Abstract: A double sided primed circuit board is shown wherein one side is etched for receiving a plurality of surface mounted components constituting a control circuit. In one embodiment the control circuit provides for regulating the operation of a plurality to the beverage dispensing valves. An op-amp monitors the conductor for sensing the operation of the beverage dispensing valves as a function of a voltage drop there across. The conductor operates as a resistor, and any heating thereof that occurs as a result of the operation of the beverage dispensing valves is dissipated over the entire surface area of the circuit board. The control circuit also operates a dump valve for periodically dumping beverage if any of the valves have not been operated for a set period of time. The control circuit deactivates the operation of the dump valve during any sensed operation of one of the beverage dispense valves.

Abstract: An aromatic alarm system for awakening a user to a pleasant smell at a pre-selected time comprising, in combination an electronic processor couplable to a source of power adapted to provide electric power and controls to the system; an optical display operatively coupled to the processor to display a time of day and a starting time, the optical display having associated operator variable controls to change the time of day and starting time; and an atomizer, a housing supporting the atomizer, the housing also supporting the processor, the atomizer including a reservoir of fluid to be atomized, an outlet orifice for dispensing atomized fluid, tubing coupling the outlet orifice and reservoir, a pump coupled to the tubing to convey fluid from the reservoir to the outlet orifice and convert it from the liquid state into the atomized state, a motor with an operator controlled variable resistor to operate the pump at a pre-selected intensity, an operator controlled on/off switch to energize the motor to allow activa

Abstract: A fragrance supplying apparatus for a vehicle for supplying an interior of an air-conditioning duct of the vehicle with a fragrance or deodrant so that the fragrance or deodrant is carried by a flow of air from a blower of the air-conditioning system into the cabin of the vehicle, the fragrance supplying apparatus including a fragrance supplying apparatus having control valves for controlling the supply of the fragrance or deodorant into the air-conditioning duct; a random number producing unit for producing random numbers; and a control unit for controlling the control valves of the fragrance supplying unit based on the random numbers to set varying patterns of supply and cessation of the fragrance or deodorant.

Abstract: The device of the invention dispenses a liquid, such as detergent or softener, into a clothes washing machine. The device includes two components: a container and a nozzle assembly. The container holds a quantity of liquid and a vane pump. The pump pumps the liquid through a conduit to the nozzle assembly. An anti-siphon tube is located in a hole in the conduit, within the container, but above the level of the liquid. When the pump is shut off, the anti-siphon tube prevents the creation of a siphon effect within the conduit. The nozzle assembly includes a nozzle housing, a hose from the container to the nozzle housing, and a nozzle to direct the liquid into the tub of the washing machine.

Abstract: A control system and method are provided for controlling the timing of a dispenser including a valve which moves alternately between a product-loading position and a product-dispensing position in a repeated cycle. The dispenser also includes a mechanism for dispensing a product from the dispenser after each time the valve moves to its product-dispensing position. The control system includes a detector which detects the time of which the valve reaches its product-dispensing position and a mechanism for generating a control signal at a predetermined time to actuate the dispensing mechanism when the valve reaches its product-dispensing position. The control system also includes a sensor for sensing the time that the dispensing mechanism actually begins dispensing product. The control system further determines the time difference between the time the valve reaches its product-dispensing position and the time the dispensing mechanism actually begins dispensing the product.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for a dispensing mechanism having an electrically operated dispensing control member and a sensor for sensing a first predetermined condition and producing a condition control signal for permitting or preventing operation of the dispensing control member in accordance with the predetermined condition. The control apparatus comprises a dispensing duration timer responsive to the condition control signal for permitting operation of the dispensing control member, for producing a dispensing control signal for a selectable amount of time for controlling the time duration of the operation of the dispensing control member and a delay timer responsive to the dispensing duration timer control for a selectable amount of time following dispensing duration of the timer control signal for preventing a further operation of the dispensing duration timer for a selectable amount of time following each dispensing operation.

Abstract: A scent alarm device which includes a housing and a spray canister of an odorant, such as butyl mercaptan, supported within the housing utilizes a mechanism for intermittently dispensing odorant from the canister upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. The spray canister has a depressible release valve for releasing canister contents upon depression of the valve, and the depressing mechanism is adapted to repeatedly depress the canister release valve in an intermittent fashion. The device may utilize a canister having a height within a range of canister heights, and if desired, the device may be interfaced with a number of other alarm systems, such as a smoke or heat detector or used to alert an individual that household electrical power has been shut off.

