Abstract: The present invention is directed to a fast, nondestructive measurement method for determining the contents of solid, liquid and/or suspended flowing organic compounds. The arrangement according to the invention comprises a sample vessel, a pump, and a measurement cell which form a unit together with a spectroscopic measurement head. The measurement cell is connected to the pump, which can be regulated to vary the flow rate, and to the sample vessel by a pipe, and the spectroscopic measurement head and the regulatable pump have electrical connections to a controlling and evaluating unit. Due to its compact construction, the solution which makes use of the principle of transflection is also particularly suited to mobile use, for example, to determine the components of liquid manure while the latter is being dispensed. In principle, the solution can be transferred to any applications with suspensions or pumpable, homogeneous and inhomogeneous materials.

Abstract: A method for quantitatively measuring error causing physical parameters in a fluid handling system, includes: measuring the pressure of air between a piston of a pump and a liquid being handled; detecting a pressure abnormality; determining the time at which the pressure abnormality begins to occur; and based on the time of the pressure abnormality determining the magnitude of the physical parameter causing the pressure abnormality. In a preferred embodiment, the error causing physical parameter is a bubble and the fluid handling is an aspirate operation in a diagnostic analyzer.

Abstract: A mount for aiming and firing an aerosol spray can having housing with legs extending from a housing point creating a central axis whereby the housing and aerosol can freely rotate 360 degrees serving to stir the can contents and having rotative fasteners for fixing the angle of the housing and therefore spray path to a desired target and an adjustable laser for targeting and calibrating the device, with an access door and locking member for securing an aerosol spray can therein, whereby when actuated via remote control, operates to turn a cam and series of linkages in a manner whereby a pushrod is driven downwards to discharge the held aerosol can at an interval relative to the cams speed setting.

Abstract: A system for applying a working pressure to a content of a pressure package. The system comprises a pressure package configured to hold a content to be delivered, a high-pressure chamber configured to hold a propellant, a pressure controller connected to the high pressure chamber by a feed-through and configured to control the working pressure on the content of the pressure package with the aid of the propellant on the basis of a predetermined reference pressure, and a movable member positionable in at least a control position and a neutral position. The movable member, in the control position, clears the feed-through to enable control of the working pressure. The movable member, in the neutral position, blocks the feed-through, so that control of the working pressure is then impossible. The movable member has a handle for positioning the movable member in the neutral position or in the control position.

Abstract: A mixed-gas beverage dispensing system for driving beverages from a container to a tap with a predetermined ratio of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) gas includes one or more monitors to detect excessive consumption of N2. The system may include a N2 generator, with a monitor monitoring the N2 generator to detect excessive operation thereof. The system may include a N2 reservoir, with a monitor monitoring the pressure in the N2 reservoir. The system may include a volumetric gas flow meter interposed in one or more mixed-gas distribution lines to monitor the flow of mixed gas. Upon detecting consumption of N2 gas in excess of a predetermined threshold, a monitor may trigger an audible, visual, or electronic alarm; may shut down operation of the system; and/or may switch to one or more backup gas tanks containing CO2, N2 or a predetermined blend thereof, for continued beverage dispensing operation.

Abstract: A method of storing beer kegs and dispensing beer in a commercial bar or restaurant, a method of storing beverage barrels in a commercial bar or restaurant, and an apparatus therefor. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A system for storage and dosing of ammonia, including a solid ammonia storage material capable of binding and releasing ammonia reversibly by adsorption/absorption. The system is able to release ammonia gradually according to a demand that can vary over time with intermediate periods of no ammonia demand. A main storage unit and a start-up storage unit are provided. The storage units hold ammonia storage material. At least one one-way valve is provided via which the one main storage unit is in communication with the start-up storage unit. The one-way valve prevents any back-flow of ammonia from the start-up storage unit to the main storage unit. Heating devices are arranged to heat the main storage unit and the start-up storage unit separately to generate gaseous ammonia by thermal desorption from the solid storage material.

Abstract: A novel enhanced stopcock is disclosed, as well as related methods, that safely controls flow of flow materials from a pump. Pump fills a first chamber, from which a second chamber is filled. Flow material is dispensed from the second chamber when the stop cock is moved to a different position wherein it is no longer in fluid communication with the first chamber. Pressure sensors disposed in fluid communication with first and second chambers are used to determine the volume of flow material dispensed.

