Abstract: An attachment for a feeder conveyor with the attachment comprising an angularly positionable gate that is angularly postionable within the trough of a feeder with the postionable gate having a secondary metering outlet so that when the postionable gate is in the down position it partially close off the material flow path within the feeder while allowing only a portion of the solid materials in the material flow path to pass therethrough to thereby extend the range at which material can be controllable and uniformly delivered from the feeder.

Abstract: This invention is directed to controlling the amount of flux dispensed onto the surface of an IC component. The component is continually weighed and data is fed back to a controller that controls the dispensing of flux onto the IC component. When the proper amount of flux is dispensed, the controller terminates the dispensing of the flux.

Abstract: A method for controlling an amount of material delivered during a material transfer. This method includes the steps of inputting a target amount for a material to be delivered from a source location to a target location, updating the target amount during the delivery of the material using a predictive model-based algorithm, and updating the predictive model-based algorithm based on process performance data using a recursive least-squares procedure. An adaptive selection algorithm which is used to determine whether at least one previous predictive model-based algorithm parameter should be replaced with at least one new predictive model-based algorithm parameter in order to adapt the predictive model-based algorithm in response to a process change. A method for overlapping a delivery of at least one independently measured material with a delivery of a main material during a material transfer process.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a measured quantity of a liquid has a container holding a quantity of liquid to be measured and dispensed and a conduit with an inlet end, an outlet end and a measuring section having a known volume. A sensor determines when the measuring section contains liquid. A passage with a first valve is provided for delivering liquid from the container to the conduit inlet end and air under pressure urges liquid from the container to the conduit. A source of air under pressure is connected to the conduit and a second valve controls delivery of air to the conduit from the source. A control connected to the sensor and to the first and second valves sequentially closes the second valve and opens the first valve to cause flow of liquid from the container to the conduit until the sensor determines that the measuring section contains liquid, and then closes the first valve and opens the second valve to admit air to the conduit, thereby expelling a measured quantity of liquid from the outlet end.

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 volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A rotor is inserted into the double helix bore with an interference fit. The dispense head has no dynamic fluid sealing surfaces and instead uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale. The system also has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed.

Abstract: A method for substantially dynamic flow control when dispensing a substantially viscous material by means of a dosing system, including at least one dosing unit controlled by means of a computer unit, which dosing unit consists of at least one pressure part, a material container for containing the material to be applied, a nozzle and a pressure member displaceable in the material container. A test sequence is run before the dispensing operation and during the test sequence data is collected mainly about the dosing unit including the pressure within at least one pressure part, the position of the pressure member of the dosing unit, and a material feed pressure by the computer unit, a set value is determined for a material feed pressure and a material flow substantially with regard to the collected data and the material is dispensed with regard to the set value for flow controlled by means of a regulator, as a direct value of the set flow value and at the same time the application flow is controlled.

Abstract: A soap feeding device mounted in a housing comprises an upper housing having a soap reservoir and a lower housing having a control assembly consisting of a power source, a sensor means including a circuit board, a transmission means including a drive means, a reduction gear set, and a crankshaft, and a feeding means. A setting switch on circuit board is extended through hole in the bottom of lower housing being enclosed by a waterproof silicone switch such that user may press the silicone switch to set the dropping of the device. The power source is activated once the sensor senses the stretching out of ones hand. Then reduction gear set is driven to rotate. The rotation of the gear causes the crankshaft to reciprocally move between a pair of clips. Thus the actuated bellow-like extruder compresses air into a barrel which is in cooperation with valve and poppet to extrude soap.

Abstract: A system for dispensing batches of fluid comprising a flowmeter (5), a pump or valve (6) for starting and stopping the flow and a controller (9) for controlling the pump or the valve. In order to reach a target batch size, the settling time at start of the flowmeter is compensated for as well as for the time it takes to stop the flow by generating a stop signal before the target batch size is reached. Further, to compensate for variations in the actual flow caused by variations in the feed pressure and the like, the compensation is made a function of the actually measured flow. A controller or a batch flow meter for use in dispensing batches is equipped with an interface for setting a compensating time constant and a correction unit for compensation of changes in the flow. The correction unit can consist of a differentiator an a summation circuit. Using digital techniques, the correction unit can be made as a lead filter.

