Abstract: Measurements of insulin quantities in a syringe are performed capacitively in an integrated insulin dose recorder/blood glucose meter. The syringe is placed in a holder before and after the administration of the dose. Capacitor electrodes may be situated within the syringe and/or outside the syringe in various geometries. Liquid quantities in the syringe are determined by comparing capacitive response patterns of the syringe with calibration data stored. in the device. Dose histories are downloaded to a patient computer for transfer to a clinician's computer. Standard or customized syringes may be used.

Abstract: An indicating device for use with a dispensing device that dispenses metered dosages of a medicament from a container having a valve moveable between an open and closed position. In a preferred embodiment, the container is reciprocally moveable within the housing along a longitudinal axis. The housing preferably has a well adapted to receive a valve stem and an exhaust port. The well communicates with the port such that the metered dosage of medicament is dispensed through the port when the valve is moved to the open position. An indicator assembly comprises an indicator member that includes dosage indicia visible to a user. In a preferred embodiment, the indicator assembly is provided in an indicator module. A method for dispensing measured dosages is also provided, along with a kit capable of being assembled as an inhalation device. A delivery system having a key member and a key entry passageway is also provided.

Abstract: Measurements of insulin quantities in a syringe are performed optically in an integrated insulin dose recorder/blood glucose meter. The syringe is placed in a holder before and after the administration of the dose. Liquid quantities in the syringe are determined by comparing optical response patterns of the syringe with calibration data stored in the device. Dose histories are downloaded to a patient computer for transfer to a clinician's computer. Standard or customized syringes (e.g. with marked plungers) may be used. Other wave energy carriers such as sound waves may also be used.

Abstract: Measurements of insulin quantities in a syringe are performed capacitively in an integrated insulin dose recorder/blood glucose meter. The syringe is placed in a holder before and after the administration of the dose. Capacitor electrodes may be situated within the syringe and/or outside the syringe in various geometries. Liquid quantities in the syringe are determined by comparing capacitive response patterns of the syringe with calibration data stored in the device. Dose histories are downloaded to a patient computer for transfer to a clinician's computer. Standard or customized syringes may be used.

Abstract: An aerosol dispenser includes a housing adapted to accommodate an aerosol container. A spray mechanism communicates with the aerosol container and is actuable to dispense an aerosol spray of material from the aerosol container. A controller actuates the spray mechanism to effect dispensing of the aerosol material. A remote unit is provided to establish a wireless communication link with the controller.

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 system (10) controls the dispensing of valuable commodities, such as beers. The system (10) includes a controller (36), sensors (26, 34), and solenoid-activated valves (24). The dispensing of a commodity begins when an operator identifies himself or herself to the controller (36) after selecting a commodity and quantity. A record of this transaction is recorded in a memory (40) of the controller (36). The controller (36) continues dispensing the selected commodity, determines when the selected quantity has been dispensed, then automatically ceases dispensing the commodity. Reports (178) are generated summarizing dispensing transactions. A variety of operational parameters may be established by a manager. Parameters relevant to the preservation and flow of the commodity, such as temperature and pressure, are monitored, and warnings annunciated (164, 170) if out-of-range conditions are detected.

Abstract: A multi-head drinks-dispensing apparatus having a group of drinks-dispensing heads each arranged for supply with drink ingredients through fluid control valves. A keypad has a first group of keys for selecting the type of drink and the dispensing head to be used, and a second group of keys for selecting the quantity of drink to be dispensed. Signals from those groups of keys are processed in a micro-processor, which energizes the relevant pair of valves to commence delivery of the selected drink without any delay. Dispensing of the selected drink is initiated at the earliest moment, while other drinks are being selected, so that selected drinks can be dispensed from the dispensing heads in a serial, overlapping manner. This facilitates the dispensing of a customer's multi-drink order in the shortest possible time.