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

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system (100) supplies a dispense liquid using a pump (101), wherein the system minimizes contamination of, and bubble formation in, the dispense liquid. The pressure at the suction side of the pump may be limited to a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of pneumatic tools includes a controller for controlling the delivery of compressed air to the tool. The controller includes a first flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a first flow rate and a second flow path that is associated with operation of the pneumatic tool at a second flow rate. The controller is configured to automatically configure the system for operation of the pneumatic tool via a flow of air from one of the first flow path or the second flow path. In painting environments, such a system enhances control of the operation of the pump in accommodating a generally stable pump reciprocation rate as fluid viscosities change.

Abstract: A liquid-metering device is disclosed, in particular, a pipetting device for aspirating and dispensing liquids. The device comprises a vessel which is at least partially filled with gas and has an opening through which liquid is received or discharged, a gas-pressure-changing device for changing the gas pressure in the vessel, a state-variable-detecting device for detecting at least one state variable of the gas in the vessel, and a control device which activates the gas-pressure-changing device as a function of the state variable detected by the state-variable-detecting device. The control device is a regulating device which, during a regulating time segment between liquid reception and liquid discharge, activates the gas-pressure-changing device as a function of the detected state variable such that the actual gas pressure in the vessel is kept essentially at a predetermined gas pressure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining when a fluid supply container of a blood processing apparatus becomes empty. The system uses a scale to monitor and detect when a fluid supply container is empty based on the rate of change of the container weight, and a controller receives a signal from the scale and controls the operation of a pump to stop pumping when the fluid supply container is empty.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser includes beverage temperature measurement means for measuring a temperature of beverage stored in a closed beverage container; pressure measurement means disposed in a gas supply conduit supplying gas into the beverage container from a source of pressurized gas for measuring a gas pressure in the beverage container; a pressure regulator valve disposed in the gas supply conduit for regulating a pressure of gas supplied to the beverage container; discharge means for discharging an amount of beverage supplied thereto from a beverage supply conduit connected to the beverage container; wherein the pressure regulator valve is opened and closed in such a manner that the gas pressure in the container becomes a proper pressure calculated in accordance with a temperature of the beverage measured by the temperature measurement means, wherein the beverage dispenser further comprises gas flow measurement means disposed in the gas supply conduit at a downstream of the pressure regulator valve for measu

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing small volumes of fluid using a pneumatic control valve connected to the intake port of a pump having a chamber of variable volume, connecting the outlet port of the pump to the inlet port of a high speed flow control valve and a long, small diameter nozzle to the outlet port of the flow control valve, to aspirate a fluid to be dispensed into a long, small diameter nozzle by closing the pneumatic control valve, opening the flow control valve and partially expanding the volume of the pump chamber, then closing the flow control valve and further expanding the volume of the pump chamber to increase the gaseous volume within the pump chamber, pressurizing the gas within the pump chamber by closing the pneumatic control valve and reducing the volume of the pump chamber, finally dispensing a measured amount of fluid by briefly opening the flow control valve for a measured time to allow controlled amounts of fluid to be dispensed through the nozzle.

Abstract: A delivery unit (40) for automatically delivering a viscous sealant at a predetermined pressure to a stuffing box (70)of a shaft (20) is disclosed. The delivery unit (40), such as a pressure booster incrementally displaceable piston, is controlled to deliver the sealant at a predetermined pressure on demand when the pressure of the sealant within said stuffing box is less than the predetermined delivery pressure being sufficient to promote adhesion of the sealant onto a shaft segment and to thereby prevent or retard the egress of working fluid from a corresponding working chamber (17) of a machine adapte to perform work by the shaft. A system for reducing the pressure of sealant within a stuffing box by use of the delivery unit and of an impeller-based dynamic seal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A chemical solution distributing apparatus which is installed in a water tank in water closets or the like and distributes chemical solutions periodically in the water tank including a bottomed tubular apparatus main body which has an opening at its lower end; a chemical retaining section which is present inside this apparatus main body and mounts/retains chemicals; and a drawn-water passage section which is installed outside the apparatus main body and in which one end thereof is connected to the inside of the apparatus main body via the opening while the other end thereof is positioned higher than the lower end of the apparatus main body; wherein the chemical retaining section has holes in order to mix chemicals with the water inside the apparatus main body or inside the water tank; and wherein a check valve to allow release of air inside the apparatus main body to the outside is also formed.

