Abstract: A beverage making and dispensing apparatus comprising a pressurized water supply; a non-pressurized beverage syrup supply; a hydraulically driven proportional pump with water and syrup inlets connected with the water and syrup supplies, water and syrup outlets connected with a water delivery line and a syrup delivery hose; an aspirator-atomizer mixing device with an elongate mixing chamber with an outlet end, a water passage with an inlet end connected with the water delivery line and a nozzle end to direct a jet of water longitudinally of the chamber toward its outlet end, a syrup port communicating with the chamber and connected with the hose; a water valve to start and stop the flow of water from the pump into and through the mixing device; and, a flow control device in the hose downstream of the pump and upstream of the syrup port to establish a pressure drop and maintain a positive pressure at the syrup outlet of the pump that is less than the minus pressure at the syrup port and a pressure at the syrup

Abstract: A toner cartridge is modified by the addition of a low toner sensing mechanism internal to the cartridge. An arm is pivotably mounted within the cartridge; the suspended end of the arm having a magnet secured thereto. When the cartridge is filled to a relatively high level with toner and rotated, the suspended arm is at least partially submerged in the toner bed and is subjected to a viscous drag force which moves the arm from the vertical position and prevents the arm from returning to the vertical or plumb orientation until a sufficiently low toner level occurs. At this point the arm is sufficiently free from the viscous drag effects of the rotating toner bed and attains a plumb position which brings it into alignment with a switching circuit which is closed by action of the proximate magnet. The switching circuitry generates signals which are used to produce a visible or audible signal to the operator, and/or which cause machine shut down to occur.

Abstract: A last drink sensor and dispensing apparatus for use in beverage dispensing bag-in-box vending machines is disclosed. The sensor and dispensing apparatus is disposed between the pump and dispensing nozzle of the vending machine and operates to sense the cessation of syrup flow from the pump caused by a depletion of syrup within the bag-in-box storage reservoir, and then activate the "sold out" selection light for the depleted fluid reservoir of the vending machine, trigger the coin changer mechanism of the vending machine to refuse coins for the "sold out" fluid selection, and also activate the timer of the vending machine to dispense the last full drink of the selected beverage from the vending machine.

Abstract: The improved method and apparatus for dispensing carbonated water from a supply of cooled water includes thermal coaction of carbonator apparatus with a reservoir of cooled water, and includes a control system to inhibit water-pumping operation into the carbonator apparatus after the reservoir of cooled water is depleted.

Abstract: A disposable liquid dispensing module in the form of a hollow plastic container for holding liquid, such as a cleaning solution or soap, has at least one liquid level sensing probe permanently mounted in it. The module is made to be inserted into a lavage machine or similar apparatus and includes a connector to which a connection plug having a liquid withdrawal pipe and connectors to the liquid level sensing probe is attached. The pipe is connected to an elongated flexible tube and the connectors for the liquid level sensing probe are connected to flexible wires, so that the plug including these components may be attached to the container outside the lavage machine in which it is used. When the level of liquid falls below a predetermined threshold, a signal is provided to the apparatus indicating that replacement of the container is to be made. The entire module then is withdrawn and the plug to the apparatus is disconnected.

Abstract: A cup type liquid dispensing machine in which the liquid-supplying system is a closed airtight circuit in the form of bag-in-box packages. The packages are connected to a dispensing pump which supplies the liquid to a dispensed and supported cup. Waste liquids from the machine are collected by various lines which are coupled to a flexible bag. A movable member engages the bag and activates a control switch to stop the machine as the bag becomes full.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing liquid fertilizers, pesticides and other chemicals by aspiration into irrigation conduits. Liquid passing through a conduit attached to a storage vessel syphons the chemicals out of the storage vessel and into a liquid distribution system. An anti-backflow check valve is provided to prevent liquid from entering the supply container when liquid flow is stopped in a liquid distribution system. A float-controlled valve is also provided which closes when the liquid level in the supply vessel reaches a predetermined level in order to prevent air from entering the system. The amount of chemical aspirated into the liquid distribution system is controlled by a valve. The apparatus is easily assembled and disassembled for cleaning or repair, and can be connected to existing liquid distribution systems. Larger or remote reservoirs can be incorporated depending on the application.

