Abstract: In order to provide in a liquid-containing liquid friction coupling an air-filled space having a predetermined volume in a process which requires a minimum of manipulation and can be carried out in a short time, equal quantities of air are forced into the liquid-containing liquid friction coupling, on the one hand, and into a pressure-tight reference vessel which contains an air-filled space having the desired volume, on the other hand, the pressure difference between the reference vessel and the liquid friction coupling is then measured, and the pressures are balanced in that liquid is added to or removed from the liquid friction coupling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous weighing system and more specifically to a combination of a "wild-flow" flow of material and a loss-in-weight monitoring system. An uncontrolled flow of material from a wild-flow stream is accurately weighed and discharged by the loss-in-weight system.

Abstract: A dispenser suitable for dispensing multiple solutions to, preferably, multiple utilization points. A laundry washing system (18) according to the invention includes a dispenser (20) which dispenses a plurality of cleaning solution to a plurality of washing machines (72) through a single common conduit (25). Conduit (25) is flushed after dispensing one solution but before dispensing a second chemically incompatible solution. A preferred dispenser (20) is capable of servicing multiple laundry machines (72) using a first-in first-out approach wherein the machines request service from a control system (74) which temporarily disables any "late-comers" until the appropriate solution can be dispensed to the machine (72) making the first, or highest priority, request.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the flow of a foam uses a bellow enclosed in a housing. The bellows is filled with foam under pressure from a foam generator and expands a preselected amount at which point the flow of foam into the bellows is interrupted. Simultaneously with the interrupting of the flow of foam into the bellows, air under pressure is routed into the housing which causes the bellows to collapse forcing the foam out of the bellows. The apparatus is particularly useful in the froth flotation (benefication) of minerals.

Abstract: A dispenser for and method of dispensing a concentrated cleaning solution from a solid block of a cleaning composition wherein the concentrated cleaning solution is dispensed at a substantially constant concentration during the entire useful life of the solid block of cleaning composition. The dispenser comprises (i) a spray nozzle for directing a uniform dissolving spray onto an exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition; and (ii) a spring or hydraulic piston coupled to the nozzle for biasing the nozzle towards the solid block and thereby maintaining a substantially constant distance between the nozzle and the exposed surface of the solid block of cleaning composition even though the exposed surface recedes due to dissolution by the dissolving spray.

Abstract: A liquid mixing system and method are disclosed for automatically preparing a batch mixture containing predetermined quantities of liquids such as spray dampening solutions or silicone emulsions used in the printing industry. The system comprises a holding tank having one or more liquid columns in liquid communication with the tank so that the level of liquid in the column, or columns, will be the same as the level of the liquid in the tank. Liquid level detection devices preferably in the form of static capacity-type proximity switches sense the level of the liquid in the column, or columns, and liquid charging devices responsive to the liquid level detection devices charges the liquids into the tank in seriatum each time raising the level of the liquid in the tank and in the columns to the next detected level.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying an accurately measured volume of liquid, comprising a vessel filled with the liquid, a cylinder loosely and slidably fitted into the vessel from above, and a sealing box at the top of the vessel sealing the vertical motion of the cylinder. The sealing box has a liquid discharge port at a bottom edge. A drive shaft, preferably screw driven, moves the cylinder vertically downward.

Abstract: A new liquid level sensor, suitable for use as an auxiliary device in an automatic station for preparing immunologic dosages, consists of a U pipe containing water, and provided with a resistivity sensor at the end of one of its branches, the other branch being connected with the terminal of the liquid dispensing or suction system of the automatic station in such a way that a very small pressure difference within the system results in a water level variation in both branches and in the relevant activation (or disactivation) of the resistivity sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically selectively introducing successive samples of a liquid from at least one pressurized line into a receiving funnel having an outlet port and at least one inlet port. The receiving funnel has main receiving chamber for receiving liquid samples and a sensing device is also provided in the receiving funnel for sensing the level of liquid present in the receiving funnel for controlling flow in and out of the funnel.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a housing, a dispenser head with an electrically conductive combination cup actuator lever and beverage level probe, a control circuit connected to the probe and to a start switch actuatable by the probe and to a solenoid for a beverage valve, and a drip tray and cup rest wherein the cup rest is tilted rearward toward the actuator lever to hold a cup against the lever and keep the back of the cup rim against the lever. An improved actuator lever has a dielectric journal, an electrically conductive thin wall metal tube cantilevered probe extending down from a single fastener securing a control lead and the probe to the journal piece and the conductive probe is spaced from and is below the level of the valve body and lever fulcrum. A conductive plastic flow control is mounted in the valve body and a second control lead is connected to the electrically conductive flow control for providing a potential signal in the beverage.

