Abstract: Reagent delivery systems, which can include a reagent trough and a pump system, are useful for delivering liquids to a laboratory workbench. Processing samples on the laboratory workbench can result in a large amount of liquid waste. Described herein are reagent troughs, pump systems, reagent delivery systems, waste management systems, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A cryogenic fluid dispensing system having a tank that holds cryogenic liquid and manages heat within the system is disclosed. The cryogenic liquid dispensing system optionally includes a basin and/or a heat exchanger within the tank for managing heat within the system.

Abstract: A time-pressure-filling system for filling liquid drug product into containers is disclosed. The time-pressure-filling system has a storage vessel for storing the liquid drug product and a surge vessel. The surge vessel is configured for single use and is at least partially made of a rigid plastic material. A supply line feeds the liquid drug product from the storage vessel into the surge vessel in a pressurized fashion. A pressure control line is provided for applying a control pressure to the surge vessel, a dispenser is provided for dispensing the liquid drug product into the containers, and a dispensing line connects the surge vessel to the dispenser. A pressure sensor determines pressure in the dispensing line and a valve controls flow of the liquid drug product through the dispensing line. A surge vessel for use in the time-pressure-filling system and a time-pressure-filling method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable temperature control assembly for a water dispenser, using a variable water temperature selector, that delivers water to the consumer at the temperature requested on the variable temperature selector by calculating the required ratio of hot water, cold water and ambient water needed to deliver water at the temperature requested.

Abstract: One or more aspects of the present disclosure provide improved liquid systems, as well as improved liquid system techniques. For example, a liquid system may include a liquid blending system and a liquid dispensing system that more efficiently meets the demands of consumers/users. Specifically, liquid blending and dispensing systems described herein may facilitate user blending of various liquids, accurate user identification of sensory characteristics associated with various liquid blends and liquid blend components, efficient handling of user feedback and refinement of subsequent liquid blends, etc. For instance, a liquid blending system may take user selection input and provide a liquid. The liquid system may store data describing the provided liquid in a database. Further, the liquid system may receive and analyze user input regarding the provided liquid and provide a subsequent liquid blend recipe based on the user input and the stored data describing the original blend.

Abstract: The invention relates to method of operating a fleet of autonomous vehicles at a work site having a loading area at which a loading device is provided for loading material onto said autonomous vehicles. The method includes controlling a first vehicle to drive in a first driving mode until it reaches a start position of the loading area, deactivating the first driving mode by controlling the first vehicle to be positioned in the loading area in a second driving mode, controlling a second vehicle to come into contact with and to push the first vehicle along the loading area and past the loading device for loading material onto the first vehicle as the first vehicle passes by the loading device, and reactivating the first driving mode of the first vehicle when the second vehicle has pushed the first vehicle to an end position of the loading area.

Abstract: A multi-purpose gravity-fed feeder system comprising a timed-access control system configured to simultaneously provide a combination of different nutrient-rich feed attractants to a target animal at a feeder site during specific hours, the timed-access control system comprising a synchronizing actuator control board with LCD interface, linear actuators, two or more actuator push-pull arms, an actuator tower with assembly mount, a solar panel and charge controller. The feed storage system comprises at least one feed access control door assembly, a dividable hopper with a removeable baffle configured to separate the different nutrient, protein-rich feed attractants and feed metering devices.

Abstract: A control device and method for controlling a disengaging actuator (1) of a tool attachment, the device comprising a three-state switch (2), with a middle neutral position (20), a first end position (21), and a second end position (22), a control unit (3, 3?), having an input corresponding to an activation of the first end position (21), an electro-valve (4) coupled hydraulically to the disengaging actuator (1), having a coil (40), a first control line (41) and a second control line (42) coupled respectively to first and second terminals of the coil (40) of the electro-valve, wherein one of the first and second control lines is coupled to the second end position (22) of the three-state switch and the other of the first and second control lines is coupled to an output of the control unit, such that both control lines have to be activated to allow disengagement.

Abstract: A method for filling a target volume into a container by means of a measuring arrangement is described and illustrated. The measuring arrangement includes at least one flowmeter for measuring the flow of a medium flowing into the container, at least one actuator and at least one control unit. The flowmeter includes a computing unit. The filling process can be started and ended by actuating the actuator. The control unit is connected to the actuator and the flowmeter via a communication system. The control unit is set up in such a way that, during operation, it sends a control command to the actuator to end the filling process when a defined limit value of the fill volume, which correlates with the target volume, is reached.

