Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: In the method of optimizing the dosage-dispensing process of a dosage-dispensing device, an examination takes place prior to a first dosage delivery, whether at least one flow parameter relating to the dosage-dispensing process is stored in the memory module of the dosage-dispensing unit. If a stored flow parameter is found to be present, said flow parameter is called up from the memory module. If no store flow parameter is present, a flow parameter is requested by the user by entering a request, a flow parameter is called up from a central database, or at least one flow parameter is determined by means of the first run of the dosage-dispensing process based on a default setting of the dosage-dispensing program. With the at least one flow parameter, the dosage-dispensing program is directly adapted, at least one run of the dosage-dispensing process is performed with the adapted dosage-dispensing program, and/or the at least one flow parameter is stored in the memory module.

Abstract: A novel enhanced flow metering device is disclosed, as well as related methods, that safely controls and meters the flow of a flow material. A pump fills a flow metering device with a flow material, which then dispenses the flow material to a target. The flow material charges the device by moving into at least one chamber when an actuation shaft is in a charging position. Flow materials are dispensed from the chambers of the flow metering device when the actuation shaft is moved into at least one dispensing positions.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methodologies and apparatuses in which materials are dispensed in order to create a desired finished product. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion. The invention includes a plurality of storage containers may be positioned within (or eternal to) the machine or equipment in a way that allows the containers to be rotated on an axis such that the material inside each container is turned over on itself resulting in the material being thoroughly dispersed within itself. Additionally, the containers, connectors and hosing prevent the material to be dispensed from coming in contact with the air. This would prevent material inside the containers from drying.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system having a fluid dispenser supporting a barrel containing liquid to be dispensed. The barrel has a slidable piston therein with the liquid on a forward piston side and a chamber on a rear piston side. Positive and negative pressure fluid circuits have components operable to apply respective positive and negative fluid pressures to the rear side of the piston. A pressure transducer is operable to sense a fluid pressure in the chamber; and a dispenser control is operative to store a pressure-time relationship during an initial dispensing cycle and thereafter, operate a component in the positive pressure fluid circuit to maintain the pressure-time relationship during a subsequent dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A method of dispensing a pesticidal bait with an electrically powered dispensing device is provided. A fluid dispensing device and system provides the user the ability to deposit controlled and precise amounts of a substance in specific target areas with capacity to record and transfer the information for diverse user defined purposes. The substance dispensed by the device can easily be deposited into desired locations. Viewing of the dispensed material and its location is enhanced with the aid of a light source if there is not sufficient light available to see adequately.

Abstract: A material metering method which is executed by way of multistage metering including a memory in which a target metering time for the each stage of metering except for a first stage of metering is memorized, each of the target time including unstable metering time for drop amount of material whose drop amount per unit time after changed from prior stage of the metering is unstable; a metering time measuring unit for measuring an actual metering time at the each stage of metering; and a set value correction unit for correcting the supply mass switch value at each stage of the metering except for the first stage of metering based on the target metering time and the actual metering time after performing one batch metering, whereby the entire metering time for subsequent batch metering to be performed is more reduced than one batch metering performed.

Abstract: A viscous material noncontact jetting system has a jetting dispenser mounted for relative motion with respect to a surface. A control is operable to cause the jetting dispenser to jet a viscous material droplet that is applied to the surface as a viscous material dot. A device, such as a camera or weigh scale, is connected to the control and provides a feedback signal representing a size-related physical characteristic of the dot applied to the surface. The size-related physical characteristics of subsequently applied dots is controlled by heating and cooling, or adjusting a piston stroke in the jetting dispenser, in response to the size-related physical characteristic feedback. Dispensed material volume control and velocity offset compensation are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cartridge (1) for insertion into a receptacle of a motor vehicle handling facility having an interior chamber (2) which receives a liquid or pasty medium, an outlet (7), that can be opened so that the cartridge (1) can be used, and a data carrier (8) set up for touch-free electromagnetic signal transmission and positioned at a distance (5) to the interior chamber (2) of the cartridge (1) that is greater than a wall-thickness of the cartridge (1). Conventional cartridges of this kind are not sufficiently secure against confusion and resistant to outside influences.

Abstract: The technology described herein generally relates to systems for extracting polynucleotides from multiple samples, particularly from biological samples, and additionally to systems that subsequently amplify and detect the extracted polynucleotides. The technology more particularly relates to microfluidic systems that carry out PCR on multiple samples of nucleotides of interest within microfluidic channels, and detect those nucleotides. The technology still more particularly relates to automated devices for carrying out pipetting operations, particularly on samples in parallel, consistent with sample preparation and delivery of PCR-ready nucleotide extracts to a cartridge wherein PCR is run.

