Abstract: A micro fluid delivery device is particularly useful in medical applications. The device may be worn or carried by the user and may deliver drugs or other medicaments to the user or patient. The device has a control system that accepts input from the user and controls all aspects of operation of the device. The control system measures the output of the pump and adjusts the output of the pump to achieve the desired dosage rate and size. This eliminates differences from pump to pump that result from inevitable variations in the manufacturing of such small scale affordable devices.

Abstract: Procedure for equilibration of the delivery volumes of a multi-channel metering apparatus with an arrangement of independently controlled dispensing channels 1.1-1.n, delivering individual volumes of dispensing fluid to cavities 3.1.1-3.n.n, where measured values relevant to the individual delivery volumes are measured for the same control value and from which an adjustment value is specified with a tolerance band and the control value is adjusted for dispensing channels 1.1-1.n, the measured values of which lie outside the tolerance band. The invention also applies to an apparatus for implementing the procedure.

Abstract: A material transfer device, in particular for use with blenders associated with a material processing device such as a plastics extruding device. The material transfer device can be used for controlling delivery of measured amounts of particulate material to or from a weigh hopper, or for mixing materials in a mixing chamber of the blender. The material transfer device includes a pipe defining a material delivery path. The pipe has a material inlet and a material outlet. An air inlet manifold encircling the pipe is connected by an air supply line to a pressurized air supply. Air outlets of the manifold direct an air stream towards the outlet of the pipe to draw material through the pipe from a hopper of particulate material, the pipe inlet being located within the hopper. An air inlet valve in the air supply line is connected to a controller which is operable to open and shut the valve for pulsing the gas stream to control the amount of material delivered through the pipe.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that provide a specific volumetric output (e.g., product feed and discharge) of a material. In some implementations, these systems and methods are particularly suited for use with strand-type materials, namely, materials having difficult handling characteristics. For some implementations, a specific pile depth and width of a material is created on a moving belt to provide a specific volumetric output based on the speed of the belt. One or more leveling drums can be used to make the pile depth consistent. Moreover, a weighing system can be provided that is used in combination with the metering mechanism and other components (e.g., a control system) to create a “weight-loss” type weigh feeder.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a pulse generator coupled to a pump that operates in discrete cycles. Each cycle includes a first part in which fluid is drawn into the pump through an inlet, and a second part in which fluid is expelled from the pump through an outlet. Each cycle results in a discrete, consistent volume of fluid being expelled. The pulse generator transmits discrete pulses to the pump, causing the pump to operate for a set number of cycles per pulse. The total number of cycles is a multiple of the number of pulses transmitted, so that the number of pulses determines the volume of fluid dispensed. Alternatively, the pump is driven through increments of the second part of the cycle, with the number of pulses supplied to the pump determining the proportion of the second part of the cycle completed, and therefore the volume of fluid dispensed.

Abstract: Microfluidic pumps, methods of fabrication thereof, and methods of use thereof, as well as method of pumping a fluid, are disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a pulse generator coupled to a pump that operates in discrete cycles. Each cycle includes a first part in which fluid is drawn into the pump through an inlet, and a second part in which fluid is expelled from the pump through an outlet. Each cycle results in a discrete, consistent volume of fluid being expelled. The pulse generator transmits discrete pulses to the pump, causing the pump to operate for a set number of cycles per pulse. The total number of cycles is a multiple of the number of pulses transmitted, so that the number of pulses determines the volume of fluid dispensed. Alternatively, the pump is driven through increments of the second part of the cycle, with the number of pulses supplied to the pump determining the proportion of the second part of the cycle completed, and therefore the volume of fluid dispensed.

Abstract: A bulk bag unloader includes a frame, a bag support, a hopper beneath the bag support and an outlet chute beneath the hopper. The hopper and the outlet chute are mounted to the frame for movement substantially in unison relative to the frame. Two vibrators are mounted respectively on opposite sides of the hopper and synchronized to generate vibratory movement substantially along the axis of the outlet chute. Thus, the vibrators function to achieve an efficient and continuous discharge from the bulk bag and employ the outlet chute to regulate or stop the flow in accordance with system requirements.

Abstract: A liquid aspiration method which includes a method for determining the quality of the aspirated sample through mathematical analysis of the standard deviation of the residuals of the linear regression analysis of the aspiration pressure profile generated between the onset of actual aspiration and the end of actual aspiration and comparison of the results with predetermined known values.