Abstract: A post mix dispenser having a refrigerated cabinet at the top which houses separate containers for different juice concentrates. The machine mixes potable water with the concentrate on demand. The potable water is cooled in an ice bath at the rear of the cabinet, in the same refrigeration system which cools the ice bath provides a source for cooling air circulated in the cabinet about the concentrate containers. The concentrate containers each are of rigid box member construction having supported therein a liquid-type bag member with an outlet member. The containers are coupled to a beverage discharge assembly by a concentrate pump and a concentrate control valve that provides for quick-disconnect operation.

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 providing water and syrup in a predetermined ratio to a beverage dispenser comprises a housing, a source of syrup in a flexible container and a source of water under pressure. A proportioning pump in fluid communication with the syrup source and the water source is provided for receiving syrup and water and for discharging the syrup and water in a predetermined ratio. A water valve, movable between an open and a closed condition, is connected between the water source and the proportioning pump for controlling the flow of water to the pump. The water valve is normally closed, but is opened upon activation of the beverage dispenser, permitting water to flow from the water source to the proportioning pump. Upon receiving the water, the proportioning pump draws syrup from the syrup source and discharges the water and syrup in a predetermined ratio to the beverage dispenser. a vacuum switch, including a sensor, is connected between the syrup container and the proportoning pump.

Abstract: A refrigerant recovery system which includes a compressor having an input coupled through an evaporator and through a solenoid valve to the refrigeration system from which refrigerant is to be withdrawn, and an output coupled through a condenser to a refrigerant storage container. The evaporator and condenser are contained within a closed cylindrical canister for heat exchange and oil separation, the canister having an oil drain valve in the bottom. The refrigerant storage container is carried by a scale having a limit switch coupled to control electronics to prevent or terminate further refrigerant recovery when the container is full. The entire system, including the control electronics, is mounted on a two-wheel hand truck to facilitate transport to a job site such as a building air conditioning or heat pump system.

Abstract: A manually-refillable water reservoir assembly, which may be retrofit to a post-mix beverage dispenser to supply water from the reservoir instead of from a commercial water supply, includes a manually-refillable water container which plugs into a base assembly. The base assembly includes a socket for receiving the container, a centrifugal pump and a water filter. The beverage dispenser contains a turbine-type pump for supplying water to a carbonator at a predetermined pressure and flow rate. The inherent slippage in the centrifugal pump permits the flow rate and pressure of water supplied to the dispenser to adjust to that of the turbine-type pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a variety of doping liquid used in doping-liquid treatment processes for electronic materials such as semiconductors and precision machinery components, and a feeding monitor apparatus. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus for stably feeding the doping liquid while detecting its volume, in the case where the doping liquid is fed from a liquid-filled hermetic returnable can to the doping liquid treatment process, and a feeding monitor apparatus is connected between the returnable can and treatment process.

Abstract: Described is a coffee percolator having a reservoir provided with means for sensing the filling level of coffee meal therein. The filling level sensing means comprises an electro-optical sensor secured to the outer side of the reservoir across a corner formed by portions of a sidewall and a bottom wall. An emitter and a receiver of said electro-optical sensor are disposed along an optical axis extending through the interior of the reservoir substantially diagonally across the corner, the sidewall and the bottom wall being optically transparent at least at the locations whereat the optical axis passes therethrough.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a novel shell such as used in the manufacture of can ends, and to a method and tools for making such a shell. A non-circular blank having rounded corners is cut from thin metal. The blank is oblong in a direction transverse to the grain of the metal. A first set of tools separates the blanks and forms a substantially flat central panel and an upward-extending chuck wall about the edge of the panel to produce a partially formed shell. The junction area between said panel and said chuck wall has a relatively large radius of curvature at this time. A second set of tools forms in the blank a lip extending outward from the upper end of the chuck wall and generally parallel to said panel; then the panel and the chuck wall are separately gripped, followed by relative movement between the panel and the chuck wall while wrapping the junction area around a forming punch to form a panel wall in said junction area extending upward from the inner part of said chuck wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a palatability stabilizer for maintaining properly carbonated water in an electrically powered postmix fountain drink dispensing system when a supply of pressurized carbon dioxide is depleted. A carbon dioxide pressure sensor is connected between the carbon dioxide supply and the fountain drink dispensing system to sense the carbon dioxide supply pressure. A switch is connected to the carbon dioxide pressure sensor and coupled between the electrical power and the fountain drink dispensing system for disconnecting power to the fountain drink dispensing system when the carbon dioxide pressure is below a predetermined pressure. This is done so that water is not improperly carbonated with low pressure carbon dioxide and so that properly carbonated water and other drink components within the fountain drink system are maintained in the system by not dispensing fountain drinks until the pressurized carbon dioxide supply is replenished.

