Abstract: Colorant fluid dispensing device (1) for dispensing multiple colorant fluids, comprising more than one fluid container (2) at least one dispenser outlet (3), wherein the fluid containers are in fluid connection with the at least one dispenser outlet via pumping means (4) the pumping means comprises more than one piston pump (5), each piston pump comprises a central pump tube (15) in which a piston (20) is provided with a piston rod (21) for moving the piston inside the central pump tube, the colorant fluid dispensing device further comprises driving means (36) for moving the piston rods of said piston pumps, control means (38) for controlling the driving means, and the driving means comprises a movable selector (37) configured to engage the piston rods of a selection.

Abstract: Particles conveying a code are incorporated into polymer matrix to form a core document substrate. These particles may be colored to create a distinctive look of the document that makes it unique for a particular document issuer and enables visual authentication. Addition of a covert attribute to the particle, such as a UV pigment or hidden layer of material, allows a covert, forensic characteristic and it also allows a mathematical description to be calculated describing the random distribution of a specific area on a document and then captured on it (e.g., in the bar code or magnetic stripe or digital watermark on an ID document).

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: Particles conveying a code are incorporated into polymer matrix to form a core document substrate. These particles may be colored to create a distinctive look of the document that makes it unique for a particular document issuer and enables visual authentication. Addition of a covert attribute to the particle, such as a UV pigment or hidden layer of material, allows a covert, forensic characteristic and it also allows a mathematical description to be calculated describing the random distribution of a specific area on a document and then captured on it (e.g., in the bar code or magnetic stripe or digital watermark on an ID document).

Abstract: Particles conveying a code are incorporated into polymer matrix to form a core document substrate. These particles may be colored to create a distinctive look of the document that makes it unique for a particular document issuer and enables visual authentication. Addition of a covert attribute to the particle, such as a UV pigment or hidden layer of material, allows a covert, forensic characteristic and it also allows a mathematical description to be calculated describing the random distribution of a specific area on a document and then captured on it (e.g., in the bar code or magnetic stripe or digital watermark on an ID document).

Abstract: A system for dispensing batches of fluid comprising a flowmeter (5), a pump or valve (6) for starting and stopping the flow and a controller (9) for controlling the pump or the valve. In order to reach a target batch size, the settling time at start of the flowmeter is compensated for as well as for the time it takes to stop the flow by generating a stop signal before the target batch size is reached. Further, to compensate for variations in the actual flow caused by variations in the feed pressure and the like, the compensation is made a function of the actually measured flow. A controller or a batch flow meter for use in dispensing batches is equipped with an interface for setting a compensating time constant and a correction unit for compensation of changes in the flow. The correction unit can consist of a differentiator an a summation circuit. Using digital techniques, the correction unit can be made as a lead filter.

Abstract: A faucet mounted water filtration device (100) includes an end of life indicator assembly (130) having a flow totalization mechanism (600), a reset mechanism (602) and a flow restriction mechanism (604) coaxially aligned with an indicator assembly (130). A torsion spring (634) and compression spring (644) cooperate for automatic disengagement and resetting of the flow totalization mechanism and the flow restriction mechanism. A planetary gear reduction system 606 provides a 3,000,000:1 gear reduction in the flow totalization mechanism.

Abstract: A faucet-mounted water treatment device including a flow totalizer and an end-of-life indicator cooperating with the totalizer to tell the user when it is necessary to replace the filter cartridge. End-of-life indication is provided by a valve which stops flow after a predetermined volume has been filtered and by a rotating screen which shows the amount of useful life remaining in the filter cartridge.