Abstract: A system for mixing and dispensing a structural foam formed from two or more component foam parts mixed together in a predetermined mass ratio. At least a first one of said component parts is pre-mixed with a blowing agent and maintained under pressure. The system comprises volumetric flow sensors to measure the rate of flow of each of the component foam parts to be mixed, a feedback loop comprising a digital computer, to determine whether the predetermined mass ratio has been achieved on an instantaneous basis, and at least one gear-type variable flow controller to reduce the flow rate of said first one of the component foam parts to be mixed. The gear-type variable flow controller is adjustable by at least one of an electro-mechanical, hydraulic or electrical type braking device in response to the rate of flow data measured by said volumetric flow sensor.

Abstract: A new class of precision powder feeders is disclosed. These feeders provide a precision flow of a wide range of powdered materials, while remaining robust against jamming or damage. These feeders can be precisely controlled by feedback mechanisms.

Abstract: A portable apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a hopper for containing material, a quantitative measuring device having a dispensing outlet, material inlet means in communication with said hopper and said quantitative measuring device for regulating the flow of material between, system control means in communication with quantitative measuring device for controlling type of measurement and quantity of material and a receptacle in communication with the dispensing outlet of said quantitative measuring device.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for distributing a food product, such as potato chips, which reduces the problem of staling. A plurality of stopper gates are placed adjacent to a plurality of slide doors on the downstream end of a distribution conveyor such that when the gate is closed the product is held over the slide door.

Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for filling the container with a predetermined weight of fluid. The device includes an input portion with a throat and a shoulder for introducing fluid into the container. A shut-off mechanism has a shut-off member and a control port. A control mechanism maintains one or more spheres in an inline configuration with the shut-off member such that fluid flow is permitted between the shut-off member and the control port as the device is disposed in an open configuration. A stabilizer is provided for each of the one or more spheres to maintain the inline configuration.

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: A system and method for dispensing fluid droplets of a known volume uses a control system using inner and outer control loops. The inner control loop includes a pump which pressurizes a fluid against an aperture, causing fluid to pass through the aperture and to a dispensing tip at a particular flow rate. The pressure of the fluid upstream of the aperture is measured and fed back to a controller, which also receives a setpoint input representative of desired dispensed volume. The outer control loop uses a droplet volume measuring system which determines the volume of the droplet that forms at the outlet of the dispensing tip as a result of the applied pressure, the value of which is also fed to the controller.

Abstract: This invention relates to a height measurement apparatus for determining volume/density of wood chips on a conveyor. Such structures of this type, generally, employ the use of contacts that ride on top of the pile of wood chips in order to more accurately measure the volume and density of the wood chips.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and dispensing a compressible confection comprises: at least one metering pump having an intake port and a discharge port; at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle; at least one product line interconnecting the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle; and a control mechanism for cyclically operating the at least one metering pump and operating the at least one internal bottom shutoff nozzle in synchronization with the metering pump such that generally constant pressure is maintained between the metering pump and the internal bottom shutoff nozzle.

Abstract: A system for accurately dispensing controlled amounts of viscous material. The system includes a pressurized supply of the viscous material, a dispenser connected with the pressurized supply and a feedback control for ensuring that a discrete dispensed amount corresponds closely to the desired dispensed amount for a particular application. The different methods of feedback control include changing pressure of the pressurized supply after measuring a dispensed amount and comparing the dispensed amount with a stored value representing the desired amount. Another manner of feedback control includes changing an air operating pressure associated with the dispenser. A third type of feedback control includes adjusting the duration that the dispenser is maintained on to dispense the viscous material. Each of these types of feedback control are preferably used in succession, as necessary, to ensure that the desired amount of viscous material is discharged from the dispenser.

Abstract: System for controlling the discharge rate of a material feeder. A weight scale connected to the material is sampled and the samples input to a digital processor. The digital processor determines for consecutive time intervals during discharge of said material, a weight loss over the time interval. The weight loss for the interval is compared with a desired weight loss which is calculated from a desired setpoint material discharge rate obtained only when the weight loss is constant and stable. The resulting error is averaged with subsequent errors to form a control signal for the material feeder. The calculation of errors over each subsequent interval increases the resolution of the control signal, increasing the ability to control discharge rates to compensate for changes in material density which otherwise affect discharge rates.

