Abstract: A dispensing station apparatus, system, and method for liquid personal hygiene product, including, but not limited to, liquid (including gel) soap, sanitizer, disinfectant and/or cleanser, such as for sanitizing, disinfecting or cleaning one's hands, and, more particularly, that is touchlessly automatically operable to dispense a discrete quantity of the liquid personal hygiene product responsive to sensed presence of a person's hand along a predetermined dispensing path, including rapidly in succession responsive to placement of a succession of hands placed in the path. The apparatus can optionally be modular, to enable configuring to include one or more dispensing stations at multiple positions and heights on a housing of the apparatus, and it can be overall height adjustable, and can include a variety of accessories, including personal protection shielding between the stations, and dispensers for gloves, masks, tissues, etc.

Abstract: A system and control method for an electronic liquid dispenser utilizes a motor to drive a pump mechanism from a home position in a dispense cycle for dispensing a metered dose of liquid from a reservoir. Upon initiation of the dispense cycle, the motor is started to operate the pump mechanism. Motor work performed by the motor during the dispense cycle is calculated as a function of motor current, motor voltage, and run time of the motor. Upon the calculated motor work exceeding a set point value during the dispense cycle, the motor is stopped and reversed to return the pump mechanism to the home position.

Abstract: An oral care implement includes a reservoir containing at least one active agent. The implement has an activator for activating a delivery device which delivers a predetermined amount of an active agent to one or more outlets. A wide variety of types of active agents can be administered at appropriate and accurate doses for therapeutic, hygienic, and/or other benefits.

Abstract: A multi-part sterilant system (12) comprising: a first part (4) comprising a first reagent in a carrier medium in a first container (6); a second part (8)comprising a second reagent in a carrier medium in a second container (10); wherein the first reagent and the second reagent will react to provide a sterilizing composition when the first part (4) is mixed with the second part (8); a pump head (2) having a peristaltic pump member (22); the first container (6) having a first-part dispensing tube (16) extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head (2); the second container (10) having a second-part dispensing tube (18) extending from its interior and disposed through the pump head (2); wherein the peristaltic pump member (22) when actuated acts on both the first-part dispensing tube (16) and the second-part dispensing tube (18) so as simultaneously to pump substantially equal volumes of the first part (4) and the second part (8).

Abstract: A flow rate timing apparatus including a chute, planar surface, or tube with a first portion and a second portion enabling a flowable substance to flow between the first portion and the second portion. A first liquid detector located proximate the first portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the first liquid sensor, and a second liquid sensor located proximate the second portion for detecting when a flowable substance passes by the second liquid sensor. A timing circuit is connected to the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor, wherein the timing circuit determines amount of time for a flowable substance to flow between the first liquid sensor and the second liquid sensor.

Abstract: Method of controlling a container filling machine comprising a plurality of filling elements. Each of the filling elements has a flow measuring device which is used to measure the volume of filling material dispensed from its filling element. During filling, the time that a first filling element is open to dispense a predetermined volume of filling material is measured. A second filling element is then opened for essentially the measured time to thereby dispense essentially the predetermined volume of filling material into a second container. As an alternative, a time may be calculated from the measured times of a plurality of filling elements, which calculated time may be used to determine for how long another filling element is opened.

Abstract: Methods for managing power consumption of a battery-powered device such as a fluid dispenser are disclosed. One method includes setting a duty cycle of a sensor used by the device to a first range and setting a timer upon detection of a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a triggering event and also setting the duty cycle to a second range. The method continues by checking for another triggering event during the second range. The checking step is repeated if the timer has not lapsed, but if the timer has lapsed the process returns to the setting step. Related methods may be used to adjust the duty cycle based upon a detected characteristic such as light, sound, motion or time.

Abstract: A chemical diluter system includes a housing. A container is mounted in the housing and is adapted for storing soluble flowable chemical solids. A mixing chamber is disposed within the housing and adjacent to the container. A disposable dispenser is attached to the container for automatically dispensing a measured amount of the chemical solids from the container into the mixing chamber via gravity flow. The mixing chamber is adapted to receive fluid for dissolution of the chemical solids and for dispensing a diluted chemical solution of the chemical solids.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a material that has a limited period of utility, a novel device comprises a first part containing the material and a second part, wherein the first and second parts have mutual engagement means and can be disengaged to allow the material to be dispensed, wherein the device includes, located within the device, control mechanisms that can be activated to initiate a time-controlled period of use and that, at the end of that period, causes the first and second parts to be permanently engaged.

