Abstract: A fuel transfer station may provide for the refilling of fuel canisters providing fuel to combustion powered equipment. The fuel transfer station may include a base, a frame coupled to the base, a first connection port and a second connection port provided in the base, and fluid flow lines connecting the first connection port and the second connection port. A supply tank may be supported by the frame and detachably connected to the first connection port. A fuel canister to be refilled may be detachably connected to the second connection port. Fuel contained in the supply tank may be selectively supplied to the fuel canister through the fluid flow lines in response to a pressure gradient drawing the fuel into the fuel canister.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes a gas infusion device that receives a base fluid and a gas and dispenses a gas infused liquid, a ratio pump that receives the gas infused liquid and a concentrate from a concentrate source and dispenses a predetermined ratio of the gas infused liquid and the concentrate, and a mixing chamber that mixes the predetermined ratio of the gas infused liquid and the concentrate to form a reconstituted beverage. An insulated enclosure has an interior space in which the ratio pump and the mixing chamber are positioned. A cooling heat exchanger is positioned in the insulated enclosure, and a first refrigeration system circulates a cooling media through the cooling heat exchanger to thereby cool the interior space to a suitable temperature such that the gas infused liquid and the concentrate dispensed from the ratio pump and the mixing chamber are cooled to the suitable temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling a container with fragile fruit involving submerging the container in water to better distribute the fragile fruit within the container. The container may be filled with fragile fruit either before or after being submerged in water. The fragile fruit may be transported using a stream of water or other suitable fluid medium.

Abstract: At least one thermal module in fluidic communication with the one or more electronic components. The thermal module including a hydraulic motor operable to rotate a motor output shaft. The module further including a fan coupled to the motor output shaft, at least one heat exchanger in fluidic communication with the fan to provide passage therethrough of an air stream in response to rotational movement of the fan, and a conduit carrying a pressurized liquid stream through the hydraulic motor and each of the at least one heat exchanger. The pressurized liquid stream causing the motor output shaft to rotate and wherein heat in one of the air stream or the pressurized liquid stream is passed through each of the at least one heat exchanger and rejected into the other of the air stream or the pressurized liquid stream. A thermal management system including the at least one thermal module is disclosed.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a developing device, a toner tank configured to receive toner supplied from a toner cartridge mounted in the image forming apparatus and to supply the toner to the developing device, a first toner sensor configured to detect a first toner residual level in the toner tank, a second toner sensor configured to detect a second toner residual level lower than the first toner residual level in the toner tank, and a processor. The processor is configured to count a number of times the first toner sensor switches from a non-detection state to a detection state subsequent to the second toner sensor switching from a detection state to a non-detection state, and then output a notification indicating a residual amount of toner in the toner cartridge based on the counted number.

Abstract: A combine having a feeder housing for receiving harvested crop, a separating system for threshing the harvested crop to separate grain from residue, a grain tank for storing the separated grain, a grain tank level sensor for detecting a level of grain in the grain tank, and a controller that controls the combine. The controller is configured to receive the level of grain from the grain tank level sensors, determine a volume of a grain base from the level of the grain, determine a volume of a grain heap above the grain base, determine a total volume by combining the volume of the grain base with the volume of the grain heap.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing oil or grease is disclosed. The fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a base frame and a container coupled to the base frame via an elongated rod. The container stores oil or grease. The fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a plate provided within the container. The plate is coupled to the elongated rod. The fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a first hose coupled to the container. Further, the fluid dispensing apparatus comprises a second hose and a third hose coupled to the first hose via a diverter valve. The third hose is coupled to a gun member. The gun member comprises a dispensing pipe. A user places one leg on the base frame and holds the handle with one hand and the gun member with another. The user presses the container such that the plate pushes the oil into the first hose, and the oil is made to flow into the gun member. The user directs the dispensing pipe to dispense the oil.

Abstract: Method for treating a drop of liquid, including: placing a drop (D) of liquid on a support surface (S); applying a time-varying electric field to the drop (D), thus moving a contact line of the drop (D) hence suppressing contact line pinning; and evaporating at least part of the liquid from the drop (D) during the application of the alternating field.