Abstract: A fluid management system includes a fluid management controller and a fluid dispenser. The controller authorizes control of the one or more fluid management components over a wireless interface. A dispensing meter can be activated by an authentication device. The fluid meter includes a cartridge valve with a valve cartridge and a valve stem. The cartridge valve guides the valve stem and provides the only sealing surface for the dynamic seals and control seal disposed on the valve stem. The handheld meter dispenses through a nozzle, which includes an overmolded stem tip that generates a laminar fluid flow as the fluid exits the nozzle. The handheld fluid meter includes circuitry configured to invert the orientation of a visual output provided by a display of the handheld fluid meter to facilitate installation of the handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar application.

Abstract: A beverage system that produces a fermented beverage from two or more liquid streams, includes a first source including an ultra-high gravity beverage at a pressure of 82.7 kPa to 1034.2 kPa; a second source including a carbonated and/or nitrogenated water at a pressure of 82.7 kPa to 1034.2 kPa and and a temperature of 0° to 8°; a mixing point that allows mixing of the ultra high gravity beverage to blend with the carbonated and/or nitrogenated water to produce a fermented beverage; and a fluid line fluidly coupled to the mixing point and configured to allow the fermented beverage to flow to a dispensing tap. The fluid line has a length of 0.3048 m to 45.72 m and an inner diameter of 3.2 mm to 15.9 mm for at least a portion of the line.

Abstract: A carbonation machine with integrated water treatment. The carbonation machine may include a carbonation system for carbonating water in a bottle attached to a carbonation head of the system, a detachable water reservoir, configured to be mounted on a base with an outlet port to allow outward flow of water from the reservoir, piping connecting the outlet port of the water reservoir to transfer water from the detachable reservoir and to pour the water into the bottle, a pump for pumping water out of the water reservoir and transfer the pumped water via the piping, a controller configured to control the pump, and one or more water treatment components fluidically connected to the piping to apply water treatment to water flowing through the piping.

Abstract: A system for sensing material within a container includes a container having a reservoir for storing material and an impact member configured to selectively impart an impulse force on the container to cause vibration of the container. A sensor is configured to sense the vibration of the container upon the impact member imparting the impulse force on the container. Processing circuitry in communication with the sensor is configured to determine an estimate of an amount of the material in the container based on the sensed vibration of the container.

Abstract: A fluid deployment unit includes an expandable container containing mixed fluids in a gaseous region and a liquid region, where the expandable container includes a gas-out port, a liquid-out port, a gas-in port, and a liquid-in port. The fluid deployment unit includes a first three-way valve having a first port coupled to the liquid-out port, a second port coupled to the gas-out port, and a third port matable to an inlet of an electronic rack. The fluid deployment unit includes a second three-way valve having a first port matable to an input port of a liquid-to-liquid exchange unit of a testing assistant unit, a second port coupled to the gas-in port, and a third port matable to an outlet of the electronic rack, where the liquid-in port of the expandable container is matable to an output port of the liquid-to-liquid exchange unit.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods are disclosed for fluid flow control. A container is shaped to receive a liquid. An inlet is configured to allow the liquid to enter the container. An outlet is configured to allow the liquid to exit the container. A float is disposed within the container. A valve is actuated based on a position of the float within the container to open the valve at a first liquid level within the container and to close the valve at a different liquid level within the container.

Abstract: A weigh hopper assembly including a plurality of adjacently aligned weigh hoppers connected via a frame, and longitudinal conveyor mechanism extending along a top portion of the weigh hopper assembly. Each weigh hopper has independent load cells in order to individually weigh the material discharged into the weigh hopper. The conveyor mechanism includes a plurality of gates along a bottom surface of the conveyor mechanism, each gate being aligned with a corresponding weigh hopper of the plurality of weigh hoppers. The conveyor mechanism is in turn connected to a plurality of product bins. A top portion of the conveyor mechanism is in communication with a plurality of product bins via a series of inlet chutes and gates. The weigh hoppers are aligned adjacent to each other and spaced so that each weigh hopper aligns with the transport vehicle.