Abstract: A method of operating a dispensing system includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a first timing sequence, wherein during the active mode at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in product being released from a first container, and wherein during a lockout mode product is not released from the first container. The method further includes the step of alternating between active and lockout modes within a second timing sequence, wherein during the active period at least one sensor is active to detect sensory input, and whereupon detection of the sensory input results in fluid being released from a second container, and wherein during a lockout mode fluid is not released from the second container. The expiration of the first timing sequence, and the initiation of the second timing sequence, occurs from at least one of the lapsing of a time interval, sensory input, and manual input from a user.

Abstract: An ice supply system includes an ice transport system, a volumetric feeder coupled with the ice transport system and adapted to deliver a preset volume of ice to an ice output system, and an ice delivery controller coupled with the ice transport system, the volumetric feeder, and the ice output system. The ice delivery controller receives ice requests from the ice output system, controls the delivery of ice from the ice transport system to the volumetric feeder in response to ice requests, controls the volumetric feeder to receive the preset volume of ice therein, and controls the delivery of the preset volume of ice from the volumetric feeder to the ice output system.

Abstract: A dispenser for a flowable medium, such as soap, foam soap or the like, has an outlet opening on the underside, a sensor in the region of the outlet opening, which sensor emits an electrical signal upon sensing a person, and an electrical pump which is caused to dispense a portion of the medium through the outlet opening as a result of the electrical signal from the sensor. A switch is also provided on the dispenser, the operation of which switch causes the next signal from the sensor to emit an optical or acoustic signal instead of dispensing a portion of the medium.

Abstract: The present invention is methods and devices for encouraging, educating, entertaining, and or motivating children to brush their teeth. In preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more characters are used, each with its own look and personality. The characters are used in a variety of forms and media as the shape of functional devices, advertising, education and entertainment. The characters may also be animated. The characters and their images, associated slogans and brand name may be used on a line of merchandise. The invention in a preferred embodiment includes a toothpaste dispenser or a toy in the shape of one of the characters. The toothpaste dispenser or toy, in a preferred embodiment, is able to talk to, play a song or otherwise communicate with the child to give entertaining, educational or motivating messages to the child regarding brushing their teeth. The invention in another embodiment includes one or more of the characters in the form of finger and or hand puppets.

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

Abstract: One possible embodiment of the invention could a filling station for fluid containers used in self-contained dental water supply systems comprising at least one pressurized fluid supply; at least one low pressure gas supply; the first valve circuit continuously connecting to the at least one pressurized fluid supply; the second valve circuit continuously connecting to the at least one low pressurized gas supply; the manifold that continuously connects to first and second valve circuits; a cap that attaches to a fluid container used in self-contained dental water supply system, the cap reversibly and continuously connects an interior of the fluid container to the manifold; an electronic control unit utilizing one or more timer circuits, wherein each timer circuit operates its respective valve circuit for a predetermined amount of time to deliver a predetermined amount of gas or fluid at a predetermined pressure into the interior of the fluid container.

Abstract: Various arrangements for controlling the dispensing of hand sanitizer dispensed from a hand hygiene dispenser provide for a user to adjust the dosage of a product dispensed, including electronic control and mechanical control.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method of dispensing a selected volume of liquid. The system includes an apparatus that has a reservoir having an inlet tube and outlet tube coupled thereto, and a controller for controlling at least a portion of the apparatus. Two level sensors are positioned along the reservoir and are in communication with and controlled by the controller. The method includes steps for measuring a time a liquid level in the reservoir falls from an upper level to a lower level to calculate a flow rate. The calculation flow rate may then be used to determine and compare a dispensed volume versus the selected volume. Dispensing may then continue until the selected volume has been dispensed.

Abstract: A dispensing device may include a main body including a wall having a dispensing mouth defined in the wall; a storage portion, wherein the storage portion is retained by the main body; and a conveyance path providing communication between the storage portion and the dispensing mouth. In addition, the dispensing device may include a conveyor disposed in the conveyance path; a drive motor mechanically coupled to the conveyor; and a sensor, wherein the sensor is directly or indirectly electrically coupled to the drive motor and the sensor is in optical communication with the environment proximate to the dispensing mouth.

Abstract: A light-emitting smell-altering aroma dispenser includes a casing having a bottom opening blocked by a base member, heater members supported on trays above a control circuit board in the casing, tubular aroma containers inserted through the top wall of the casing into the heater members at the trays and holding a respective aromatic substance for heating by the heater members to release a pleasant smell subject to the control of the control circuit board, and light emitting devices controlled by the control circuit board to emit light toward the aroma containers when the aroma substance in the aroma containers is being heated to release a pleasant smell.