Abstract: A sample dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection from one vessel to another are provided wherein the remaining quantity of a primary sample can be reduced without disturbing the primary sample. When clogging by a separating agent is detected during suction of a sample such as blood and urine collected for inspection, the sample dispensing apparatus performs raising of an aliquot head such that an opening at the free end of a nozzle tip does not come out of the sample liquid surface to dissolve clogging; sucking of the sample under the residual pressure; and additionally sucking of a fixed quantity of the sample to reduce the remaining quantity of the sample.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing apparatus is provided which has a syringe for storing and dispensing a liquid, and a connector passage connected to the syringe. A positive pressure passage is connected to an air source for supplying positive pressure to the syringe, and there is a pressure valve located along the positive pressure passage that is operative to control the flow of air along the positive pressure passage. A vacuum passage is connected to a vacuum generator for supplying vacuum pressure to the syringe, and there is a vacuum valve located along the vacuum passage that is operative to control the flow of air along the vacuum passage. The positive pressure passage and vacuum passage are connected to the connector passage. A pressure sensor is also provided to measure the pressure in the connector passage.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system having a fluid dispenser supporting a barrel containing liquid to be dispensed. The barrel has a slidable piston therein with the liquid on a forward piston side and a chamber on a rear piston side. Positive and negative pressure fluid circuits have components operable to apply respective positive and negative fluid pressures to the rear side of the piston. A pressure transducer is operable to sense a fluid pressure in the chamber; and a dispenser control is operative to store a pressure-time relationship during an initial dispensing cycle and thereafter, operate a component in the positive pressure fluid circuit to maintain the pressure-time relationship during a subsequent dispensing cycle.

Abstract: A silo has more than one discharge passage, and each passage has the ability to increase or decrease its respective flow rates. The silo and each portion of the silo that feeds into each individual discharge passage can measure a feature of the solid being dispensed, such as its moisture content or its temperature. A computer controller is then used to take this feedback and adjust the rate of flow from each discharge passage so that the flows from each passage are kept the same despite the variation in moisture, temperature or any other characteristic of the flowing solid. A method to utilize this device is also taught.

Abstract: A material dispensing device and a method for the controlled delivery to an object of a material from a material storage container in which the material is kept at an operating pressure so as to provide a material flow are described. The material dispensing device further comprises a flow meter and a pressure control element for controlling the operating pressure at the material in the material storage container on the basis of the dispensed amount of material measured or determined by means of the flow meter. A number of material dispensing devices may be combined into a single material dispensing system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating for pressure increase which may occur in various enclosed spaces of a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may compensate for pressure increases in chambers of a pumping apparatus by moving a pumping means of the pumping apparatus to adjust the volume of the chamber to compensate for a pressure increase in the chamber. More specifically, in one embodiment, to account for unwanted pressure increases to the fluid in a dispense chamber the dispense motor may be reversed to back out piston to compensate for any pressure increase in the dispense chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods for compensating for pressure increase which may occur in various enclosed spaces of a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may compensate for pressure increases in chambers of a pumping apparatus by moving a pumping means of the pumping apparatus to adjust the volume of the chamber to compensate for a pressure increase in the chamber. More specifically, in one embodiment, to account for unwanted pressure increases to the fluid in a dispense chamber the dispense motor may be reversed to back out piston to compensate for any pressure increase in the dispense chamber.

Abstract: Relatively small, fixed-volumes of liquid are measured and dispensed from a bulk container by empirically determining the liquid surface height and opening a dispensing valve for a time period that is calculated using a volume of liquid specified to be dispensed and the empirically-determined liquid surface height. The liquid surface height in the container is determined empirically for subsequent volumes of liquid that are dispensed. Dispensing accuracy is maintained whether the container is full or nearly empty.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system having a fluid dispenser supporting a barrel containing liquid to be dispensed. The barrel has a slidable piston therein with the liquid on a forward piston side and a chamber on a rear piston side. Positive and negative pressure fluid circuits have components operable to apply respective positive and negative fluid pressures to the rear side of the piston. A pressure transducer is operable to sense a fluid pressure in the chamber; and a dispenser control is operative to store a pressure-time relationship during a first dispensing cycle and thereafter, operate a component in the positive pressure fluid circuit to maintain the pressure-time relationship during a subsequent dispensing cycle.