Abstract: A dispenser to dispense material onto a person's hand, comprising: a dispensing device to dispense material from an outlet when the dispensing device is activated, a fingerprint reader adapted to read a fingerprint of a user's finger when located proximate thereon, a control system to activate the dispensing device to dispense material from the outlet when a user's finger is proximate the reader, the outlet and the reader positioned relative each other such that when a user's finger is located proximate the reader material dispensed from the outlet engages a user's hand.

Abstract: A vitamin concentrate delivery system including a positive displacement pump having a pump drive and a pump controller, and a flow measurement or detection unit having a magnetic flow tube, a transmitter and a recording device to regulate the flow of liquid vitamin concentrates into food products. A method of adding the vitamin concentrates to the dairy products is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and recording a dose of an agent delivered with a syringe. The syringe has a barrel for holding the agent and a plunger movably positioned in the barrel for expelling the agent. The plunger includes a magnetically responsive element, such as an iron core. The apparatus has a receptacle for receiving the syringe for dose measurement. An inductive element is positioned coaxially to the receptacle to produce a magnetic field. When the syringe is placed in the receptacle, the intensity of the magnetic field varies in dependence upon the position of the plunger in the barrel. The magnetic field induces a voltage in a conducting loop. A voltage meter is connected to the conducting loop to measure the induced voltage. A microprocessor is connected to the voltage meter to calculate the dose from the measurement of the induced voltage. A recorder, such as a digital memory unit, records the dose.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrically determining and recording the dose of an agent delivered with a syringe of the type having a barrel for holding the agent and a plunger for expelling the agent. The syringe includes a capacitive element having first and second conducting surfaces arranged such that the capacitance of the capacitive element varies in dependence upon the dose of agent contained in the barrel. An input terminal and an output terminal located on the outside of the syringe are electrically connected to the first and second conducting surfaces, respectively. The apparatus produces a voltage difference across the terminals, thereby charging the capacitive element. A capacitance meter measures the capacitance and a microprocessor calculates the dose from the measured capacitance. The calculated dose is recorded by a digital memory unit.

Abstract: A separate spout is attached to each open bottle in a tavern with each spout having a magnetically operable valve to control the flow of liquor from the bottle. A transponder is provided in each spout transmits an unique identification code. To pour liquor from a bottle, an actuator is placed over the spout. An interrogator coupled to an interrogator coil in the actuator for sending an activation signal to the transponder and thereafter reads the identification code. A memory provides a group of storage locations for each of the plurality of spouts. The group of storage locations for a given spout contains the identification code for that spout and data regarding a total volume dispensed from a particular bottle to which the given spout is attached, a quantity present in the particular bottle when full, and a price per volume unit. A controller energizes a valve operating coil in the actuator to open a valve in response to the interrogator reading the identification code from a spout.

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 printed paper dispensing and severing apparatus includes an elongated paper to be printed, dispensed and severed. A printer including a positive drive mechanism projects paper along a guide path to an exit chute in a housing, the guide path being defined at least in part by a deflection plate so that the projection of the paper will encounter the deflection plate and be guided to exit the housing. A cutting mechanism adjacent the guide path includes a blade with a centrally peaked ridge in a guide surface generally parallel to the guide path. The reliability of this mechanism is dramatically improved due the absence of moving parts in the guide path, cutter blade, deflection plate and exit chute. The guide path and the exit chute are angled to one another, the elongated paper is provided in the form of a roll of paper which gives the paper a curl and the curl of the paper is in the same sense as the angle.

