery of the compounding solution to maintain the solutions in a sterile condition.

Abstract: There is disclosed a microprocessor-controlled peristaltic pump for use in a portable continuous insulin infusion device. The peristaltic pump is configured with a removable cover comprising a part of the pump housing surrounding a pump rotor, and holding a delivery tube between the cover and the rotor. The removable cover combines with a reservoir and the delivery tube to constitute a pre-filled disposable package facilitating installation and removal of the insulin in the device. A microprocessor controls the number of times the rotor turns during a cycle. This operation allows the microprocessor to automatically compensate for different diameter delivery tubes, as well as to allow the physician to vary the on/off time of the pump to administer different dosages.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing method and apparatus particularly adapted for post-mix dispensing of a soft drink, with accurate relative proportions of carbonated water and soft drink syrup. Separate syrup and water valves are controllably turned on and off, independently, at prescribed duty cycles, to provide a prescribed mix ratio, and syrup and water flow meters monitor the instantaneous flow rates of the water and syrup to minimize the effects of any pressure variations in the initial syrup and water supplies. The apparatus is conveniently modified for use with different soft drink syrups using a separate removable personality module for each syrup, characterizing its prescribed mix ratio and its viscosity.

Abstract: A precision metering device for very small quantities of fluids, in which a controlled deflection of one or more selected portions of a Bourdon tube are used to give precise metering of fluids in amounts of only a few microliters or less, and in which a single one of the precision metering devices may be used to provide selected variations of the small amounts of dispensed fluid and with different fluids, usually without extra purging procedures.

Abstract: A servo controlled actuator for an automated liquid dispenser for dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent automatically in accord with a programmed local microprocessor or remote computer control. The dispenser has at least one reciprocable syringe, valving for it and a syringe actuator driven by a hybrid servo control. The actuator includes a bi-directional variable speed motor and an encoder developing a pulse train which in number is representative of the position of the syringe piston and in repetition rate is representative of piston velocity. A microprocessor controls the piston stroke from the pulse train by comparison to a memory-stored count and controls piston velocity in predetermined relation to the terminal end of piston travel.

Abstract: An air logic controller and metering pump unit is provided for an automatic liquid transfer and metering apparatus. Such apparatus is designed for bulk storage, handling and transportation of liquid chemicals and for the safe, precise and metered delivery and transfer of liquid chemicals from a source of chemical bulk storage to the place of end use. One form of apparatus includes a portable liquid transfer tank which is used in conjunction with a stationary wall mounted air logic controller and metering pump module located near the place of end use. Another form of apparatus is a portable self-contained unit where the air logic controller and metering pump module and a compressed air supply tank are mounted above and are connected to the portable liquid transfer tank module. Thus the self-contained unit having its own energy source may be moved to any plant location for precision dispensing of chemicals without the requirement for additional sources of air, electricity, hookups, etc.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate method and apparatus for monitoring the drop flow rate from a fluid source. The method and apparatus allows for an intermittent drop flow rate by accumulating a weighted drop period rate error factor which is adjusted for each drop period detected.A drop period window is adjusted by each drop period and is utilized to determine if the current drop period is within the window indicating a normal operation. Drop periods outside the window cause a factor to be added to the accumulated error factor and drop periods within the window cause a factor to be subtracted from the accumulated error factor. This allows good periods to offset bad periods, so that minor fluctuations in the drop periods during normal operation can be ignored.

Abstract: Two measuring cups (5, 6) are alternately filled and emptied. The fill st is determined by an overflow, and the emptying time during which a withdrawal pump (30) is connected to the respective cup is determined by scanning pump revolutions. The scanned pump revolutions for emptying are compared with a desired pumping rate, entered into a counter (50) which decrements in accordance with revolutions of the pump (30), and, if a deviation from commanded pumping rate is sensed, a correction memory (60) is loaded which controls over a control unit (33, 61) change in pumping speed to null any deviation from commanded rate. To associate the commanded rate with actual weight of chips or fibers to be coated, the chips or fibers can be weighed continuously, and the continuously weighed number entered into the control computer (33) to generate a command number for entry into the decrementing counter (50).

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying fluid of preset quantity comprises a fluid supplying pump provided in a fluid supplying pipe arrangement, a motor for driving the fluid supplying pump, meter for metering the fluid flowing in the fluid supplying pipe arrangement, and a control circuit for detecting that supplied quantity of fluid measured by the meter has reached a quantity smaller than a preset fluid supplying quantity by an estimated oversupply quantity of fluid, and stopping the motor from being driven. The estimated oversupply quantity of fluid is set to a quantity equal to a quantity of fluid supplied by the fluid supplying pump after the motor is stopped from being driven and rotates due to inertia.

Abstract: Positive displacement pumps, each having multiple pistons reciprocated by a swash plate, are connected to corresponding liquid reservoirs and are individually actuated to dispense a selected liquid type and pour size volume through a hand held gun. A digital control circuit receives feedback from an emitter, detector, chopper wheel combination associated with each pump to monitor the amount of liquid dispensed. The control circuit also monitors the actuation of switches on each dispensing gun and causes the desired pour size volume of the selected liquid to be dispensed. Pour size volume and pricing information may be programmed through a keyboard coupled to the control circuit and accounting information may be displayed or printed on command.

Abstract: A main hydraulically operated valve body has a valve element therein which is biased closed when inlet pressure is applied to both sides thereof and is moved openward when inlet pressure is variably exhausted from its outlet side through a pilot valve having a body rigidly mounted on a casing enclosing a meter actuated preset mechanism. The pilot valve body has a single valve element therein connected to the preset mechanism for preventing and controlling exhaustion of inlet pressure therethrough and conduit connects the main and pilot valve bodies.

Abstract: To collect a series of liquid samples each of which has a fixed volume in a corresponding series of sample bottles, a sample collector includes a control circuit that initiates the sampling at preset time intervals or each time a preset volume of liquid has flowed past the collector as indicated by a flow meter. To control the volume of each sample, an optical liquid interface detector within the flow passage of the sample collector initiates counting of the revolutions of the pump and after a pre-selected number of counts, the control circuit terminates the pumping. The optical liquid interface detector includes a light-emitting diode on one side of the flow passage and a phototransistor on the opposite side to detect the interface of the liquid.