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

Abstract: A dispenser for a refrigerator is provided that increases a usable space of a storage compartment of the refrigerator. The dispenser includes a chute which receives contents from an inside of the refrigerator and discharges the contents to an outside through an opening provided on an end of the chute. A cover selectively opens or shuts the opening. A first unit causes the cover to slide relative to the opening so as to open or shut the opening.

Abstract: A hand washing timing system includes a housing with a perimeter wall that has a dispensing aperture extending therethrough. A fluid dispensing assembly is mounted in the housing and dispenses fluid outwardly of the dispensing aperture when actuated. The fluid dispensing assembly includes an actuator. A light emitter is mounted on the housing and emits visible light outwardly away from the housing when turned on. A timing assembly is electrically coupled to the light emitter and turns on the light emitter for a specified amount of time when the timing assembly is actuated. The timing assembly is in communication with the fluid dispensing assembly and is actuated when the fluid dispensing assembly is actuated. A light diffuser is mounted on the housing and covers the light emitter to increase a viewing angle of light emitted by the light emitter to at least 120 degrees with respect to the light emitter.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

Abstract: A soap dispenser can be configured to dispense an amount of foam soap, for example, upon detecting the presence of an object. The dispenser can also include a gear-type pump that mixes air with liquid soap to create foamed pump. The dispenser can also include two pumps, one pump to feed liquid pump to a second pump that is configured to mix air with liquid soap to thereby create foamed soap. The dispenser can include a reservoir in its discharge passage to reduce unwanted dripping of foam soap or the liquid remains of foam soap, from a foam soap outlet.

Abstract: A delivery system and methods for generating droplets of liquid active materials, such as a perfume, air freshener, insecticide formulation, and volatile materials, to the atmosphere by means of a electromechanical transducer. The electromechanical transducer employs a first period of activation and a second period of deactivation to increase the distribution of volatile materials contained within the liquid active materials to the atmosphere and reduce the hedonic habituation of the user. The electromechanical transducer is configured to improve flow rate and decrease deposition of the droplets on to nearby surfaces.

Abstract: A user programmable dispenser is disclosed for dispensing and mixing soap, shampoo or other liquids from a container to a mixer to be mixed with water flowing to a shower spray nozzle. A touch screen LCD display connected to a programmable controller is used by the user to first program the amount of time that the soap, shampoo or other liquids is to flow through a valve and be mixed with the water flowing from the shower spray nozzle, then is used to temporarily interrupt and recommence the flow of liquid, and is also used to display the amount of time remaining for the flow of the soap, shampoo or other liquids from the container of the time initially programmed by the user for the flow of liquid from the container to the mixer.

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

Abstract: An ice-making device that includes a duct through which ice is dispensed and a duct-covering part for opening and closing the duct. An ice conveying part conveys the ice dispensed through the duct. A driving speed of the ice conveying part increases for a previously set initial driving time when the dispensing of the ice starts, and the ice conveying part is driven at a previously set target speed when the initial driving time elapses.

Abstract: A backsplash includes a faucet that provides point-of-use dispensing of water to a cooktop container. The backsplash includes controls that allow a user to select a desired amount of water to be dispensed, as well as the temperature of water to be dispensed. A filter assembly includes a replaceable filter that allows for filtered water dispensation. Optionally, the backsplash can be connected to one or more appliances in the kitchen in order to communicate information and/or power. The backsplash may also include a ventilation channel to direct vented air from a range to a ventilation shaft.

Abstract: An accessory is provided for a product dispenser having a container for holding a product. The container defines a center axis and has a normal dispensing position, and a dispensing mechanism is coupled to the container and has a discharge opening adapted to direct product toward a desired target area when the container is in the normal dispensing position. The accessory is a first stabilizing element coupled to at least one of the container and dispensing mechanism and adapted to maintain the container in the normal dispensing position, thereby to more reliably direct product toward the target area during use. The first stabilizing element incorporates at least one physical feature attractive to a child.

Abstract: Provided is a dispenser in which a wash water discharge opening provided to a drain pan is connected to an external tap water system via a wash water supply path. The wash water supply path is provided with a wash water supply valve for controlling whether or not to supply wash water to the drain pan. A wash control section in a controller performs timing separately from control of a generation/delivery control section for performing generation and delivery of ice chips, and also performs a wash action at predetermined time intervals by opening the wash water supply valve.

