Abstract: A soap dispenser includes a soap supply, a motor driven pump connected by tubing to the soap supply and a soap output device connected by tubing to the motor driven pump. The electric drive circuit for operating the pump motor includes a sensor for detecting a user's hands positioned to receive soap from the output device. There is a forward motor control circuit connected to the sensor and to the pump motor and responsive to a start signal from the sensor to drive the pump motor in a forward direction to supply soap to the output device. There is a volume adjust circuit connected to the forward motor control circuit and to the sensor to provide a stop signal to the forward motor control circuit a predetermined time period after receipt of a start signal from the sensor.

Abstract: The invention includes an actuator system for a chemical dispensing apparatus where the chemical dispensing apparatus includes a chemical-containing vessel and a housing. The invention also includes an actuator nozzle having a receiving aperture and a dispensing aperture where the receiving aperture is operatively coupled to the vessel to receive the chemicals contained within the vessel. The dispensing aperture is coupled to the receiving aperture and is also connected to a conveying tube to direct the chemical from the vessel, through the tube and into a chemical receiving receptacle. Also included is a structure for ejecting the chemical from the vessel into the actuator nozzle. The actuator nozzle is slidingly and pivotally mounted in the housing and is configured to slide vertically relative to the housing and is also configured to pivot outwardly relative to the housing to permit reciprocal engagement and disengagement of the vessel while maintaining communication with the conveying tube.

Abstract: An apparatus (50) and method for dispensing fluid material (55) from a dispensing gun (53) onto a workpiece (17) includes a metering cylinder (56) having a metering chamber formed therein with a pair of variable volume chamber portions (66,67), a valve assembly (52) connected to a supply of fluid material (51), the dispensing gun and to the chamber portions, and a control (58) connected to a meter actuator (60) connected to the metering cylinder and a valve actuator (59) connected to the valve assembly. The control (58) controls the meter actuator (60) and the valve actuator (59) in first and second modes of operation to dispense the fluid material (55) from the dispensing gun (53) by alternately drawing from the supply of fluid material (51) through the valve assembly into a first one of the chamber portions and forcing the fluid material from a second one of the chamber portions through the valve assembly to the dispensing gun.

Abstract: A food extrusion assembly and particularly an ice cream extrusion assembly for providing a stream of elongated strands of ice cream or other foods of a predetermined cross-sectional configuration. The extrusion assembly includes a housing structure having a base portion and an upright support structure. A plunger assembly is mounted to the housing and has an activatable shaft and separable plunger head. A container mounting structure is provided to receive an extrusion container in alignment with the movement of the plunger head. The extrusion container has a predetermined pattern of extrusion apertures through its bottom surface. The extrusion container locks into the container mounting structure to permit the activation of a switch and to thereby cause the plunger head to penetrate the extrusion container for ice cream extrusion processing.

Abstract: A novel two-part fluid dispensing and technique using fluids of similar or widely different viscosities and in flexible plastic or similar cartridges of a similar or different volumes, and with adjustable dispensing ratios by forcing the fluids out of their respective cartridges in response to variable air pressure into a static mixer, and thence along a dispensing flexible pinch tube, the opening and closing of which is controlled by a pinch valve operated in response either to manual or micro-processor-controlled control.

Abstract: An automatic carbon black discharging device for a waste tire decomposing apparatus including a collecting hopper connected to a carbon black discharging portion of the waste tire decomposing apparatus. The automatic carbon black discharging device also includes a plurality of sensors respectively disposed at vertically equidistantly divided positions of the collecting hopper and adapted to sense maximum, normal and minimum levels of carbon black collected in the collecting hopper, thereby stopping or driving a drive motor for driving a feeding screw included in the waste tire decomposing apparatus. The carbon black is left in the collecting hopper in a minimum amount provide a sealing effect which prevents external air from entering into the device. When the amount of carbon black collected in the collecting hopper corresponds to the maximum level of the collecting hopper, the driving motor is controlled to increase its rotating speed, thereby increasing the discharge rate of carbon black.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system has a number of cartridges, preferably two or four, selectively coupled to a single motor with a respective clutch for dispensing dots of liquid at high speed. The motor drives a spur gear that meshes with individual spur gears associated with each of the clutches. Multiple cartridges are thus activated with a single motor and are housed together in one housing. Each cartridge is movable relative to the housing and is biased downward to a dispensing position with a spring. Air is selectively provided between the dispensers and the housing to drive the cartridges upward to a non-dispensing position. When the air is not provided, the spring returns the cartridge to its downward position. By moving the cartridge relative to the housing, the assembly can dispense at different locations without it being necessary to move the entire pump assembly every time a dot is dispensed.