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: 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: The invention relates to a device in a vacuum transportation system for liquids, preferably a vacuum sewage system, comprising a transportation conduit (12) which is under vacuum and via a normally closed valve (13) and a suction pipe (14) connected to a liquid collecting container (10). The closing movement for the valve (13) is activated by the change in pressure which occurs when air entering after the liquid flows into the system.

Abstract: An arrangement for the automatic control over the filling of a dosing or metering container with pourable or flowable material from a supply container, in a manner, such that a predetermined portion of the pourable material stored in the dosing container is withdrawn from the dosing container and a corresponding quantity of pourable material is automatically refilled into the container.

Abstract: A container having attached to it at least one memory device carrying information relating to the intended contents of the container; the device being operably connectable to apparatus responsive to information communicated from the memory device whereby an operation actively involving the contents of the container may be performed in a manner at least partly determined by the characteristics of the contents.

Abstract: A mobile metering apparatus is provided for metering into a liquid stream or flow an agent which is to be metered or dosed in a quantitative proportional relationship. The metering apparatus contains liquid meter through which passes the liquid flow and a metering pump connectable to a dosing agent reservoir on the input side thereof and to a metering location at the output side thereof. The metering pump meters the agent from the reservoir into the liquid flow as a function of signals supplied by the liquid meter. The liquid meter is installed in a short conduit portion provided with an inflow connection and an outflow connection. The short conduit portion, liquid meter and metering pump are mounted at a supporting frame enclosing the aforementioned members on all sides. The drive of the metering pump is accomplished by the pressure of the liquid flow.

Abstract: A control device associated with a pneumatically-driven demand pump comprising a valve system which shuts off the gas which drives the pneumatic pump in response to a pressure-sensitive diaphragm which detects variations in pressure in the fluid output from the pump. The pressure-sensitive diaphragm serves the dual function of suppressing surges of liquid flow from the pump and stopping the pump when the liquid pressure drops below a predetermined minimum by closing a valve to shut off the gas.

Abstract: An attachment unit removably engaged on the open top of the supply tank of a beverage dispensing machine and operating to mix together metered quantities of powdered beverage concentrate and water and to deliver a resulting beverage into the tank when the liquid level in the tank lowers to a predetermined low level and until the level rises to a predetermined high level.

Abstract: A free-flowing granular material storage bin of the type having an inflatable dual-walled, cup-shaped bag with a fan for inflating and deflating the bag has a single valve assembly of unique construction for controlling high volume low pressure flow for inflation and deflation cycles. The cycles are themselves automatically controlled from sensing units which sense when the bag is fully emptied and fully deflated.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for dispensing beverage syrup is disclosed characterized by use of a low flow rate, positive displacement pump adapted to accurately deliver syrup from a collapsible bag/box syrup container to a dispensing nozzle. Air ingestion into the dispensing system is eliminated by use of a novel air trap/filter adapted to generate a high vacuum signal at the intake port of the pump in response to detecting the presence of air or encountering a syrup depletion condition which signal automatically discontinues pump operation. A vacuum actuated diverter valve is additionally incorporated into the dispensing system to permit the intake port of the pump to be automatically placed in flow communication with differing syrup containers, thereby allowing continuous syrup dispensing operation even during replacement of spent syrup containers.

Abstract: A gravity operated conical hopper having a sliding closure plate which is pneumatically activated as soon as the hopper has been emptied. An apparatus and method is also disclosed for pneumatically detecting and automatically closing the hopper to stop the flow of contained material after material has been discharged to a particular level.

