Abstract: A first registration unit performs first registration between a live view and an associated image associated with an object to be imaged. A second registration unit performs second registration between the object captured in the live view and the associated image based on the result of the first registration. At least while the second registration is performed, a display control unit superimposes the associated image on the object captured in the live view, and displays an enlarged view of a partial region of the live view, on which the associated image is superimposed. The second registration unit performs the second registration using a region of the live view larger than the partial region while the enlarged view of the partial region of the live view is displayed.

Abstract: A breakaway separation prevention safety device that provides warning indicators reminding users to replace a fuel nozzle after dispensing fuel. The safety warning system reminds users of a fuel pump to replace the nozzle into the nozzle mount. The system is activated as the user removes the nozzle from the nozzle mount. An audio and visual warning is emitted as a reminder for the user.

Abstract: An adhesive dispensing system includes a pump and at least one sensor positioned to sense movements of a component of the pump and produce signals based on the sensed movements. The dispensing system also includes a controller operating the pump and communicating with the at least one sensor to collect information regarding operational cycles of the pump based on the signals. As a result, one or more diagnostic processes are enabled at the controller during operation of the adhesive dispensing system. These diagnostic processes may include a leak rate test for the dispensing system, an overspeed detection test for the pump, and expected life cycle monitoring of the pump or other components.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating a dynamic graphical display for use in a product dispensing system, wherein the content of the display is dynamically generated based, at least in part, by the dispensing of a product. The product dispensing system can be a beverage dispensing system. When an operator activates a product dispenser to dispense a product, product imagery and/or related information may be dynamically generated and presented on a graphical display. A product dispensing and display system can include multiple product dispensers (for example, beverage taps) and an associated display for displaying dynamic digital content (such as visual and/or audible content) based on information received from the product dispensers and/or other input sources.

Abstract: Configuration technologies for cost-effectively monitoring indicia of regimen compliance or noncompliance in response to one or more indications of symptoms or actions or other data on data-bearing media or in wireless transmissions, such as implementing techniques for providing or preventing access or otherwise acting on or communicating incremental or definitive indicia of compliance or noncompliance.

Abstract: A dispensing unit is operatively associated with a refrigeration appliance for selectively dispensing water and ice at a dispensing station. The dispensing unit includes an actuator that is movable to selected positions in order to support the dispensing of the water and ice. The dispensing unit can include a passageway through which ice is dispensed, and an ice door can be provided for selectively opening and closing the passageway to the dispensing of ice. In one aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed mechanically and in another aspect, the ice door can be opened and closed electromechanically. The dispensing unit also can provide for the position of a water-dispensing nozzle to be adjusted for the purpose of dispensing water to receptacles outside a recessed area at which the nozzle is located and to provide for the activation of illuminating devices to indicate operating conditions at the refrigeration appliance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling and vending a food or drink product using a machine having a viewing window into the interior thereof. The user selects through a user interface one of a plurality of characters, then selects through the interface the ingredients to include in the product. The ingredients are dispensed into a receptacle that is moved between dispensing locations within the machine by a robotic arm. An animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting pattern is associated with each character. As the robotic arm assembles the product, the animated sequence, soundtrack and lighting for the selected character are run and shown on a display. The user is able to watch the movements of the robotic arm and the animated sequence simultaneously.

Abstract: An indicating device suitable for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes at least one first indicator member incrementally moveable to a plurality of positions and a second indicator member moveable in response to a predetermined number of movements of the at least one first indicator member. The at least one first indicator member includes primary dosage indicia adapted to indicate the number of dosages of substance that have been dispensed from or remain in the container. The second indicator member includes secondary dosage indicia adapted to indicate that less than a minimum predetermined number of dosages of substance remain in the container. In one preferred embodiment, the primary dosage indicia are configured as numerical indicia and the secondary dosage indicia are configured as color indicia.