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

Abstract: In a drink-dispensing installation, an authorized individual is required to identify himself by entering a code into a code-registering station. The drinks-dispensing installation includes an automatic valve and a manually-actuable hand-dispensing valve connected in series with the automatic valve. The automatic valve is maintained in an open position and is closed at a time subsequent to the start of opening the hand valve when a drink is first drawn off from the dispensing installation without first entering the code.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser system, and method of use thereof primarily in industrial applications requiring the dispensing of fluids with varying viscosities, such as water, epoxies, silicones, adhesives, single component, two component, filled, premixed, frozen, etc., allowing for very precise control of the volume of fluid extruded. The system comprises an ergonomic, handheld applicator accommodating a conventional medical syringe, wherein the ergonomic, handheld applicator is attached by a power cord to an electronic control unit. The applicator is provided with a linear actuator that drives a piston or screw a specific distance in response to an electronic signal generated by the control unit. Displacement of the piston or screw creates a positive pressure on a fluid contained in the syringe, thereby causing fluid extrusion from the syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring and dispensing solid dry flowable materials, comprising a refill container, hopper, dispensing valve, transfer container, load cell and controller. The refill container and the transfer container are each mechanically and/or electronically keyed to a specific product.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes an automatic ice maker and a dispenser for dispensing water to the outside of the refrigerator. The ice maker and dispenser are supplied with water from a common reservoir by a common pump. A valve is actuated by a controller to communicate the reservoir with either the dispenser or the ice maker, but not with both simultaneously. The controller acts in response to water-needed signals from the dispenser and ice maker, but always gives precedent to the dispenser signal. If water is in the process of being supplied to the ice maker when a water-needed signal is received from the dispenser, the water supply will be temporarily diverted to the dispenser until the dispenser no longer needs water.

Abstract: A fuel dispenser with a seismic vibration perception function includes a pump motor, a fuel feeding pump, a flow volume measuring member, a nozzle switch and a fueling control member. The fuel-feeding pump is driven by the pump motor. The flow volume measuring member measures the amount of fed fuel and outputs a flow volume pulse signal. The nozzle switch transmits a nozzle-unhooked signal and a nozzle-hooked signal. The fueling control member causes the pump motor to be "on" and "off" by receiving the nozzle-unhooked and the nozzle-hooked signal respectively and counting the flow volume of fuel by receiving the flow volume pulse signal. The fueling control member contains a seismic vibration perception member for perceiving vibration and transmitting a seismic vibration perception signal for suspending electric supply to the pump motor.

Abstract: Dough intended for use in producing bakery products is homogenized and advanced to extrusion nozzles where it is cut into successive pieces that fall onto a moving conveyor. The pieces are of precisely uniform weight because a constant pressure is maintained on the dough as it is forwarded by a metering pump toward the nozzles. Apparatus for achieving such result includes an auger, a developer positioned downstream from the auger, and a transition chamber fed by the developer and located upstream from the metering pump. A pressure-measuring monitor serves to control the rotational speed of the auger, thereby maintaining the dough under constant pressure within the apparatus.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus is provided for dispensing fluid material which comprises a fluid material supply container and a pump for conducting the fluid material from the container to a dispensing head. A controller receives data from a sensor in the container which identifies fluid material type. A pressure sensor in the dispensing head is used by the controller to continuously monitor fluid pressure and to control the flow rate by adjusting the application of current to electromagnetic coils which rotate an impeller in the pump. A timing device is used by the controller to measure the fluid flow rate. The controller adjusts the flow rate to a preprogrammed rate corresponding to the fluid material type by changing the position of pressure plates with respect to the impeller. A dispensing head is provided for applying joint compound to a wallboard joint.

Abstract: A spray controller includes a governor which limits the current applied to an electric motor that operates a spray system pump. The controller accepts pressure sensing and pressure setting signals and provides a pulse train output to drive the motor whenever the sensor signal indicates that the output pressure is less than the "set" pressure. The governor accepts the spray pressure setting signal and limits the width of the pulse train as a function of the desired pressure setting, thus limiting the motor's current and speed. In the preferred embodiment, the motor's speed is restricted at lower pressure settings, but is allowed to operate at maximum speed at higher pressure settings.