Abstract: An adhesive applicator has a nozzle through which adhesive can be dispensed to sheets of a set as the sheets are driven seriatim past the nozzle. Adhesive is furnished in a cartridge which is pressurized so that the adhesive is delivered from the cartridge to the nozzle under pressure. A valve controls the flow of adhesive from the nozzle, and the valve is under control of a logic and control unit. The logic and control unit receives signals from various sensors or detectors indicating, inter alia, the presence of an adhesive cartridge, the level of adhesive in the cartridge, the flow of adhesive from the nozzle, and the amount of adhesive in a collection bottle which receives surplus adhesive dispensed from the nozzle but not applied onto a sheet. The logic and control unit is capable of operating the valve that controls flow of adhesive from the nozzle so that adhesive is selectively dispensed from the nozzle to all but one sheet of a set of sheets.

Abstract: An interface circuit for effecting switchover between plural hot melt material delivery systems so that hot melt material can be continuously supplied to applicators or the like. There are two similar relay circuits which are interconnected so that upon depletion of hot melt material from one system, operation is automatically transferred to another system. The relay circuits each include disconnect contacts for disconnecting the depleted system, transfer contacts for activating the new system, lock-out contacts for preventing operation of the system that is not activated and lock-in contacts for activating the new system without attention by the system operator. The coil of the disconnect relay can be connected to a delay circuit so that deactivation of the depleted system can be delayed by delay interval after activation of the new system. The delay circuit affords a fixed delay interval or a variable delay interval.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved piston operated pump for viscous materials wherein the entrapment of air bubbles in the viscous material is reduced by placing a spring in the pump cylinder. The spring is the same diameter as the pump cylinder and is about as long as the length of travel of the piston. The spring is conical in shape so that it may be fully compressed without substantially affecting the capacity of the pump cylinder or the length of the piston stroke.

Abstract: A spray tanker suitable for balanced operation while traveling on level, uphill or downhill grades having a vehicle body and a tank body supported thereon. The tank body comprises a forwardly and rearwardly positioned tank section for containment of the fluid and conduits connecting each section to fluid spray apparatus for spraying fluid onto the grade traveled by the tanker. Valve structure connected to the fluid conduits connects either one or the other of the tank sections to the spray apparatus and the valve structure is operable for connecting the rearwardly positioned tank section to the spray apparatus when the vehicle is moving on an uphill grade and for connecting the forwardly positioned tank section to the spray apparatus when the vehicle is moving on a downhill grade.

Abstract: Plural liquid containing bottles of differing sizes are simultaneously held in a cabinet in an inverted position so that the liquid flows by gravity from an orifice at the top of each bottle. A tension spring controls the vertical position of a first, fixed bearing surface for the top of each bottle relative to a second bearing surface for the bottom of the bottle to facilitate insertion of different sized bottles between the surfaces. A valve is selectively opened to enable liquid to be dispensed by gravity from the bottle through a dispensing tube extending through a stopper in the orifice. A vent tube attached to the stopper has an open end exposed to the atmosphere above a liquid-air interface in the bottle to assure the flow of liquid to the valve. The second surface carries the stopper and is on a plate that is detachable from the remainder of the holding structure and is horizontally slidable toward and away from a door through which bottles are inserted into the cabinet.

Abstract: A pivotable probe arm in a batch hopper automatically indicates when the hopper is empty, and in an alternate embodiment, also automatically closes the discharge opening when the hopper is empty.

Abstract: A dispenser system is disclosed comprising a liquid dispenser pump, an electronic circuit for controlling the dispenser system, and a dispenser for dispensing a flowing liquid through a metering orifice. The dispenser system enables mixing and dispensing of a first and a second liquid in accordance with a given volumetric relationship between the first liquid and the second liquid. The system includes flow for controlling the flow of the first liquid and a pump for pumping a second liquid. The electronic circuit includes a generator for generating an electrical pumping signal to power the pump for pumping the second liquid in accordance with an electrical pumping signal. An activator is connected to the flow and the generator for activating simultaneous flow and pumping of the first and second liquids, respectively, upon a selected signal from the activator.

Abstract: An automatic control circuit is provided for diluting a chemical concentrate in a container by the proper proportion, dispensing the mixture, indicating that the container is empty, and repeating the process. The container has a plurality of conductive probes which extend to different depths within the container. A pair of relays having contacts which control drain and fill solenoid valves in the container are controlled by the probes, depending on the level of the liquid in the container. Both visual and audible alarms are provided to indicate when the tank is empty and needs concentrate to be added thereto.