Abstract: A powder feeding apparatus comprising a holding hopper for holding a powder, a metering hopper for metering the powder from the holding hopper, a mechanism for opening and closing a discharge opening in the metering hopper, a controller for controlling the hopper opening-closing mechanism, and a trough where the powder discharged in a heap from the metering hopper is smoothed into a layer.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for receiving fluid components from a proportioning device and delivering the components to a mixing tube for chemical reaction of the components. The device comprises a housing having two inlet chambers and an outlet chamber. One of the fluids is connected to the first inlet chamber while the other fluid is connected to the second inlet chamber and both inlet chambers are fluidly connected to the outlet chamber by separate fluid passageways. A valve assembly is operable to simultaneously open both fluid passageways so that the fluids from the inlet chambers flow into the outlet chamber and then out from the device housing to the mixing tube. The device housing comprises two housing parts which are detachably secured together and, when separated, provide open access to the valve members and outlet chamber for cleaning and to enable a ratio check to be performed at a point in the system close to the mixing tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for maintaining cold carbonated water in a beverage dispensing device so that unacceptably warm water is not dispensed therefrom. A modified beverage dispensing apparatus is shown including a carbonated water supply, a cold plate, carbonated water supply line extending through the cold plate, and in fluid communication with a carbonated water plenum immediately adjacent and in fluid communication with a plurality of beverage dispensing valves. An electronic control device connected to a temperature sensing thermostat located in the plenum and to a solenoid discharge valve of the plenum. The control device is also connected to a temperature sensing thermostat in the cold plate and to a pressure sensor located in the line between the source of compressed carbon dioxide and the carbonated water reservoir.

Abstract: An automatic postmix beverage dispenser having a single or multiflavor automatic beverage dispensing valve (faucet) and including means for preventing the dispensing of a warm casual drink. The automatic dispenser includes an on-board computer having a timer circuit to purge the warm water in the uncooled portion of the water line between the cooling means and the automatic beverage dispensing valve whenever a drink is requested and no drink has been dispensed for a particular period of time. The warm water is drained out for a period of time needed to drain the warm water in the uncooled portion of the water line. In another embodiment, a thermometer is used and the water is purged when a drink is requested and the water temperature is above a certain value, and until it is reduced to a desired temperature.

Abstract: An animal scent dispensing apparatus includes a housing that can be supported in an elevated position above the ground. A reservoir is supported by the housing for containing an animal scent to be dispensed. An outlet releases fluid scent from the reservoir in a drip-like fashion so that it can be dispensed to fall to the ground. A valved vacuum line operable between open and closed flow positions and communicates with the reservoir for maintaining a vacuum on the reservoir when not dispensing fluid therefrom. A timed valving mechanism fence the reservoir at the vacuum line so that fluid in the reservoir will dispense from the outlet and the outlet defines at least in part the dispensing flow rate as a fluid dispensed from the reservoir. The apparatus has particular utility for deer hunting wherein a scent can be dispensed at multiple times during the day for very short time periods of for example a few seconds.

Abstract: Apparatus for the distribution of fluid materials, notably liquids such as oils and essential oils, perfumes, and the like, which are typically at least somewhat corrosive vis-a-vis injection heads for the dispensing thereof, includes a distribution nozzle, the geometry and mode of operation of which prevent the backup of distributed material into the dispensing nozzle/system during shutdown, and advantageously a control for the automatic regulation of the starting and stopping of the dispensing function.

Abstract: A powder feeding device comprising a metering hopper for metering a powdery material supplied from a holding hopper, a weight measuring device for measuring the weight of the powdery material in the metering hopper, a device for opening and closing a discharge opening formed in the metering hopper and a control device for controlling the action of the opening and closing device. The control device has a timer, a device for setting a discharge interval, and a device for correcting the standard discharge interval set by the discharge interval setting device. The discharge interval correcting device corrects the standard discharge interval on the basis of a measured signal from the weight measuring device.

Abstract: A sanitary liquid dispenser having an essentially spherical housing with a downwardly extending portion surrounding a recessed discharge port, the dispenser further including a proximity detector for activating a discharge mechanism when detecting the proximity of an object therebeneath, the dispenser further including therewithin a fluid reservoir having a disposable deformable bag with an essentially vertically disposed and integrally formed extension projecting downwardly therefrom and wherein there is included a valve disposed within such downwardly projecting extension or within a contiguous supporting member.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the release of a substance from a substrate, e.g., the release of ions through membranes, are disclosed.

Abstract: In a beverage dispenser of the type including portion control dispensing, the improvement wherein the portion control circuit includes a microprocessor based timer programmed to provide a primary pour cycle and then one or more topping off pour cycles after a wait period of time after termination of the primary pour cycle.

Abstract: An automatic watering system for decorative plants which has adjustable timing capabilities for providing periodic, unattended watering of plants. It further includes tubing with branching capability so that complex distribution systems that are unobstrusive and concealable may be constructed. It may have check valves and T-sections with built-in valves to prevent flooding. It has a unique monitoring system that indicates an alarm indication in case of flooding or failure to provide water. The system may be constructed as a low pressure system for small installations or a high pressure system drawing water directly from the water mains.