Abstract: Screw feeder (1) for transporting and/or metering pulverulent or granular material, having a rotatably mounted feeder screw (3) for the transport of material from a storage vessel (2) to a discharge opening (6), and having a variable-speed motor (4) for driving the feeder screw, characterized in that the speed is controlled by a programmable regulating device (7) which regulates the speed of the motor as a function of the respectively determined rotary position of the feeder screw within one full worm revolution.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in or otherwise associated with the vessel such that the quantity or amount of contents in the vessel can be measured or assessed. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer. Devices for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for the metered removal of bulk material from a bin, the apparatus having a top bulk-material-filling opening, bottom bulk-material-removal opening, and a rotor that is connected in a driven manner to at least one sweeping arm disposed inside the bin near the bin's rotationally symmetrical floor and directed towards the removal opening. In order to create an apparatus for the removal of bulk material from a bin in which the mass of the removed bulk material not only can be metered very precisely, but which is also of simple design and easy to maintain, provision is made whereby the sweeping arm is attached on the bottom side of a separating element connected in a driven manner to the rotor, and whereby a settling zone is provided below the separating element in front of the sweeping arm, this zone only being open on one side to the bulk material through a feed opening, and on the other side to the removal opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for minimizing pressure fluctuations within a pumping apparatus are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention may serve to reduce pressure variations within a fluid path of a pumping apparatus by avoiding closing a valve to create a closed or entrapped space in the fluid path and similarly, avoiding opening a valve between two entrapped spaces. More specifically, embodiments of the present invention may serve to operate a system of valves of the pumping apparatus according to a valve sequence configured to substantially minimize the time the fluid flow path through the pumping apparatus is closed (e.g. to an area external to the pumping apparatus).

Abstract: The invention concerns a process respectively an apparatus for filling a container with articles such as food, in particular meat, and a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles and is characterised by repeating the following steps: (A) a first portion of the articles is conveyed with a conveying means, in particular a conveyor belt, having a conveyor outlet and is discharged into a container at a lower conveying speed such that a first portion accumulates in the container at the first location closer to the conveyor outlet; and (B) thereafter, a second portion of the articles is conveyed by the conveying means and is discharged into a container at a higher conveying speed, such that the second portion accumulates in the container at the second location further away from the conveyor outlet; as well as a process respectively an apparatus for cooling articles using said process and said apparatus for filling; as well as the articles processed by said processes respectively said apparatus.

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

Abstract: An animal feeder includes at least one fodder bin, a fodder mixing device, a control module, a radio frequency identification (RFID) system and an audio frequency device. The fodder bin is provided for storing and outputting fodder. The fodder mixing device is provided for controlling the output of fodder in the fodder bin. The control module is provided for controlling the operation of the animal feeder. The radio frequency identification (RFID) system includes at least one electronic tag and at least one reader. The electronic tag is tagged onto animals. The reader is installed at the control module. The audio frequency device is provided for inputting and outputting an audio frequency. The aforementioned elements constitute an animal feeder that can provide fodders to a specific animal, issue a calling audio frequency, and controlling a fixed quantity of different fodders outputted at a fixed time.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus includes a feed device for a liquid or pasty medium, which supplies the medium at a given preliminary pressure. A pressure control valve communicates with the feed device, a dosing pump is fluidically connected to the pressure control valve, a driving motor that drives the dosing pump, a discharge valve discharges the medium as a volume flow modifiable over time. A control and regulation device feeds a control signal to the pressure control valve in accordance with a predefined setpoint volume flow value. A comparator of the control and regulation device compares the input and output pressure values, and a control unit modifies the control signal fed to the pressure control valve in order to drive the difference between the input and output pressure values to a given value.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for dispensing fluids, such as chemical concrete admixtures, using an air-operated pump and load cell for supporting and measuring at least substantially 100% of the weight of the pump and fluid dispensed through the pump. A double-action, dual piston design of the air-operated pump allows positive air pressure to be used during both fluid-filling and fluid-expelling phases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a coating plant for the coating of construction units with a coating medium, in particular a paint system for the lacquer finish of motor vehicle body parts, with a dosing pump, the coating medium supplied with a certain delivery (Fm) proportioned, and a pressure control valve arranged upstream before the dosing pump to adjust a coating medium pressure (p v) at the entrance of the dosing pump, as well as a control unit to adjust the pressure control valve a controlled variable of the pressure difference (?p) through the dosing pump independently of the delivery of the dosing pump and the changing viscosity of the lacquers to an essentially constant desired value (?pTARGET).