Abstract: A heated water dispensing apparatus has been described. The heated water dispensing apparatus includes a reservoir for retaining a quantity of water, a selector for selecting a temperature of water and a volume of water to be dispensed, and a controllable dispense valve for automatically dispensing water from the reservoir. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a weighing assembly which generates a weight control signal relating to the volume of water dispensed through the dispense valve and at least one device outlet valve for providing heated water to a remote device. The heated water dispensing apparatus also includes a controller. The controller operates the dispense valve in accordance with the weight control signal so that a selected volume of water is automatically and accurately dispensed. The controller also operates the dispense valve to prevent dispensing of water through the dispense valve before water of a selected temperature has been produced.

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: An apparatus for determining Brix utilizing a liquid sugar or syrup and a water or water based liquid stream. The apparatus includes a conduit for the water, a conduit for the sugar syrup, and a third conduit connected to the first and second conduits for use as a mixture stream of the syrup and the water. Pressure is applied to the sugar syrup in the first conduit and the water in the second conduit. The pressure of the water in the second conduit is predetermined to equal or lie at a greater value than the pressure applied to the sugar in the first conduit. A regulating mechanism is found in the third conduit for setting a value of the Brix of the mixture stream, detecting the actual Brix concentration, and a valve adjustment to the water stream responsive to a differential between the actual and set values of Brix in the mixture stream.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a measure of liquid for mixing with a second liquid which includes an adjustable overflow tube cooperating within a closed tank. The tank has a threaded top port and a sleeved bushing bottom port. The top and bottom ports are axially in alignment. The overflow tube has a sidewall defining a bore. The sidewall has a smooth outside surface on one end and a length of external thread cut on the other end. This length of external thread is preceded by a "T" handle for turning the overflow tube and proceeded by an overflow aperture through the side wall. The smooth end of the adjustable overflow tube is inserted through the threaded top port into the sleeve bushing of the bottom port for a leak-proof fit thereafter, engaging with the threaded top port. The overflow tube is rotated to translate the overflow tube until the overflow aperture reaches a desired level.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the size of drops of viscous material dispensed from a dispensing system. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a housing, a dispenser that dispenses a quantity of the viscous material, a measuring apparatus having a bottom plate to receive the viscous material, a top plate that is positioned over the bottom plate after the viscous material has been dispensed, and a compressing apparatus that compresses the material between the top and bottom plates. The dispensing apparatus further includes a viewing system that views the compressed material to determine the quantity of material dispensed by the dispenser. In one embodiment, the dispensing apparatus includes a controller that controls the quantity of viscous material dispensed based on the quantity of material determined by the viewing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of supplying material from a storage hopper (12) to a weighing hopper (16) where the material is fed at a controllable rate by a sliding plate member (104) that acts as a shutter for the storage hopper (12), which includes an aperture (154) for receiving material gravity fed from the storage hopper (12). As the plate (104) is reciprocated horizontally at a preselected frequency, material is conveyed at a controlled rate from the storage hopper (12) to the weighing hopper (16).

Abstract: An impact type flow meter for a particulate material such as cereal comprises a supply device for dropping the particulate material, an inclined load detection plate for receiving the dropped particulate material, and a load detector for detecting a load of the particulate material exerted to the load detection plate. A bottom surface of the supply device is inclined at substantially the same degree with the load detection plate, and has at its lower end with a supply opening for dropping the particulate material onto the load detection plate. The bottom surface serves to guide the particulate material to the load detection plate at substantially the same inclination therewith. Thus, the flow meter has a buffer device for softening a dropping impact of the particulate material integrally incorporated in the particulate material supply device, and accordingly, the height is low and the whole apparatus is compact.

Abstract: A dispensing monitor used in a SOG machine to planarize a semiconductor substrate which includes: a container, a gas control valve. a gas release valve, a pressure monitor, and a pressure sensing apparatus. A chemical solution contained in the container is controlled and conveyed through the gas control valve to be sprayed onto the substrate. The pressure monitor and the pressure sensing apparatus and the gas release valve are used for monitoring the internal pressure to keep a constant pressure so that the chemical solution is precisely exported.