Abstract: A metering dispenser including a metering chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, an inlet valve for admitting flowable material to the metering chamber through the inlet port, an outlet valve for allowing discharge of the material. To control operation of the inlet and outlet valves, a valve control member is operatively associated with the inlet and outlet valves and is pivotally movable between two extreme limits of pivotal movement which correspond respectively to fill and discharge conditions of the dispenser. A control biasing spring is associated with the valve control member and biases the valve control member towards the one of the extreme limits of pivotal movement corresponding to the dispenser being in the fill condition. An actuator is operative to move the valve control member against the action of the biasing spring. The valve control may be mechanically operative to control operation of the inlet and outlet valves.

Abstract: A system to chlorinate swimming pool water including one or more buckets containing sodium hypochlorite solution. The valve having a stationary part with a downwardly open cavity and a rotatable part rotatably mounted in the cavity. The stationary part having multiple ports and the rotatable part having a mating through passage. The ports being interposed in a line from the bucket to a swimming pool water recirculating pump so that flow of the sodium hypochlorite solution from the bucket to the pump only occurs when the through passage registers with the diametrically opposed ports. A battery-powered clock motor and reduction gearing connected to the clock motor and to the rotatable part and the reduction gearing rotating the rotatable part 180.degree.

Abstract: The invention includes a method and apparatus for controlling the concentration of wash water in a ware washing machine. A preferred ware washing machine (10) includes a reservoir (11) for holding wash water, a normally closed valve (17) for directing clean water to a dry detergent supply (13), an electrodeless conductivity cell (12) for monitoring the conductivity of the ware washing solution, and a controller for activating the normally closed valve (15) in response to the difference between the measured concentration and the actual concentration. A preferred concentration controller includes an adjustable amplifier (48) which provides an amplified concentration signal which is equal to a reference signal when the concentration of the solution is equal to the desired concentration.

Abstract: A mixture control system for mixing a bactericidal chemical and water in a reservoir in batches. Flow of the water into the reservoir is initiated by a float actuated switch and the duration of the flow is controlled. While the flow is occurring, a dispenser dispenses chemical into the reservoir according to a preset dispensing cycle which is initiated when the water flow is initiated and also terminates therewith.

Abstract: A scent clock bimetallic device for releasing odors into the environment for exposing heat sensitive fragrance releasing material has a heating element and a shutter vane rotatively secured to a thermal mass and mechanically linked to a bimetallic strip whereby the shutter vane is caused to rotate in response to heat and exposed said heat sensitive fragrance releasing material to the environment.

Abstract: In a method and a circuit for controlling an amount of pelletized material that is dispensed from a pellet dispenser, the dispenser is driven at the same speed during each one of a plurality of pellet dispensing cycles. The frequency of dispenser operation is varied by varying the time interval between pellet dispensing cycles. The circuit includes two timers, an OFF timer which is connected to a counter that counts the number of "off" timing signals in each "off" period and an ON timer that receives a triggering signal from the counter when the "off" period is completed. A switch is connected to the counter to select this number of "off" timing signals. The "off" time period can also be altered by altering the time base of the OFF timer. This is accomplished with a resistance circuit that is connected to a timing circuit for the OFF timer, through either a user-controlled timer or a temperature-responsive switch.

Abstract: A portable dispenser especially suitable for blending and dispensing bacterial solutions includes within a single housing a reservoir, a pump, a valve, self-contained batteries, and timing relays. The relays are readily adjustable for determining over a wide range the length of the dispensing periods and the length of time between them. A small, efficient pump is used for blending just before it is used for dispensing. For applications requiring small quantities of additives, the dispenser can function long periods unattended between refills of additives and replacements of batteries.

Abstract: A device is provided for supplying material with unit doses of particulate parasiticidal composition, comprising, in combination:(1) a supply of particulate parasiticidal composition;(2) a feeder for feeding unit doses in regular sequence from the supply to the material;(3) a capacitive approach switch for sensing each unit dose as fed to the material;(4) a timer for timing the interval between unit doses; and(5) a signalling device for giving a signal when the interval between doses exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: An alumina slurry supply system for use in conjunction with a polisher or grinder apparatus or the like for preparing the surfaces of metallurgical specimens, the system comprising an alumina slurry reservoir, a recirculation pump disposed in the reservoir, an applicator arm for dispensing the abrasive slurry to a platen or lapping wheel of the polisher or grinder apparatus, a first conduit for receiving slurry pumped from the reservoir, a second conduit connected to the first conduit for recirculating the slurry to the reservoir, a third conduit leading from the first conduit to the applicator arm, a valve in the third conduit movable between an open position to supply abrasive slurry to the applicator arm and a closed position in which all abrasive slurry pumped from the reservoir is recirculated thereto, and a timer for controlling the operation of the valve.