Abstract: A liquid concentrate dispensing apparatus having a removable and refillable concentrate tank with sensors connected therewith flush with the inside wall of the tank to facilitate cleaning. The sensors comprise detectors which include an electrically conductive housing, one wall of the housing is substantially flush with the inside wall of the tank. Spring biased detent members on the outside of the tank releasably connect the detectors with the dispensing apparatus when the tank is inserted to a preselected position. The tank is provided with two such sensors, one is located in the sidewall and the other is located in the bottom wall. When the tank is inserted into the dispensing apparatus, the spring biased detent members engage contacts on the apparatus. A current passes between the detectors on the sidewall and bottom wall when both are covered by liquid concentrate.

Abstract: In connection with a beverage dispensing machine, an automatic self-fill control apparatus for the machine for controlling the filling of the liquid tank, which liquid tank is fed with a combination of water and a concentrate syrup adapted to be mixed with the water within the tank. A sensor member is disposed in the tank in a position so as to be responsive to the rise and fall of liquid in the tank. Pump means are provided adapted to pump the syrup to the tank. Control of water flow to the tank is also carried out. The sensor member has a low probe for detecting a low predetermined level of liquid in the tank and a high probe for detecting a high predetermined level of liquid in the tank and adapted to respectively generate low and high probe signals.

Abstract: The hoppers of several dust precipitators are connected to a common readily accessible monitoring station by discrete conduits each of which has a first open end at a preselected level in the respective hopper, a second open end at the monitoring station and an intermediate portion extending above the corresponding preselected level. Suction which normally prevails in the hoppers tends to maintain closed pivotable flaps for the second open ends of the conduits. If the dust in a hopper accumulates to or rises above the respective preselected level, the corresponding flap is opened by a counterweight and such movement of the flap entails the generation of a signal which is used to evacuate dust from the corresponding hopper and/or to actuate an alarm for the convenience and attention of the persons in charge.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for sensing an out-of-syrup condition in association with a machine for dispensing a beverage and in which the beverage is constituted of a syrup concentrate and water. The sensor comprises a housing having a through passage and a transverse hole which receives a cap for supporting a probe that extends partially into the through passage. The probe is preferably disposed vertically and operates on a gravity principle so that when the syrup is depleted, a gap forms and the syrup liquid essentially breaks away from the probe causing a high resistance indication that is detected.

Abstract: A spray-type dispenser for on-demand dispensing of a solid block of chemical retained within a container in the form of an aqueous chemical solution of substantially constant concentration, comprising: (i) an upwardly dispoded spray nozzle, (ii) a three-dimensional support screen for supporting the solid block of chemical above the spray nozzle, and (iii) a housing enclosing the spray nozzle and support screen; the housing and support screen defining an annular cavity. In operation, a container retaining a solid block of a water-soluble chemical is placed within the dispenser such that the support screen contacts the chemical but not the container; thereby allowing the container to descend, by force of gravity into the annula cavity as the chemical retained therein is dissolved.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dispenser for discharging a controlled quantity of cleanser into the flush tank of a toilet. The dispenser consists of a container having an open neck, a shroud which fits over the neck and restricts the discharge opening in the neck and a float member slidably connected to the shroud which has means to seal the discharge opening thereby controlling the discharge of the cleanser.

Abstract: A package fill height detector comprises a probe for abutting a batch of product in a package, means for inserting the probe into an opening in the top of the package so that the probe rests on the product, and a sensor for sensing the height of the probe when it rests on the product in the package to determine the fill height of the package. The means for inserting the probe into the package comprises an arm which supports the probe, a motor for rotating the arm and a cam for guiding the arm downwardly into the package until the probe rests on the product within the package and then upwardly out of the package.An associated weighing and packaging system includes a control coupled to the sensor for decreasing the delivered weight of subsequent batches of product when the fill height is below a target level and vice versa.