Abstract: A pumping system for use in a fuel service station including one or more fuel dispensers, a fuel storage tank and conduits connecting the fuel dispensers with the tank. The pumping system comprises a variable speed pump-motor assembly for pumping fuel from the storage tank to the conduit and the dispensers, and a control connected to the pump-motor assembly for holding the fuel pressure in a preset range. Preferably the range is that required for efficient operation of a vapor recovery system, or other requirement by the EPA or by another agency, or by a service station operator. The control includes sensors which respond to the pressure in the conduits leading to the fuel dispensers. The sensors may comprise, for example, a pressure sensor in the conduit, or they may comprise power consumption sensors connected to the electrical power supply for the variable speed pump-motor assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that precisely controls the amount of liquid dispensed from dispensing apparatus onto an article. The present invention controls the weight of the dispensed liquid by using a force transducer that precisely weighs the article and dispensed liquid during the dispensing process. This weight value is input to a computer controller of an automatic dispenser that embodies a computer program that controls a liquid dispensing pump. Liquid is dispensed until the desired weight of liquid that is to be dispensed is reached, defined by an upper limit in the program. The flow of dispensed liquid is reduced when the weight limit is approached, and is stopped when the weight limit is reached. Thus, in the present invention, the weight (or volume) of the dispensed liquid is controlled in real time during the dispensing process. Closed loop control of the dispensing pump using liquid weight as the controlling variable improves the volumetric accuracy and repeatability of the dispensing process.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system transfers fluids from a set of containers each of which holds a different type fluid to a group of apparatus, such as washing machines, each of which requires that certain types of fluid be delivered to the apparatus in a certain sequence. The system operates under program control both with regard to sequence in which particular fluids are drawn from the containers and with regard to the apparatus to which the selected fluids are delivered. Fluid pressure in the fluid lines leading to the apparatus is sensed by pressure sensors located along these fluid lines in a manner enabling the operator of the system to immediately know which of several containers are empty.

Abstract: Disclosed is the powder feeder in which the duty ratio X.sub.T corresponding to the target feed amount Q.sub.T is calculated on the basis of the calibration curve obtained by the feeder calibration which is conducted before the start of powder feed, and the powder P starts to be fed according to the duty ratio X.sub.T, therefore, the actual feed amount can reach to the target feed amount Q.sub.T in a short time (within the time T.sub.1) from the start of powder feed, and the powder P can be fed while controlling the actual feed amount with high accuracy, and further the powder P can be precisely fed even in case of the short time feed for several seconds.

Abstract: A dispenser to dispense a granular material to a plurality of discrete locations, such as a tube of a reactor vessel. The dispenser includes a hopper to contain the granular material and has a discharge port to permit egress of material from the hopper. A conveyor receives material from the discharge port and transfers it to the plurality of discrete locations. The conveyor comprises a tray having a plurality of outlets spaced from the discharge port and each connectable to respective ones of the discrete locations. A barrier is interposed between adjacent ones of the outlets to inhibit transfer of material therebetween. A vibratory drive oscillates the tray and distributes the granular material uniformly on the tray. The drive induces movement of the material from the discharge port to the outlets along the tray.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the continuous production of coated, dyed, printed, or painted materials by dip coating, spraying or printing in which a plurality of flowable materials including a liquid color concentrate are fed to a continuous mixing chamber with a substantially continuous input and output. The liquid color concentrate is dispensed by a dispensing apparatus including at least a first substantially vertical hollow chamber; a controllable pump device having an inlet fluidly connected to an outlet of said first hollow chamber for pumping the liquid color concentrate to the mixing chamber; a sensor for outputting substantially continuously a signal dependent upon a height of a liquid in the first hollow chamber; and a control device suitable for controlling at least one flow rate determining characteristic of the controllable pump in response to the output signal of the sensor so as to maintain the flow rate of the liquid to be dispensed through the pump device at a predetermined value.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for forming a coating film for semiconductor processing, including a holder for holding a substrate, a coating solution supply device arranged to face one main surface of the substrate held by the holder and provided with a discharge port for supplying a coating solution onto the one main surface of the substrate, the coating solution forming a band-like stream having a width smaller than that of the substrate, a moving device for moving the coating solution supply device in parallel and relative to the substrate held by the holder to form a coating region and a non-coating region on the one main surface of the substrate, and a clearance retaining device for maintaining constant the distance between the discharge port of the coating solution supply device and the one main surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing control for controlling the dispensing of a fluid by a metering valve through a nozzle onto a workpiece. An initial value of a flow characteristic of the fluid is determined that is correlated to the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid and nozzle pressure. Desired nozzle pressure values are periodically determined by evaluating a model of flow rate of the fluid through nozzle in response to the initial value of the flow characteristic and a desired flow rate value. Thereafter, the control provides command signals to the metering valve as a function of the desired nozzle pressures. A new value of the flow characteristic is determined as a function of the measured volume of fluid dispensed during the dispensing cycle to the measured nozzle pressure. During a subsequent dispensing cycle, the control determines the desired nozzle pressures by evaluating the model of flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle as a function of the new value of the flow characteristic.