Abstract: Pressure equalizing device comprising a fluid container for attachment to a receptacle such as a vial to permit pressure equalization between the fluid container and the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device comprises a flow channel that is arranged to provide fluid communication into or out of the fluid container when the pressure equalizing device is attached to the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device also comprises a fluid inlet that contains a one-way valve that permits fluid to flow into the fluid container via said fluid inlet and that prevents fluid from flowing out of the fluid container via said fluid inlet and filter-receiving means that are arranged to permit fluid flowing into or out of the fluid container to be filtered when the filter-receiving means comprises a filter.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling feeding of solid matter in a process with at least one solid matter unloading point, at least one belt conveyor and at least one solid matter feeding point, solid matter being unloaded in the unloading point from solid matter storage to a belt conveyor arranged to convey the solid matter either directly or via at least one other belt conveyor to the feeding point. In the unloading point, the unloading of the solid matter to the belt conveyor is controlled in such a way that the thickness of the material bed follows a set value determined for it; and in the feeding point, the amount of solid matter to be fed is controlled by controlling the speed of the belt conveyor.

Abstract: An automated filling system to conduct a filling operation in which a bulk liquid transport vehicle is filled with a bulk liquid and quality assurance tests are performed by a gas analyzer. A programmable logic controller, employed to control the filling operation, is responsive to pressure within a fill line connected to the vehicle and is programmed to determine that there exists sufficient pressure within the vehicle to conduct an initial quality assurance test and that the fill line is properly connected to the fill line, without breaks in its flow integrity. The programmable logic controller also initiates and controls a pressurization process if there is not sufficient pressure to conduct the initial quality assurance test.

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, particularly a gear pump, is fluidically connected to the pressure control valve, a driving motor that drives the dosing pump, a discharge valve which communicates with the dosing pump and via which the medium is discharged 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 first pressure sensor detects the input pressure of the medium upstream from the dosing pump, a second pressure sensor detects the output pressure of the medium downstream from the dosing pump.

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: An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluids, comprises a plurality of pumps, having a connector for releasably connecting, to the respective pump, a container, which holds a fluid and comprises a connector-counterpart, and at least one actuator for releasing a container from a connector, which the actuator is adapted to operatively engage the connector-counterpart and, upon engaging this counterpart, pull the same onto the connector and establish a fluid connection between the respective pump and the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and an apparatus for controlling the speed and/or direction of movement (A, B) of a screw discharger (1, 11, 101, 201). According to the invention, the bending load on the screw (2, 12, 102, 202) of the screw discharger is measured by means of one or more transducers (112, 212) which generate a loading signal on the basis of which the drive system (110, 210) controlling the speed and/or direction of movement (A, B) of the screw discharger (1, 11, 101, 201) is controlled.

Abstract: An arrangement for conveying product material to a weighing system includes an infeed for product material to be weighed and at least one dosing mechanism for controlled conveyor of product material portions from the infeed to a weighing system. The dosing mechanism includes a motor-driven transport screw formed as a helically-shaped rod positioned in an open trough for conveying the product material from the infeed to the weighing system, and a control unit for controlling the motor in order to deliver a desired portion of product material to the weighing system. This arrangement provides a gentle, well-defined conveyance of product materials that are not suited for vibrational conveyance or conveyance by a screw conveyor in a tubular housing.

Abstract: A fuel cell having a membrane electrode assembly to cause an electrochemical reaction in a fuel so as to generate electric power, a fuel holding body for holding the fuel to supply the fuel to the membrane electrode assembly, a fuel supply path to supply the fuel being pressurized to the fuel holding body and a fuel exhausting path to exhaust the fuel from the fuel holding body by using an internal pressure of the fuel.

Abstract: A dosing device of a pulverulent material uses an oscillating drive mechanism with straight to-and-fro movement to extract and dose a pulverulent material contained in a hopper with a calibrated outlet aperture, and then to transfer the extracted mass to a removal point. The hopper can be fixed or movable. To measure the mass flowrate extracted from the aperture, the hopper is connected to the mechanism by a flexible blade and bears on a table equipped with a weighing cell formed by a weight sensor. The weight variation indicates the mass flowrate, which can be adjusted by acting on the oscillation frequency of the mechanism, or on the opening of the outlet aperture.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus of semiconductor coating equipment fills a supply pipe with new photoresist when a used photoresist bottle is replaced. The photoresist supply apparatus includes first and second photoresist bottles, first and second gas supply pipes connected to the bottles, first and second solenoid valves disposed along the gas supply pipes, first and second purge start buttons, first and second photoresist supply pipes, first and second trap tanks to which the supply pipes are connected, a third photoresist supply pipe connected to the trap tanks, a nozzle connected to the third photoresist supply pipe, first and second level sensors disposed at an upper level of the trap tanks, third and fourth level sensors disposed at a lower level of the trap tank, first and second discharge pipes connected to the trap tanks, third and fourth solenoid valves disposed along the discharge pipes, first and second drain sensors associated with the discharge pipes, and a controller.