Abstract: A metering assembly includes a fluidic chip and metering chambers. Selectable outlet valves communicate with each metering chamber to provide a discrete dispensed volume. The valves may be commonly controlled and may be formed as multi-level valves. The valves may be grouped into common substrate valve clusters. Purge channels communicate with the metering chambers and controlled purge valves allow reverse flow wash fluid to wash the metering chamber. Pressure ports are employed to actuate the valves. A method of dispensing a fluid from the fluidic chip includes a) selectively filling (or filling) the metering chambers with a selected fluid; and b) outputting (or selectively outputting) the fluid to output locations. The total output volume of fluid dispensed from each metering chamber may be accumulated. The process may be repeated until the accumulated volume equals the desired volume and may be repeated for another fluid from a plurality of different fluids.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is operative to deliver a high viscosity and/or a highly abrasive fluid at a preselected pressure. The system does not incorporate any pressure regulator disposed in contact with the pressurized fluid. The system includes a fluid supply which retains and dispenses a fluid, a source of compressed gas, a fluid delivery line, and a ratio pump which is in fluid communication with the fluid supply, the source of compressed gas and the fluid delivery line. The ratio pump is operable, when energized by a compressed gas, to pump fluid from the fluid supply through the fluid delivery line at a high pressure which is proportional to the pressure of the compressed gas supplied to the pump. The system includes a pressure transducer disposed so as to sense the pressure of the fluid in the fluid delivery line and supply a control signal corresponding to that measured pressure.

Abstract: A reservoir for holding a fluid for supply to a fluid dosing device for introducing the fluid into a gas flow, the reservoir comprising: an outer container; an inner container located within the outer container, the inner container being arranged to hold the fluid; an outlet in the outer container, the outlet being in fluid communication with the inner container; wherein the inner container is flexible.

Abstract: An automatic machine for dosing water and dental alginate is disclosed. The machine comprises a pressurized water container and a dental alginate container. In the automatic machine, a predetermined amount of each of those substances is transported from its respective container to a dosing point. During operation of the automatic machine, dental alginate is moved inside the alginate container with the purpose of bringing down residues of alginate adhered to the internal walls of the alginate container. In addition, the automatic machine comprises a control unit with a memory that stores dosing programs, this memory may be programmed in order to handle dental alginate of different manufactures.

Abstract: A new and improved method and apparatus for dispensing fresh cooking oil is herein disclosed. A fluid dispensing apparatus includes a pump, a motor, the motor operatively connected to the pump, a pressure switch having an on pressure and an off pressure, wherein the off pressure is greater than the on pressure, an expansion tank, an expandable bladder, the expandable bladder operatively connected within the expansion tank, the expandable bladder having a pressure, the pressure being set at approximately the on pressure, tubing, the tubing operatively connected to the pump, and a fluid dispenser.

Abstract: An automatic machine for dosing water and dental alginate is disclosed. The machine comprises a water container and a dental alginate container. In the automatic machine, a predetermined amount of each of those substances is transported from its respective container to a dosing point. During operation of the automatic machine, dental alginate is moved inside the alginate container with the purpose of homogenously distribute the alginate and bringing down residues of alginate adhered to the internal walls of the alginate container. In addition, the automatic machine comprises a control unit with a memory that stores dosing programs, this memory can be programmed in order to handle dental alginate supplied by different manufactures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for adding a powdery or granulated flocculation aid to a liquid. The device includes a container for receiving the flocculation aid to be added, the flocculation aid being mixed with a liquid by a controllable dosing element. The device is provided with scales for determining the weight of the flocculation aid to be supplied by the dosing element, and the quantity of flocculation aid is adapted to the quantity of liquid flowing through by a control system. A rotor-stator arrangement has a plurality of perforated disks arranged downstream from each other in the axial direction, used for the final reliable dissolution of the flocculation aid in the liquid.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing apparatus having a) a compressed gas or CO2 cartridge controller, b) a hydraulic pressure medium connected to the CO2 cartridge controller, c) a flow control valve connected to the hydraulic pressure medium; and d) a hydraulic piston connected to the hydraulic pressure medium, whereby a CO2 cartridge applies pressure to the hydraulic pressure medium controlled by the CO2 cartridge controller, the flow control valve is operated to precisely meter hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic piston, and the hydraulic piston provides the linear force to dispense a fluid product with similar and matching regulation under pressure. A rotary valve can be provided to use spent CO2 to retract the piston.