Abstract: Each open liquor bottle in a tavern has a plastic spout with a magnetically operable valve to control the flow of liquor from the bottle. The spouts were fabricated with three integral rings extending around the spout with each ring being either plastic or metal to form a pattern that encodes information identifying a characteristic of the bottle. An annular actuator reads the pattern of rings and responds by producing a magnetic field that opens the spout valve to dispense the liquor. Three rings allow up to eight different classes of characteristics to be encoded. To increase that number of classes a supplemental metal ring is attached around some of the spout adjacent to one end of the actuator when the spout is inserted therein. The actuator is modified to sense presence of the supplemental metal ring on a spout. Adding another ring to certain spouts permits the number of classes of characteristics to be doubled without requiring replacement of existing spouts in a tavern.

Abstract: In a treatment system for feeding a liquid from a tank having an outlet by a controllable pump operated cyclically, an automatic calibration/measuring system. The system is arranged for determining the volume of liquid pumped each cycle of the pump, a fluid flow measuring device and a controller coupled thereto. The fluid flow measuring device is in fluid communication with the tank. The fluid flow measuring device has a totalizer counter and batch measurement capability. The batch value in units of fluid volume or mass measurement is configured into the fluid flow measuring device. At the start of the batch, the fluid flow measuring device sends a ready signal to the controller that it is waiting to start the batch. The controller sends a start signal to the fluid flow measuring device that will initialize (zero reset) the totalizer counter and also tells the fluid flow measuring device that the batch has started and the totalizer to start the count of flow measurement.

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

Abstract: A device for delivering a finely divided coating product to a sprayer. The device includes a conveyer composed of a tube and a worm screw mounted in the tube for transporting the coating product, and a motor coupled to the worm screw for rotating the worm screw. The device is constructed for limiting the torque which must be transferred from the motor to the worm screw for rotating the worm screw.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and equipment for quantitatively dosing small amounts of liquid, especially in clinical or other similar wet-chemical analyzers. The dosing employs a liquid space, the volume of which can be changed and which is connected to a dosing channel so that, by increasing or decreasing the volume of the liquid space, a suction or an injection through the dosing channel is achieved. The liquid space is formed by flexible bellows which are freely movable back and forth to provide the reversible deformations which change the volume of the liquid space. The movements are effected using an actuator which is connected to the bellows without transmissions containing sliding surfaces. The actuator comprises precisely repeatable positions and is calibrated according to the invention by measuring the sizes of the dosages produced by the movements between the positions. The dosing is effected after that by selectively repealing the calibrated movements.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a body for mounting in a counter with a spout above the counter, a escutcheon for the upper end of the shank or body, and a pump with cylinder and piston in the body, with the upper end of the piston projecting above the cylinder and connected to the spout and with the lower end of the cylinder connected to a container below the counter. An electrical solenoid is carried on the body below the counter with a moving plunger connected to the cylinder for moving the cylinder upward relative to the piston for pumping fluid from the container through the piston and out through the spout. A lamp housing is carried in the escutcheon, with an infra red source and an infra red detector mounted in the housing, and an electrical cable is connected between the lamp housing and an electrical circuit mounted adjacent the solenoid for energizing the infra red source and for energizing the solenoid in response to a signal from the infra red detector.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser system, and method of use thereof primarily in industrial applications requiring the dispensing of fluids such as epoxies, silicones, adhesives, etc., allowing for very precise control of the volume of fluid extruded. The system comprises an ergonomic, handheld applicator accommodating a conventional medical syringe, wherein the ergonomic, handheld applicator is attached by a power cord to an electronic control unit. The applicator is provided with a stepping motor that drives a piston or screw a specific distance in response to an electronic signal generated by the control unit. Displacement of the piston or screw creates a positive pressure on a fluid contained in the syringe, thereby causing fluid extrusion from the syringe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the dispensing of a primary liquid from a pressurized source of primary liquid. Primary liquid is admitted through an inlet valve to a primary chamber having a primary element which is biased toward an initial position but is movable away from the initial position when subjected to the source pressure of the primary liquid. A sensor determines when the primary element has moved away from an initial position to a predetermined final position, and the inlet valve is closed in response thereto. The difference between the initial and final positions defines a predetermined dispensing volume. An outlet valve is opened to dispense the dispensing volume under the biasing force of the primary element which returns to the initial position. A sensor determines when the primary element has returned to the initial position, and the outlet valve is closed in response thereto.

