Abstract: A metering device for liquids, especially for viscous liquids, preferably liquids which are to be metered under sterile conditions, with a plurality of metering pumps which can be simultaneously actuated. To achieve an optimized mode of operation, it is provided that the surfaces on the bottom of the pump holding plate and the top of the metering channel plate are made as adjoining sealing surfaces, forming a seal, that, in the pump holding plate, there is a bypass channel with outlet openings in the sealing surface on the bottom of the pump holding plate for each metering pump and that by the relative displacement of the pump holding plate and the metering channel plate with respect to one another, the outlet openings of the bypass channel can be moved into a position in which the bypass channel connects the respective metering channel to the respective supply channel in the metering channel plate.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing liquid detergent in dishwashers is provided in which the detergent is fed into the wash area of the dishwasher only after the second actuation of the actuating member. This is achieved by providing: a barrier on the discharge side for the detergent in the operating position, which barrier is sequenced to follow a supply chamber. A return opening is provided to return the retained detergent in the fill position.

Abstract: A windshield washing fluid dispenser is described for selectively filling a vehicle windshield washer reservoir. A base housing supports a windshield washing fluid tower which is at least partially transparent to visually display windshield washing fluid therein. A bulk windshield washing fluid container is situated within the base housing. A fluid pump assembly has an intake line received within the fluid container and a discharge line that extends to openly communicate with the display tower. The pump assembly is operable to at least partially fill the display tower to a selected level such that the windshield washing fluid is visible through the windshield washing fluid display tower. A filler hose leads from the display tower to a discharge end, the hose being of sufficient length to extend from the windshield washer fluid display tower to the vehicle windshield washer reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for the preparation of homogeneous mixtures from liquid components which may have different viscosities, which comprises a dynamic saturation/blending loop (14), having a small volume, in the feed line (12) feeding a bottle-filling machine, between a feeding pump (10) of the latter and the bottle-filling machine, in which loop the saturation/blending mixture, having a reduced volume, circulates continuously. The apparatus comprises a pump (20), said pump ensuring a minimum flow rate which is higher than the flow rate of the bottle-filling machine, and ensuring the circulation of the mixture in said dynamic loop (14), a storing loop (9), and a separator (27), which ensures the delivery of the homogeneous mixture toward the feed line (12) for feeding the bottle-filling machine.

Abstract: A modular applicator for dispensing liquid including a plurality of manifold segments, a plurality of removable pumps, and a drive motor coupled to each pump. The manifold segments are coupled in side-by-side relation and each includes a liquid supply passage and a liquid discharge passage. Each pump includes an inlet communicating with the liquid supply passage, an outlet communicating with the liquid discharge passage and a pumping mechanism for pumping the liquid from the inlet to the outlet. The drive motor is coupled to each pump to simultaneously operate each pumping mechanism and dispense the liquid from a plurality of dispensing modules coupled with each manifold segment. The dispensing modules are recirculating modules which direct the liquid back into the corresponding manifold segment when they are in closed positions.

Abstract: A medium dispensing apparatus, a stirring and heat-retaining apparatus, and a dispensing method are provided which enable a medium to be surely supplied at an adequate temperature while variation of the dispensation amount of the medium, liquid dripping which produces air bubbles, and pulsated ejection are prevented from occurring, and local gelation of the medium and contamination due to various kinds of bacteria are prevented from occurring.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for removing a slurry having shear-thinning visco-plastic rheological properties from a reservoir containing a body of the slurry of such high viscosity that removal is impractical by conventional means, such as gravity flow or suction. The method comprises creating a flow of shear-thinned slurry in a submerged region of the body of slurry to entrain adjacent slurry of high viscosity, and then transferring some of the reduced viscosity slurry from the reservoir.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system for maintaining the freshness of a beverage, while allowing a delivery of the beverage to customers at a visually appealing, remote dispensing station. A quantity of the beverage is maintained within a beverage tank housed within an enclosure that may be maintained at a preferred temperature or temperature range. The contents of the beverage container are delivered to a remote dispensing station, by a dispensing pump and dispensing conduit connected between a flow valve on the beverage tank and the dispensing station.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a base substance and a booster substance in a user selectable ratio includes a dispenser head having a pair of spaced apart outlet ports, a first cartridge containing the base substance which is removably coupled onto the dispenser head and a second cartridge containing the booster substance which is removably coupled onto the dispenser head. Each of the first and second cartridges include a collapsible plastic liner which is mounted onto a supporting frame, the supporting frame of each cartridge having a uniquely shaped flange. A first pump assembly is disposed within the dispenser head and serves to draw a fixed amount of the base substance from the first cartridge and dispense the fixed amount of base substance out one of the outlet ports upon depression of a trigger which is slidably disposed in the dispenser head.