Abstract: Packaging vial for a liquid product in particular medicinal or cosmetic, manufacturing process and device for use of this vial. The vial includes a flexible casing (1), coupled to a rigid support (2), the casing (1) consisting of a pocket (10) with thin and distortable walls, containing the product and free from air, as well as a tubular nozzle (11) for dispensing the product, to which is coupled the pocket (10), the vial including furthermore a pump for dosing and delivering the product, said pump containing a fixed body inserted into the nozzle (11) and a moveable actuating member which is located inside the casing, but Which can be moved from the outside of the latter thanks to the distortable character of its wall which, proximate the actuating member, has the shape of a bellows.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for beverage dispensing control and monitoring. A bottle control cap is attached to a bottle and a micro processor positioned in the bottle control cap is programmed with data to identify that control cap from others in a system of programmable control caps. The micro processor controls an electric motor which opens and closes a flow passage in the control cap on command in response to a command signal from a system control processor located at a remote location. The micro processor is also programmed to request the signal.

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 is an additive injection correction technique, a clean line technique and related and other features of the system and method.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for beverage dispensing control and monitoring. A bottle control cap is attached to a bottle and a micro processor positioned in the bottle control cap is programmed with data to identify that control cap from others in a system of programmable control caps. The micro processor controls an electric motor which opens and closes a flow passage in the control cap on command in response to a signal from a system control processor located at a remote location. The micro processor is also programmed to request the signal.

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: A dispenser for frozen soft serve confections comprises a refrigerated dispensing cabinet. One or more rigid cartridges containing frozen soft serve confection are releasably mounted within the interior of the dispensing cabinet. A valve assembly comprises a valve plunger housing and a valve plunger. The housing is mounted within the interior of the dispenser cabinet and comprises an entrance port for receiving frozen soft serve confection from the cartridge and a bore which intersects with the entrance port. The valve plunger is slideably disposed within the bore. The plunger has an elongated body with a hollow interior chamber, a rearward entrance opening and a forward exit opening. The valve plunger extends through the wall of the dispensing cabinet and the exit opening is outside of the dispensing cabinet.

Abstract: A device for dispensing and measuring fluids such as chemicals in a container having a top and a bottom, the container typically being a shipping drum. The device includes an adapter which is sealingly threaded into the top of the container and is connected to a foot structure by tube means to pass fluid to the adapter from an intake in the foot structure. A fitting is adapted to be connected to the adapter and has an external conduit to withdraw contents of the container through the dispensing device. A pressure transducer is included in the foot structure with electrical conductors passing to the adapter. A removable plug connector makes external electrical connection responsive to the condition of the pressure transducer for external connection to a controller which determines either the amount of fluid remaining in the container or the amount of fluid withdrawn from the container.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus capable of providing a customer with a desired amount of liquid depending on data recorded in a memory card purchased in place of liquor in the unit of a bottle. The apparatus includes a flowmeter to generate a signal representing the amount of liquid supplied, a card read/write device in which a reloadable memory card is inserted, and a CPU connected to the card read/write device and flowmeter. The CPU receives data of the memory card read by the card read/write device to open a valve depending on the data to dispense a desired amount of liquid and receives a signal from the flowmeter to operate the amount of liquid dispensed and close the valve. The card read/write device also carries out write of new data based on the operation of the CPU.

Abstract: A container system for holding and dispensing an oil-gasoline mixture uses a transparent container bearing indicia showing the quantity of liquid in the container, and an oil-measuring cup mounted to the fill cap so as to extend into the container when the cap is on. The cup is also transparent and marked with indicia showing the quantity of oil, or the desired oil-gasoline ratio. With the cap removed, the cup is filled to the desired level and its contents dumped into the container. A dispensing hose extends from a dispensing opening on the container, through which the mixture is dispensed. A special venting system is provided which prevents pressurized product from being vented toward the face of the user, and employs a vent nozzle the atmospheric vent opening of which is blocked by placing the dispensing end of the hose thereon when the system is arranged for storage, and is opened by the user to direct the venting downwardly when the hose is removed to provide dispensing.

Abstract: A dispenser for conductive liquids which includes appropriate circuit elements to measure the volume of liquid dispensed therethrough, and particularly useful in the bar and restaurant trade. The dispenser also includes circuitry to record the number of times it is removed from a container. Probes are provided for actuating a display and for remote recording and reading.