Abstract: An intermittently operating watering device has a water reservoir for supplying successive flows of water to a pair of receptacles which are separated from one another by a weir. The water also flows into an air space where it covers the lower end of an air passage communicating with an air space at the top of the interior of the water reservoir so that, each time evaporation of the water uncovers the lower end of the air passage to allow the inflow of air, water is able to flow out from the water reservoir to the receptacles. The reservoir is in one of the receptacles and a plant in the other receptacle is irrigated at successive intervals of time.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for sensing an out-of-syrup condition in association with a machine for dispensing a beverage and in which the beverage is constituted of a syrup concentrate and water. The sensor comprises a housing having a through passage and a transverse hole which receives a cap for supporting a probe that extends partially into the through passage. The probe is preferably disposed vertically and operates on a gravity principle so that when the syrup is depleted, a gap forms and the syrup liquid essentially breaks away from the probe causing a high resistance indication that is detected.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device for an automatic chemical analyzer or for other chemical apparatus. A dispensing tank is located inside a filling bulb. The dispensing tank has an inlet opening and becomes narrower above the inlet opening to form a vent. The dispensing tank is filled with the dosed liquid by an overpressure from a reservoir which is placed beneath the dispensing tank. The dosed liquid is pushed out from the dispensing tank through a dispensing pipe by regulated overpressure. A regulation tank, a filling bulb, and an isolation pipe isolate the liquid dispensing device from the reservoir and enable the dosing of liquid from a flow channel; or from a large tank, or from a pipe under pressure. A new construction of an air distributor with one nozzle controls the air flow in the liquid dispensing device. The air distributor may control one or more dosing devices.

Abstract: A method for loading particles, such as coal, into a plurality of railroad cars wherein a control weight of a railroad car loaded with particles is established. Each of the railroad cars is weighed prior to loading particles into the railroad car from a weigh bin to determine an unfilled weight of each railroad car and the unfilled weight of each railroad car is compared with the control weight to determine an unfilled differential weight for each railroad car. The particles are loaded into the weigh bin from a surge bin and the surge bin is weighed as the particles are being loaded into the weigh bin from the surge bin so the loading of particles into the weigh bin can be terminated when a weight of particles has been loaded into the weigh bin about equal to and less than the unfilled differential weight associated with the railroad car to be loaded with the unfilled differential weight of particles.

Abstract: A surge control fluid delivery system is described particularly adapted for pumping of high-viscosity substances from a reservoir for dispensing. The system includes a manifold which is connected to an outlet line of a pump. A vent circuit for returning fluid from the manifold to the reservoir is also provided. Surge control is achieved through a control system which modulates the fluid supply pump and further activates a valve in the vent return line to maintain the pressure of the fluid within the manifold to within adjustable upper and lower limits. The system further includes means for automatically switching from one source of fluid to another upon depletion of the first source.

Abstract: The impedance of a zone above bulk material in a bin is measured as a probe is reciprocated toward and away from the material in this zone. The direction-change location of the probe which corresponds to the measured impedance reaching a set point value, is detected and utilized to provide the control signal for automatically replenishing the material in the bin.

Abstract: An apparatus for metering and feeding a solution is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a container, an inlet valve for feeding a solution into such container, and an outlet valve for allowing the solution fed into the container to flow out of the container when operated. A chamber located in the lower part of the container traps air during filing of the container at a pressure which corresponds to the hydrostatic head of solution in the container. A pressure transducer connected to the chamber provides an output signal proportional to the volume of solution in the container. A control device responsive to the output of the transducer closes the inlet valve when the predetermined volume of solution is reached and opens the outlet valve to allow discharge of the solution to the chemical process or other utilizing systems.

Abstract: A developing material amount detecting apparatus for detecting an amount of developing material contained in a tank includes a detection member provided inside the tank movably between a settled position and a raised position, toner feeding vane for periodically sending the detection member from the settled position to the raised position, and a switch which turns on when the detection member is held substantially in the settled position and turns off when the detection member is held substantially in a position other than the settled position. The apparatus further includes a timer for counting a predetermined time length. The timer starts counting when the switch is turned off. When the switch is maintained off for a time length longer than the predetermined time length, it is indicated that the amount of developing material inside the tank is more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A gate-type feeder control system has level and weight sensors for monitoring the output of the system to a conveyor or other receiver, an electronic control circuit responsive to the sensors, and a hydraulic actuator circuit including a plurality of valves to provide the desired output of a feeder gate. In the electronic circuit, a master set point signal is entered and compared with the output signal from the sensors. The output flow to the receiver of the system is continuously adjusted by a deviation controller to reduce the deviation in these two signals. Erratic changes in system output are avoided by a deadband circuit introduced into the electronic circuitry to buffer excessive oscillation, overresponse and even instability caused by transient size change and lumping associated with bulk materials. The electronic circuit also includes an averaging module to average the level/weight of the material being discharged to obviate responding to peak levels.