Abstract: The invention is directed to methodologies and apparatuses in which materials are dispensed in order to create a desired finished product. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion.

Abstract: A modular system, for delivering hot melt adhesive materials, comprises a modular metering assembly, having metering stations disposed therein, that is able to be attachably and detachably mounted upon a modular tank assembly. Alternatively, one or more of the metering stations may be disposed externally of the modular metering assembly, and alternatively still further, one or more additional modular metering assemblies may be attachably and detachably connected to the first modular metering assembly. Also disclosed is a closed-loop fluid pressure control system, for independently controlling the pressure of the hot melt adhesive material being conveyed to the metering devices, whereby the working pressures of the hot melt adhesive materials being conveyed to the metering devices can have different working pressures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for positioning a feeder needle, and to a production line for optical components, in which a feeder needle of an apparatus for portioning fluid material, preferably softened glass, in particular of a needle feeder, has its position relative to a seat for the feeder needle recorded by means of a force-measuring device, and to further apparatuses which realize this method and to objects produced by the process.

Abstract: A water dispensing device that is so small it fits on a kitchen countertop that provides very accurate measurements of water by using a pressure regulator on water coming in from a typical kitchen water faucet and then using a timer in order to better control the amount of fluid dispensed. In an alternative embodiment, the timer is eliminated and replaced with a flowmeter. The water dispensing device has an interactive panel to allow a user to input how much water to dispense, or to pre-set the device to dispense a specific amount of water at a specific time of day. It is contemplated that this system would be a convenient way to accurately dispense the exact amount of water to fill a particular user's favorite coffee mug, or to assist a small volume baker in quickly and accurately getting just the right of water for a baking recipe, where accuracy is critical.

Abstract: A holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) has individual positions or compartments for dosage units (102, 102?, 202, 302). Each of the dosage units has a supply receptacle (104, 104?, 204, 304) and a dispensing head (103, 103?, 203, 303) that are connected to each other. The holding rack (101, 201, 301, 401) is equipped with a means for active user guidance (105, 105?, 210, 305) which, in a process of dispensing measured substance quantities from the different dosage units into a receiving container (411), directs the user in taking out and returning the different dosage units that are seated in the holding rack.

Abstract: A water treatment apparatus programmable pass key comprising a data carrier programmed with one or more predetermined codes, each code relating to an operation in or of the water treatment apparatus.

Abstract: A method and a system for jetting droplets of viscous medium, such as solder paste, onto a substrate, such as an electronic circuit board. The volume of the droplets are adjusted by regulating the amount of viscous medium that is fed into a jetting nozzle for subsequent jetting of the viscous medium droplets therefrom. The exit velocity of the jetted droplets is adjusted or maintained substantially constant by regulating the velocity with which the viscous medium is impacted. Furthermore, the rate at which viscous medium is fed, for instance by a feed screw, into the nozzle is adjusted in order to regulate the feeding time required for feeding the viscous medium into the jetting nozzle, for instance in order to maintain a constant feeding time.

Abstract: A process comprises the phases of: activating a pusher, which exerts a push force on a plunger of a syringe containing the infusion liquid; measuring the push force by means of a load cell; comparing the push force with a maximum threshold; halting the pusher when the maximum threshold is exceeded; after a predetermined pause, restarting the pusher and emitting a consent signal indicating correct loading of the syringe if, within a certain time from the restart, the push force again exceeds the maximum threshold. The infusion device serves to inject an anticoagulant into an extracorporeal blood circuit. The control process guarantees against loss of infusion due to an incorrect initial loading of the syringe.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring the dispensing of a beverage from a dispensing apparatus into a container using a scale and other devices. Methods of the present invention may perform the following steps: measuring a scale time for the container on a scale, measuring a end weight for the container on the scale, and determining that a dispense event has occurred for the beverage based on whether a tilt condition of a dispensing apparatus occurred substantially within the scale time and based on whether the end weight of the beverage dispensed into the container approximates a serving based on point-of-sale information. In some embodiments the tilt condition is measured by a sensor device that does not contact the beverage being dispensed. Further embodiments may use pour time and the weight of the dispensing apparatus. The determined dispense event may determine the brand of the beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A system and apparatus for preparing bulk quantities of dry colorant or pigment for blending with mortar are described. The system mixes the three primary pigments of black, red and yellow to prepare a batch of the dry colorant having a particular color. The pigments or dry colorant are generally a powder of metal oxide crystals. The system includes pigment dispensers, wherein each pigment dispenser includes a tote that is in flowing communication with a slider valve. The slider valve is in flowing communication with a transition piece, and the transition piece is in flowing communication with a vibratory tray having an exit opening. A receptacle receives pigments from the exit opening of the vibratory trays. A control unit serially operates the vibratory trays to dispense the pigment from each tote. A scale measures the weight of the pigments in the receptacle. The scale is in operational communication with the control unit.

