Abstract: A dispenser comprising, a container having a chamber for retaining a flowable material, and a nozzle defining an outlet orifice. The dispenser has a device for pumping the material through the orifice. The dispenser has a first flowable material of a first regular color arranged in the chamber to be pumped first through the orifice. The dispenser also has a second flowable material of a second color which contrasts with the first color arranged in the chamber to be pumped last through the orifice when the chamber is nearly empty of the material.

Abstract: A fractional flow indicator system by which flow in a fluid dispensing conduit is visually indicated using an improved fractional flow diverting element which utilizes a venturi effect rather than a check valve to create a fractional flow pressure differential to induce a fractional fluid flow through a flow indicator. The flow diverting element of the present invention has no moving parts, is easy and relatively inexpensive to manufacture, and does not restrict or reduce the pressure of the main fluid stream flowing therethrough. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the flow diverting element is constructed from standard elbow components and a short length of copper tubing. The flow indicator system further includes an improved flow indicator having a compact construction with few working parts, which is easy to manufacture, less expensive to produce, and which provides a longer service life than conventional indicators.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.

Abstract: A soft drink dispenser is provided with an electrical circuit path defined between the syrup and soda streams and the cup receiving the drink. By interrupting the path and then reestablishing it, the level of the reservoir of beverage within the cup can be instantaneously determined and the volume of beverage to then be dispensed to achieve a full measure of beverage within the cup, without overflow, can be attained.

Abstract: A trough surrounding the base of a machine for trapping the spilled chemical and draining it into a pit in which a pump is located that is automatically engaged to pump the spilled chemical into a closed holding tank. A vapor detecting device will, upon the detection of toxic vapors, automatically turn on a ventilation system that will remove vapors from the area of the trough and from an optional isolation tent surrounding the machine and force the vapors through a filter having a bed of charcoal for absorbing the toxic vapors from the air. The filtered air is then vented to the atmosphere. A splash curtain is also used to direct the spilled chemicals into the trough. A substantial portion of the apparatus may be molded as a single unit or as separate sections that may be readily assembled and fixed into a unit at the installation site.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for collecting in seal containers the gasoline that leaks or spills from service station dispensers or submersible pumps help to reduce the pollution associated with such equipment. The apparatus and the method also provide for returning the collected gasoline to the storage tanks via existing vapor recovery systems.

Abstract: A water conductivity sensing and indicating system arranged for association with a water faucet and maintainable water processing apparatus includes apparatus for indicating whether the water conductivity exceeds or is less than some predetermined conductivity level. It also includes apparatus in the form of one or both of a flow actuated switch and a liquid crystal display for limiting battery power consumption to the end that minimum sized batteries need not be replaced oftener than the processing unit need be maintained.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a switch for driving a pump in response to moving of a fuel supplying nozzle from a waiting position, a circuit for driving the pump and carrying out a fuel supplying operation until a desired quantity or price of fuel is reached, a circuit for driving the pump for a predetermined short time after completion of the fuel supplying operation, and a circuit for comparing a measured flow rate which is measured in the flowmeter and a predetermined flow rate when the pump is driven for the predetermined short time, and for prohibiting the pump from being driven in a subsequent fuel supplying operation when the measured flow rate is greater than the predetermined flow rate, even when the switch operates.

Abstract: A fuel supplying apparatus comprises a switch for driving a pump in response to unhooking of a fuel supplying nozzle from an accommodating part, a circuit for driving the pump and carrying out a fuel supplying operation until a preset fuel supplying quantity or a preset amount of money is reached, where the preset fuel supplying quantity and the preset amount of money are preset before the preset fuel supplying operation is started, a circuit for driving the pump for a predetermined short time in response to accommodation of the fuel supplying nozzle in the accommodating part after completion of the preset fuel supplying operation, and a circuit for comparing a measured flow rate which is measured in the flowmeter and a predetermined flow rate when the pump is driven for the predetermined short time, and for prohibiting the pump from being driven in response to the unhooking of the fuel supplying nozzle from the accommodating part when the measured flow rate is greater than the predetermined flow rate, even w

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for sensing an out-of-syrup condition in association with a machine for dispensing a beverage and in which the beverage is constituted of a syrup concentrate and water. The sensor comprises a housing having a through passage and a transverse hole which receives a cap for supporting a probe that extends partially into the through passage. The probe is preferably disposed vertically and operates on a gravity principle so that when the syrup is depleted, a gap forms and the syrup liquid essentially breaks away from the probe causing a high resistance indication that is detected.

Abstract: Proportioning dispenser for powdered products consisting of a main body delimitating a first, filling chamber and a second, discharge chamber. The body supports a feed hopper, a proportioner operable to move between the two chambers, and a dispenser located beneath the discharge chamber. The dispenser comprises a cup movable from a loading position under the discharge chamber to a position of automatic discharge. A preferred embodiment involving the filling of explosive cartridges is described.

