Abstract: A method for processing an encoded pattern, a storage medium, and an electronic device are disclosed in this application. An electronic device acquires a first encoded pattern to be recognized, the first encoded pattern being a pattern including predefined information encoded therein. The electronic device increases resolution of the first encoded pattern through a target model to obtain a target encoded pattern having a target resolution and corrects an edge of a sub-pattern in the target encoded pattern to obtain a second encoded pattern. Finally, the electronic device decodes the second encoded pattern using a code recognition module to obtain the predefined information. This application resolves the technical problem that an encoded pattern cannot be accurately recognized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a top cover (5) for soft throttling valve body (2), the top cover (5) comprising one or more fluid conduits for transferring a pilot fluid flow for setting a degree of opening of a main valve situated in a soft throttling valve body to the soft throttling valve body. Furthermore, the invention relates to a soft throttling valve (1) and a method for assembling the soft throttling valve (1). The object of the invention is to allow a good control of the pilot fluid flow while protecting the soft throttling valve body from damage due to valve failure. The object is solved by having a follower arrangement arranged to throttle the pilot fluid flow depending on the degree of opening of the main valve, further having a manual opening arrangement for manually opening the main valve and/or by further preventing a step-wise opening of the main valve in less than two opening steps. A method for assembling a soft throttling valve is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydraulic control and/or safety device, particularly for utility apparatuses or systems or appliances, which is preferably able to carry out a flow shut-off and/or limitation, particularly in the event of fault of the utility apparatus or system or appliance, and/or one or more features that improve the device and/or the apparatus performance. In particular, the device can carry out the function of the fluid treatment, so as to be particularly reliable, as it prevents at least the formation of deposits on its mechanical components designed to limit the water flow.

Abstract: A gas filling apparatus having a filling nozzle with high operability. A gas filling apparatus 1, comprising; a filling mechanism for transporting a gas from a gas supply source via a gas transporting pipe while measuring flow rate of the gas; a filling hose 3 connected to the gas transporting pipe, the filling hose having a filling nozzle 4 at an end; a nozzle hook 5 on which the filling nozzle is hung; and a guide mechanism 7 for guiding the filling nozzle from the nozzle hook to a predetermined position when the filling nozzle is detached from the nozzle hook. The guide mechanism can guide the filling nozzle to a filling port of a fuel tank mounted on a vehicle, which allows the filling nozzle to move to the filling port of the fuel tank with ease even though the filling nozzle is heavy or a high pressure gas such as hydrogen gas is handled. The nozzle hook can include an injection port 5d for injecting a dry gas to the filling nozzle hung on the nozzle hook.

Abstract: The heated bra with a GPS module is a brassiere that further comprises a heating device and a GPS module. The heating device is used to heat the brassiere during cold weather for the comfort of the user. The GPS module is used to track the location of the wearer and to relay the position to mapping software on a PDA. The heated bra with a GPS module comprises a brassiere, a heating device, and a controller.

Abstract: Method for transport of suspensions containing mechanically sensitive material with a sample-transporting device comprising transport conduits and at least one system for accelerating a sample or aliquot through the transport conduit from at least two burets.

Abstract: A beer frothing device for stably generating froth without degrading beer quality is provided.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.

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: Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has various features intended to ease use, including an improved removal and attachment system and a system to identify and visually illustrate selected pour sizes. In a specific embodiment, the pouring device has a colored light or LED indicator system that allows the user to quickly and easily confirm the selected pour size. Embodiments may also include one or more features that ease attachment and removal of the pouring device to a liquid container, such as a replaceable cork system.

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 supervisory system and method for monitoring multiple flow rate fluid distribution systems and for determining the presence of a failure therein are provided. The system monitors the flow of fluid through the distribution system with a single flow meter, determines the flow rate at which fluid is flowing, and accumulates at that rate a water flow control value. If the accumulated water flow value exceeds a predetermined threshold, further flow of fluid in the system will be disabled. To take account of the multiple flow rates capable through the distribution system, the accumulated water flow value will decremented at the immediately preceding increment rate.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for injecting a liquid medicine such as a Ringer's solution, and more particularly, to a device for regulating the amount of liquid medicine to be injected.

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 beverage dispenser provides numerous inventive features in its refrigeration system, diluent delivery system, concentrate delivery system, mixing and dispensing system, and control system. The refrigeration system employs a plate heat exchanger to provide on demand refrigeration of an intermittent water flow. The diluent delivery system includes a flowmeter/solenoid/check-valve assembly. The concentrate delivery system employs a positive displacement pump. The mixing and dispensing system includes a mixing nozzle that has a locking feature such that an elevated blocking surface directly faces the inlet of pressurized diluent to create turbulence. The control system receives package-specific information from a scanner and diluent flow rate information from the flowmeter, and then determines the pump speed in order to set a desired mix ratio.