Abstract: A visual or audible indicator to indicate the absence of an additive ordinarily added to the rinse or wash water of a commercial dishwashing machine is disclosed. The dishwashing machine includes a separate reservoir containing an additive, a supply line connecting the reservoir to the point within the dishwashing machine where the additive is normally added, and a pump in the supply line for pumping the additive from the reservoir through the supply line. The pump includes a check-valve for retaining the additive in the supply line when the pump is not pumping. The indicator includes a vacuum operated switch and a connecting line connecting the vacuum operated switch to the supply line between the additive reservoir and the pump. The pump, switch, and connecting line are physically located above the maximum possible level of additive within the additive reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus for crushing swarf and like materials in which the material to be crushed is received in a supply hopper which includes sensing switch means responsive to material in the hopper reaching a selective level for enabling a control circuit which controls operation of the crusher.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the drop of the level of the liquid in a plastic bag that is used during the intravenous administration of a solution includes a housing in which switch means having an integral, spring actuated contact means is mounted with the switch means being electrically connected to alarm means for generating a signal when the condition of the switch means changes in response to the reduction of the contents of the bag to a predetermined volume. A first arm is pivotally mounted so that a portion of the first arm engages a first surface of the bag. First spring means are employed for normally biasing the first arm in a direction towards the first surface of the bag. A second arm includes a portion that is in opposition to the bag engaging portion of the first arm so that the bag may be positioned therebetween and compressed thereby. The second arm also includes means for actuating the switch means.

Abstract: A beverage dispensing system which will deliver a precise, pre-set quantity of a selected beverage at each actuation. The system is operated by low pressure gas from a quickly replaceable source, and utilizes a controlled stroke piston pump which is driven and returned by the pressurized gas. All the valves for automatic operation of the punp are contained in the compact pump housing, but the gas and liquid sections are completely isolated to avoid contamination. The pump and valve unit contains a minimum of parts, all of which are readily accessible for cleaning and servicing. An automatic count of operations is maintained and the system shuts off when the liquid level is too low for a full serving.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing installation includes an air separator, a volume-meter, a main flow valve in a main conduit, and a bypass valve in a conduit which bypasses the main flow valve. The main flow valve and the bypass valve are normally open during liquid dispensing operations, and both valves are closed in response to reduced pressure in the installation or when a given liquid level is reached in the liquid-receiving container. When the valves are closed in response to reduced pressure, both valves or preferably only the bypass valve will reopen when pressure is restored to a given level.

Abstract: A tank is provided which may be filled with water and pressurized from a CO.sub.2 bottle or the like and it may be connected to the system to be cleansed by means of conventional quick connector hoses. An inner container is provided which holds a cleansing solution and a valve system is located within the inner container connecting and disconnecting same to the outlet of the main tank. When pressure is applied to the main tank, a one-way valve in the container permits this pressure to act upon the liquid within the container which is then forced into the valve system and thence to the outlet of the main tank mixing with water from the main tank as it passes from the outlet. The discharge of the liquid is controlled by the dispensing taps of the system to which it is attached. When the cleansing solution is exhausted from the inner container, the valve system closes and the remaining water in the main tank is then forced through the system to purge the lines of cleansing liquid and dissolved deposits.

Abstract: An automatic mixed drink dispensing apparatus includes a housing including a secured liquor receiving zone which receives a plurality of liquor containers. The housing also receives syrup containers, a water container, and a carbon dioxide container. An ice chest is mounted in the upper portion of the housing and has a liquid chilling apparatus in the bottom thereof. A dispensing head is mounted on the housing and extends into a mixed drink preparation zone. Drains extend from a point in the mixed drink preparation zone beneath the dispensing head and from a point in the bottom of the ice chest to a drain pan slidably supported in the bottom of the housing. Liquor pumps function to withdraw liquor from the liquor containers and to discharge the liquor through the dispensing head. The syrup containers are pressurized with carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide container, whereby syrup is caused to flow through the liquid chilling apparatus and through the dispensing head.