Abstract: A pumping apparatus is provided for dispensing fluid material which comprises a fluid material supply container and a pump for conducting the fluid material from the container to a dispensing head. A controller receives data from a sensor in the container which identifies fluid material type. A pressure sensor in the dispensing head is used by the controller to continuously monitor fluid pressure and to control the flow rate by adjusting the application of current to electromagnetic coils which rotate an impeller in the pump. A timing device is used by the controller to measure the fluid flow rate. The controller adjusts the flow rate to a preprogrammed rate corresponding to the fluid material type by changing the position of pressure plates with respect to the impeller. A dispensing head is provided for applying joint compound to a wallboard joint.

Abstract: A control mechanism for dispensing fluent materials includes a linkage mechanism actuatable by a single drive member to cause release of a first fluent material from a first dispenser when the drive member is initially moved. The linkage mechanism causes the release of a second fluent material from a second dispenser when the drive member is moved a second time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically shutting off a dispensing device when the fluid source tank is empty includes a programmed pump controller in communication with the dispensing device and a flowmeter having a pulse generator. Upon startup of the dispensing device, the controller waits for an initial time period, then periodically determines the pulse frequency which correlates to a rate of fluid flow. The pulse frequency is compared to a calculated average pulse frequency and, if the pulse frequency has changed a pre-selected, pre-determined amount or percentage when compared to the average pulse frequency the dispensing device is shut-off. The change in pulse frequency indicates ingestion of air into the pumping system meaning an empty source tank.

Abstract: A dispensing device having a flexible tube provided with a pipetting nozzle at an end, a washing solution supplier supplying washing solution to the flexible tube and the pipetting nozzle, a syringe connected to another end of the flexible tube and a control section for controlling the driving of the syringe. The control section of the present invention includes a syringe driving compensator by which the washing solution is supplied into or discharged out of the syringe in an amount compensate for the variation in the inner volume of the tube caused by reduction in the liquid pressure when the washing solution is transmitted from the washing solution supplier into the flexible tube. The liquid surface of the washing solution contained in the pipetting nozzle is maintained at a constant level by actuating the driving compensator in response to the completion of washing of the pipetting nozzle with the washing solution.

Abstract: A system for supplying water from a bottle to a faucet and an auxiliary device on demand. The inventive device includes a water bottle for storing a quantity of fresh water. A demand pump fluidly communicates with the water bottle and creates a pressurized output of water from the bottle. The demand pump is responsive to a drop in output pressure such as occurs during opening of a faucet or operation of a refrigerator ice-maker so as to supply water from the water bottle to such devices.

Abstract: A modular ambulatory patient infusion apparatus including a control module and an infusion fluid or solution-containing interlocking cassette. The control module includes thumbwheel presettable electronic circuitry and display means in the form of windows for viewing the preset numerical values. In accordance with these settings, the circuitry drives a motor-operated reciprocable piston actuator terminating in a finger-like flange engaging portion. The motor shaft drives a worm and worm gear arrangement for reciprocating the piston actuator, with each of the worm and worm gear interoperatively associated with light cells for determining both motor speed and worm gear revolution.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering an accurate volume of fluid from a supply vessel to a process vessel or system in which a computer-controlled servo motor and pump are connected with a modified sampling valve with plunger-type injection device to allow complete addition of all metered fluids. The apparatus is particularly useful for addition of pH or viscosity control additives or shading colorants wherein the delivery of small volumes with precision is desired.

Abstract: A dispensing device for flowing substances, especially food substances, comprises a valve arrangement (2) for controlling flow of substance from a container (3) out through a discharge opening (4). The container (3) is of the type that decreases its volume at the same rate as with which the substance is discharged from the container in order to avoid that the substance in the container there gets in contact with air. Between the valve arrangement (2) and the container (3) a conduit (6)is extending, which is co-ordinated with a pump arrangement (7) arranged to transport the substance in the conduit without getting in direct contact with the substance.