Abstract: A soft dessert dispensing arrangement in which a dispenser is responsive to manual actuation by an operator to dispense soft dessert over a given time period, as measured by an electrical timing circuit. Changes in important parameters affecting the pumping rate of the dessert, such as the pressure and temperature of the pumped dessert and the elapsed time since the last dispensing operation, are compensated for by adjusting the given time period to provide for the dispensing of a substantially constant quantity of dessert despite the changed parameters. The electrical timing circuit is responsive to an input resistance to measure the given time period, and the resistance applied to the timing circuit changes in accordance with sensed variations in the aforementioned parameters.

Abstract: A foam dispenser for converting a plurality of foam components into an expanded foam which can be flushed with a cleaning solution after the foam is discharged is distinguished by the use of a rotary valve member corresponding to each foam component introduced into the dispenser to constitute the expanded foam. Each rotary valve member has a single passageway and is mounted for movement between positions in which (a) the passageway communicates with the tube carrying the foam component and (b) the passageway communicates with a tube carrying the cleaning solution, thus permitting cleaning of the dispenser at all points downstream of where the foam components enter the valve. The distance between where the foam component is introduced into the dispenser and the point where the foam component enters the valve is so short that no significant amounts of buildup of the foam component can occur.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing fluent materials such as fish food including one or more chambers for receiving the fluent material having a bottom with an opening therein which cooperates with an opening in a slide member to dispense the fluent material upon reciprocating movement of the slide member. An adjustable throw solenoid recirpocates the slide member for a short time period determined by an adjustable period timer upon initiation by a daily timer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sand classification plant dynamically controlled to divide feed material from a primary and a secondary source among several stations by particle-size and to blend the station contents in selected ratios to produce one or more controlled products having respective particle-size distributions and one or more uncontrolled distribution by-products. The invention includes automated features such as regulating the ratio between two or more controlled products to optimize the use of feed material, regulating source material feed and water flow rates to optimize production, combining two or more stations to make up for the missing output of an empty one, and controlling the flow rates from the individual stations in accordance with changes in feed particle-size distribution and in particle-size distribution of the output from each individual station.

Abstract: A pressurized can (3) containing material to be dispensed by evaporation is inserted into a case (1) and secured therein by latches (16). An actuator assembly comprises an annular solenoid (21,22) surrounding a plunger (28). The plunger (28) has an axial bore for receiving a shaft tube (29) which is pressed by plunger (28) on a can valve when the solenoid (21,22) is energized. The shaft tube (29) is provided with a nozzle tube (31) extending toward the opening (37) of an annular electrical heating device (34) comprising a perforated disk (39). Material from the can (3) is released by energizing the solenoid (21,22) automatically at selectable time intervals for preset durations. The material falls on the heated perforated disk (39) and evaporates through the holes (40) in the disk (39) into the atmosphere. Higher amounts of insecticide, deodorant and disinfectant agents can be automatically evaporated into a space of higher volume with less material by this apparatus.

Abstract: The individual cells of a storage battery have water refill plugs which contain valves actuated by floats and which are connected to a common water supply conduit. In the water supply conduit there is a valve which is repeatedly actuated in pulse-like manner during refilling. This actuation occurs after the gassing potential of the battery has been reached and about 1.5-2 hours before termination of charging. The valve is actuated during a period of 5-10 minutes in impulse-like manner for 5-10 seconds at a time, separated by pauses of 5-10 seconds each.

Abstract: A processor of photosensitive material includes an automatic control system for providing anti-oxidation replenishment. The control system includes a real time clock for providing an indication of the time of day, and means for storing a schedule of operating hours of the processor. The control system controls anti-oxidation replenishment as a function of the time of day and the schedule of operation. In one embodiment, the control system provides anti-oxidation replenishment on a twenty-four hour basis (even during nonoperating hours) by operating the developer circulation pump and the anti-oxidation replenishment pump on a periodic basis during nonoperating hours. In another embodiment, which is particularly useful when there are restrictions against leaving on electric power to the processor during nonoperating hours, the control system adds a bulk amount of anti-oxidation replenishment at the time of turn-on of the processor.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for handling gasket-forming material. This material is usually supplied in tubular cartridge form and is dispensed to a screen with a porous pattern which shapes the material to the desired gasket-configuration. The material is spread on the screen and forced through to the other side where the gasket pattern is applied to an adjacent transfer surface of a transfer pad. This pad with the pattern on the transfer surface is moved to a mateable surface of a workpiece located on a support spaced from the screen. The gasket-forming material is then transferred to the mateable surface. The gasket-forming material is dispensed from the cartridge with the aid of a cartridge holder having an opening at one end to receive a spout of the cartridge and having a plunger at the other end with a plunger rod extending outwardly therefrom. A fluid-operated cylinder is aligned with the plunger rod and has a piston connected with the rod.