Abstract: A dispensing system has a source container for dispensing fluid concentrate into receiving containers, and a control module connected to the source container to control dispensing of the fluid concentrate from the source container. An interactive media module is configured to provide communication between the dispensing system and a user. The interactive media module has a menu of options and being capable of responding to commands by the user. The interactive media module is connected to the control module to provide input to the control module.

Abstract: A metering device or a metering element, in particular for metering substances in the compiling of combinatory material libraries, described as comprising a metering element having a supply vessel, open on one side, for holding the substances to be metered, and a plunger, which is axially displaceable and reversibly seals the opening of the supply vessel and which has at least one, preferably centered metering orifice for metering the substances provided in the supply vessel, the supply vessel and/or the plunger having an accommodation as contact point for a mechanical gripping device. Moreover, a metering method is described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a system for monitoring liquid consumption at one or more establishments. At each establishment, the system includes one or more spouts and a local computer. Each spout is mounted on a liquid container. Also, each spout generates data regarding the amount of liquid poured from the spout's container. The local computer at each establishment collects data generated by the spouts at the establishment. In some embodiments, a wireless network links the local computer and the spouts at each establishment. The system also includes an external computer that gathers the data collected by the local computers of the establishments monitored by the system. In some embodiments, the external computer is located outside of all the establishments, while in other embodiments this computer is located within one of the establishments. Some embodiments of the invention provide a free-pour spout.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for monitoring the dispensing of liquids, in particular, beverages dispensed at a bar or restaurant is disclosed. The device attaches to the exterior of a container and detects dispensing events by sensing tilt or motion of the container, which could include a bottle or a handle. The system includes an electronic sensor device, data receiver, personal computer, bottle opener/camera system, bar code scanner, point of sale, bar camera, network, Web server, and paging system. The method automatically detects and monitors dispensing events, including detecting the type and amount of liquid, reconciling dispensing events with register ring-ups, recording information, saving video specific to the dispensing event, and sending a page indicating anomalies.

Abstract: Methods of pouring liquids from bottles have the steps of providing a pouring head with at least two functionally different modes of pouring, i.e. electronically timed pouring with automatic shut-off, and free pouring either with or without an annunciator signal, and the step of selecting one of the modes at the time of dispensing. Further, the steps of providing a normally open magnetically latched valve, and momentarily de-magnetizing to drop the valve and terminate pouring, and the steps of shaking the valve back on to magnetic and electrically sensing the presence of the valve and electrically starting a subsequent pour while the bottle remains inverted. A further step has free pouring with sensory annunciation of the completion of pouring, with the preferred annunciation being a blinking light signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring doses of dispensed products includes a first metering ring (20) mounted to rotate 5 around a rotation axis (1), and drive means (10) that drives the first metering ring to rotate around an axis (1). The drive means (10) is actuated each time the dispenser is actuated. The apparatus also has interlocking means (15, 22) that engage the drive means (10) with the first metering ring (20) after the dispenser has been actuated a predetermined number of times. The first metering ring (20) is driven to rotate once it is engaged with the drive means (10). The apparatus only counts the doses of dispensed product after the dispenser has been actuated a predetermined number of times.

Abstract: A system for controlling an amount of liquid poured from a liquid container includes a spout configured for attachment to an opening of a liquid container and for controlling a desired amount of liquid poured from the liquid container. The spout is further configured to emit signals containing activity information. A receiver is configured to receive the signals, and a computer is coupled to the receiver, for processing the signals into text for viewing. The present invention further provides a method of controlling liquid flow from a liquid container, including the steps of: (a) determining an amount of liquid which is to be poured from a liquid container; (b) transmitting activity information signal corresponding to a predetermined activity; (c) remotely receiving the activity information signal of step (b); and (d) processing the activity information signal of step (c) into readable form.