Abstract: A material supply system includes a plunger pump, a pressure reducing valve, an accumulator and a dispenser. The plunger pump is connected with the pressure reducing valve by a primary supply line. The pressure reducing valve is connected with the dispenser by a secondary supply line. The accumulator is provided in the secondary supply line and has a spring. A pressure sensor senses the pressure nearly at the inlet port of the dispenser. The sensed pressure is the basis for controlling the pressure reduction ratio of the pressure reducing valve. The second chamber of the accumulator stores a sealing compound or other material. The second chamber varies in volume with the balance between the pressure in the secondary supply line and the force of the accumulator spring so as to relax the pressure fluctuation in this line.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus of semiconductor coating equipment fills a supply pipe with new photoresist when a used photoresist bottle is replaced. The photoresist supply apparatus includes first and second photoresist bottles, first and second gas supply pipes connected to the bottles, first and second solenoid valves disposed along the gas supply pipes, first and second purge start buttons, first and second photoresist supply pipes, first and second trap tanks to which the supply pipes are connected, a third photoresist supply pipe connected to the trap tanks, a nozzle connected to the third photoresist supply pipe, first and second level sensors disposed at an upper level of the trap tanks, third and fourth level sensors disposed at a lower level of the trap tank, first and second discharge pipes connected to the trap tanks, third and fourth solenoid valves disposed along the discharge pipes, first and second drain sensors associated with the discharge pipes, and a controller.

Abstract: A thermoplastic material spreading head including: a valve having a movable needle and a needle cup; a first duct for feeding fluid thermoplastic material to the valve; a second duct, connected in fluid communication to cup; the needle being movable in the body between an open position allowing passage of thermoplastic material flow from the first duct to the second duct, and a closed position in which the needle interferes with the cup to arrest the thermoplastic material flow; an actuating and detecting intake for selective positioning of the needle, for injection in the intake of a pressurized actuation fluid adapted to move the needle at least to the open position; and a pressure sensor arranged on the intake to sense the pressure of the pressurized actuation fluid and provide a confirmation of the position of the needle at least in the open condition.

Abstract: A system allows for accurate manual application of a fluid material in a linear pattern to a surface from a container holding the fluid. The system may comprise a container holding a fluid, the container having an application end from which fluid is applied to the surface at a volume flow rate that provides a volume/linear distance of the linear pattern. There is a controllable pressure system that causes pressure in the container, wherein application of higher pressure causes increased flow of fluid from the container and reduction of pressure causes reduced flow of fluid from the container. Also present is a speed indicator that provides a signal of the relative speed between the application end and the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valve (21) for a fluid or gaseous medium, with a displaceable valve body (8), by means of which the clear flow cross-section is adjustable. The valve (21), viewed in the direction of flow, comprises a pressure sensor (1) up- or down-stream of the valve body (8), to record the pressure of the medium and the valve body (8) is controlled depending on a signal from the pressure sensor (1) and/or an external controller (2).

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus is provided. The photoresist supply apparatus includes a lower photoresist sensor and an upper photoresist sensor respectively installed near the bottom and the top of a trap tank to detect a photoresist in the trap tank. A drain line is connected to an upper side of the trap tank to release air. A photoresist-blocking valve is installed at the drain line, the photoresist-blocking valve structured to be opened to release air or closed to prevent photoresist loss according to signals detected by the lower photoresist sensor and the upper photoresist sensor. While the photoresist is supplied into the trap tank, the photoresist-blocking valve is opened to release air. After the photoresist supply into the trap tank is completed, the photoresist-blocking valve is closed to prevent the loss of a large amount of the photoresist through the drain line.