Abstract: A ticket dispensing machine includes a stack support, posts and guide and the lowest ticket from the stack is moved by a striker plate actuated by a solenoid towards a pair of rollers the lower one being driven by motor which takes up the dispensing action. A nozzle with a fluid sensor detects passage of fluid e.g., beer and actuates the ticket dispensing operation after a predetermined period corresponding to a given volume of fluid discharge.

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

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the quantity of flowable particulate material passing through a conduit; the apparatus including a mounting portion, a flowable material contacting portion, a sensing portion, a circuitry portion and a quantity determining portion; the mounting portion including a support bracket, a transversely disposed bulkhead section affixed to the bracket adjacent the entry end of the apparatus; the flowable material contacting portion including a baffle extending from the bracket adjacent the entry end of the apparatus, the baffle having one end pivotally connected to the bracket, the baffle being pivotable away from the entry end of the apparatus; the sensing portion including mechanically actuatable voltage varying mechanism, the voltage varying mechanism being mounted on the bracket adjacent the pivotal connection of the baffle with the bracket, the voltage varying mechanism being operatively connected to the baffle; the circuitry portion including a converter converting voltage values into pe

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting occlusions in a parenteral administration system of a type having a peristaltic pump for pumping a fluid through a feeding tube to a patient. A pressure transducer measures the cyclicly varying pressure of the fluid in the feeding tube and produces a corresponding pressure signal, and a comparator compares the pressure signal to a selected one of several thresholds, depending on the current stage of the pumping cycle. An occlusion alarm is actuated whenever the selected threshold is exceeded.

Abstract: A device is provided for recording the dispensing of a predetermined measure of a conductive fluid, e.g. water, alcoholic beverage, etc., from a container outlet. The device comprises an electrical signal generator for generating an electrical signal, e.g. a DC battery, and an electrical counting means disposed to receive this electrical signal. An electrical circuit is disposed to conduct the electrical signal from the generator to the counting means. The electrical circuit includes a switch means which is responsive to the contacting of the fluid from the outlet across a pair of electrical conductors within the outlet. When the fluid flows across the electrical conductors the electrical signal is transmitted to the counting means to record the dispensing of the predetermined measure of fluid.

Abstract: This invention provides a fluid flow meter including an elongated tube and an element adapted for connection to a fluid line, the elongated tube including one or more orifice openings of predetermined area, and indicia correlated with the area of the orifice opening for providing a reading of fluid flow dependent upon the level to which fluid rises in the elongated tube.In one embodiment the tube includes a plurality of scales for indicating different ranges of flow rates, and an orifice opening corresponding to each of said scales, said orifice openings being of different areas and selectively openable so that said scales can individually be made to show fluid flow rates.

Abstract: A pumping system for delivering unstable fluids under pressure, comprising a pair of alternately operated single-acting pumps operated by a double-acting air motor. The air motor is controlled by a reversible spool valve and mechanically operated air pilot valves. The single-acting pumps deliver and contain relatively small quantities of the unstable fluid to a positive flow metering system for connection to an outlet to spray guns or other equipment using the fluid. The metering system includes a metering valve, a flow meter and a bypass valve for removing trapped air and presetting flow.

Abstract: A tank suitable for holding a lubricant is provided with a dipstick. A sleeve which is mounted on the tank and adapted to support the dipstick is interconnected with the output duct of the tank by means of a further duct. The arrangement is such that if the dipstick is incorrectly located in the sleeve, air is permitted to flow through the further duct into the output duct so that the pressure of the lubricant in the output duct is reduced. This pressure reduction consequently provides an indication of incorrect dipstick location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for metering fluids that are parenterally administered to a patient. The fluid metering device consists of a plastic housing having a primary fluid channel formed therein that is in fluid communication with a fluid source. A secondary fluid channel is also formed in the housing and is connected at one end to the primary fluid channel so as to be in fluid communication therewith. Fluid flows through the primary fluid channel and through a fixed resistor that is in series with the primary fluid channel. The fluid then flows through a drip tube in series with the fixed resistor. From the drip tube, the fluid is collected in a drip chamber. The secondary fluid channel is vented into the drip chamber so that the pressure at the open end of the stationary fluid channel will be the same as the pressure in the drip chamber. Thus, the fixed resistor will cause the fluid to back up, entering the secondary fluid channel.