Abstract: A system for supplying a liquid. A reservoir tank has a low level and a high level of the liquid. A pump is submerged in the liquid within the reservoir tank. The pump has an inlet to receive the liquid from a source outside of the reservoir tank and an outlet to deliver the liquid to a destination outside of the reservoir tank. A bleed path places the pump outlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The bleed path has a bleed valve controlling the flow of liquid through the bleed path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank above the low level. A recirculation path places the pump inlet in fluid communication with the reservoir tank. The recirculation path has a recirculation valve controlling the flow of liquid through the recirculation path to maintain the liquid level in the reservoir tank below the high level.

Abstract: A blender system includes a blender and container. The blender includes a bottle including a blending chamber with a bottle opening and a shoulder about the bottle opening, and a lid configured to couple with the bottle and that includes a container receiver. The container includes a nutrient receptacle to receive contents with a closed end and a receptacle opening opposite the closed end, a lip about the receptacle opening, and at least two flaps coupled to the lip via a lip hinge and positioned to cover a portion of the opening. Coupling the lid to the bottle with the container in the container receiver presses the lip towards the closed end so that the at least two flaps are pushed open to discharge the contents into the blending chamber.

Abstract: A blender system includes a blender and container. The blender includes a bottle including a blending chamber with a bottle opening and a shoulder about the bottle opening, and a lid configured to couple with the bottle and that includes a container receiver. The container includes a nutrient receptacle to receive contents with a closed end and a receptacle opening opposite the closed end, a lip about the receptacle opening, and at least two flaps coupled to the lip via a lip hinge and positioned to cover a portion of the opening. Coupling the lid to the bottle with the container in the container receiver presses the lip towards the closed end so that the at least two flaps are pushed open to discharge the contents into the blending chamber.

Abstract: A powder supply device includes a controller configured to receive an output from a load cell and an output from a pressure indicator, wherein the controller obtains a powder weight or a rate of change in the powder weight in a feed tank on the basis of a value obtained by subtracting a value proportional to the output from the pressure indicator from the output from the load cell and controls the flow rate of the powder to be supplied to outside of the feed tank on the basis of the powder weight or the rate of change in powder weight in the state in which a closing valve is closed.

Abstract: An adhesive melting system comprises a melter, an ultrasonic sensor, and a feed system. The melter contains and melts adhesive. The ultrasonic sensor is positioned to sense a level of adhesive in the melter. The feed system supplies unmelted adhesive to the melter as a function of the sensed level of adhesive in the melter.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a beverage preparation machine (1) having a tank (2) for containing a food-grade fluid, said tank comprising: (i) a reservoir body with side, bottom and top walls, (ii) at least one filling opening, (iii) at least one dispensing opening comprising a dispensing valve for establishing a fluid connecting between said machine and said tank, said tank having a weight WE when less than 5% of its total volume is filled, and a weight WF when at least 5% of its total volume is filled with fluid, said valve being reciprocally movable between a first position where the tank has a weight WE and the valve is open and a second position where the tank has a weight WF and the valve is closed characterized in that said machine comprises a switch disposed in the vicinity of at least one wall of the tank (2), so that: —when the tank has a weight WF said tank is in a first position so that it contacts said switch, and —when the tank has a weight WE said tank is in a second position, away from said