Abstract: A soda carbonation and dispensation system and method are provided. The system includes a carbonated water pump and motor assembly operable to draw fresh water into carbonator tanks and circulate the water through a chiller system. A carbon dioxide source is connected to the carbonator tanks to produce carbonated water. The system also includes a water level sensor connected to a controller, a plurality of syrup containers, a syrup pump, syrup regulator valves, a brix capacitor, a dispensing tower and faucets connected to the dispensing tower housing. The controller operates the water pump and motor assembly to maintain a water level within a predetermined range and to maintain continuous flow and refrigeration of the carbonated water, which optimizes carbonation. The brix capacitor receives chilled carbonated water and chilled syrup in separate lines. Carbonated water is circulated to the faucets through a manifold in the brix capacitor and then circulated back into the carbonator tanks.

Abstract: A slurry blending tool may include a blending tank to receive and blend one or more materials into a slurry, and at least one inlet pipe connected to the blending tank and to provide the one or more materials to the blending tank. The at least one inlet pipe may vertically enter the blending tank and may not contact the blending tank. The slurry blending tool may include a blending pump partially provided within the blending tank and to blend the one or more materials into the slurry. The slurry blending tool may include an outlet pipe connected to the blending pump and to remove the slurry from the blending tank.

Abstract: An intake arrangement (1) for a roller mill which includes a storage container (2), a force transducer (6) arranged on the storage container (2), a level sensor (7) arranged on the storage container (2) for determining when a ground material level (B) is reached in the storage container (2), and a control unit (8). The control unit (8) is designed to determine a first fill level (A) of the storage container (2), from a weight force (EG) determined by the force transducer (6), and to determine a characteristic fill level curve (K), based on the determined first fill level (A) and the fill level (B) determined by the level sensor (7).

Abstract: A liquid supply system is provided. The liquid supply system includes a liquid tank configured to store a liquid. The liquid supply system also includes a liquid measurement module positioned outside the liquid tank and fluidly connected two connecting ports that are located at opposite sides of a surface of the liquid stored in the liquid tank. The liquid tank includes a tube extends parallel to a height direction of the liquid tank. The liquid tank also includes a floating member located in the tube and configured to float on the liquid. The liquid tank further includes a detection member configured to emit a detection signal toward the floating member.

Abstract: A production method for producing a particle mixture in which two or more types of particles are mixed, including a step of adding a first additive to first particles and mixing the first additive with the first particles using a first mixer and a step of introducing the two or more types of particles including the first particles mixed with the first additive and second particles into a blender container of a gravity blender, and mixing the two or more types of particles inside the blender container.

Abstract: A cooling system comprising a cooling circuit connecting a heat exchanger and a heat load. The cooling system comprising a first velocity fuse upstream of the heat exchanger or heat load and a second velocity fuse or valve downstream of the heat exchanger or heat load. The heat exchanger or heat load is dynamically isolated from the rest of the cooling system by the first velocity fuse or the second velocity fuse in response to a velocity of a flow of cooling fluid exceeding a respective velocity setting of the first velocity fuse or the second velocity fuse.

Abstract: To provide a means that is less likely to misidentify a crack as a foreign substance during an image checking in which a vibration is applied to a powder contained in a bag-like container. A foreign substance checking system includes a vibration device configured to apply a vibration to a container, a photography device configured to optically photograph the inside of the container through a transparent region from the outside, and a determination device configured to determine whether a foreign substance is present inside the container based on an image of the container photographed by the photography device. The vibration device includes a rotating shaft and a hammer rotating in conjunction with the rotating shaft and colliding with the container. A portion of an outer surface of the hammer to abut on the container has a flat surface.