Abstract: The method of regulating pressure in a vessel comprises the steps of feeding the vessel with gas at a given feed rate and of modulating the exhaust rate by means of a valve member placing facing an exhaust orifice and associated with a control member.

Abstract: A method of discharging a plurality of aerosolized fluids from a plurality of aerosol cans to an ambient environment, including the steps of: fluidly coupling a first solenoid valve of an aerosol delivery system with a first aerosol can; fluidly coupling a second solenoid valve of the aerosol delivery system with a second aerosol can; determining a first release sequence of a first aerosolized fluid from the first aerosol can; determining a second release sequence of a second aerosolized fluid from the second aerosol can, the second release sequence being independent of the first release sequence; actuating both the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve using an electronic controller electrically coupled to the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve to release the first aerosolized fluid according to the first release sequence and the second aerosolized fluid according to the second release sequence to the ambient environment.

Abstract: A stray voltage detection and reduction system. The stray voltage detection portion of the system includes a vessel configured to hold a liquid, such as water. An electrode is suspended in the water, and another electrode is positioned below the vessel in contact with the earth. A meter is coupled to the electrodes in such a manner that when an animal drinks from the vessel the presence or absence of stray voltage is detected by the meter. The stray voltage reduction portion of the system electrically isolates a water distribution system. A water source is connected to non-electrically-activated valves. The valves feed a plurality of storage tanks. The storage tanks connect to non-electrically-activated valves which are coupled to a booster pump. A control system ensures that the water source remains electrically-isolated from the booster pump.

Abstract: Integral blocks, chemical delivery systems and methods for delivering an ultrapure chemical to a point of use or to another integral block are provided. More particularly, the integral blocks include a recharge container block, a pressurization gas block, a purge gas block, a waste recovery block, a vacuum block, a solvent supply block, a degas block, a control block, and a filtration block. Various integral blocks may be selected to form a chemical delivery system, which is particularly suited for a given application. A chemical delivery system will typically comprise a chemical container block, a chemical delivery block, and a point of use in line with the chemical container block and chemical delivery block, as well as one or more integral blocks.

Abstract: A fluid extracting device is structured to be capable of extracting only a predetermined amount of a fluid such as wine or the like while a deterioration preventive gas is being supplied to a bottle B and the fluid extracting device (60), which are coupled to each other in an airtight state. Consequently, the partial extraction in a plurality of operations is made possible without causing quality deterioration of the fluid such as wine or the like even after the bottle is once opened. Further, such a structure is provided that the fluid extracting devices (60) having a large number of bottles of wine or the like attached thereto are mounted on a display table at a wine bar or the like.

Abstract: A cordless device for dispensing a viscous material including housing components for a product cartridge, a DC motor, an air pump, and a rechargeable battery. The device has a pressure limiting switch that maintains a pre-determined pressure of compressed air in a gas enclosure. A manually actuated trigger, when depressed, is adapted to open a flow valve allowing the device to forcefully dispense the viscous material from the product cartridge.

Abstract: A pressure tank apparatus for use with a plumbing system of the like. The pressure tank apparatus includes a liquid storage vessel having a first end and a second end along with a curved side wall that extends between the first and second ends. The pressure tank apparatus also includes an inlet conduit connected to the liquid storage vessel along with an outlet conduit connected to the liquid storage vessel. The pressure tank apparatus also includes a valve cap connected to the liquid storage vessel and a first cut-off valve connected to the inlet conduit along with a second cut-off valve connected to the outlet conduit.

Abstract: A transportable container for high purity, high cost, liquid chemicals capable of maximizing dispensing of the liquid chemical content of the container at deviations from an upright position, comprising; a top wall, a side wall and a bottom wall, the bottom wall having an internal surface contacting liquid chemical with a concave upward contour having a lowest most point axially central to the container, an inlet, an outlet comprising a diptube through which the liquid chemical can be dispensed from said container with an outlet end adjacent the top surface and an inlet terminal end adjacent the lowest most point, a level sensor assembly having an output end adjacent the top surface and a terminal end adjacent the lowest most point; the diptube and the level sensor assembly being more proximate to one another at their terminal ends than their ends adjacent the top surface.