Abstract: A system and data network for a fluid register system used for the delivery of fluid commodities to customers at various delivery sites features a portable data capsule containing pricing information; an electrical fluid delivery volume measurement device; and a vehicular mounted calculator for retrieving the pricing data from said data capsule and calculating a billing amount for each fluid delivery with respect to a fluid delivery volume measurement.

Abstract: A dispenser for automatically dispensing into receptacles of variable dimensions, a very accurate volume of liquid stored in bulk form in at least one tank. The dispenser has several dispensing units each having a mobile spout that can be automatically returned to a rest position, a volume measuring container placed between a filling and an emptying electrovalve. A switch opens the emptying valve when it is manoeuvered by a customer. The dispensing unit also supplies a ticket indicating the volume and/or the price of the dispensed liquid.

Abstract: Microprocessor controlled flow metering apparatus employs mechanically coupled registers driven by a positive displacement or other flow meter to display fluid volume dispensed during a monitored transaction--and as a cumulative total over time. User adjustable electrical switch decades electrically enter computational scale factor variables such as price per gallon and tax rate.The stored program controlled microprocessor computes all desired output variables (fuel cost, tax)--and outputs the variables in predesignated fields onto a printed ticket (invoice) while controlling printer carriage movement and solenoid actuation. In accordance with varying aspects of the invention, mechanical and software security is provided to ensure proper correlation between customer fluid (e.g., fuel) receipt and billing.

Abstract: A method, system and data network for a fluid register system used for the delivery of fluid commodities to customers at various delivery sites features a portable data capsule containing pricing information; an electrical fluid delivery volume measurement device; and a vehicular mounted calculator for retrieving the pricing data from said data capsule and calculating a billing amount for each fluid delivery with respect to a fluid delivery volume measurement.

Abstract: A system is provided for preventing movement of a fluid-delivering vehicle during transfer of fluid such as fuel oil from said vehicle. The system utilizes a modified conventional recording meter assembly to alter the flow of electrical current in an electrical circuit which activates a solenoid valve to control pneumatic pressure transmitted to brake control assemblies utilizing a power spring in association with a pressure-displaceable diaphram.

Abstract: Apparatus for indicating unauthorized delivery of liquid product for use in connection with a Veeder-Root Counter-Printer is characterized by a timer arrangement adapted to measure the time duration of an interruption in liquid product flow and to prime the printer's sale sequence number for incrementation if the duration of the interruption exceeds a predetermined time interval. If flow is resumed before the same ticket is removed from the printer, a nonsequential sale sequence number is imprinted on the ticket when it is removed, thereby providing an indicia that flow has been interrupted for at least the predetermined interval.

Abstract: A product dispensing measuring device especially adapted to be affixed to an axially deformed or non-linearly rotating dispensing shaft in order to measure the rate of rotation thereof. The device comprises a pick-up wheel having a plurality of radially outwardly projecting teeth securely affixed to a rotating shaft and a mounting affixed to the shaft adjacent the pick-up wheel and provided with a plurality of roller bearings which enable the mounting to remain stationary as the shaft rotates therein. A mounting arm extends radially from the outer circumferential edge surface of the mounting, and a sensor mechanism is affixed thereto. The sensor mechanism detects the passing of the radially outwardly projecting teeth and converts these impulses into a shaft revolution speed and displays it to an operator of the device. If the shaft rotational speed is observed to be other than that desired, the speed of the rotating shaft may be easily and quickly adjusted.

Abstract: A monitoring system for a water scalping sand classifying tank, comprising timers for measuring the cumulative total discharge times for at least two key classification stations of the tank over an extended period of time which may include many reblend cycles for the tank. Tolerance limits are established by use of at least two timers for each key station. Any extended variation in the desired ratio of total discharges for the key stations, indicating an input change requiring correction, is signalled by an indicator system coupled to the timers.