Abstract: A liquid crystal dispensing apparatus determines an amount of liquid crystal remaining within a liquid crystal container. The apparatus includes a liquid crystal dispensing unit for containing dispensable liquid crystal, capable of be dispensed directly onto a substrate and a main control unit for determining a total amount of liquid crystal dispensed onto the substrate based on a unitary amount of liquid crystal dispensed and the number of times the unitary amount was dispensed, and determining an amount of liquid crystal remaining by deducting the determined total amount dispensed from an initial amount of liquid crystal contained within the liquid crystal dispensing unit.

Abstract: A device includes a nozzle (14) for delivering a fluid flow into a container (12), a valve (16) having a movable valve member (27) for controlling the fluid flow, a member (54) for sending a position control signal to the movable valve member (27), such that the movable valve member (28) is expected to follow an expected displacement vs. time curve which adjusts the quantity of fluid delivered into the container (12) to the predetermined quantity. The device further includes a sensing element (56) for sensing a point of the actual displacement vs. time curve followed by the movable valve member (27) in response to the position control signal, and a comparing element (58) for comparing the sensed point to the corresponding point of the expected displacement vs. time curve.

Abstract: A method for improving the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid includes: estimating a fluidic property of the fluid being metered; and adjusting one or more control parameters based on the estimated property to improve the accuracy or precision of a metered fluid. Preferably, the estimating the property of the fluid being metered includes: monitoring a physical event during the metering operation to collect sensed data; extracting features from the sensed data; and using the features to estimate fluid properties. In another preferred embodiment, the estimated fluidic property is viscosity and the sensed data is a pressure profile during a fluid aspiration. In another preferred embodiment, the method includes a diagnostic analyzer which includes a metering probe having a hard probe or a probe having a disposable tip and wherein the fluid is a body fluid sample.

Abstract: An initial weight of a grease storing cartridge attached to a pump is measured, and the measured value is compared with a reference weight and it is determined whether the initial weight of the cartridge is within an appropriate range or not. The weight of the cartridge is measured before and after execution of one operation cycle of the pump, and it is determined whether the difference therebetween (i.e., weight of grease which is actually supplied during one operation cycle) is within an appropriate range or not.

Abstract: A viscous material processing system comprises a feed system controller having a set of instructions to store an input set point weight or amount; sense a progressing weight or amount of material fed by the feed system; compare the progressing weight with the set point weight or amount and terminate feed from the system when the compared progressing weight is substantially equal to the set point weight or amount; and a vicious material compounding system connected to the feed system to receive material fed by the feed system.

Abstract: A method for adding material to an FCC unit is provided. In one embodiment, a method for adding material to an FCC unit includes providing a first vessel under low pressure containing a first material, moving the material through a first eductor to the FCC unit, and determining an amount of material moved dispensed from the vessel through the eductor.

Abstract: Screw feeder (1) for transporting and/or metering pulverulent or granular material, having a rotatably mounted feeder screw (3) for the transport of material from a storage vessel (2) to a discharge opening (6), and having a variable-speed motor (4) for driving the feeder screw, characterized in that the speed is controlled by a programmable regulating device (7) which regulates the speed of the motor as a function of the respectively determined rotary position of the feeder screw within one full worm revolution.

Abstract: The invention is directed to methodologies and apparatuses in which materials are dispensed in order to create a desired finished product. The invention permits the dispensing of a specific amount of material in a controllable, metered fashion.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a dosing device for improved measuring accuracy during the continuous gravimetric dosing of bulk material, in particular combustibles in pulverulent form. To achieve this, two dosing rotors (3, 33) are arranged on the same axis, one above the other, with intermediate or discharge openings (7, 37) being arranged in an offset manner.

Abstract: A water purification apparatus having an inlet and an outlet, and at least one water purification device thereinbetween, wherein the outlet includes at least a first and second water release valve, the first release valve being operable at a first flow rate, and the second release valve being operable at a second flow, is described. Preferably, at least one water release valve is operable at a relatively slow flow rate of generally up to 0.1 liter per minute, and at least one other water release valve is operable at a relatively fast flow rate of, for example, up to 2 liters per minute. The present water purification apparatus provides the operator with the ability to very accurately obtain an exact volume of water desired.