Abstract: A proportioning system for creating admixture from diluent and concentrate comprises accumulators which are alternatively repetitively recharged so that one is always on-line. Recharging is controlled by a fluid system including a piston assembly for injecting a measured charge of concentrate into an accumulator being recharged. Diluent is introduced by opening and closing a valve from the diluent supply with the recharging being activated and terminated by level sensing switches associated with the accumulators. Electrical control circuitry and a stroke adjustment mechanism for the piston assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: Improvements in bulk storage and handling systems of the type utilizing an inflatable membrane silo liner are disclosed. The inflatable liner is secured to the bin discharge opening to insure total material discharge, and the inflatable membrane is conformable to the silo or bin walls. A control system is provided incorporating safety features designed for safe and reliable operation during the discharge cycle. The unique features disclosed are equally applicable to bins or silos having central or side discharge openings.

Abstract: A reactor coolant pump motor has an annular oil pot encircling the vertical motor shaft and containing lubricating oil to a predetermined normal level. A plurality of secondary oil containers are equidistantly spaced around the perimeter of the oil pot, each secondary container having a flat planar bottom surface disposed substantially at the normal oil level of the oil pot. A plurality of conduits provide liquid communication between the bottom of the oil pot and the bottoms of the secondary containers. Each secondary container is substantially closed, but vented to atmosphere.

Abstract: A self-contained unitary attachment engageable atop the supply tank of a beverage dispensing machine in place of the standard cover therefore. The attachment includes a liquid concentrate reservoir that depends into the beverage in the tank and up into a housing portion of the attachment. The housing portion of the attachment accommodates a proportional mixing device with inlets connected with the reservoir and a pressure water supply and an outlet communicating with the tank, a valve to start and stop the flow of water, a pressure regulator related to the water supply, liquid level sensors responsive to high and low liquid levels in the tank, a signalling device to signal when the reservoir is substantially empty of concentrate and a control circuit connected with the valve and liquid level sensors whereby the valve is opened and closed to maintain the liquid level in the tank between high and low levels.

Abstract: The level of such granular materials as fly ash and grain in a hopper presenting a differential internal hopper pressure above and below the level of materials in the hopper is sensed by sampling the pressure through a single flowless pressure conveying passageway extending by means of a port into the hopper interior. The pressure significantly changes above and below the level of materials. Thus, typically with a vacuum of about eight inches of water above the material level, the vacuum pressure is less than one-half an inch of water when the granular materials cover the port. Thus, a differential pressure gage connected between the atmosphere and the flowless pressure conveying passageway will indicate a significant difference in pressure when the level of materials covers the port. With a pressure gage operating relay contact an electric monitoring and control system may be used to automatically discharge the materials over long periods of time without maintenance.

Abstract: A fluid amplifier for sensing the level of a liquid in a reservoir, storage tank or other container and for generating a differential in pressure signal in response to the static presence of the liquid level at a predetermined level. An inlet develops a liquid flow stream. A first passage of major cross-sectional dimensions is provided for delivering a major portion of the flow stream to the reservoir or storage tank. A second passage of minor cross-sectional dimensions is spaced laterally of the first passage for developing a small signal fluid power stream substantially parallel to the major supply stream. A sensor is responsive to the static presence of the liquid level at the predetermined level for altering the smaller fluid power stream from its substantially parallel flow condition to a condition in which it diverts and attaches to the major supply stream.

Abstract: A particle fuel burning furnace has an upper combustion chamber for holding a pile of particle fuel and burning the same from the bottom thereof. The furnace also includes a lower combustion chamber for afterburning combustible gases given off by the burning of solid fuel in the upper chamber and a series of spaced apart vertically-extending passageways arranged in a row and interconnecting the upper and lower chambers for communicating the combustible gases from the upper to the lower chamber. A first improved feature relates to a particle fuel delivery control device which operates an auger for filling the upper chamber with particle fuel to a desired level. A beam of light is transmitted and reflected between a photoelectric cell and reflector respectively of the device. When the particle fuel pile has grown in height during filling to the desired level the light beam is interrupted and filling is terminated.