Abstract: A water system for a beverage dispenser connected to a conventional water source. The water system includes a water tank with a volume of water and a volume of air. The water tank is connected to the conventional water source. A pump is connected to water tank so as to provide the water to the beverage dispenser.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dosing apparatus with a container having a charging hole for a refill bag with a liquid in the top part, and an outlet in the bottom part. An opening device for the refill bag is fitted above the outlet. A connector leads from the outlet to a downstream pump. A chamber with a level sensor is arranged underneath the reservoir. The reservoir and the chamber are configured so as to be liquid tight, for supplying the liquid without a refill bag. A dosing pump is integrated within the dosing apparatus. A dosing conduit leads from the pump to a point of usage outside the dosing apparatus, and a return conduit leads to the integrated container.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tapping head with a cylinder cavity in which a plunger is arranged. The plunger is capable of moving up and down and is biased or loadable by a coil spring. The tapping head consists of a barrel connection housing connected with the cylinder cavity of the tapping head housing, a rising tube extending through the housing and the plunger and forming a channel for the beverage. The tapping head also has a slidingly arranged, sleeve-like tappet connected to the plunger and a connection for cleaning liquid. The connection for the cleaning liquid feeds into the tapping head housing in an annular gap between the rising tube and a tube surrounding the rising tube, and is connected there with the rising tube (rinsing position) or sealed by a seal (tapping position) depending on the position of the tappet. A transversely extending gas line is arranged in the plunger.

Abstract: A casing which provides a fluid and electrical interface between components of a fuel dispensing system. A column pipe which receives fuel pumped from an underground tank connects with a power head mounted in the casing. A check valve controls flow from the power head to a dispensing pipe leading to a fuel dispenser. A hand operated quick connect coupling connects the power head with the check valve housing to facilitate extraction of the power head, column pipe and pump. The check valve element can be removed along with a cover to the check valve housing. Leaking fuel and excessive fuel vapor are returned to the tank by valves. Fuel from the check valve housing used to operate a siphon system is returned to the tank along with fuel needed to relieve excessive pressure in the check valve housing. A junction box in the casing houses electrical wiring and is equipped with a safety barrier plug that accommodates a signal wire from a pressure transducer used to control the fuel flow to the dispenser.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and a method of economically dispensing hot beverages at precise temperature ranges in a continuous manner suitable for large-scale high-volume usage. An on-demand heater is used to heat water to a preset temperature range. The hot water is circulated to a dispensing head and recirculated back to the heater by a recirculation pump to provide a continuous flow of hot water. A supply of beverage concentrate is flowed into the dispensing head by a peristaltic pump. Upon activation of a button, the hot water is flowed into a nozzle of the dispensing head to create a vortex-like flow. The beverage concentrate is injected into the vortex-like flow and mixed with the hot water to form the hot beverage which is dispensed from the dispensing head.