Abstract: Imperfections in conveyor belting and its supporting elements can adversely affect weighing accuracy of belt scales, particularly when weighing and/or metering low density materials, such as those encountered in the snack food industry. A system and methods for a belt conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention provide simultaneous benefits of both short and long weigh spans. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a virtual weigh span may be programmably set to adjust for variations in the belt conveyor weighing system. Advantages include, higher degrees of accuracy and calibration to account for changes in the belt or belting system over time using non-mechanical adjustments. In addition, weight measurement error producing effects, some that may not be particularly known, may be reduced.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for priming a fluid chamber of a fluid dispensing valve with fluid from a fluid material source that includes a vacuum source, a valve priming station, a vacuum switch, and a controller. The valve priming station has a boot, a vacuum chamber, and a vacuum channel in the boot. The vacuum channel connects with the vacuum source via the vacuum chamber. The boot sealingly engages a valve nozzle of the fluid dispensing valve so that the vacuum chamber connects the vacuum source with the fluid chamber. The vacuum switch couples with the vacuum channel via the vacuum chamber and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber. The controller is electrically connected with the vacuum source and vacuum switch and controls priming of the fluid dispensing valve based upon whether the vacuum switch is opened or closed.

Abstract: A beverage system includes a pump that draws a set mount of a flavored concentrate into a mixing chamber through a conduit for mixing with water to form a beverage. A sensor detects when the amount of the flavored concentrate in the conduit or in the container is low or out. The sensor includes two wings each including a recessed surface that together defines a circular space. A portion of the conduit is received in the circular space. Each of the wings includes an ultrasonic portion that emits ultrasonic waves that are non-intrusive. When the amount of flavored concentrate in the conduit is low, air bubbles are generated in the flow along the conduit and/or a vacuum is created in the conduit to draw the conduit away from the recessed surface. The ultrasonic waves detect either of these two features, indicating that the amount of the flavored concentrate is low.

Abstract: A discharge system includes: a head unit including discharge heads that discharge a liquid material from nozzle openings that are communication with cavities onto a target by changing the internal pressure of the cavities using piezo elements; a viscosity estimating unit that estimates the viscosity of the liquid material by sucking the liquid material from first vessels that hold the liquid material into the cavities; and a waveform control unit that controls the voltage applied to the piezo elements according to the estimated viscosity of the liquid material.

Abstract: A water feeding device of instantaneous heating type electrically connected an external power source includes a water tank, a transparent pipe, a heating module, a contactless sensing module, and a control module. The transparent pipe is connected between the water tank and the heating module. The heating module converts electrical energy of the external power source to thermal energy. The contactless sensing module disposed at an outside of the transparent pipe includes a lighting unit and a light sensing unit. The lighting unit produces a light beam toward the transparent pipe. The light sensing unit disposed opposite to the lighting unit detects intensity of the light beam propagating through the transparent pipe to generate a detection signal accordingly. The control module electrically connected to the heating module and the contactless sensing module controls the heating module whether to continuously produce the thermal energy according to the detection signal.

Abstract: A seeding group (11) comprises a distributor (1) for releasing seeds (2) to fall on a terrain (3). The group includes a rotary batching disc (5) provided with a plurality of seatings (6) for seeds (2), release of a seed (2) from a corresponding seating (6) occurring when the seating (6) runs through a predetermined circular sector. A control unit (13) receives a signal emitted by a first sensor (12) and commands rotation of the batching disc (5) for regulating release of the seeds (2) on the terrain (3). The first sensor (12) is a position sensor that detects a position of the seeding group (11) with respect to a reference point that is fixed in space.

Abstract: A liquid replenishment system responsive to a volume control signal representative of the volume of liquid within a secondary container disposed within a dispensing vessel. The secondary container is fabricated of a material that is impervious to a driving fluid contained within the interior chamber of the dispensing vessel. The secondary container has a pleated sidewall forming of a collapsible bellows configuration with a freely movable end formed of a rigid planar base. A volume sensor is responsive to changes in position of the freely movable end within the chamber to generate a signal representative of the volume of liquid composition within the secondary container.

Abstract: An ice portion control module is provided that includes an ice bin for storing ice having a base in the ice bin having one or more portion control compartments and one or more magnets associated with the one or more portion control compartments, the one or more portion control compartments having an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice, an actuator which moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments, and a sensor outside of the ice bin that detects the one or more magnets.