Abstract: A method of spraying an air-improving substance in a room is provided. In particular, persons moving in the room are detected, and a spraying operation is performed while taking into account the detected movement.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing bottled water coolers and water dispensed therefrom. According to certain embodiments, the invention includes a bottled water cooler, which comprises a water bottle, an exterior cabinet, a cold tank, a bottle receptacle located on top of the cold tank that is configured to receive the water bottle in an inverted position, and an ozone generator. The ozone generator is capable of dispensing ozone gas within the space located above a volume of water contained within the cold tank, such that the ozone gas will be effective to sterilize the interior portions of the cold tank located above the volume of water.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically dispensing a fluid includes a container adapted to carry a supply of fluid, and a valve connected to the container, wherein actuation of the valve dispenses the fluid. An apparatus position indicator is associated with the container and an object sensor is positioned near the valve. The object sensor monitors an area below where the valve dispenses when open and upon detection of an object opens the valve. Initial positioning of the apparatus triggers the apparatus position indicator to generate an appropriate signal until the object sensor is properly positioned and permanently secured. A control circuit in cooperation with a hidden switch allows programming of lighting indicators, dispense cycle size, and dispense quantities. The control circuit also provides for overload protection, motor braking and RF shielding. And an anti-vandal feature prevents excessive use of the apparatus.

Abstract: An ice dispense system for an ice dispenser is characterized by a chute having an ice receiving upper end in communication with an ice bin outlet passage and an ice dispensing lower end. Beginning with the chute filled with ice and its lower end closed, to dispense a selected quantity of ice, the chute lower end is opened for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to dispense from the chute an associated predetermined quantity of ice. In response to dispensing ice from the chute, an agitator in the bin is operated for one of a plurality of different time periods, where each individual time period of the plurality is of a duration to move through the bin outlet passage and into the upper end of the chute an amount of ice substantially equal to that dispensed. The ice dispensing system is provided with an improved user interface and user programmable features.

Abstract: Wireless water purification systems and wireless remote dispensing devices for a water purification system. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: Wireless methods for dispensing water supplied by a main purification unit to a remote dispensing device. The remote dispensing device is fluidly coupled with the main purification unit. A wireless transceiver is associated with the remote dispensing device and another wireless transceiver is associated with the main purification unit. The wireless transceivers communicate across a wireless communications link between the remote dispensing device and the main purification unit. The system may include multiple remote dispensing devices and/or multiple main purification units.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for precise dispensing of a desire volume of liquid. The present system allows incorporation of brewer control and a faucet in an accurate volume dispensing system. The dispensing apparatus is used in combination with a beverage maker and includes a liquid reservoir with a level sensor associated therewith for sensing a liquid level in the reservoir. An inlet tube communicates with the reservoir and a constant line pressure source. An inlet valve positioned along the inlet tube is controlled by a controller. The controller also controls an outlet valve communicating with an outlet tube extending from the liquid reservoir. The controller operates the outlet valve to remain open for a time period which is the longer of an initial set time period and one or more refill periods. The controller may also controllably adjust the outlet time period by monitoring for reductions in the time the inlet valve remains open.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring an operation of a fluid dispensing gun dispensing a pattern of fluid onto a substrate moving with respect to the dispensing gun. The dispensing gun changes operating states in response to transition signals. A sensor is disposed adjacent the substrate and provides feedback signals in response to detecting edges of the fluid dispensed onto the substrate. A diagnostic monitor is responsive to the transition and feedback signals and automatically measures delays between occurrences of the transition signals and detecting corresponding edges of the fluid deposited onto the substrate resulting from the transition signals. The delays are measured by correlating the feedback signals to the transition signals. A method for measuring the delays is also described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus and device for dispensing femtoliter to nanoliter volumes of liquid samples are disclosed. The apparatus includes a liquid-support plate, two electrodes, a substrate, and a control unit. The liquid support plate has a plurality of liquid-support regions, each capable of supporting a liquid meniscus thereon. The first electrode contains a plurality of electrode connections, each operatively connected to one of the liquid support regions, for electrical contact with a meniscus supported in such region. The substrate has a first side confronting the plate and an opposite side, and a plurality of sample-holding regions formed in the first side. The second electrode is disposed adjacent one of the two substrate sides. Thus, a selected volume of the liquid can be ejected from or to one or more of the liquid-support regions to or from one or more of the sample-holding regions.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing and/or aspirating device to be operated manually repeatedly, having a controlling device, a motor drive, control electronics, a manually actuatable actuating element, and a programming element, where the quantity of liquid which is conveyed by motor on actuation of the actuating element is adjusted in the control electronics by the programming element. A process interval (tp) for a plurality of process steps to be carried out in succession is stored in the control electronics. A first type of actuation of the actuating element triggers an individual process step, while a second type of actuation automatically results in repeated successive triggering of process steps, each in the process interval (tp). Handling of the device in practice is greatly improved by the fact that the process interval (tp) is automatically determined by the control electronics by analyzing the interval(s) occurring between the individual actuations of the actuating element.