Abstract: A system (21) for monitoring the quantity of air in a liquid-state fuel stream discharged from a dispenser (20). The dispenser includes a pump (26) that draws the fuel from a storage tank (22). The fuel stream discharged from the pump is applied to an air separator (38) in which the air and vapor-state fluids are removed from the fuel stream. The gas-removed fuel stream is allowed to flow to nozzle (44) for dispensing. The gas stream created by the air separator is flowed to an air elimination chamber (41). The fuel in the gas stream separates from the air in the air elimination chamber and is returned to an input side of the pump. The air in the air elimination chamber is vented through a fixed opening to the ambient environment. The monitoring system (21) includes a transducer (48) that monitors the rate of air flow through the air elimination chamber. This monitoring may be performed by monitoring the air pressure in the chamber upstream of an orifice through which the air is vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: Briefly, this invention uses one or more pressure vessels having installed therein on its inside a balloon of flexible and non-expandable wall to smoothly and continuously deliver a chemical to any end user without contamination and gas dissolution. Since the balloon installed inside the pressure vessel isolates a high pressure gas from the chemicals, gas dissolution in the chemical and the resulted gas bubble problems are effectively eliminated. Further, contaminants in the high pressure gas which fills the balloon will not be transferred into the chemical and the extremely toxic chemical will not be transferred into the gas to be exhausted as a serious environmental issue. Unlike the vacuum/pressure system, the contamination by the ambient air leaking into the system is avoided because the disclosed delivery system is always with the pressure higher or equal to the ambient pressure.

Abstract: An agricultural material metering system includes a metering member, a hydraulically driven actuator, a pump, a rotatable ground driven member, a variable drive control and an actuator coupled to the variable drive control. The metering member is configured to meter agricultural material upon being driven. The hydraulically driven actuator is coupled to the metering member to drive the metering member. The variable drive control is coupled between an inlet of the pump and the metering member and is configured for actuation between a first position in which the hydraulically driven actuator drives the metering member at a first rate and a second position in which the hydraulically driven actuator drives the metering member at a second rate. The rotatable ground driven member is coupled to the pump and drives the pump when rotating. The pump is coupled to the hydraulically driven actuator and displaces fluid upon being driven to drive the hydraulically driven actuator.

Abstract: A storage chamber within a paint dispensing reservoir tank is maintained led with paint from a refill paint source during recirculation of such paint through a paint cleansing filter within the chamber for supply of filter cleansed paint to a paint dispensing outlet under control of a metering system involving use of a valve controlled air-powered pump and flow metering regulating cylinders.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container 1 for receiving and distributing liquids, which are employed in the development of photographic images. The container 1 comprises a liquid duct 2, which extending from a point in the vicinity of the floor of the container, extends to a connection member 3, arranged in the top region of the container, for receiving a connection means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for blending and dispensing fluids with multi-directional selector valves, a single meter, and a mechanism for purging the dispenser. The single multi-directional selector valve and single meter is used for reducing the number of leakage points in a dispenser, to simplify the dispenser, and to reduce the production cost of the dispenser. Purging is used for decontaminating the fluid dispenser of fluids previously used by the dispenser and to ensure proper fluid grade.

Abstract: A pump system for delivering a polymer melt adhesive to an applicator includes the components: a body having mounted thereon a hopper containing a molten polymer, a dual stream pump mounted on the body for receiving a melt from the hopper and discharging dual streams, a first flow course formed in the body interconnecting one pump stream with an outlet from the body, a flow meter for sensing the flow through the first course, and a second flow course interconnecting the other pump stream to a second outlet from the body. A pressure relief valve disposed in the first and second flow courses is activated in response to a predetermined pressure in each course due to downstream failure and diverts the flow therein from the body outlet to the hopper. Diversion of the flow to the hopper changes the flow rate through the flow meter which automatically activates controls to shutdown the system or activate an alarm.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing module for alternately dispensing and recirculating liquid including a module body having a valve stem mounted for reciprocating movement within a main passage of the body. The valve stem includes first and second valve members for respectively engaging first and second valve seats in the main passage. A recirculation passage communicates with the main passage. When the valve stem is in a dispensing position, liquid is prevented from flowing into the recirculation passage and instead flows out of one end of the module. However, when the valve stem is in a recirculation position, liquid is prevented from flowing out of the module and instead enters the recirculation passage where it may flow back to a main pump or supply in a recirculation loop. Apparatus and methods incorporating the liquid dispensing module are further described and encompass similar concepts.