Abstract: A water cooler and dispensing system comprises a housing, a pump, a cap, a siphon tube, a reservoir, a cooling unit, control circuitry and a faucet. The housing includes a frame and detachable panels for supporting the reservoir above a water bottle. The cap substantially seals the bottle and is coupled to the pump. The pump forces air into the bottle and water upward through the siphon tube to the reservoir. A liquid pumping system may also be used. The reservoir is divided into two portions, and the lower portion contains a cooling unit for chilling the water. The reservoir has an output port from each portion of the reservoir coupled to a faucet formed by a manifold, two valves and a nozzle. The dispenser also includes control circuitry for selectively operating the pump to maintain a predetermined water level in the reservoir. The controller also lights an indicator when the bottle is empty.

Abstract: A dosing apparatus provides for dosing a particulate phase within a free flowing two phase flow of a gas phase and the particulate phase, wherein the two phase flow leaves a fluidized bed. The apparatus includes, at its bottom, a gas inlet mechanism to supply the gas via an orifice, and an outlet orifice with a discharge pipe. Control of the gas flow to maintain a predetermined level of the bed is attained by weighing the contents of the bed or by use of sensors within a treatment space of the apparatus. Widening mechanism may be located subsequent to the outlet orifice for widening the stream of particulate phase for exposing an enlarged surface area of particles for treatment.

Abstract: A water boost for a postmix beverage dispensing system in which the water pump for the carbonator is used to also pump water into the water boost tank by the use of a three-way solenoid valve and a control circuit.

Abstract: A foam delivery system includes a pump for delivering a pressurized flow of material to a dispenser through a flexible hose. The hose is encased in a flexible, expansible sheath which contains any material which may leak along the hose. The sheath expands in the region of the leak to accommodate the released material and to indicate the presence of the leak. The system also includes a monitor which senses a leak condition and then terminates the pressurized flow of material.

Abstract: A medium-sized portable container for holding and dispensing such fluids as aircraft engine oil is formed from durable, corrosion-resistant polymeric material such as high density polyethylene. The container, which has a generally rectangularly parallelepipedal shape, is positioned with its longest dimension parallel to the ground to enhance stability and permit stacking. The container is divided into two compartments, one holding the fluid to be dispensed and the other enclosing an electrically driven pump and other dispensing equipment. Controls are provided to shut off current flow automatically when the dispensing pump is not operating.

Abstract: A multichannel metering system, for metering preselected fluid flows from individual fluid flow sources, includes a control device, and data fields which are located in the control device (memory) and describe at least the metering of the individual fluid flows, and can be polled to an operating surface connected to the control device with a data input circuit and with a data output circuit. The data field associated with a fluid flow source can be selected in a simple manner using selector switches associated as part of the data input circuit with individual fluid flow sources by which selector switches at least segments of the fluid flow source belonging to the fluid flow source selected can be represented on the operating surface. At least part of the data input circuit are switched into functional connection with the data field belonging to the fluid flow source selected.

Abstract: An automatic liquid soap dispenser includes a liquid soap container which receives liquid soap therein and which has a bottom wall that is formed with an outlet port. A tubular body is secured to a bottom surface of the bottom wall such that a through-hole at a closed rear portion of the tubular body is aligned with the outlet port. The closed rear portion of the tubular body is further formed with an upright soap outlet adjacent to the through-hole. A movable blocking member is provided adjacent to said closed rear portion and is movable to block and unblock the through-hole so as to control the flow of the liquid soap through the soap outlet. The plunger has a piston which extends fittingly and movably into the tubular body via an open front portion of the latter, and a flexible shaft portion connected to the piston. A driving unit is activated by a detecting unit upon detection of a target.

Abstract: A fire fighting system introduces a liquid chemical foam concentrate into a water stream. The system may incorporate either or both of a hydraulic motor driven pump under control of a microprocessor-based hydraulic valve driver and an electric motor driven pump under control of a DC motor drive circuit. The DC motor drive circuit is adapted to be connected in electrical communication with the hydraulic valve driver and with a display/controller also incorporating a microprocessor. When operating in the dual mode, when the quantity of chemical foamant that must be added to the water stream to maintain a desired percentage mixture exceeds the capacity of the electric motor driven foam pump, control is transferred, via the hydraulic valve driver, to allow a hydraulic motor to drive a separate foam pump.