Abstract: A beverage brewer (20) with a programmable dispenser cycle dispenser valve controller (36) for controlling a dispenser valve (34) to intermittently open and close during a plurality of control periods of an intermittent dispense period (88) to selectively control the quantity of hot water that is dispensed without changing the overall duration of the dispense period (88). Each of the control periods (CP1-CP20) has a duty portion during which the dispenser valve is open that is selectively varied to brew either greater or lesser amounts of beverage without varying the overall dispense period (88). Alternatively, the number of control periods is selectively changed to change the overall dispense period (88) without changing the quantity of beverage by appropriate changes to the duty portion.

Abstract: This embodiment relates generally to a foam dispensing system, and more particularly to an automated monitoring and diagnostic system for use with foam dispensing systems that permits remote control of the dispensing of foam. A control console is provided that is interconnected, preferably by way of a high-speed data link, with a foam dispenser, the A and B foam component pumps, a power source and controller, and a gateway. The console preferably includes a plurality of individual control circuits, typically disposed within one or more integrated circuits. The console may instead, or additionally, include software to perform some or all of the data exchange functions. The control circuits and/or software are preferably disposed within modules that are mounted to various components of the system. The modules may include one or more sensors operatively connected to the controller that monitor and record operational parameters.

Abstract: A dispensing system (200) for chewable pet toys (100) contains multiple toys and dispenses them at intervals determined by one or more modes of operation. A display (220) and keypad (400) are used to enter programming data into the memory of a microprocessor (315). When the system is in operation, the display indicates progress through the program, the mode of operation whether MANUAL, RANDOM, or BMOD (behavior modification), the time elapsed, and the number of toys remaining. At various times, sounds emanate from a loudspeaker (320), vibration emanates from a vibrator (328), light emanates from a light source (325), and odor emanates from an odor generator (327). Toys are dispensed down a ramp (225), at predetermined times, or at predetermined times modified by random numbers. Predetermined dispensations permit modification of the pet's behavior (BMOD). Random variations on a predetermined schedule of dispensations (RANDOM) prevent the pet from memorizing a schedule.

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 beverage dispensing system includes a pump activatable by a pump solenoid. A dispensing actuator is structured to activate the solenoid to activate the pump, which then can deliver a liquid product to a dispensing head via product tubing. The system further has a dispensing regulator including a controller adapted to program a dispensing button of the dispensing regulator to dispense a desired total volume of fluid. A timer is operative to measure each of a plurality of dispensing time periods, and a time accumulator is operative to concatenate each of the plurality of dispensing intervals, adjust the total dispense time to account for system mechanical lag, and store the total dispense time in a memory.

Abstract: An automated chemical management system for managing the chemical content of an electrochemical bath used to deposit a material on the surface of a microelectronic workpiece is set forth. The automated chemical management system includes a dosing system that is adapted to dose an amount of one or more chemicals to replenish a given electrochemical bath constituent in accordance with a predetermined dosing equation. The chemical management system also includes an analytical measurement system that is adapted to provide a measurement result indicative of the amount of the given constituent in the electrochemical bath at predetermined time intervals. The chemical management system uses the measurement results to modify the dosing equation of the dosing system. In this manner, the replenishment operations executed by the chemical management system are effectively refined over time thereby providing more accurate control of the amount of the target constituent in the electrochemical bath.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus having a plurality of programmable buttons adapted to activate a sequence that dispenses a desired amount of product. A circuit board is coupled between dispense activation buttons, a programming button and a valve manifold and includes a timer, accumulator, memory and controller together to operate solenoid valves. In learn mode, the cumulative time that a particular button is depressed is programmed into a memory circuit and associated with that button. In dispense mode, depressing that dispense activation button causes power to be supplied to a solenoid, thereby directing pressurized air to a particular pump responsible for pumping a particular type of product from a source to the dispensing head. Power is supplied to the solenoid for a time period stored in memory during the programming steps. In this way, the dispensing apparatus can be easily programmed to dispense a desired amount of product having various viscosities.