Abstract: Photographic sheet material is processed using a processing cell through which the sheet material passes. Process liquid is fed from a collapsible storage container to the cell and returned from the cell to the container. The returning liquid is caused to enter the container as a jet stream. A cap assembly for the container comprises a body releasably connected to an upwardly facing mouth of the container. Inlet and outlet passages pass through the body and the inlet passage opening into the container is provided with a cross-sectional area smaller than that of the outlet passage to enable the jet stream to be achieved. Mixing of the returning process liquid in the container in a simple and economical manner is possible without compromising the ability of the container to collapse.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a storage and metering system for delivery of a supersaturated feed supplement to a feed processing facility including a tank assembly for storing the supersaturated feed supplement; a recirculation and discharge system connected to the storage assembly to maintain the supersaturated feed supplement at an elevated temperature during recirculation and discharge; and a controller assembly for monitoring and controlling the supersaturated feed supplement being recirculated and discharged. The present invention also includes a method of storing, metering, and recirculating a supersaturated feed supplement.

Abstract: A method and system for maintaining a uniform volume of powder in a powder feeder provided. The system includes a supply hopper that is spared from a powder feeder. The powder includes a receiving opening and a discharge opening. A rotatable brush is in communication with the supply hopper for causing powder withdrawn from the supply hopper to be transported to the powder feeder and disposed uniformly across the receiving opening of the powder feeder. The brush is immersed within the powder and extends across the receiving opening of the powder feeder, and maintains a filled level powder feeder.

Abstract: A manually operable fluid dispensing system having a fluid dispenser connected to a fluid source by flexible tubing. The dispensing system provides a supply fluid path from the source of fluid to the dispenser and a recirculation fluid path from the dispenser to the source of fluid. A dispenser mount is rigidly attached to a support surface for releasably holding the dispenser, and the dispenser mount supports the dispenser in a fixed position for dispensing fluid therefrom. In addition, the dispenser can be removed from the mount for dispensing fluid at a remote location. A manually operable trigger is pivotally connected to the dispensing valve and has a quiescent position which closes the dispensing valve. When in the quiescent position, a trigger handle extends over an exterior portion of the dispenser body in a generally forward direction toward the dispensing outlet and forms an included angle with the dispenser body.

Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus and methods for dispensing pressurized liquid including the use of a pressure relief and bypass valve. The liquid dispensing apparatus may include a pump operatively connected to a liquid reservoir and one or more liquid dispensers. A pressure relief and bypass valve is generally connected between an outlet of the pump and the liquid dispenser for providing both a pressure relief function and a bypass cleaning or flushing function. The bypass function helps prevent contaminants from lodging or accumulating within the valve.

Abstract: A container system for high purity fluids includes an outer container having a mouth and a coupling member for insertion into the mouth. The coupling member defines a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage. The first fluid passage terminates within the outer container at a first location while the second fluid passage terminates within the outer container at a second location. The second fluid passage comprises at least one fluid channel circumferentially extending along the first fluid passage so that high purity fluids may be drawn out of the outer container through the first fluid passage and filled into the outer container through the second fluid passage.

Abstract: A tank pressurization system is provided for delivering pressurized air from a pneumatic distribution system to a product tank in an air seeder. The tank pressurization system has a meter housing which has an air inlet in fluid communication with the pneumatic distribution system and an air outlet in fluid communication with the product tank. The meter housing has an air passage connecting the air inlet to the air outlet, providing fluid communication between the pneumatic distribution system and the product tank. A meter is rotatably mounted in the meter housing. Also, a tank pressurization system has a venturi port in a primary distribution manifold of the pneumatic distribution system, the venturi port having a standard airstream and a venturi for encouraging product from the product tank to enter the pneumatic distribution system at the venturi.