Abstract: A flow indicator for a positive displacement pump is connected to a liquid supply reservoir below the liquid level in the reservoir. The indicator has a first passage through which liquid is supplied from the reservoir to the inlet of the pump. The first passage has an inlet below the liquid level in the reservoir and an outlet coupled to a supply conduit in turn coupled to the pump inlet. A restrictor is positioned in the first passage adjacent the inlet to partially restrict fluid flow through the passage. A secondary passage is coupled in fluid communication with the first passage downstream from the restrictor. A transparent tube is coupled to the secondary passage and extends upwardly alongside the reservoir to a location above the liquid level in the reservoir. A float is slidably positioned in the transparent tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring the flow rate of liquid developer in a diazotype copy machine. The liquid developer is supplied from a supply source to a flowmeter provided with a metering device for dispensing the liquid developer from the flowmeter to a reservoir mounted on the flowmeter. A valve is associated with the reservoir and is actuable between a closed condition for retaining the liquid developer in the reservoir and an open condition for draining the liquid developer from the reservoir. An indicator is provided on the reservoir for measuring the flow rate, subsequent to actuation of the valve from the open to the closed condition, and provides an indication of the quantity of liquid developer received by the reservoir relative to a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system for applying a foam insulation material which automatically compensates for changes in temperature and flow rates so that an optimum blending of materials can be maintained to provide for the production of high quality insulation.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously measuring rates of flow of a liquid has two containers arranged serially in the liquid flow path and each associated with a self-levelling balance beam. Beam displacement is measured capacitively and used to alter current fed to a coil tending to maintain the beam level. The magnitudes of the currents necessary to maintain the beams level is a measure of the liquid level in the containers and is used to keep the liquid levels between pre-determined upper and lower values by controlling valves through which the liquid flows into the containers. The differentials of the currents with respect to time when the liquid levels are falling in both containers, are added. If the liquid level in the first container is rising, however, no differential is provided whereas the differential of the second container liquid level, when rising, is supplied to the adder but negatively. The adder provides an output which is a measure of the volume of liquid supplied by the apparatus.

Abstract: A flow meter for liquids comprising two tubes interconnected at their lower ends, one tube providing an inflow passage for liquid from a supply container and the second tube having an opening at its upper end. A thin orifice disc in sealing engagement with lower portions of the tubes has an orifice through which liquid flows, the rate of flow being governed by flow control means associated with a set incorporating the flow meter. The tubes are enclosed within a drip chamber having an outlet at its lower end. Indicia associated with the second tube mark the various flow rates. In another form of the device, a third tube adjacent the second tube and connected by their top portions with a passageway has a second orifice at its base and second indicia so that a flow meter with an extended flow rate capability is obtained. The flow meters provide greater accuracy in flow rates and the flow rates are only minimally affected by solutions of widely differing viscosities.

Abstract: A system for sorting mailing pieces is described in which pre-addressed labels are applied to mailing pieces and in which selected labels bearing indicia representative of a zip code group are selectively coated to identify them from labels not bearing such indicia. To distinguish coated labels from non-coated labels, each label is considered as having two or more portions, including a first coatable portion and a second reference portion. Only labels bearing zip code group indicia receive a coating on their coatable portions. Thereafter, each label is examined to detect the level of radiation, if any, emitted from its coatable and reference portions. If the level of radiation emitted from a coatable portion of a label exceeds the level of radiation emitted from its reference portion by at least a predetermined difference, such a label is identified as bearing indicia representative of a zip code group.

Abstract: A system for safely dispensing fluids, especially low stability fluids such as catalysts, comprises a pair of fluid operated pumps of very small volume alternately operable for drawing in individually small quantities of catalyst from an unpressurized, sanitary source of supply, and for then pressurizing and dispensing the catalyst in individually small increments; the two pumps operating alternately to provide a continuous pressurized discharge of catalyst despite the fact that only a small quantity is pressurized at any given time. Because only a small quantity of catalyst is under pressure, and the basic supply is not under pressure and is maintained in a sanitary condition, the potential for violent reaction of the low stability fluid is greatly reduced.

Abstract: A liquid pump and metering system for difficult-to-handle liquids where accurate metering and control is required. The system selectively meters the flow of liquids and employs a digital counting processor with at least one pulse deletion subsystem for correcting flow rate and total flow in accordance with environmental variables and equipment calibration requirement.

Abstract: A continuous mixing method and system for preparation of syrup employed as a starting material for continuously manufacturing plate products therefrom are disclosed. The syrup is prepared by a method in which at least one additive is incorporated into at least one master batch of methyl methacrylate or a monomer mixture of methyl methacrylate and a copolymerizable unsaturated compound or a syrup of a monomer-polymer mixture thereof and the flow of the resulting liquid mixture is continuously combined with the flow from another batch of a syrup of the monomer-polymer mixture in a proportion such that the master batch is less in amount than said other batch, and the combined flows are continuously blended with each other.