Abstract: An automatic soap dispenser having an infrared sensing device and associated circuitry to trigger a driver device into operation. The dynamic power of the device is generated from a motor, through a speed reducing gear to deliver a low speed, high torque driving power to a toothed piece. The toothed piece is driven forward in a direction perpendicular to the soap feeding tube of the soap storage bag, allowing liquid soap in the feeding tube to be squeezed and dispensed for hands cleaning. When the squeezing operation is accomplished, the resiliency of the feeding tube pushes the toothed piece back to its original position and is ready for the next soap dispensing.

Abstract: A frozen dessert dispensing apparatus is provided with a metering chamber having a predetermined volume into which a frozen dessert product is issued at a uniform constant rate from a bulk source. The time period required to fill the chamber volume determines a characteristic viscosity value of the dessert product which is advantageously used to time the flow of additional frozen dessert product from the source into and through the chamber to a selected point. The total time required to dispense a desired volume is based upon the viscosity measurement. A reciprocating piston arrangement provides gating of the frozen dessert product from the bulk source when in a first position and further acts to extrude frozen dessert product from the metering chamber when set in motion under the command of a controller. The piston arrangement includes a compressible plunger portion which deforms as necessary to prevent accidents or other mishaps from occurring in pinch-off regions of the apparatus.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for apportionment includes compressing a paste in an apportioning chamber and thereafter delivering the paste towards a nipple after opening of a blocking element, the volume apportioning of the amount of paste to be distributed being undertaken by measuring the displacement of a piston in the apportioning chamber during delivery. The method and apparatus ensure that the apportioning chamber is placed under low pressure so as to facilitate introduction of the paste and delivery of the paste at a fast speed and then at a slow speed.

Abstract: A piston depositor for depositing batter and the like into pans in an automated bakery line includes a valve housing which defines an inlet, a valve chamber, an outlet and a cylinder bore which intersects the valve chamber. A rotary valve is disposed within the valve chamber. The rotary valve selectively interconnects the bore with the valve housing inlet and the valve housing outlet. A piston and rod assembly is slideably disposed within the bore. A programmable drive system including servomotors controls the operation of the rotary valve and piston and rod assembly to intake batter through the housing inlet and discharge the batter through the valve housing outlet.

Abstract: An improved system and method for gravimetrically feeding material at a controlled rate. The material to be fed, which can be either a dry solid or a liquid, is maintained in a supply vessel. A probe disposed in the supply vessel detects the level of the material, sending a high level signal to a controller. A scale weighs the material in the supply vessel, sending a weight signal to the controller. The controller then calculates the density of the material in the supply vessel based on the weight and density of the material. The calculated density is used to affect the feed rate to achieve an operator-input set rate. During refill of the supply vessel, the probe detects material at a high level, sending a signal to the controller which, in turn, sends a signal to a refill valve, stopping refill.

Abstract: A lubricant dispenser, particularly for dispensing lubricants in the drawing of tubes or bars, comprises a reservoir permanently connected to one or more lubricant pumps. The pumps can be permanently connected by flexible hoses or the pumps can be permanently immersed in lubricant via a reservoir.

Abstract: An improved volumetric batcher particularly suitable for a dosed feeding of a dishomogeneous and scarcely slidable as well as extremely fragile product, such as chamomile flowers, to be introduced in filter-bags. Several batching units placed side by side, provide operation with high-speed packing machines. Fed by a single container is the bottom of the container screw-feeders are provided to push the product in to a corresponding vertical loading conduit. A pneumatic piston in the loading conduit compress to a product in the batching chamber which is aligned with a hole passing through a fixed plate which supports the batcher. The batching chamber is located inside a mobile second plate of the batcher.

Abstract: A dispenser of a flowable medium, especially a lubricant, with a flexible wall tube forming the pumping chamber which is connected to a container for the flowable medium by a check-valve and feeds a dispensing nozzle. The pumping chamber is deformed by a plunger actuated by a lever in turn displaced by a solenoid whose linearly displaceable rod bears upon the lever.

Abstract: A method of unsticking a material delivery apparatus comprises automatically generating and applying to the material delivery apparatus a cyclical drive signal that causes at least two levels of torque to be applied to the material delivery apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for beverage dispensing control and monitoring. A bottle control cap is attached to a bottle and a micro processor positioned in the bottle control cap is programmed with data to identify that control cap from others in a system of programmable control caps. The micro processor controls an electric motor which opens and closes a flow passage in the control cap on command in response to a command signal from a system control processor located at a remote location. The micro processor is also programmed to request the signal.