Abstract: An aqueous, non-settling, universal pearlescent, or nacreous pigment dispersion is provided for use in dispensing machines for the custom mixing in retail stores and trade sales of alkyd or solvent-thinned and water-based surface coatings. The non-settling pearlescent pigment dispersion employs a synthetic silicate, sodium lithium magnesium silicate, as the suspending agent. Also disclosed are methods for preparing the dispersion which incorporates one or more carriers, humectants, surfactants and other optional conventional additives.

Abstract: A dispensing system (20) for drawing fuel from a storage tank (22) to a nozzle (44). The system includes an above-tank suction pump (26) which draws fuel from the tank. The fuel is discharged from the suction pump into a vertically aligned air separator (38) so as to produce a fuel stream that is substantially free of air. The fuel stream is discharged from the air separator to a flow meter (30) and the nozzle through a fuel shutoff valve (46). The open/closed state of the fuel shutoff valve is controlled by a control actuator (48) based on the differential processor across the air separator. Should this differential pressure drop below a given level, the fuel shutoff valve is closed to prevent the system from inadvertently supply a fuel stream with an unacceptably high air content. Gaseous fluid removed by the air separator is supplied to an air eliminator (40). The fuel components of this fluid stream are removed in the air eliminator and returned to the suction pump.

Abstract: A dispenser (20), including a plunger (24) and cylinder (26) connected to a dispenser body (28), a flow control valve (54) is rotatably mounted in the dispenser body (28) and has a valve fluid path (92, 106, 108) connected between the cylinder (26) and a control valve outlet (109). Advancing the plunger (24) when the valve (54) is in a first, recirculate position pushes liquid from the cylinder (26), through a return path (112) and back into the bottle (22). Advancing the plunger (24) when the flow control valve (54) is in a second, dispense position delivers liquid from the cylinder (26) out through a dispensing orifice (120).

Abstract: A system for storing, circulating and dispensing a liquid compound is disclosed. The system comprises a vessel having an open top end and a closed bottom end, with the compound being disposed within the vessel. A movable ceiling member is positioned within the vessel, with the movable ceiling member forming a first chamber and a second chamber within the vessel, and wherein the compound is located within the first chamber and the second chamber is exposed to the atmosphere. A lifting member is provided for lifting the movable ceiling member from the vessel is also included. The system may further comprise a circulation conduit operatively attached to the movable ceiling, a drain conduit operatively associated with the bottom end of the vessel, and a pump member adapted for pumping the compound from the first chamber to the circulation conduit so that the compound is circulated within the vessel. A method of storing, circulating and dispensing a fluid compound is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for applying pressurized anhydrous ammonia to soil. The system includes a tank for containing the pressurized anhydrous ammonia. An anhydrous ammonia meter is in fluid communication with the tank for dispersing controlled amounts of the anhydrous ammonia. A pressurization unit is also in fluid communication with the tank. The pressurization unit defines a pressurization chamber through which anhydrous ammonia from the tank is circulated. A heating system cooperates with the pressurization unit to heat the anhydrous ammonia within the pressurization chamber. The heated anhydrous ammonia is returned from the pressurization chamber to the tank. By adding the heated anhydrous ammonia to the tank, the pressure within the tank is stabilized or even slightly increased.