Abstract: In a treatment system for feeding a liquid from a tank having an outlet by a controllable pump operated cyclically, an automatic calibration/measuring system. The system is arranged for determining the volume of liquid pumped each cycle of the pump, a fluid flow measuring device and a controller coupled thereto. The fluid flow measuring device is in fluid communication with the tank. The fluid flow measuring device has a totalizer counter and batch measurement capability. The batch value in units of fluid volume or mass measurement is configured into the fluid flow measuring device. At the start of the batch, the fluid flow measuring device sends a ready signal to the controller that it is waiting to start the batch. The controller sends a start signal to the fluid flow measuring device that will initialize (zero reset) the totalizer counter and also tells the fluid flow measuring device that the batch has started and the totalizer to start the count of flow measurement.

Abstract: A water treatment device including an arrangement having mechanisms for mechanically totaling the volume of water filtered and for indicating when the replaceable filter cartridge has reached the end of its useful life. End-of-life indication is provided by a valve mechanism for stopping flow after a predetermined volume has been filtered. The arrangement includes a novel mechanism for resetting the flow totalization mechanism. The preferred water treatment device is faucet mounted and also includes a novel flow bypass design.

Abstract: A water filter cartridge including an outer shell, an inlet opening proximate a first end, an outlet opening and a cam extending axially from the first end. Cam is constructed and arranged so as to reset a mechanical flow totalization mechanism in a water treatment device. A channel and notch in the first end of the cartridge provide fluid communication to a chamber of a water treatment device.

Abstract: A controller for a beverage tap has a base with a fastener for attaching the base to the beverage tap. A pneumatically-operated cylinder is mounted on the base and has a piston which when the cylinder is pressurized forces a lever of the tap into an open position. A cover releasably extends around five sides of the base and encloses the cylinder. A torsion spring is attached inside the cover to bias the lever into a closed position when the cylinder is not pressurized. A plurality of push button switches are mounted on the cover for operating the controller. A first electrical connector is attached to the base and has two guides that have conical apertures. A second electrical connector is movably attached to the cover, and includes two pins located within apertures of the two guides. The first and second electrical connectors have contacts formed by a pair of tines. Each pair of tines of one electrical connector slide in between and mesh perpendicularly with a pair of tines of the other electrical connector.

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. The control valve is positioned downstream from the flowmeter, leaving the meter full upon shut off. 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 difference, if any, between actual flow and target flow is continuously sent, and the target flow is continuously adjusted up or down when necessary to compensate for the previous difference. The comparator connects to a closing control for closing the control valve and preventing further flow of additive when the cumulative flowmeter output signal approaches the requirement.

Abstract: An injection system and method for blending an additive into a main fluid flow stream at a controlled ratio, characterized by a controller wherein the electrical circuitry thereof is contained in an explosion-proof housing having a window through which electromagnetic energy, such as an infrared command signal, can be transmitted. The circuitry contained within the explosion-proof housing includes a receiver for receiving the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the window and a processor or processors for decoding information included in the electromagnetic energy and for carrying out one or more functions based on such information. Also disclosed in an additive injection correction technique, a clean line technique and related and other features of the system and method.

Abstract: A valve suitable for lawn and garden irrigation with a fluid inlet and two fluid outlets and a means for switching the flow of water from one outlet to the other based upon a predetermined flow of water. A plurality of valves may connected in series to irrigate several garden areas by connecting the inlet of each valve with the second outlet of the previous valve, except the inlet of the first valve which communicates with a water source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing beverage with programmable electronic portion control of one or more serving sizes has the steps of and apparatus for placing a discrete magnet adjacent the electronic control, the control having a reed switch which changes state under influence of the field of the magnet and switches the control from a normal select and dispense mode to an alternative hold and program mode.