Abstract: A beverage forming method and system in which a waste bin arranged to collect leaked or spilled liquid has a liquid level sensor and can be removed from the beverage forming machine, e.g., to allow disposal of the waste bin contents. One or more electrical contacts on the waste bin can be connected to the level sensor and electrically connect to control circuitry of the beverage forming machine when the waste bin is received by the machine. A liquid level detected by the level sensor may correspond to a fill level that is far less than the maximum volume of the waste bin, allowing beverage production to be prevented unless the waste bin can collect the full volume of a beverage dispensed.

Abstract: A device that dispense dosages of a free-flowing substance has a support column with a horizontal support arm (10) cantilevered thereon. The device includes a holder unit (20) on which at least one movably supported receiving unit (30) is arranged. The receiving unit is designed so that at least one dosage unit (70) can be set into, as well as taken out of, it. The holder unit contains at least one agitation actuator (50) that acts on the receiving unit. The dosage unit can be fastened to the receiving unit by means of a pre-tensioned clamping module (60). For the insertion and/or removal of the dosage unit, the clamping module can be spread apart from a dispensing position into a loading position by means of an opener module that is based on the holder unit. In the dispensing position, the opener module is uncoupled from the receiving unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system (10) which comprises: a vacuum pumping mechanism (12) and a motor (14) for driving the vacuum pumping mechanism. Means (16) are provided for determining a cumulative load on the vacuum pumping system over time by monitoring a characteristic of the motor over that time. Means (18) are also provided for activating a maintenance activity on the system when the cumulative load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An automated system (10) and methods (11) for priming a fluid chamber (12) of a fluid dispensing valve (14) with fluid (16) from fluid material source that includes a vacuum source (46), a valve priming station (32), a vacuum switch (54), and a controller (62). The valve priming station (32) has a boot (40), a vacuum chamber (36), and a vacuum channel (42) in the boot (40). The vacuum channel (42) connects with the vacuum source (46) via the vacuum chamber (36). The boot (40) sealingly engages a valve nozzle (28) of the fluid dispensing valve (14) so that the vacuum chamber (36) connects the vacuum source (46) with the fluid chamber (12). The vacuum switch (54) couples with the vacuum channel (42) via the vacuum chamber (36) and has an opened and closed position based upon a vacuum level in the vacuum chamber (36).

Abstract: A water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a domestic dishwasher, the water-conducting domestic appliance including a washing compartment for receiving items therein that are to be subjected to a washing cycle by the water-conducting domestic appliance; and a detergent dosing system, the detergent dosing system having a detergent dispenser with a receiving compartment, the receiving area for receiving at least one cartridge that is configured to hold at least one detergent, the detergent dosing system having the capability to store a quantity of detergent greater than a quantity needed for a single washing cycle and the detergent dosing system having an apparatus for detecting a fill level in at least one of the detergent dispenser and the at least one cartridge.

Abstract: Apparatus for dosing powdery or granulated materials in capsules, or the like. The apparatus comprises an engine associated with a transducer controlling chuting means. The engine imparts to the chuting means movements which are proportional to an electric signal controlled by an electronic control unit. The movements of the chuting means, together with the regulation of the spatial position assumed by the chuting means, are such to accurately dose the powdery or granulated material in the bases of the capsules.

Abstract: A liquid metering device that dispenses liquid into an adjacent reservoir at a precise ratio relative to the total volume of the adjacent reservoir as the reservoir is filled with liquid. The hydrostatic dispensing system includes an additive reservoir, a calibrated dispensing vessel, a hydrostatic pressure chamber, a pressure limiter, and a three-way valve that passively arms and dis-arms the system.

Abstract: A microfluidic dispensing system may include multiple supply lines for simultaneous filling of diaphragm pumps associated with each supply line. Each supply line may fill corresponding groups of diaphragm pumps with a corresponding ingredient to a supply reservoir for the supply line. Accordingly, different groups of diaphragm pumps corresponding to different supply lines may be filled with corresponding ingredients simultaneously. Those ingredients corresponding to the different groups of diaphragm pumps may also be dispensed simultaneously, giving rise to a faster and more efficient fluidic dispensing system.