Abstract: A container is configured by: a container body having an opening; a plate member which is made of a deformable material and which has a cutaway portion disposed for the opening; and a nozzle formed on the container body. A plate member is attached to the nozzle. The nozzle has a nozzle hole communicated with the cutaway portion. The plate member has an engagement cancellation portion where the plate member can be disengaged from the nozzle in a direction which is directed not to the nozzle but to the container body. In the container, even when an abnormal state of a certain extent occurs, such as when the container body falls, a liquid in the container does not leak out and a liquid which has not been completely ejected and remains in a midway portion can be automatically returned into the container body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a predetermined quantity of a liquid from a dispensing pump. A recirculation path from the dispensing pump to a bulk reservoir is configured to be substantially identical to the dispensing path itself. Periodically, a recirculation cycle is undertaken and the flow rate during the recirculation cycle is determined. With the recirculation and dispensing paths being identical, the dispensing rate for the dispensing path is then known. The method for accurately determining the recirculation rate is derived from Boyle's law to determine the specific volume dispensed in a specific recirculation cycle time.

Abstract: An electrically powered pumping system for extracting liquid from a deep container includes an electric motor having a rotor with a drive shaft connected thereto. A centrifugal pump has a driven shaft, and a shaft extension is coupled at one end to the drive shaft of the electric motor and at an opposite end to the driven shaft of the pump. An elongate support member has a first end for receiving the electric motor and a second end for connection to the centrifugal pump. The support member has a central passageway extending from the first and second ends for passage therethrough of the shaft extensions, and a plurality of spaced bearing members are provided in the support member for rotatably supporting the shaft extension therein.

Abstract: It is known to supply processing chemicals for photographic processing apparatus in chemical supply cartridges. These cartridges may include ion-exchange resins for cleaning wash solutions therein before they are delivered to the processing apparatus. However, efficient use of such resins is not always made. Described herein is a method and apparatus which improves the efficiency of use of ion-exchange resins in the wash solution compartment of a chemical supply cartridge.

Abstract: A juice beverage dispenser employs a fixed ratio pump interposed between a source of juice concentrate and a source of water. The water drives the pump such that the water and juice concentrate outputs from the pump are presented in a fixed ratio independent of water pressure or juice concentrate viscosity. The outputs from the pump are passed to a check valve/premixer which blends the water and juice concentrate into a premixed blend for passage to a final mixer. A bypass line interconnects the source of water and the final mixer and has therein a metering valve with an adjustable orifice. By adjusting the orifice of the metering valve, the final ratio of juice concentrate and water in the final juice beverage may be established.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous action toy water gun for spraying liquid material. It includes a main housing having an operation cylinder, a liquid chamber and a handle. It also includes a pumping element which is within the operation cylinder and has a valve seat, a one-way valve and a pumping rod, which permits liquid material to pass therethrough in a relative direction toward a spray nozzle, but not toward the liquid chamber. There is a relief valve having a seat with an opening therethrough and a relief passage to bleed liquid back to a dip tube extending into a water bomb and which cooperates with the pumping element. There is also a moving means for moving the pumping element.

Abstract: The present invention is a continuous action trigger sprayer for spraying liquid material. It includes a main housing having connectors to a container and having an operation cylinder and a liquid chamber. It also includes a pumping element which is within the operation cylinder and has a valve seat, a one-way valve and a pumping rod, which permits liquid material to pass therethrough in a relative direction toward a spray nozzle, but not toward the liquid chamber. There is a relief valve having a seat with an opening therethrough and a relief passage to bleed liquid back to the container and which cooperates with the pumping element. There is also a trigger which moves the pumping element.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a fluid reservoir comprising a flexible bag-like enclosure. The fluid reservoir includes a discharge valve connected to a fluid output for dispensing fluid from said fluid reservoir. An electronic controller selectively opens and closes the discharge valve to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid from said fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir is flexible so that it expands and contracts to maintain the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir constant. In an alternate embodiment, the fluid reservoir has a rigid wall and is provided with an external bladder which expands and contracts to maintain the internal pressure of the fluid reservoir constant. The fluid dispensing apparatus can be configured either as a volumetric filler or as a time pressure filler.