Abstract: A vehicle liquid dispensing system having a dispenser which may be retracted or concealed within the dashboard, a thermoelectric liquid heat exchanger for heating or cooling the liquids, an esthetically pleasing liquid reservoir and a pump: all components are disposed within the structure of the vehicle and do not take up passenger compartment space. In embodiments, an on/off switch may be provided to prevent dispensing, a switch may be provided at the dispenser to activate the pump, the pump may be electrical, and the fluid connections between the components of the system may be provided with connectors allowing easy cleaning.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet and an outlet, and a valve between the vessel and the outlet. The valve has an opening, a closure member for closing the opening, and a biasing means to hold the valve in a normally-closed position. A valve control mechanism controls operation of the valve in response to pressure of liquid and air in the vessel. A transmitting means transmits the pressure to the valve control mechanism. The valve control mechanism includes a moveable element that can be acted on by the pressure in the vessel and transmit a resultant force to the closure member to thereby open the valve. The respective effective surface areas of the moveable element and the closure member and the force of the biasing means are chosen such that the closure member is openable when the pressure in the vessel reaches a predetermined level.

Abstract: A liquid soap dispenser includes a housing, a shank that engages a base of the housing, a soap path retainer disposed in the interior of the housing, a shank adapter disposed in the shank, and an infrared sensor to sense the presence of a user. A generally continuous passageway is defined through the shank adapter and the soap path retainer such that an elongated soap delivery tube of a liquid soap reservoir may be inserted through the passageway from the bottom of the soap dispenser to the spout end. The reservoir may be attached to the bottom end of the shank adapter. The soap path retainer is preferably formed of complementary halves, such as by plastic injection molding, that mate together to provide a curved passageway from near the base of the housing to the soap dispensing end and to support the sensor assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hydraulically and volumetrically dispensing target fluid. A hydraulic system includes an actuator, a hydraulic coupler that includes substantially incompressible hydraulic liquid, and a container. The container may include a slidable or movable plunger or wall that when moved forces the target fluid out of the container. The actuator includes a motor or driver, such as a step motor, linear actuator, servomotor, pneumatic motor, or other similar device, to drive a plunger or piston of the hydraulic coupler. The coupler includes a conduit, column, shaft or other leak proof assembly that acts as a conduit for the substantially incompressible hydraulic liquid and includes a plunger or piston that is selectively pushed by the incompressible hydraulic liquid, thereby driving a head of the plunger or piston to press against the wall or plunger of the container or syringe that contains the target fluid or against the target fluid, causing the target fluid to be dispensed therefrom.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and a process for rapidly and accurately dispensing fluids, in which at least one component is dispensed into the reaction vessel in two or three stages. In this process, the amount of fluid dispensed in the second and third stages is determined on the basis of the mass flow rate calculated in the preceding sub-step.

Abstract: A turf care system and method uses simultaneously fired pulses of high-pressure liquid jets of the mixture shot toward the ground. The liquid is mixed with dry grass seed shortly before being delivered to a high-pressure liquid/seed pumping system, which uses an accumulator and sequencing valve to produce at regular repetitive intervals pulses of the liquid/seed mixture under high pressure. The pulses are delivered to an elongated hydraulic manifold having multiple nozzles pointed downwardly, which are spaced from one another and the ground by predetermined distances. The momentum of the high-pressure jet of liquid/seed mixture issuing from each nozzle cuts through overlying vegetation to deposit the seeds into the crown of the soil at predetermined desired depth. Spray patterns are determined by nozzle orifice shape, and are preferably selected to provide a shallow knife slit-like opening or trench in the crown of the turf.

Abstract: A photoresist supply system includes a storage bottle and a reservoir coupled in flow communication therewith. A vacuum pump is coupled in flow communication with the reservoir and creates a vacuum within the reservoir that draws photoresist out of the storage bottle and into the reservoir. An inlet into the reservoir is configured to flow photoresist down an inner wall of the reservoir. The photoresist flows out of the reservoir into a dispense reservoir from which the photoresist is pumped to a dispense nozzle for application to a wafer or substrate.