Abstract: Size formulations are supplied to slasher size boxes in an efficient manner allowing nearly unlimited variation in size formulations, minimizing the floor space of size formulation equipment, minimizing energy waste, and providing reclamation of used size. A number of size formulation components are mixed and heated to produce a size formulation having a predetermined composition and temperature. The size formulation is circulated in a closed loop past each of the size boxes. The amount of size in each size box is sensed by a level control, and the size formulation is withdrawn from the closed loop and supplied to a size box in response to the level sensing. A plurality of formula stations are provided, at least one adjacent and in operative communication with each size box, and additional size formulation components are added to the size formulation at each size formula station, and mixed with the size formulation prior to introduction into the size box.

Abstract: A volume detector for detecting the volume of powdery material in a container includes a roller having a fin and rotatably provided in the container for generating a periodic wavy motion of the powdery material so as to cause at least a portion of the powdery material to rise above and fall below a predetermined level. A level sensor is provided at the predetermined level in the container for producing high and low level signals, respectively, when at least a portion of the powdery material rises above and falls below the predetermined level. The signal produced from the level sensor is applied to a duty cycle detector for detecting the duty cycle of high level signal, thereby the duty cycle representing the volume of the powdery material.

Abstract: An automatic fuel shutoff system for preventing fuel flow into a tank being filled when the level of fuel in the tank reaches a predetermined level. This system stops fuel flow when the passage of light from a light transmitter to a light receiver is blocked by the presence of fuel in a detector gap formed near the outlet of a fuel-dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A reservoir and chute cooperate to deliver mollusks such as clams, oysters, scallops and the like, oriented in a row to a conveyor forming a part of an apparatus for removing their shells. The reservoir in which an appropriate supply of mollusks is stored and from which they are delivered to the chute is provided with an elevator mechanism for maintaining the top of the supply above the upper end of the chute so that mollusks are supplied from the top of the supply to the chute in which they are advanced toward the lower discharge end by a combination of gravity and controlled vibration.

Abstract: A device for removing air from hermetically sealed, automatically emptying centrifuge drums and consisting of an air-removal valve atop a reservoir with a manometric switch and a level-sensitive switch and connected to controls. The controls open the valve when the pressure in the reservoir exceeds a predetermined level and close it when the pressure drops below that level. The valve closes however, as soon as the level of the liquid in the reservoir reaches the level-sensitive switch. The device, which is preferably mounted in the product intake of a hermetically sealed, automatically emptying centrifuge, allows air to be removed automatically without allowing product to escape, foam to form, or oxygen to enter. The reservoir can be thoroughly cleaned automatically.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatic buretting comprises an automatic buretting actuator (1) and a burette unit (2) in the form of two separable subassemblies. The burette unit (2) is removably mounted in the actuator (1) even when filled, while remaining closed in a sealed fashion and is constituted by a burette (3) connected at its lower end to a valve (4) with three passages and three positions, provided with an actuator (5). The automatic buretting actuator (1) is constituted by a stepping motor (9) provided with a connection (10) for operating the valve (4) of the burette unit (2). An electronic control assembly (13) has a control and display panel (14). A lever (15) provides quick release of the burette unit (2).

Abstract: Apparatus for the dispensing of very small amounts of liquid includes a measuring vessel which can be filled with an amount of liquid, and to whose outlet there is connected an ejector of a partial quantity. A sensor responds to the liquid level in the measuring vessel, to control a filling system which receives therefrom a signal for the filling of the measuring vessel when the minimum permissible lower liquid level is reached and a signal for the ending of the filling process when the maximum permissible upper liquid level is reached. The sensor is a capacitor which extends at least over the entire range of the variable liquid level in the measuring vessel and whose dielectric is the liquid situated in the measuring vessel. A capacitance meter is provided for measuring the capacitance of the capacitor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying granules to continuously moving strip asphaltic material comprises discharging granules onto tacky strip asphaltic material, continuously removing the non-adhered portion of the granules, sensing the amount of removed granules, and controlling the amount of granules discharged onto the asphaltic material in response to the sensed amount of removed granules.

Abstract: A side unloading bin for storing and discharging free-flowing granular material, such as sugar, is supported on a floor capable of supporting the weight of the material in the bin and has side walls with a discharge opening near the bottom. A flexible, inflatable, generally cup-shaped, double-walled bag, having a slanted top supports the material on the floor, has its slanted top attached to the side walls, and is inflated to assist the discharge of the material through the discharge opening, particularly the material that will not discharge by gravity due to the angle of repose of the material. The discharge opening has a discharge gate and an openable hatch, to discharge to a conveyor. Controls operate from a material sensor near the discharge control and actuate inflation and deflation of the bag to ensure a continuous discharge of material.