Abstract: A multi-product fuel dispensing system is provided for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks. A fuel delivery conduit delivers a specific grade of fuel from one or more of the reservoir tanks. The conduit includes at least two flow channels, one for conveying a first grade of fuel and another for conveying a second grade of fuel. A nozzle connected to the conduit includes a blend valve for each flow channel. The nozzle can deliver the first grade of fuel, the second grade of fuel or a third grade of fuel comprising a blend of the first and second grades of fuel. An ultrasonic flow meter is mounted in the nozzle to measure the flow of fuel.

Abstract: A suspended type fueling system of the present invention is composed of an oil reservoir, fueling tube, fueling hose with a nozzle, pump on the fueling tube, pump motor for diving the pump, flow-meter, control unit, fueling operation unit on the fueling nozzle. The fueling tube is connected to the oil reservoir underground at one end and to the fueling hose at the other end. The fueling tube is extended overhead and drawn to a lower part therefrom. The fueling operation unit contains an indication member for indicating fueling data measured by the flow meter, a nozzle ascent-descent switch for transmitting nozzle ascent and descent signals to the control unit, and a combined-use-switch for suspending oil discrimination and performing a rounding off of fueling.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser for installation in a service station equipped with a dispenser control console includes a housing, a pump to pump fuel through the housing, a fuel flow meter in the housing, a switch actuable to indicate fuel is to be pumped through the housing, a display on the housing to display the amount of fuel pumped through the housing, and a dispenser control. The dispenser control includes a plurality of microcontroller nodes and a communications bus connecting the microcontroller nodes. A first node is associated with the switch, pump and fuel flow meter, a second node is associated with the display, and a third node is associated with a data link to the dispenser control console.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing method and apparatus has a system with new individual dispensing heads connectible one each to a plurality of different liquid bottles, i.e. liquor, and a remote dispensing data receiver and computer that receives data from each head. Each head has structure for being secured to a bottle, a liquid bore and an air vent, and one or more of the following features and functions: an electronic dispensing timer, a stop pour annunciator, a magnetically latched dispensing control valve, an electronic bottle lock, a radio transmitter and antenna, an electronic fractional pour annunciator, programmable dispensing control, a microprocessor computer, a data storage, a data I/O structure, and structure and function for uniquely electrically identifying each head and liquid.

Abstract: An automotive fuel additive dispensing and blending system is described wherein both proprietary and mandated fuel additives heretofore normally added at the refinery or a bulk storage plant may be added at a service station and blended into the fuel as fuel is dispensed thereby allowing most effective and reliable addition of additives that may be volatile and that may degrade in storage after mixed with fuel as well as providing a cost effective method for supplying differing gasoline blends to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention is a variable blending dispenser for fluids, particularly for fuel dispensers. The dispenser controls variable valves according to volumetric data observed by flow meters on input lines to the dispenser, by calculating measuring error as the difference between desired blend ratio and the observed blend ratio calculated from volumes of blend components dispensed. The dispenser successively corrects the settings of the valves after dispensing predetermined volumes, the corrections determined by a volume based PID error function so that the total amount of each blend component is separately and accurately measured while providing the desired blend ratio.

Abstract: A system including a nonelectrical sensor for sensing the position of a needle of a gauge as it moves along a path and providing the sensed nonelectrical signal to a nonelectrical annunciator for annunciating when the needle is not at a predetermined position. The sensor is adjustably mounted with respect to the path of the needle by mounting the sensor to an adjustable transparent face plate of the gauge. A range portion is provided on a standard needle. A nonelectrical flush alarm includes a sensor to sense that the pump of a spraying or dispensing system is operating. If this sensor does not provide a signal to a timer for a preset period, the timer will produce a timed out signal which will be annunciated by an annunciator. .