Abstract: An impervious housing having a compartment for a pharmaceutical product and an independent compartment for containing circuitry that senses and records when a patient administers the pharmaceutical contained in the first compartment. The circuit includes a clock which produces a pulse each hour and an addressable memory coupled to the clock so that the address is changed each hour. Sensors for determining when the cap is removed from the first compartment and when the housing is inverted, the output of the sensors being coupled to a register at the input of the circuitry so that if a patient has administered the pharmaceutical since the last clock pulse, a binary signal indicative of that fact will be transferred from the register to the memory upon occurrence of a succeeding clock pulse.

Abstract: Tally means for a liquid dispenser which selectively draws measured quantities of liquor for discharge through a discharge sprout. A liquid pressure responsive sensor is connected to the discharge line and is responsive only to passage of liquid. The sensor has a chamber with a diaphragm closing one end. A chamber inlet, larger than the outlet, leads through the end closed by the diaphragm. Because of differential in orifice size, liquid accumulates in the chamber causing the diaphragm to deflect but not respond to air flow. A piston in the chamber is moved by the diaphragm to actuate a tally apparatus to provide both printed record and a display of the number of drinks dispensed.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser having a flow-actuated sensing member positioned within a dispensing line thereof and which is operative to sense and record the dispensing of preselected volumes of a beverage. Fundamentally, the invention includes a switch positioned within the flow line and actuated by the flow of the beverage to enable timing circuits which determine the volume of beverage dispensed based upon the time of dispensing. Actual control of the timing and recording circuitry is achieved by sensing of the beverage flow rather than by operator-actuated elements.

Abstract: Fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing preselected quantities of fluid from a supply of fluid under pressure having a flow regulator and a dispenser. The flow regulator is adapted to be coupled to the fluid supply so that fluid is supplied to the dispenser at a relatively constant pressure below the fluid supply pressure. The dispenser has a valve and a solenoid actuator which is energized to open the valve to permit fluid flow through the dispenser. A timing circuit in the dispenser energizes the solenoid actuator for a predetermined interval upon energization of the timing circuit. A size selector assembly coupled to the timing circuit enables the predetermined interval and therefore the quantity of fluid dispensed to be preselected from a plurality of possible quantities. The preselected predetermined interval may be varied to change the selected size or quantity of fluid to be dispensed.

Abstract: A liquor dispenser adapted for use in connection with bottles of liquor or other beverages. The dispenser includes a bottle cap and spout and a cooperative electromagnet adapted to magnetically open a valve in the said spout upon the operation of a switch which energizes the electromagnet. Further, the disclosure relates to a guide on the electromagnet for conductive pneumatic fluid pressure into a bottle in which the cap and spout are sealingly engaged when the cap and spout is shouldered in the guide adjacent to the electromagnet, the cap being provided with a converging shoulder adapted to be pressed into a converging shoulder in the guide and a pair of annular gaskets are spaced apart on the shoulder of the cap for sealingly engaging the guide at opposite sides of a conduit which communicates between the gaskets and delivers compressed pneumatic fluid into a passage in the cap which communicates with the interior of a bottle in which the cap is disposed.

Abstract: An automatic mixed drink dispensing apparatus includes a housing including a secured liquor receiving zone which receives a plurality of liquor containers. The housing also receives syrup containers, a water container, and a carbon dioxide container. An ice chest is mounted in the upper portion of the housing and has a liquid chilling apparatus in the bottom thereof. A dispensing head is mounted on the housing and extends into a mixed drink preparation zone. Drains extend from a point in the mixed drink preparation zone beneath the dispensing head and from a point in the bottom of the ice chest to a drain pan slidably supported in the bottom of the housing. Liquor pumps function to withdraw liquor from the liquor containers and to discharge the liquor through the dispensing head. The syrup containers are pressurized with carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide container, whereby syrup is caused to flow through the liquid chilling apparatus and through the dispensing head.