Abstract: A method of discharging an aerosolized fluid from an aerosol can to an ambient environment, which includes a solenoid valve of an aerosol release device fluidly coupled with a discharge valve on the aerosol can; a duration of a first release period of the aerosolized fluid from the aerosol can being determined the solenoid valve being actuated, using an electronic controller to thereby release the aerosolized fluid to the ambient environment for the duration of the first release period; a duration of a second release period of the aerosolized fluid from the aerosol can being determined; where the duration of the second release period being randomly varied to avoid user habituation of the aerosolized fluid; and the solenoid valve being actuated using the electronic controller to thereby release the aerosolized fluid to the ambient environment for the duration of the second release period.

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: A metering system for controlling the flow of a fluid is disclosed. The metering system comprises a metering device, two input valves that actively control flow of fluid into the metering device, and two output valves that actively control flow of fluid from the metering device. The input and output valves are selectively opened and closed to cause metered amounts of fluid to be dispensed from the metering device through the output valves.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus (10) is capable of robotically dispensing plural component materials such as sealants and adhesives with the same precision as single component products and yet will maintain ratio assurance and integrity for mixing the two materials. First look at the flow rate and if the flow rate is too high, decrease is needed on one of the components. The ratio error is then looked at and the flow rate/pressure differential for the material which is there in excess is decremented. Another level of control is provided in that the ratio error is continually examined and the direction of the ratio error is used for additional control. This provides very precise control of ratio and flow and helps prevent oscillation, hunting and other undesirable characteristics in such a system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a beverage dispensing system. In one arrangement, the beverage dispensing system comprises a self-contained, removable container unit, the container unit including at least one liquid container that is adapted to store a liquid therein, and a source of gas under pressure that provides a driving mechanism for delivering liquid from the at least one liquid container of the removable container unit. In addition, the present disclosure relates to liquid containers for beverage dispensing systems.

Abstract: A beverage distribution and dispensing system and method for distributing drinks such as soda, juice and punch, to a home or business and which involves a computerized system which enables users to dispense such drinks from their refrigerator. The computerized system monitors its own supply levels and, when necessary, automatically orders and delivers drink syrups and CO2 gas supplies. The computerized system can automatically detect dispensing problems and orders and arranges for repair service.

Abstract: A carbonated beverage is furnished from a source at a first pressure to a reservoir in which a quantity of the beverage is held a second pressure level that is less than the first pressure and greater than atmospheric pressure. When it is desired to dispense the carbonated beverage into a serving container, the reservoir is vented to the atmosphere so that the beverage is dispensed at substantially atmospheric pressure. The amount of carbonated beverage in the reservoir is sensed and when that amount drops below a first level, carbonated beverage is added from the source while the reservoir is vented to the atmosphere. The venting terminates when the amount of beverage in the reservoir reaches a second level. The beverage continues to flow into the reservoir thereafter for a predefined period of time causing the pressure to increase to the second pressure level.

Abstract: A method and system for dispensing a precise amount of a chemical used in the fabrication of semiconductors utilizes rolling membrane pump and calculates an amount by which to change a dispense based at least in part on a predicted membrane flex. Membrane flex is predicted, at least in part, by the shape of the membrane, a volume of liquid to be dispensed and a pressure during dispense.

Abstract: A highly-viscous-fluid applying apparatus including a fluid supply device operable to supply a highly viscous fluid, a delivery nozzle from which the highly viscous fluid is delivered, a pump disposed between the fluid supply device and the delivery nozzle and operable to feed the highly viscous fluid received from the fluid supply device, to the delivery nozzle, and a pump control device operable to control the pump, for controlling an amount of delivery of the highly viscous fluid to be delivered from the delivery nozzle.

Abstract: A beverage supply system includes a beverage container having an outlet. A first reservoir is connected to the beverage container outlet to receive beverage from the beverage container under force of gravity. A pump is connected to the first reservoir, and a second reservoir is connected to the pump, the second reservoir defining an expandable beverage chamber. The pump is activated to pump beverage from the first reservoir to the second reservoir only when a first quantity of beverage in the first reservoir is within a first quantity range and a second quantity of beverage in the second reservoir is below a second quantity range. The system also includes a beverage dispenser connected to the second reservoir. A method of supplying beverage from a beverage container to a beverage dispenser includes supplying beverage from a beverage container to a first reservoir under force of gravity.