Abstract: The present invention is a variable blending dispenser for fluids, particularly for fuel dispensers. The dispenser controls variable valves according to volumetric data observed by flow meters on input lines to the dispenser, by calculating measuring error as the difference between desired blend ratio and the observed blend ratio calculated from volumes of blend components dispensed. The dispenser successively corrects the settings of the valves after dispensing predetermined volumes, the corrections determined by a volume based PID error function so that the total amount of each blend component is separately and accurately measured while providing the desired blend ratio.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system for dispensing fuel such as gasoline, for example, includes a nozzle to which is mounted an actuator controlled transducer. The extent of movement of the actuator from a rest position causes the transducer to produce a flow rate signal having a magnitude proportional to the degree of movement of the actuator. The flow rate signals are electrically connected to a remotely located controller which responds to the signals by providing drive signals for operating a proportional flow control valve opening for attaining the called for flow rate of fluid to be dispensed from the remotely located valve, through a hose, to the nozzle for dispensement therefrom.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ink flow from an ink storage tank to at least one ink fountain of a high-speed, web-fed printing press employing a scale for measuring the weight of the ink storage tank and comparing weight signals from the scale at successive times to determine the weight of ink consumed over the interval between readings. A pump is associated with the storage tank for pumping the ink to the fountain via coupling lines. An ink level sensor detects the level of ink in the fountain and provides an ink demand signal for operating a value means in the ink coupling line to in turn cause ink flow to the fountain so as to provide replenishment of ink thereat. With the use of plural fountains, means are provided for prioritizing delivery to the fountains so that individual ink comsumption on a per fountain basis can be determined. In this regard, the system also employs a volume sensor preferably in the form of a pump stroke positon sensor for determining incremental weight delivery per stroke.

Abstract: A system for monitoring ink flow from an ink storage tank to at least one ink fountain of a high-speed, web-fed printing press employing a scale for measuring the weight of the ink storage tank and comparing weight signals from the scale at successive times to determine the weight of ink consumed over the interval between readings. A pump is associated with the storage tank for pumping the ink to the fountain via coupling lines. An ink level sensor detects the level of ink in the fountain and provides an ink demand signal for operating a valve means in the ink coupling line to in turn cause ink flow to the fountain so as to provide replenishment of ink thereat. With the use of plural fountains, means are provided for prioritizing delivery to the fountains so that individual ink consumption on a per fountain basis can be determined. In this regard, the system also employs a volume sensor preferably in the form of a pump stroke position sensor for determining incremental weight delivery per stroke.

Abstract: On operating a fuel metering unit with a fuel feed nozzle through a number of operational stages, the current condition of the metering unit is detected by a detector, and a guide which is provided on or in the vicinity of the metering unit is actuated by a signal from a control system specifying a predetermined form of guidance as to the action to be taken in the next step of operation of the metering unit according to a signal from the detector, thereby guiding the operator step by step with the progress of a fuel filling operation by the metering unit.

Abstract: A material metering device having a discrete flow rate adjustment and indicator mechanism. The indicator includes an actuator knob which is rotated to adjust the flow rate of material from the meter. The actuator knob is also operably connected to a follower wheel which is rotated by movement of the actuator knob. Indicia on both the actuator knob and follower wheel are simultaneously registerable with a reference point, such as a viewing window, and the reading of the indicia at the reference point indicates the flow rate of material from the meter.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the accurate measurement and control of liquid flow at low flow rates. The invention is particularly applicable to the measurement and control of continuous liquid blending operations, e.g. gasoline blending, in which a liquid additive, e.g. tetraethyl lead, is fed into a continuously flowing liquid stream, the additive being added in precisely controlled amounts requiring precise control of liquid flow at very low flow rates. According to the invention the additive is fed from a stock tank 1 alternately into one or the other of two reservoirs 6, 7 connected in parallel between the inlet line 3 from the stock tank and an outlet line 20. As the one reservoir is being charged, the other is being discharged through the four-way valve 5 to the outlet. Flow through the outlet line 20 is controlled by a valve 22.