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: A device for metering the flow of water into the tank and bowl of a toilet and providing a positive shut-off of the flow. When the toilet handle is turned, a linkage rotates a cam to force the stopper from its seat thereby commencing water flow. Water flows through a flow channel and past a water wheel imparting a rotation thereto. The water wheel is gearably connected to the cam thereby rotating the cam. When the cam has rotated to position a notch over the stopper stem, the stopper is reseated by the pressure of the water and water flow ceases. The amount of water flow permitted is a function of the number of cam notches and flow nozzle size.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device delivering a constant volume independent of the pressure and volume of the liquid received comprising a cylinder which houses a mobile, sealed piston. The piston moves against the reaction of elastic devices owing to the pressure of a liquid supplied through an orifice of an ancillary cylinder. A valve associated with the shaft of a small piston mounted in a mobile fashion in the ancillary cylinder controls the flow of the liquid through the orifice. The small piston is moved by the action of a plunger against the reaction of elastic devices. The plunger is controlled by a thermoactuator.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and feeding a solution is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container, an inlet valve for feeding a solution into such container, and an outlet valve for allowing the solution fed into the container to flow out of the container when operated. A chamber located in the lower part of the container traps air during filing of the container at a pressure which corresponds to the hydrostatic head of solution in the container. A pressure transducer connected to the chamber provides an output signal proportional to the volume of solution in the container. A control device responsive to the output of the transducer closes the inlet valve when the predetermined volume of solution is reached and opens the outlet valve to allow discharge of the solution to the chemical process or other utilizing systems.

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: A method and device is disclosed for aseptically and automatically diluting and dispensing liquids such as medication. The quantities to be delivered are selected, and an electronic circuit translates the selections into sequential and repetitive pumping by syringes comprising part of the device. The syringes are powered by pressurized air, and the entire device is enclosed and supplied with filtered air at a positive pressure to produce aseptic conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and process are provided for weight-blending two or more constituents on a continuous basis. In operation, the constituents are sequentially added to a weight-measuring tank connected to a weight scale with an indicator which undergoes excursion between sensors positions. The scale face has an indicator which undergoes excursion between position sensors, such as electric eyes. When the system is electrically activated, a first position sensor detects zero weight from the measuring tank and remotely calls for the pumping of the first constituent, which continues until the indicator in excursion reaches a second position indicator.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for metering particulate material from a source and transferring it to another location. The metering apparatus is primarily designed to supply a supplement or supplemental component to animal feed to obtain accurate control over the quantity of supplement and uniform distribution of it. The apparatus includes a bin with a gate which can be reciprocated across a discharge opening with the stroke of the gate being variable. The apparatus has an improved drive arrangement and improved controls for regulating the amount of feed which are more reliable and less subject to malfunction than those heretofore known.

Abstract: A distributor, notably for use in a sprinkling or like system, for causing a liquid to flow successively through a first orifice, then through a second orifice, but only after a predetermined quantity of liquid has passed through the first orifice. This distributor comprises a volumetric metering device comprising a piston movable in a first direction under the influence of the liquid pressure from the inlet orifice to a first orifice via an open valve, a chamber and a passage. A piston comprises a rod provided with a push member capable of moving a control member in the first direction, this control member being then driven for rotation by a driving member coupled kinematically to a turbine. Simultaneously, the driving body closes the valve and after a predetermined rotation of the control member the cavity thereof registers with the push member and the rod can move freely in the first direction and close the first outlet orifice while opening the second outlet orifice.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically metering and dispensing a plurality of fluids such as paint components is disclosed, including an operator input station for selecting the desired combination of metered fluids, a scanner drive subsystem for positioning a metering unit at appropriate fluid component storage stations, an automatic valving subsystem for controlling the flow of the selected metered component, a metering subsystem having a unit for measuring the proper volume of fluid component to be dispensed, and a dispensing subsystem for feeding the metered quantity into a receptacle. The apparatus may be operated automatically under electrical control of a control subsystem with pre-stored fluid formulations, wherein the desired mixture is identified and the pre-stored formulations enable precise metering of fluid components, or manually where each of the fluid components is manually selected and proportioned by the operator.

Abstract: A control unit and dispensers for a gasoline station providing for prepayment at a single control of fuel dispensing at each of a plurality of dispensers, and automatic payout of change whenever a customer does not take all of the gasoline paid for. A control unit for introducing credits into a selected dispenser and removing credits from the dispenser (i.e., debiting the selected dispenser), and recording credits and debits.