Abstract: A water dispenser is fluidly connectable to a water source. The water dispenser includes a water tank; a faucet fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to generate an activation signal after being activated; a valve fluidly connectable to the water source and fluidly connected to the water tank; a first float switch movably disposed in the water tank and configured to generate an open signal after moving away from a predetermined position; and a controller operatively connected to the faucet and the first float switch. The controller is configured to open the valve to refill the water tank with water from the water source after the controller receives both the activation signal from the faucet and the open signal from the first float switch. A method of operating the water dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for administering micro-ingredient feed additives to animal feed rations. The apparatus may be referred to as a system which includes a number of discrete components which cooperate together to ultimately deliver micro-ingredients to a desired location, such as a feed mixer containing a feed ration. Structure is provided for storing, measuring, dispensing, and conveying the micro-ingredients. Measuring of the micro-ingredients may be achieved by loss in weight, gain in weight, or volumetric metering methods. Transport by a liquid carrier such as water may be achieved by providing one or a plurality of conveyance pumps connected to a transport line. The system is operated by a control unit which controls components of the system to achieve delivery of specified amounts and types of micro-ingredients to the feed ration.

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: Level sensors for a metering system container are provided that facilitate determining material level within the container despite dusty or damp conditions. In an exemplary embodiment, a material metering system includes a first sensor assembly disposed within a lower portion of the container and a second sensor assembly disposed within an upper portion of the container. Each sensor assembly is configured to output a signal indicative of contact with the material. The material metering system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensor assemblies and configured to engage a transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the first sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material and to disengage the transfer of material to the container in response to the signal from the second sensor assembly indicative of contact with the material.

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: The present invention relates to spill resistant container for dispensing liquid doses wherein the container includes a body of generally hollow form about a center vertical axis with open ends, comprising: a liquid deposit chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, a liquid withdrawal chamber having an open first end and an opposing closed second end, one or more apertures between said deposit and withdrawal chambers adapted to selectively permit liquid communication in controlled doses from the liquid deposit chamber to the liquid withdrawal chamber, a detachable base cap having a cavity in liquid communication with the liquid deposit and withdrawal chambers.

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 low-profile particulate handling assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit. The assembly includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins and a surmounting turret assembly designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins. The particulates within the bins are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly and a lower, multiple-chute assembly. Preferably, each bin has a top wall which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls, and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure leading to the lower outlet; in this fashion, the bins can be grouped with the sidewalls in close adjacency, and with the outlets located to feed into a single inlet of the downstream treating device.

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 liquid metering device that dispenses liquid into an adjacent reservoir at a precise ratio relative to the total volume of the adjacent reservoir as the reservoir is filled with liquid. The hydrostatic dispensing system includes an additive reservoir, a calibrated dispensing vessel, a hydrostatic pressure chamber, and a three-way valve that passively arms and dis-arms the system. The precise dispensing of liquid by a calibrated dispensing vessel into the adjacent reservoir is accomplished entirely through the management and arrangement of hydrostatic pressure creating a liquid piston generated by the addition of liquid to the adjacent reservoir and its subsequent application to the liquid in the calibrated vertical column that displaces the calibrated volume of liquid into the reservoir at the same rate that liquid is added to the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intermittent aerosol dispensing device, for application of a product to skin of a human being, where the aerosol dispensing device includes an intermittent injection mechanism located downstream of an aerosol valve of an aerosol dispenser and responsive to a pushbutton of the aerosol dispensing device, and the aerosol dispensing device further includes a pressure chamber. A ratio of an injection time to a stop time is set, in said intermittent injection mechanism, to 0.1 to 5.0, so that when said aerosol valve is opened a cycle of injection and stop is performed 1 to 25 times per second in order to obtain a cooling and/or massage effect on the skin.