Abstract: Customer dispensing of either unleaded or one of two or more grades of leaded gasoline products is selected by rotatable selector knobs located on the dispenser housing. Individual meters are operative by the leaded and unleaded dispensing systems which are hydraulically isolated from each other. The separate selector knobs are associated with each of the leaded and unleaded dispensing systems and are effective when actuated to render the other system inoperative by an imposed mechanical interlock. Bothe meters operate a common computers for calculating the transaction data of each dispensing sale.

Abstract: A system for computing and displaying quantity and cost of a liquid flowing through a pipe, as gasoline delivered to a consumer. A detector responsive to the passing of a predetermined quantity of the liquid provides a pulse function to money and quantity set circuits. The money and quantity set circuits simultaneously provide signals representative of the units (i.e., gallons) and cost (i.e., dollars) each time a pulse function is received. The signals are accumulated in a memory and the totals are added to subsequently received signals to update the memory each time the predetermined quantity has passed. A nonvolatile totals memory provides a running total of cost and quantity and a sequentially operated display provides a visual display of cost, quantity and totals.

Abstract: A gasoline pump assembly is disclosed herein and includes an assembly housing, a dispensing nozzle located outside the housing and a pump located within the housing for providing gasoline flow to the nozzle. The assembly also includes a handle movable between two positions for opening and closing the flow of gasoline from its supply to its nozzle and a key actuated arrangement connected with the housing for releasably locking the handle in its flow closing position.

Abstract: Gasoline dispensing apparatus with cost and volume registers composed of banks of rotary electromagnetic indicators, each having a two-coil electromagnetic stator for indexing a respective rotary indicator wheel, and a drive circuit for accumulating the cost and volume of fuel delivered and for indexing the indicator wheels of the banks thereof for registering the cost and volume of fuel delivered. The drive circuit is operable for indexing each indicator wheel with multiple step indexing cycles providing a predetermined multiple step energization sequence of the two coils of the electromagnetic stator. The drive circuit is operable for resetting the counter wheels by indexing the wheels in the forward direction to their "9" positions and then nine counts in the reverse direction to their "0" count positions where the wheels are retained against further reverse rotation by one-way locking pawls.

Abstract: A fuel delivery pump having a resettable register for registering the volume and cost amounts of each fuel delivery and employing conventional resettable volume counters and new electromagnetic cost counters composed of banks of decade modules, each having an electromagnetically positioned wheel and an electronic drive circuit for indexing the wheel in stepwise fashion by electromagnetically accelerating and then decelerating the wheel.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser which includes a stationary, upstanding base and an arm assembly rotatably coupled to the upper end thereof. The dispenser includes a fluid meter and a fluid pump for metering and for pumping a selected quantity of fluid respectively. A fluid dispensing hose is fixedly connected at one end thereof to the pump and meter and has a fluid dispensing nozzle connected to the other end thereof. The hose includes a loop portion which extends outwardly from the arm assembly. A weighted roller is provided for urging the hose into a retracted position within the base.

Abstract: A dispensing device for gasoline or the like liquid fuel which is mounted on a base structure or island as a part of the device, which occupies a relatively narrow space and may be of a hollow body so as to accomodate at least one of a flow meter, a fuel pump, and a motor for driving the pump. The device has at least three indication surfaces each directed in different direction around the device, so that an amount of the fuel dispensed and indicated on said surfaces can be read from any position around the device.

Abstract: A blending-type motor fuel dispensing apparatus operates to blend together, in various proportions, two liquid motor fuels (gasolines) of different octane ratings, to produce various grades of product. The quantity and cost displays, and also the automatic control of the blend during dispensing, are based upon the summation of two sets of pulses, the number of pulses in each set being proportional to the integrated flow rate of a corresponding one of the two fuels. The pulses are counted and multiplied by a price per gallon, which has been previously set for the grade being dispensed, to provide a cost display. A pulse comparison circuit, which compares pulses representative of the flow of one fuel with a percentage (settable for each blend) of the summed pulses, is used to control the proportioning of the two fuels.