Abstract: A by-pass control system for a meat injection system has a variable speed pump that transports fluid to a meat injection machine. Excess fluid is transported to a by-pass control valve. The valve has a moveable piston disposed therein that separates the valve into a fluid chamber and an air chamber. The piston moves back and forth based on the relationship between fluid pressure and air pressure. Sensors are disposed within or through the lid or the valve to sense the position of the piston. A controller is connected to the sensors and the variable speed pump and adjusts the speed of the pump based on the position of the piston.

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 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 spout cover for a spout having an outlet end includes a first member, having a deflector, mounted to a second member having a liquid soap reservoir and a dispenser for dispensing liquid soap from the liquid soap reservoir toward the deflector. A receiving area is defined between the first and second members for receiving the spout. The first member is movable relative to the second member between a first position permitting the spout to be received in the receiving area and a second position locating the deflector underneath the outlet end of the spout and preventing withdrawal of the spout from the receiving area.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.

Abstract: A fluid dosing device for introducing a fluid into a gas flow having a given flow direction, the dosing device comprising: input means for receiving the fluid from a source of fluid; nozzle means for injecting the fluid into the gas flow, the nozzle means comprising valve means arranged to move between a first position in which the valve means seals the nozzle means and a second open position in which injection of fluid into the gas flow can take place wherein the fluid dosing device is arranged to inject fluid into the gas flow in a direction having at least a component which is counter to the flow direction of the gas flow.

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

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus and a method of controlling a liquid crystal dropping amount are provided to drop liquid crystal onto a substrate corresponding to at least one unit panel area. In one aspect, the apparatus uses a liquid crystal dispensing unit to dispense liquid crystal. The liquid crystal dispensing unit includes a nozzle having a discharging hole through which the liquid crystal is dropped onto the substrate, a needle moveable between a down position in which the needle blocks the discharging hole and an up position in which the needle is separated from the discharging hole, a spring member to bias the needle toward the down position, and a solenoid coil to provide a magnetic force to move the needle to the up position. The dropping amount liquid crystal dispensing unit may be electrically controlled by controlling the solenoid coil or by controlling a gas pressure used to drive the liquid crystal through the discharging hole.

Abstract: A water monitoring and regulation apparatus comprising two vanes connected to two flow meters, a timer, a main gear connected to the two vane shafts, a timer gear connected to the timer, a shut off mechanism, a manual reset and an automatic reset when the shut off has not been engaged. The flow of water through the vanes causes the main gear to turn which causes the timer gear to turn. When the timer gear has turned the number of revolutions corresponding to the pre-selected maximum flow time, the timer will shut off the flow of water. When the water flow is interrupted, as in normal use of the water supply, the time will be automatically reset by the reset mechanism.

Abstract: A preset fluid dispensing meter is provided with a trigger which pivots on the shaft operating the valve and which is capable of operating: (a) in a manual dispense mode; (b) in a mode where it may be latched on until unlatched manually; or (c) which may be set to dispense a predetermined amount of fluid before termination of dispensing. A solenoid operates a catch which rocks away from the trigger thereby allowing the spring loaded valve stem to close once the trigger is no longer restrained.

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: Apparatus is provided for use as an in-line fluid flow monitor through filter media of a variety typically employed in domestic applications upstream of a kitchen faucet as well as unusually low pressure water supplies. Apparatus includes an outer housing with an input port leading to a rotatable turbine within the housing. The turbine, rotatable about a longitudinal axis, is coupled to an offset gear which, in turn, is coupled to a reduction gear train which includes first and second gear arrays mounted for rotation about a first and second axis located parallel with and spaced from the longitudinal axis. Fluid communication is provided from the turbine chamber through the gear train to an output port. The gear train ends in an output which is engaged in driving relationship with an oppositely disposed rotatable valve member having resilient pawl legs extending therefrom. The pawls are configured to engage the output to provide rotatable ratcheting movement.

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 gasoline blending and dispensing system delivers a predetermined blend of low and high octane gasoline from low and high octane gasoline supply tanks to a nozzle for dispensing from the system. The system includes a valve responsive to valve control signals produced by a valve control for regulating the flows of the low and high octane gasolines for dispensing the predetermined blend.

Abstract: A dispenser for liquids having an insulated cool chamber to receive a liquid container with a flexible tube for flow of liquid, a heat exchanger or pump in the chamber to pump liquid along the tube, a shut-off valve in the chamber below the pump with an opening for the tube to pass to a dispensing point outside the chamber, a motor and shaft for driving the pump, and gears connected between the motor shaft and the pump, a revolution counter coupled to the motor shaft, and connected to a counter logic circuit to count each revolution of the motor shaft, and manual controls mounted on the chamber and connected to the shut-off valve and to the motor, and to the counter logic circuit so that the shut-off valve opens within the chamber and the motor is started thereby driving the pump within the chamber, and automatically stopping the motor shaft when the predetermined count is reached, thereby maximizing the accuracy of the volume of liquid pumped by the pump.

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 flow controlled irrigation system which automatically stops the flow of water to an area when that area has received a predetermined quantity of water and then redirects the water to another area is disclosed. The system includes an upwardly extending gate member which defines a pair of passages therein. A first of the passages directs water to an area to be irrigated while the second causes the water flow to bypass the area. A flow control member activates the gate member when a predetermined volume of water has flowed through a meter.