Abstract: A cartridge for receiving a photographic processing chemical comprises a main body formed with an outlet by way of which the chemical may be introduced into or removed from the cartridge. The main body also has a connection for a venting arrangement which provides communication between the interior of the main body of the cartridge and atmosphere when the cartridge is in use. The connection for the venting arrangement is located adjacent, and faces in the same direction as, the outlet in the main body so that in a single "plug-in" operation the cartridge can be located upon a processing apparatus to establish connections for the supply and return of the processing chemical and a connection with a venting arrangement provided on the processing apparatus.

Abstract: A powder coating apparatus and method are provided for feeding fine powdered coating material such as thermoplastic type material to a succession of discrete articles passing by the apparatus. The invention also provides a powder feed system that deposits an excess of powdered coating material than that required to form the coating and provides for recirculation of the powder not ultimately used to form the coating back to the powder feeding apparatus.

Abstract: A fluid applicator having a multi-zone noncontacting die set for dispensing a selected plurality of thin flat fiberized adhesive streams as uniform rectangular strips of adhesive on a substrate. The die set uses shims to establish the fiberizing air slot, and the adhesive dispensing and fiberizing air shims have tapered tabs to provide improved coating edge control. The fiberizing air die also has simplified fiberizing air flow, and the die set includes a mechanism for clamping the die set together which is especially suited for a multi-zone die set. The fluid applicator includes a manifold heater with a simplified and improved air flow, and a universal adhesive manifold.

Abstract: An apparatus for the transportation and slurrying of cuttings from an oil well or drilling rig is taught comprising a vessel and a vertical shaft type centrifugal pump located below the vessel. Paddles or similar blades are mounted on the shaft to agitate the slurry during pumping. Means for recirculating part of the exiting slurry through a control valve and into the top of the vessel are included.

Abstract: Apparatus for transferring liquid from a first tank to a second tank having supply line coupled to the first tank, a fill line connected to the second tank, a return line leading to the first tank or a sump, a pump for causing liquid to flow from the supply line to the fill line when the apparatus is in a fill mode, from the fill line to the return line when the apparatus is in a purge mode, and a programmable control for placing the apparatus in a purge mode in response to any one of the following signals, a signal indicating that the fill line is not properly attached to the second tank, a signal indicating that the liquid in the second tank has reached a given level, and a signal that the volume of liquid delivered by the pump is that which will fill the second tank to the given level. The programmable control detects leaks and checks whether the rate at which the pump delivers liquid is within a given range.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system generally includes a liquid pump connected to a source of pressure and an outlet tube. A first valve regulates the flow of pressurized air or gas between the source of pressure and the liquid pump. The first valve also regulates air or gas from the liquid pump to the atmosphere. A second valve may regulate the flow of liquid from the liquid pump through the outlet tube. A controller manipulates the first valve to create a pressure head in the liquid pump and then manipulates the second valve to dispense liquid. When dispensing is complete, the controller closes the second valve and manipulates the first valve to exhaust the pressure head from the liquid pump. An agitator resides in the liquid inside of the liquid pump. The agitator has a housing having a chamber for accepting an increased portion of the liquid in response to the creating of the pressure head and for rejecting such increased portion of the liquid from the chamber in response to the exhaustion of the pressure head.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an accurate volume of fluid from a supply vessel to a process vessel or system in which a computer-controlled servo motor and pump are connected with a modified sampling valve with plunger-type injection device to allow complete addition of all metered fluids. The apparatus is particularly useful for addition of pH or viscosity control additives or shading colorants wherein the delivery of small volumes with precision is desired.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for dispensing a fluid from a source to at least one delivery station. The system selectively establishes a fluid flow in a first flow direction or a second flow direction and comprises a first supply line having a first first end and a second first end, the first first end being coupled with the source of the fluid. The system further comprises a second supply line having a second first end and a second second end, the at least one delivery station being coupled to the second supply line between the second first end and the second second end. The system further comprises a return line having a third first end and a third second end, the third first end being coupled to the source of the fluid. The system still further comprises a reversing valve for selectively establishing fluid flow in the first flow direction or the second flow direction.