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: A metering device which includes a storage reservoir 3, a volumetric extror 30 introducing roughly gauged batches of material into an intermediate hopper 4, which empties periodically into a weighing hopper 1. Under the latter, rapid stabilization scales 2 record the weight of the batch contained in the weighing hopper 1. The latter is emptied onto a belt 5 at the end of a time interval proportional to the weight of the batch or of one of the preceding batches.

Abstract: A pumping system for use in a fuel service station including one or more fuel dispensers, a fuel storage tank and conduits connecting the fuel dispensers with the tank. The pumping system comprises a variable speed pump-motor assembly for pumping fuel from the storage tank to the conduit and the dispensers, and a control connected to the pump-motor assembly for holding the fuel pressure in a preset range. Preferably the range is that required for efficient operation of a vapor recovery system, or other requirement by the EPA or by another agency, or by a service station operator. The control includes sensors which respond to the pressure in the conduits leading to the fuel dispensers. The sensors may comprise, for example, a pressure sensor in the conduit, or they may comprise power consumption sensors connected to the electrical power supply for the variable speed pump-motor assembly.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing control for controlling the dispensing of a fluid by a metering valve through a nozzle onto a workpiece. An initial value of a flow characteristic of the fluid is determined that is correlated to the relationship between the flow rate of the fluid and nozzle pressure. Desired nozzle pressure values are periodically determined by evaluating a model of flow rate of the fluid through nozzle in response to the initial value of the flow characteristic and a desired flow rate value. Thereafter, the control provides command signals to the metering valve as a function of the desired nozzle pressures. A new value of the flow characteristic is determined as a function of the measured volume of fluid dispensed during the dispensing cycle to the measured nozzle pressure. During a subsequent dispensing cycle, the control determines the desired nozzle pressures by evaluating the model of flow rate of the fluid through the nozzle as a function of the new value of the flow characteristic.

Abstract: A chamber that communicates with a viscous material reservoir has a flexible resilient diaphragm which forms an exterior wall thereof. An impact mechanism, which may comprise a solenoid actuated hammer, applies a predetermined momentum to the diaphragm for rapidly metering a predetermined minute blob of the viscous material from the chamber through a nozzle. The reservoir is pressurized with gas to force the viscous material into the chamber to refill the same. The chamber is heated to control the viscosity of the material. Dispensing rates in excess of four blobs per second can be achieved. Variations in the height of the nozzle from the surface of the workpiece are not critical to uniform rapid dispensing. An alternate embodiment eliminates the diaphragm and instead rapidly retracts a nozzle relative to a fluid feed conduit to eject very small blobs of viscous material. A strain gauge detects refill of the chamber inside the nozzle and sends a signal to control refill logic circuitry.

Abstract: Noise caused by a mechanical vibration with a vibrator feeder is reduced in a small flow rate powder supplying device. An adverse effect caused by the noise is reduced and a flow rate accuracy is increased. Its responding characteristic is made fast. A powder hopper, a ultrasonic motor, supplying pipes and tube are supported by a supporting member held by a weighing device provided with a weight sensor. A weight signal of a weight sensor is amplified by an amplifier provided with a low pass filter. It is sampled with an A/D converter and converted into a digital value. A flow rate of powder is calculated by a CPU, a motor driving part is controlled and an amplitude of the ultrasonic motor is adjusted in such a way that a flow rate of the powder may become a target value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant and a process for the dispensing of a fluid product (4) held in a tank (3) and supplied to a nozzle (1) via a pipe (2). The product is pressurized by means of a pump (8) and of a cylinder (7) which is connected to a regulator (10) connected to the nozzle via an electronic card (17).