Abstract: A toilet water regulator device which prohibits water flow into the toilet system after a predetermined amount of water has entered the system comprising a valve at the water inlet to the system, said valve having a water outlet to the system, wherein the flow of water through said valve is controlled by turbine means associated with the water outlet of the valve and the amount of water predetermined necessary to fill the tank is controlled by adjustable valve means.

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: 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: 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 water closet valve, automatically closed, following the passage of a predetermined quantity of water therethrough, includes a cylindrical housing having an inlet valve and water passageway at its depending end, is mounted within a water closet on its bottom wall. A manually triggered control wheel unseats the valve by a cam surface on the control wheel which permits water to enter the cylindrical housing and drive a water wheel, in turn driving a gear train connected with the control wheel for angular rotation of the control wheel and its camming surface to a valve closed position after a predetermined number of revolutions of the gears of the gear train.

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: A water timer including a housing having an inlet and outlet through which water flows to drive an impeller and speed reducer used to determine the open time of a valve member. The valve member is movable in one direction, corresponding with one direction of axial movement of the timer dial, into a water flow position out of engagement with a valve seat and movable in an opposite direction, corresponding with an opposite direction of axial movement of the dial, into engagement with the valve seat into a water shut-off position. The valve member has a first pressure responsive surface area facing in the opposite direction disposed in communication with water under pressure communicating with the housing inlet and a second pressure responsive surface area facing in the one direction.

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 metering system is provided for automatically controlling and monitoring corrosive liquids. The system includes a pneumatically or electrically actuated valve and a meter upstream of the valve. The meter includes a device for transmitting an electrical signal proportional to the flow through the meter to a controller means which receives the signal and counts the volume units of flow. The controller also includes a device to transmit an electrical signal to stop the flow of corrosive liquids at a predetermined volume level. The system includes a timer for activating the system at a preset time and a valve actuator means. A method for automatically controlling and monitoring the flow of corrosive liquids is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic buretting comprises an automatic buretting actuator (1) and a burette unit (2) in the form of two separable subassemblies. The burette unit (2) is removably mounted in the actuator (1) even when filled, while remaining closed in a sealed fashion and is constituted by a burette (3) connected at its lower end to a valve (4) with three passages and three positions, provided with an actuator (5). The automatic buretting actuator (1) is constituted by a stepping motor (9) provided with a connection (10) for operating the valve (4) of the burette unit (2). An electronic control assembly (13) has a control and display panel (14). A lever (15) provides quick release of the burette unit (2).

Abstract: An improved automatic shut-off valve that allows the temperature of discharged water to be adjusted by rotating the valve operating handle. The means for shutting off the discharge of water is simplified by attaching a valve closure member directly to a piston which is pushed downward manually to initiate flow and then forced upward by a spring to seat the valve closure member and stop the water flow. The piston moves axially inside a piston cylinder that has a hole in its bottom, and a pin connected to the piston sits in the hole. The clearance between the hole and pin determines the rate at which water can flow into the cylinder, thereby controlling the rate at which the piston is returned to its normally shut position by the spring.

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: Fuel dispensing apparatus having a high-flow valve downstream of the fuel delivery hose and a solenoid operated pilot valve for the high-flow valve and a solenoid operated low-flow valve upstream of the fuel delivery hose. Flexible tubes within the fuel delivery hose connect the pilot valve to the high-flow valve and connect both pilot and low-flow valves for conducting fuel to downstream of the high-flow valve.

Abstract: A water-flow-control device adapted to be positioned within water systems which are generally used for watering lawns and gardens, as well as for distributing water over larger areas of land such as for agricultural use, whereby the device permits a predetermined amount of water to be discharged in a positive and accurate manner in accordance with the time period for which the device is set, the device comprising a housing having an inlet-flow chamber and an outlet-flow chamber, wherein the inlet chamber includes an impeller and the outlet chamber includes a hinged flow-valve member which closes under both spring action and water pressure, the two chambers being interconnected by a flow passage which is provided with a pressure-release valve. A timing device is connected to the flow valve and is operated by the impeller, the impeller having a mechanism whereby the rate of water flow can be controlled from a low to high range.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus and a method of controlling a liquid crystal dropping amount are provided to drop liquid crystal onto a substrate corresponding to at least one unit panel area. In one aspect, the apparatus uses a liquid crystal dispensing unit to dispense liquid crystal. The liquid crystal dispensing unit includes a nozzle having a discharging hole through which the liquid crystal is dropped onto the substrate, a needle moveable between a down position in which the needle blocks the discharging hole and an up position in which the needle is separated from the discharging hole, a spring member to bias the needle toward the down position, and a solenoid coil to provide a magnetic force to move the needle to the up position. The dropping amount liquid crystal dispensing unit may be electrically controlled by controlling the solenoid coil or by controlling a gas pressure used to drive the liquid crystal through the discharging hole.