Abstract: A pressurized package assembly includes a package having an least one outlet. In use, an inner space of the package is filled with a fluid that is dispensed via the outlet. In the inner space of the package, there prevails a pressure which can vary. The assembly also includes a pressure control device for feeding to the outlet, via the pressure control device, the fluid at a predetermined constant pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for the equilibration of the throughput of, in particular, highly viscous fluids in closed pipeline systems, comprising a supply line, a tank, a plate which is displaceable in the tank and a discharge unit, characterized in that the fluids are fed to the tank through the supply line, which tank is closed at the inflow opening by a displaceable plate, which is sealed against the inside walls of the tank and bears the supply line, and at the outflow opening by a base and a delivery unit attached thereto, closed in such a way that the volume changes automatically as a result of the difference in the throughputs at the inflow and outflow and the resultant displacement of the plate.

Abstract: A photoresist supply apparatus and a method of supplying photoresist using the same are provided. The photoresist supply apparatus includes a flow length measurer for measuring the flow length of photoresist remaining at the tip of a nozzle unit; a measured data processor for converting data measured by the flow length measurer into an electrical signal; and a valve controller for finely controlling the flow length of photoresist by controlling the amount of air flowing into an automatic on/off valve in response to the electrical signal fed back from the measured data processor. Accordingly, by measuring the flow length of photoresist at the tip of nozzle unit in real time and feeding back the measured flow length, a faulty process due to an irregular flow length of photoresist can be prevented, and a fixed amount of photoresist can be ejected.

Abstract: A novel technique and apparatus for dispensing viscous fluids such as epoxies, urethanes, plastic adhesives, silicones and the like and particularly two-component fluid materials, that enables the injection of such fluid materials into grooves and closed cavities and the like to a defined pressure that insures complete filling, and that, additionally, provides the capability to create constant flow rate through fluid delivery through flexible hoses, particularly where the dispensing head is some distance from the fluid pumps.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for accurately controlling the quantity of material dispensed from dispensing systems. In one aspect of the present invention, a dispensing system includes a calibration system, which collects and measures an amount of material dispensed during a calibration routine. The calibration dispensing pattern and the amount of material dispensed from the dispensing system during the calibration routine are representative of an actual dispensing pattern. The measured amount of material collected during the calibration routine is compared with a target quantity. The dispensing system is adjusted if the difference between the quantity of collected material and the target quantity is greater that a predetermined tolerance.

Abstract: A liquid material supply system includes a plunger pump, a flow regulating valve, an air-operated valve, a spring type accumulator and a dispenser. The plunger pump is connected to the flow regulating valve by a primary supply line. The flow regulating valve is connected to the dispenser by a secondary supply line. The on-off valve is connected to the secondary supply line. The accumulator is connected to the secondary supply line between the on-off valve and the dispenser. A pressure sensor detects the pressure substantially at the inlet port of the dispenser. This pressure is the basis for controlling the operation of the air-operated valve through an electromagnetic valve. The second chamber of the accumulator can store part of the liquid material supplied through the secondary supply line. The second chamber varies in volume with the balance between the force of the accumulator spring and the pressure in the secondary supply line so as to relax the pressure fluctuation in this line.

Abstract: A liquid material supply system includes a plunger pump, a flow regulating valve, an air-operated valve, a spring type accumulator and a dispenser. The plunger pump is connected to the flow regulating valve by a primary supply line. The flow regulating valve is connected to the dispenser by a secondary supply line. The on-off valve is connected to the secondary supply line. The accumulator is connected to the secondary supply line between the on-off valve and the dispenser. A pressure sensor detects the pressure substantially at the inlet port of the dispenser. This pressure is the basic for controlling the operation of the air-operated valve through an electromagnetic valve. The second chamber of the accumulator can store part of the liquid material supplied through the secondary supply line. The second chamber varies in volume with the balance between the force of the accumulator spring and the pressure in the secondary supply line so as to relax the pressure fluctuation in this line.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus includes recirculating systems though which the dispersants are recirculated to prevent settling of solid components, such as pigments that may be present in the dispersants. The apparatus includes dispensers located on a movable table positioned inside a frame assembly of the apparatus. The table is positioned to dispense a selected dispersant into a container placed atop a weighing scale through the dispenser selected in accordance with a recipe. The weight of the selected dispersant is monitored by the weighing scale and once a desired amount of the selected dispersant is dispensed, a signal is received by the apparatus from the weighing scale to switch off the dispensing of the dispersant. The table is then moved to deliver the next dispersant, required in the recipe. The process is continued until all the desired dispersants are dispensed in the container to form the composition, such as an automotive paint.

Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and progressive cavity pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The system has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed. Where a valved nozzle is used, the pressure in the flow system is used to control the pumps rather than the valve. Such a system may be used as a sprayer with compressed air added. Drum rams are associated with the supply drums and the progressive cavity pumps may be placed on the drum ram. Maintenance of a steady state in the system is accomplished with back and forth movement of the pump, with compensation for pressure changes. Absolute rotational position of the pump can be monitored when a set pressure is maintained, to diagnose system conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for automatically transferring and weighing a powder material. The apparatus comprises a weigh station including a device for weighing the powder material in a container. A transfer device for collecting and dispensing the powder material is provided in which the device has a hollow body having a first end and a second end. The first end being operatively connected to a vacuum source so that a vacuum is selectively formed in the body. A collecting/dispensing tip is detachably coupled to the second end of the body. The tip is a hollow member with a tip orifice at one end so that a vacuum is formed in the tip upon actuation of the vacuum source. A controller for causing the selective actuation of the vacuum source and movement of at least one of the transfer device and the container is provided.

Abstract: A system for the operation of a number of commercial washing machines and automatically feeding liquid chemicals to the washing machines. The system has chemical reservoir pods with a pressure sensor and an output valve on each. The chemical pods are supplied with liquid chemical by refill pumps. The quantity of chemical in a chemical pod, and the quantity of chemical dispensed from each chemical pod is calculated from information received by a controller from the pressure sensor to determine when to open and close the valve. A further pressure sensor is provided in the supply pipe to each washing machine to verify and measure flow quantity of water and chemical to the machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for packaging solid particulate material is described that includes a deflectable, curved weigh pan with a given radius of curvature to receive a continuous flow of material and discharge the material along a first discharge pathway, the radius of curvature at the inlet end being substantially perpendicular to the feed pathway; a pivotal material flow diverter adjacent having an inlet end adjacent the pan outlet end, the diverter having a lowered position beneath the first discharge pathway, and a raised position intersecting the first discharge pathway; a transducer for continually measuring pan deflection; a controller to receive deflection measurements from the transducer and transmit an actuation signal when a target weight of material has crossed the pan; and an actuator to pivot the diverter between the first and second positions upon receipt of an actuation signal from the controller.

Abstract: A specially adapted kit apparatus and method for delivering a cosmetic composition to human skin, preferably a flowable antiperspirant or deodorant composition, which provide enhanced antiperspirant and deodorant effects. The kit includes a cosmetic composition and a massage applicator apparatus. The method consists of massaging a cosmetic composition into human skin using the specially adapted kit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a state-variable feedback control system for monitoring and optimally controlling the operation of a microfluidic aspirate dispense-system. A steady state operating pressure is determined from the fluid, flow and/or operational characteristics of the system. Measurements from one or more pressure sensors are part of the control strategy to derive information for active feedback control and/or to achieve the desired operating pressure. Advantageously, the control system adds to the versatility of the aspirate-dispense system, for example, by permitting rapid dispensing of drops of different size. The control system also desirably facilitates efficient, repeatable and accurate performance and reduces wastage of valuable reagents or fluid.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system for monitoring a weight of a fluid dispensed by a fluid dispenser. A first monitoring device determines a first flow characteristic, for example, pressure, of the pressurized fluid flowing through the fluid dispenser; and a second monitoring device determines a second flow characteristic, for example, viscosity, of the pressurized fluid flowing through the fluid dispenser. A monitor control produces an output representing a weight of the fluid dispensed by the fluid dispenser as a function of the first and second flow characteristics. The monitor control also stores values relating to a size of an orifice through which the pressurized fluid is dispensed and a density of the pressurized fluid. The weight value is determined as a function of the orifice size and the density values. The present invention also includes a method of monitoring a weight of a fluid being dispensed by a fluid dispenser.

Abstract: A chain conveyor is provided having a more precise measuring/metering capacity and simpler construction. At least one measuring section, preferably a measuring bridge, is located between the inlet opening and outlet opening of the housing, and is supported by at least one force measuring device. The conveyor chain is guided along the measuring bridge on guiding elements which are fixed at the sides. The measuring bridge may be arranged with flexible intermediate elements such that the bridge is decoupled, resulting in the chain forces being compensated as the force measuring device is impinged upon.

Abstract: A system for delivering a preset volume of fluid, such as oil, includes a master control station (1) and one or more metering device (8) communicatively linked through a wireless communications network. The master control station (1) provides command signals to enable dispensing of a fluid from the metering device (8) and provides a preset amount of fluid to be dispensed. The metering device (8) is manually activated by a manually-operated lever (14), and is thereafter latched in an open position to dispense lubricant. The amount of lubricant dispensed is metered until the predetermined amount of lubricant is dispensed. After the preset amount is dispensed, the metering device (8) is latched in a closed position, preventing further dispensing until the metering device (8) is again enabled by the central control station (1).