Abstract: A switching valve includes a rotor having a pair of rollers rotatably mounted on both ends thereof, a rotor drive unit rotationally driving the rotor, a pair of pressing members, each being provided at a position where each of the pair of pressing members cooperates with each of the pair of rollers outside a revolution orbit of each of the pair of rollers revolving by rotation of the rotor, and a pair of tubes, each being disposed between the revolution orbit of each of the pair of rollers and each of the pair of pressing members. A rotation center axis of the rotor is disposed on a straight line connecting centers of rotation of the pair of rollers, and each pressing member has the pair of pressing areas symmetrical with respect to a straight line passing through the center of rotation of the rotor and extending a vertical direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a washing machine and a control method of the same. The washing machine includes a tub, a drum, and a detergent supply device configured to supply an additive to the tub. The detergent supply device includes a plurality of cartridges configured to contain the additive, a plurality of check valve assemblies that are respectively connected to the plurality of cartridges and configured to control extracting of the additive from the plurality of cartridges, a pump, a water supply valve configured to receive water from an external water source, and an outlet pipe having a plurality of check valve connection pipes that are respectively connected to the plurality of check valve assemblies, the outlet pipe passing therethrough the water supplied from the water supply valve and the additive extracted from the plurality of cartridges.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a washing machine including a tub, a drum, and a detergent supply device configured to supply an additive to the tub. The detergent supply device includes a plurality of cartridges storing additive, a plurality of check valve assemblies connected to the plurality of cartridges and configured to control extracting of the additive, a pump for extracting additive, an inlet channel defining a plurality of flow paths respectively connected to the plurality of check valve assemblies, where the inlet channel is configured to transmit a pressure change generated by the pump to the plurality of check valve assemblies, and a flow path switching valve connected to the pump and the inlet channel and configured to selectively establish fluid communication between the pump and any one of the plurality of flow paths of the inlet channel.

Abstract: The ingredient feeder for automated cooking apparatus, covered in the present invention, is a horizontally oriented dispensing apparatus, having a variety of shapes and dimensions, constructed from different materials, thus optimized for a wide range of ingredients. Individually controlled, the feeders accurately and precisely dispense ingredients, while their positioning and orientation utilize space. Easy ingredient changes and refill by quick ingredient container replacement, enables a non-stop operation. A simple construction is aiming for operability and quick setup.

Abstract: A universal beauty tester, that is intended for use by any one of a plurality of beauty product suppliers to allow a potential customer at a retail location to obtain a sample testing of one of the beauty products of these suppliers, includes: (a) a display housing configured to house advertising material for the beauty product in such a manner as to not allow unauthorized access to this advertising material, (b) a base, (c) a universal tester bladder that is configured to store any one of the beauty products that are being made available for testing, (d) a liquid dispensing mechanism (e) a non-contact sensing mechanism that is configured to: sense when a customer makes a motion to indicate a desire to receive a test sample of the beauty product, and dispense a test sample, and (f) a processor that controls the operation of the tester and compiles data regarding its use.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser for dispensing beverages and process may include a fluid container containing a fluid ingredient, a conduit fluidly connected to the fluid container, and an electrical conductivity sensor. The electrical conductivity sensor may be (i) fluidly connected to the conduit, and (ii) configured to sense an electrical conductivity of the fluid ingredient flowing through the conduit. The electrical conductivity sensor may further be configured to output (i) a first electrical signal in response to sensing an air bubble, and (ii) a second electrical signal in response to not sensing an air bubble.

Abstract: A contactless beverage dispenser, system, and method of contactlessly dispensing a beverage are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the present invention utilize a sensor that is operatively coupled to a pump for selective activation thereof. The sensor detects, in a sensor zone, the presence of a beverage container proximal a dispensing spout of the beverage dispenser. The sensor may be a proximity sensor, such as a photoelectric sensor. Upon detection of the beverage container, the pump is activated and dispenses a beverage to a user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing an amount of a liquid in a container are provided. A conduit is provided that has a length positioned relative to a portion of the container where a level of the liquid in the container changes when liquid is added to the container or liquid is removed from the container. The conduit is in fluid communication with the container to therefore allow an amount of the liquid to enter the conduit that is proportional to the amount of the liquid in the container. An outlet is provided along with a valve. The valve is in fluid communication with the conduit and the outlet, where the valve is selectable to allow the amount of liquid in the conduit to pass to the outlet, the amount of liquid passing to the outlet proportional to the amount of liquid in the container.