Abstract: Two measuring cups (5, 6) are alternately filled and emptied. The fill st is determined by an overflow, and the emptying time during which a withdrawal pump (30) is connected to the respective cup is determined by scanning pump revolutions. The scanned pump revolutions for emptying are compared with a desired pumping rate, entered into a counter (50) which decrements in accordance with revolutions of the pump (30), and, if a deviation from commanded pumping rate is sensed, a correction memory (60) is loaded which controls over a control unit (33, 61) change in pumping speed to null any deviation from commanded rate. To associate the commanded rate with actual weight of chips or fibers to be coated, the chips or fibers can be weighed continuously, and the continuously weighed number entered into the control computer (33) to generate a command number for entry into the decrementing counter (50).

Abstract: The filling systems according to the invention utilize pneumatic pressure maintained within closely held tolerance limits to impose a constant dispensing force upon the material being dispensed. The invention in one embodiment utilizes a buffer tank system in which the product to be dispensed is transferred from a supply tank (11) to the buffer tank (12) where the desired pressure is induced through a pneumatic head which is introduced above the product level. The product level in the buffer tank (12) is allowed to fluctuate within a relatively narrow band of depth so as to negate the effect of changes in gravity head pressure. The closed and pressurized system is refilled by forcing the incoming product into the tank (12) under a higher pressure than that in the buffer tank (12). The air within the tank (12) that is displaced as a result of introducing the new product is automatically vented to atmosphere through a precision regulation system (45).

Abstract: An automatic liquid-supply stopper plug has a casing body which has an inlet port and a discharge port. Within the casing body, an inverted cup shaped member and a valve seat member are provided to be opposed to each other. A movable valve member is positioned so that it can slide on the inverted cup shaped member and the valve seat member to open or close a passage of liquid through the valve seat member. A first conduit which communicates with the discharge port is provided for pushing the movable member upwardly. A second conduit which communicates with the discharge port is provided for pushing the movable valve member downwardly when a preset level of liquid is obtained to stop the liquid-supply.

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 pneumatic valve system for sealing off the flow of a liquid at the intersection of two pipes, one of the pipes being vertically disposed with respect to the other pipe. A sensing probe senses liquid at a pre-established height in the vertically disposed height which signals a control system to activate the pneumatic valve system. An expandable, inflatable bladder is positioned from the vertically disposed pipe into the second pipe and is inflated, thereby sealing off the flow of liquid past the bladder. When normal fluid flow is to return, the bladder is deflated and positioned back into its original position within the vertically disposed pipe.

Abstract: A system for signaling emptying of a beverage storage container of a beverage dispensing system before any substantial amount of gas enters the delivery line between the container and a dispensing valve. No signal system components are in the container; instead, a fitting is mounted in the delivery line adjacent the container with two electrodes spaced from and electrically insulated from one another within the fitting for contact with the beverage. Sensing circuitry determines whether beverage bridges the two electrodes and causes signaling on non-bridging of the two electrodes by beverage in the line to indicate that the container is empty.

Abstract: A mechanism for the granulometric distribution of solid particles being loaded into a vessel of relatively large dimensions, such as a process reactor, blast furnace, silo, incinerator, dryer, etc., from equipment of small dimensions in relation to the vessel, includes a feed hopper which has an outlet opening that can be variably positioned within the mechanism to introduce the solid particles into a chamber located above the uppermost ends of a plurality of concentric, inclined, preferably conical or pyramidal surfaces. The latter define respective generally downwardly directed free flow paths for the particles to conduct them to a lower location where they enter the upper ends of a corresponding plurality of concentric sets of descending tubes. The discharge ends of the tubes where they feed into the vessel being charged are disposed in a symmetric array.

Abstract: An annunciator and/or shut-down system for an automatic processor for treating tissue specimens. In a tissue processor of the type wherein the reagents are drawn from reagent containers into the reaction vessel by drawing a vacuum on the vessel and reagents are returned to their respective reagent containers by gravity, the filled or unfilled condition of the reaction vessel is determined by sensing the vacuum condition during two time intervals; one near the start of filling and one just after filling is normally completed. The vacuum condition indicative of a filling or filled vessel differs for each sensing time interval. Logic circuitry analyzes the sensor condition for the specific time interval and, if the condition is maintained over a predefined delay period, outputs a short duration shut-down signal which causes latching of a mechanical shut-down and/or annunciator switch.