Abstract: A fluid containment system including a vessel for containing a fluid that is discharged from the vessel in use or operation of the system. A pressure monitoring assembly including a strain-responsive sensor is disposed on an exterior wall surface of the vessel, to sense dynamic strain on the wall surface of such vessel that is incident to discharge of fluid from the vessel, and to responsively output a pressure-indicative response. Such arrangement is particularly useful in application to fluid storage and dispensing vessels containing interiorly disposed pressure regulator assemblies and holding liquefied gases or compressed gases, e.g., for use in semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for metering powder coatings and powder components for powder and liquid coatings, which comprises a storage vessel at the outlet of which is a free-swinging receiving vessel with a metering base, wherein the receiving vessel is connected to a vibration drive, wherein the distance between the outlet of the storage vessel and the metering base of the receiving vessel is dimensioned as a function of the bulk solids properties of the powder material, wherein the metering base of the receiving vessel is vibrated during metering, and a collecting vessel beneath the receiving vessel, wherein the metered powder material is collected in the collecting vessel.

Abstract: The apparatus is for batching different flowable materials, e.g. “small chemicals” in the correct proportions by weight. A plurality of bulk material supply stations 14 are connected to a compact, space filling array of weighing hoppers 18 via relatively short screw 20 and/or vibratory conveyors 22. As shown, two conveyors serve each weighing 10 hopper 18. The weighing hoppers 18 are mounted upon off-centre load cells 24 and discharge into a containment cone 36 and a discharge funnel 37 for leading the weighed material batches into bagging apparatus 38.

Abstract: To insure in a simple and economical manner a uniform and continuous dispensing of a fluid from a pressure tank, a method is provided according to which a pressurized gas is introduced into the pressure tank via a proportional valve that is disposed in an inlet line of the pressure tank, the pressure of the fluid located in an outlet line is measured with a first pressure sensor, and an outlet valve in the outlet line is opened and closed. The method also includes the determination of a set pressure value as a function of the measurement result of the first pressure sensor, the transfer thereof to the proportional valve, the measurement of the gas pressure in the inlet line with a second pressure sensor disposed between the proportional valve of the pressure tank, and the transfer of the measurement result to the proportional valve. The invention also provides an apparatus for carrying out the above method.

Abstract: A fluid containment system including a vessel for containing a fluid that is discharged from the vessel in use or operation of the system. A pressure monitoring assembly including a strain-responsive sensor is disposed on an exterior wall surface of the vessel, to sense dynamic strain on the wall surface of such vessel that is incident to discharge of fluid from the vessel, and to responsively output a pressure-indicative response. Such arrangement is particularly useful in application to fluid storage and dispensing vessels containing interiorly disposed pressure regulator assemblies and holding liquefied gases or compressed gases, e.g., for use in semiconductor manufacturing operations.

Abstract: A device for delivering a preset volume of fluid, such as oil, includes a casing (10) with an inlet port (16), an outlet port (17) and supply passages (22, 24) for flow of fluid from the inlet port (16) to the outlet port (17). A valve including a valve member (24) is situated to control the flow of the fluid through a valve chamber (23). The valve is manually actuated to an open position and held by momentary energization of a latching solenoid (36). When the fluid volume reaches a preset volume, the latching solenoid (36) is energized again to allow the release the valve member (24) to return to a closed position. In the event of a battery low condition, the latching solenoid (36) can be disabled, so that the valve can only be held open manually, thereby preventing an electrical failure with the valve open. A manual push button (21) is directly connected to the valve member (24) for closing the valve manually. A method for controlling the dispensing of a fluid is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rice dispensing system used to store and dispense measured quantities of rice at a single pressing of a button comprised of a housing having an open upper end, an open lower end, a front wall, a back wall, and opposed side walls. The housing has a tapered compartment disposed within the open upper end. The tapered compartment has an open lower end. The tapered compartment holds a quantity of rice therein. The housing has a dispensing funnel disposed within the open lower end thereof. The dispensing funnel has an open upper end and an open lower end. A conveyor system is disposed within the housing disposed below the tapered compartment. The conveyor system serves to deliver rice from the tapered compartment to the dispensing funnel. A timer system is in communication with the conveyor system. The timer system controls the activation of the conveyor system for predetermined lengths of time.