Abstract: A container is filled to a predetermined target mass of a free-flowing substance with the help of a device that dispenses measured doses of the substance. The dispensing device has a valve for variably adjusting the mass flow rate of the substance from a reservoir into the container. The dispensing device further includes a device to measure the elapsed time from the beginning of the filling process, a balance for determining the mass of the substance in the container, and a controller unit with a valve control module. The controller unit includes an adjusting module, where a predetermined desired mass flow rate is stored. At an elapsed time, if the mass flow rate is smaller or larger than the desired mass flow rate, the flow rate is, respectively, increased or decreased by a flow rate adjustment. An adaptive filter of the controller unit determines the mass flow rate.

Abstract: A low-profile particulate handling assembly (24) is provided for use in conjunction with a downstream treating device, such as a seed treater unit (22). The assembly (24) includes a plurality of juxtaposed particulate bins (34) and a surmounting turret assembly (36) designed to successively deliver particulates to the bins (34). The particulates within the bins (34) are delivered to the downstream treating device through respective lower outlets (110) each equipped with an adjustable slide gate assembly (112) and a lower, multiple-chute assembly (114). Preferably, each bin (34) has a top wall (50) which in plan configuration approximates a sector of a circle, planar sidewalls (64), and downwardly tapered, arcuate sidewall structure (58) leading to the lower outlet (110); in this fashion, the bins (34) can be grouped with the sidewalls (64) in close adjacency, and with the outlets (110) located to feed into a single inlet (26) of the downstream treating device.

Abstract: A volumetric feeder made of a plurality of independent feeder elements 20a, 20b. Each of the feeder elements is provided with a stationary portion 21 and a movable volumetric measure 22 that moves back and forth in the stationary portion 21. Each movable volumetric measure is provided with a measure portion 23 for accommodating a predetermined volume of powdery or granular material. The movable volumetric measure in the feeder elements are capable of moving independently of one another between a charging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with charging apertures 24 of the stationary portion 21, and a discharging position at which the measure portions 23 coincide with discharging apertures 26 of the stationary portion 21.

Abstract: Process and plant for producing a refuse derived solid fuel (RDSF), including a first component having a dry fraction of a solid urban waste (MSW) in a shredded form and at least one second component in a shredded form selected from an elastomeric material and a thermoplastic material, or mixtures thereof, wherein the dry fraction of the MSW, the elastomeric polymer material and/or the thermoplastic polymer material are stored in separate containers and when required are metered and fed in subsequent layers onto a continuous conveyor which discharges into a temporary accumulating container, for example, the box body of a motor vehicle, intended to directly feed the combustion plant wherein the RDSF is burned. In this way, there is no need to premix the various fractions of the RDSF during the production stage and to maintain the resulting mixture constantly stirred in order to prevent compaction and/or separation of fractions.

Abstract: A water chlorinating device having a vessel (2) in turn having a bottom portion (6) for containing water; a grille (10) located over the bottom portion and for supporting a solid chemical chlorinating substance (11); a spray device (13) for directing at least one water jet on to the grille (10); and a mixing nozzle (29) located inside the bottom portion (6), at the bottom of the vessel (2), and for agitating the water in the bottom portion (6) by means of a water jet.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for dispensing fluids. The systems can include a sensor operable to detect when an object passes a first location as the object moves to a second location. The systems can also include a fluid dispenser operable to dispense fluid at the second location. In addition, the systems can include a control unit in communication with the sensor and the fluid dispenser. The control unit can receive information from the sensor that the object has passed the first location and to control the fluid dispenser to dispense fluid at the second location at a predetermined time after the object passes the first location.

Abstract: An ice portion control module includes an ice bin for storing ice. A base in the ice bin has one or more portion control compartments. The one or more portion control compartments has an interior volume to hold a predetermined portion of the ice. An actuator moves the one or more portion control compartments between a fill position wherein the one or more portion control compartments holds the ice, and a dispense position wherein the predetermined portion of the ice is dispensed out of the one or more portion control compartments.

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: A minute quantity viscous material dispenser employing a pressurized material source and a reciprocating piston is driven by a variable drive which is controlled in response to a signal reflective of piston position and wherein the drive can be controlled for direction, stroke distance, speed, acceleration, and force and wherein the drive is coupled to the piston through a quick disconnect.