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 volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A rotor is inserted into the double helix bore with an interference fit. The dispense head has no dynamic fluid sealing surfaces and instead uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale. The system also has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed.

Abstract: The system provides continuous compensation of dispensed volume in a pressure regulated flow control system to compensate for changes in material viscosity and component wear. Two counters are preset with a predetermined value. The first counter is decremented by pulses from a flowmeter on the outlet of the system while the second counter is decremented according to the input command. When the first counter reaches zero, the contents of the second counter are examined and the gain increased or decreased accordingly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring and controlling the size of drops of viscous material dispensed from a dispensing system. A dispensing apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present invention includes a housing, a dispenser that dispenses a quantity of the viscous material, a measuring apparatus having a bottom plate to receive the viscous material, a top plate that is positioned over the bottom plate after the viscous material has been dispensed, and a compressing apparatus that compresses the material between the top and bottom plates. The dispensing apparatus further includes a viewing system that views the compressed material to determine the quantity of material dispensed by the dispenser. In one embodiment, the dispensing apparatus includes a controller that controls the quantity of viscous material dispensed based on the quantity of material determined by the viewing system.

Abstract: The bulk material, the amount o which is to be determined through second-integration or time-integration, passes over a top chute onto a bottom chute which is disposed at a tilt angle and defines the velocity of the bulk material. The bottom chute channels the bulk material to a slide which has the same angle of tilt as the bottom chute. The weight components of the amounts of bulk material on the slide acting orthogonally along the direction of the slide are determined by a load-sensing device. After passing down the slide the bulk material impacts a vertically arranged deflector plate which is rigidly connected to a connecting plate, with the deflector plate at that point generating a force through its change in its pulse action which is determined by a second load-sensing device. The second load-sensing device only measures the horizontal components of this change in pulse action, and, like the initial load-sensing device, is either parallel channelled or provided with parallel channelling.

Abstract: A device, and a container having such a device, is provided for permitting filling the container with a predetermined weight of the fluid. The device and container include a main channel to introduce the fluid into the container at a fill pressure; a detector mechanism to detect a "filled" condition based on fluid weight; and an fluid-weight control mechanism to automatically prevent introducing fluid into the container in excess of the "filled" condition. A compression spring offsets part of the weight of a displacer such that the displacer becomes buoyant as the container becomes "filled". The displacer has a seat mechanism that sealingly engages an orifice mechanism creating a differential pressure, substantially less than the fill pressure, across a control device causing closure of the main channel.

Abstract: A dispenser system is provided, comprising a dispenser head (3), a feeding jet for water (7) at the dispenser head, and a reservoir immediately above the dispenser head for material to be dispensed, wherein an external supply of water is fed to a tank (4) arranged at a predetermined head above the dispenser head (3), wherein a feeding line (9) connects the tank (4) to the feeding jet (7), and wherein variations of flow to the tank (4) are accommodated by means of an overflow line (10) from the tank to a flushing jet (10) at the dispenser head, such that the water at the feeding jet (7) is always at a known pressure. This dispenser system was found to be a flexible arrangement in which low water pressures and/or varying water pressures can be adequately accomodated.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flow rate measuring apparatus measures and calculates a flow rate of granules based on a measurement of capacitance which changes according to the quantity of the granules flowing at a granule passage. The measuring apparatus includes a granule flow pipe which is coupled to the granule passage and is provided in the course of the granule passage, a capacitance detector provided to the granule flow pipe, shutters respectively provided at an upper end and a lower end of the granule flow pipe, for cutting off the flow of granules, the shutters being individually operable, and a load cell type weight detector independently supporting the granule flow pipe. The shutters, the load cell type weight detector, and the capacitance detector are connected to a calculation control device. The measuring apparatus provides a flow rate which is not influenced by the moisture content or the density of the granules.