Abstract: Reservoirs for fluid mixture dispensing devices, and fluid mixture devices adapted to include such reservoirs are disclosed. One disclosed fluid mixture dispensing device includes a controller programmed to actuate a set of valves and at least one pump to dispense a fluid mixture, having a final dispense volume, from the fluid mixture dispensing device. The fluid mixture dispensing device also includes a reservoir with a chamber with at least one inlet for receiving a liquid ingredient, a bottom of the chamber, which is continuously sloped towards a lowest point of the chamber, and a spout at the lowest point of the chamber. The chamber is shaped so that when the fluid mixture is in the chamber the fluid mixture flows laminarly out of the spout.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing a resource dispenser status for a resource dispenser associated with a facility. One system includes an electronic processor. The electronic processor is configured to receive a set of signals. The electronic processor is also configured to compare a first signal included in the set of signals to a set of thresholds. The electronic processor is also configured to determine a resource dispenser status based on the comparison of the first signal to the set of thresholds. The electronic processor is also configured to generate and transmit the resource dispenser status to a remote device, wherein the remote device provides the resource dispenser status to a user.

Abstract: Unattended beverage dispensers configured to dispense one or more beverages after authenticating a customer and associating the customer with a customer account. An unattended beverage dispenser may include a user interface with a biometric sensor configured to identify a biometric characteristic of a customer. A controller associated with the unattended beverage dispenser may authenticate a customer based on a biometric characteristic and associate the authenticated customer with a customer account. After authenticating a customer, the controller may allow beverage dispensing from the unattended beverage dispenser in accordance with a beverage dispensing rule associated with the customer's account.

Abstract: A refrigerator and method utilize first and second sensors to determine a volume of fluid dispensed by a fluid dispenser that incorporates a fluid storage receptacle. The first sensor is disposed in upstream fluid communication with the fluid storage receptacle to generate a first signal representative of a volume of fluid entering the fluid storage receptacle and the second sensor is disposed downstream of the first sensor to generate a second signal representative of a volume of fluid exiting the fluid storage receptacle, and a controller determines the volume of fluid dispensed using the first and second signals output by the first and second sensors.

Abstract: A device for on-site dispensing of a beverage containing a liquid and a gaseous substance dissolved therein is described. The device includes a dispenser, and a conduit for supplying the beverage to the dispenser. The conduit is configured to be connected to a container suitable for containing at least liquid for obtaining the beverage. The device further includes a pusher for imparting to the beverage a push sufficient to enable the dispensing of the beverage via the dispenser according to a predetermined dispensing condition. Furthermore, the device can include a pressure modulator for modulating the pressure in the conduit, a pressure reducer to be introduced into the container, and a compensator for improving the operation of the device on the basis of one or more automatic controls thereof.

Abstract: Since a drive unit is disposed in a body of a switching valve included in a suction-discharge device in the related art and a sample flows in the body of the switching valve, a treatment, such as autoclave sterilization, could not be performed. For this reason, a contamination cause, such as bacteria, could not be completely removed. Since a switching valve of the invention is formed of a mechanism for blocking tubes by pressing the tubes, in which a sample flows, from the outside, a contamination cause, such as bacteria, is not spread to the switching valve. Further, tubes and a syringe pump, which are installed on a suction-discharge device of the invention, form an assembly that can be easily replaced even though contamination is generated.

Abstract: A vapor evaporation source is provided. The vapor evaporation source includes a vapor evaporation source body made of conductive material, and the vapor evaporation source body has: a main body configured with a material chamber therein; and a first electrode connection terminal and a second electrode connection terminal disposed on outer sides of the main body. The first electrode connection terminal and the second electrode connection terminal have opposite polarities. After electrification of the first electrode connection terminal and the second electrode connection terminal, the main body itself conducts electricity and generates heat to heat material inside the material chamber.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir and has an axis of rotation. A first magnet and a second magnet are connected to the shaft and rotatable around the axis of rotation in response to rotation of the shaft. The first magnet and the second magnet are detectable by a magnetic sensor when the replaceable unit is installed in the image forming device. A polarity of the first magnet is oriented opposite a polarity of the second magnet relative to the shaft. An amount of angular offset between the first magnet and the second magnet varies depending on an amount of toner in the reservoir.

Abstract: A piston pump arrangement that disables operation of the pump in the absence of an inlet liquid and also to a piston pump arrangement useful to discharge liquids from at least two sources and to disable discharge of all of the liquids when supply of liquid from at least one source is empty.

Abstract: This museum showcase comprises a display space visible to the public for receiving objects, at least a detection sensor of a parameter of the showcase and at least one of an alarm and an actuator for adjusting a parameter of the showcase. The museum showcase further comprises a processing unit and a showcase interface; the showcase interface is operatively connected between the sensor, the adjusting actuator and/or the alarm and the processing unit, in order to transmit information from the sensor to the processing unit and to transmit commands from the processing unit to the adjusting actuator and/or the alarm. The museum showcase is therefore completely controllable by means of the processing unit, which receives information from one or more dedicated sensors that is considered necessary for the specific showcase and which manages actuators and alarms so as to maintain the desired conditions and/or signal abnormal situations, according to the information received.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dishwasher comprising a body; a washing cabin that is disposed on the body and wherein the washing process is performed; a door that almost completely closes the washing cabin and that has a closed position perpendicular to the floor and an open position almost parallel to the place where access to the washing cabin is provided, and a dosing unit that is disposed on the door, wherein the liquid/gel detergent can be filled and that enables the detergent to be transferred to the washing cabin during the washing process.

Abstract: A developing apparatus includes a developing unit configured to be detachable from and attachable to an image forming apparatus to contain a developer, a rotary member configured to rotate in the developing unit, and a detection unit installed on an internal surface of the developing unit and configured to detect a pressure caused by pressure through the developer by rotation of the rotary member. In addition, a measurement unit is configured to measure a period in which the pressure is changed, and a determination unit is configured to determine an amount of the developer in the developing unit based on the period detected by the measurement unit.

Abstract: A replaceable unit for an electrophotographic image forming device according to one example embodiment includes a housing having an inner volume forming a reservoir for storing toner. A rotatable shaft is positioned within the reservoir. A paddle is mounted to the shaft. The paddle includes a magnet that has a magnetic field detectable by a magnetic sensor for detecting the motion of the paddle.

Abstract: A fluid level gauging mechanism external of a reservoir bottle in a dispenser which mechanism emits electromagnetic radiation and senses the electromagnetic radiation emitted which passes through the bottle or is reflected from the bottle through a wall of the bottle into the bottle at a first height and senses reflected radiation passing outwardly from the bottle at a second different height.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of discharging dry bulk material from a container. The method comprises the steps of applying vibration to the container in accordance with a predetermined vibration application routine. A resultant amplitude of vibration of the container resulting from the applied vibration is then monitored to facilitate the determination of a level of dry bulk material present in the container. In the event that the determined level of dry bulk material is above a predetermined level, the application of vibration to the container is ceased for a predetermined time interval. In the event that the determined level of dry bulk material is at or below a predetermined level, the application of vibration to the container is maintained in accordance with the predetermined vibration application routine.

Abstract: A dispensing system and methods employed therein uses optical displacement sensing to control dispensation of one or more products. An optical displacement sensor measures displacement of a load beam supporting a vessel from which the product is to be dispensed. The displacement of the load beam is related to the amount (weight) of the product remaining in the vessel. The system may thus control dispensation of the product based on the optical displacement measurements.

Abstract: A sewage sludge silo is provided, having a central discharge arm for discharging sludge via a central discharge opening, by means of the discharge arm sweeping across a preferably sloped silo floor, with the discharge arm having upper and lower ends, with the lower end extending forward of the upper end in transverse generally vertical cross-section, as the discharge arm moves in a forward direction across the silo floor. The silo floor can be of multi-layer construction, with one of the layers being molded to facilitate a sloped configuration for the silo floor. The movement of a silo discharge arm can be computer controlled to adjust the speed of the discharge arm to maintain a predetermined or substantially constant rate of discharge of sludge from the silo, with such control being facilitated by appropriate sensor mechanisms.

Abstract: A beverages dispenser, particularly for carbonated beverages, comprises a cooled tank where beverage is stored, an inlet pipe to the tank, an inlet valve on the inlet pipe, a pump downstream the inlet valve for feeding a beverage to the tank in order to maintain a predetermined level wherein, an outlet pipe from the tank to a beverage dispensing nozzle, and an outlet valve on the outlet conduit. An auxiliary pipe is disposed between the inlet pipe downstream the inlet valve and the outlet pipe downstream the outlet valve and a control unit is adapted to close the inlet valve and to run the pump in order to empty the outlet pipe into the tank after the beverage is dispensed in order to prevent dripping.