Abstract: A vapor compression system comprises a compressor (22). The compressor comprises an inlet (40) and an outlet (42) and an electric motor (28). The motor has a stator (30) and a rotor (32). A plurality of bearings (36) support the rotor. A fluid flowpath (126) extends to the plurality of bearings. A branch (310) from the fluid flowpath extends to the compressor. A liquid sensor (330) is along the branch.

Abstract: A double tank milk supply system for providing a continuous supply of cool clean milk or milk products. While one tank provides milk products, the other tank is cleaned. The two tanks are individually cooled, and the washing and cooling cycles are automatically controlled via a data input and display device. Included is an automatic valve system configured to dispense milk product from the second tank when the first tank is empty, and to dispense milk product from the first tank when the second tank is empty. An automatic washing system automatically washes the first tank when the first tank is empty, and washes the second tank when the second tank is empty. Also included is an agitation system, which alternatingly agitates the milk product in the first or second tank. The double tank milk supply system provides uninterrupted cool, clean milk products 24/7/365, saving the farmer time and labor.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for dispensing an off-gassing liquid product mixed with a diluting product are provided. A liquid product or product solution is moved through a primed product line and towards a dispenser. The liquid product is combined with the diluting product to create a solution. The solution is dispensed. Prevention of displacement of the product line is accomplished by redirecting at least a portion of the unused liquid product in the product line to a displacement system operatively attached to the product line and including a secondary container. The stored product may be used with the next dispensement of solution, or emptied in a sanitary manner.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for dispensing an off-gassing liquid product mixed with a diluting product are provided. A liquid product or product solution is moved through a primed product line and towards a dispenser. The liquid product is combined with the diluting product to create a solution. The solution is dispensed. The product line is cleared of unused or displaced liquid product by redirecting at least a portion of the unused or displaced liquid product in the product line to a displacement system operatively attached to the product line. The displacement system includes a check valve including a crack pressure that allows the unused or displaced product to be dispensed back into the product source or a separate, secondary container.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is proposed which includes a soft raw water container and which makes it possible to spontaneously use up drinking water in the container. A water passage tube (12) of a container connecting portion (10) includes a tubular partitioning wall (13) dividing the interior of the water passage tube (12) into a water passage (14) communicating with a water passage hole (14a), and an air passage (15) communicating with the water passage (14) through a small air passage hole (15a). A water passage pipe (16) is connected to the water passage (14). The water passage tube (12) has a base portion (12a) formed with an opening (15b) communicating with the air passage (15). An air passage pipe (17) is connected to the opening (15b) and hangs vertically downwardly into a low-temperature tank (2). An on-off valve (19b) is provided at the free end of the air passage pipe (17) which is adapted to open when the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) lowers.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes an actuating device that actuates first and second containers, respectively, and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the actuating device is inactive, in a second period the actuating device actuates the first container at a first frequency, and in a third period the actuating device actuates the second container at a second frequency. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the actuating device actuates the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes first and second actuators that actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom and a sensor for detecting an environmental condition. In a first period the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period the first actuator actuates the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period the second actuator actuates the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom. If the sensor has detected the environmental condition, the first and/or second actuators actuate the first and/or second containers, respectively, during a fourth period at a third frequency.

Abstract: A water dispenser is fluidly connectable to a water source. The water dispenser includes a water tank; a faucet fluidly connected to the water tank and configured to generate an activation signal after being activated; a valve fluidly connectable to the water source and fluidly connected to the water tank; a first float switch movably disposed in the water tank and configured to generate an open signal after moving away from a predetermined position; and a controller operatively connected to the faucet and the first float switch. The controller is configured to open the valve to refill the water tank with water from the water source after the controller receives both the activation signal from the faucet and the open signal from the first float switch. A method of operating the water dispenser is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI, furthermore perform a frequency analysis of the measured pressure value in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The method is adapted to be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A method is provided for monitoring of the functionality of an After Treatment Injector (ATI) for injection of a fluid in an engine exhaust gas system upstream of an exhaust gas treatment unit. The monitoring is performed by using a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of the fluid delivered to the ATI for a specific condition or injection cycle. The pressure sensor is located downstream of a flow regulator and upstream of the ATI in a conduit for supplying of a substance from a container to the ATI. An ECU is programmed to perform a predetermined sequence of opening and closing commands for the flow regulator and the ATI in order to monitor the functionality of the flow regulator, the ATI and the pressure sensor. The can be used in connection with an On Board Diagnosis (OBD) system.

Abstract: A dispensing device includes a controller and first and second actuators coupled to the controller and adapted to actuate first and second containers, respectively, to dispense volatile material therefrom. The device further includes a sensor coupled to the controller for detecting an environmental condition. The controller is configured to operate in a first period during which the first and second actuators are inactive, in a second period during which the first actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the first container at a first frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom, and in a third period during which the second actuator is controlled to periodically actuate the second container at a second frequency to dispense volatile material therefrom.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a water bottle receptacle. The water bottle receptacle includes a first and second floating baffle (with a hole disposed in the center portion of the second floating baffle). A raised ring having a triangular cross-sectional shape is located at the bottom portion of the receptacle, which makes contact with the second floating baffle, when the second floating baffle is buoyantly forced upwards into the raised ring to close an aperture through which water is transferred from the water bottle into a cold tank of the water dispenser (during hot water sterilization procedures, when the water level in a cold tank of the dispenser exceeds a threshold level). The second floating baffle is effective to prevent the undesirable heating of water contained within the water bottle during such hot water sterilization procedures.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser is proposed which includes a soft raw water container and which makes it possible to spontaneously use up drinking water in the container. A water passage tube (12) of a container connecting portion (10) includes a tubular partitioning wall (13) dividing the interior of the water passage tube (12) into a water passage (14) communicating with a water passage hole (14a), and an air passage (15) communicating with the water passage (14) through a small air passage hole (15a). A water passage pipe (16) is connected to the water passage (14). The water passage tube (12) has a base portion (12a) formed with an opening (15b) communicating with the air passage (15). An air passage pipe (17) is connected to the opening (15b) and hangs vertically downwardly into a low-temperature tank (2). An on-off valve (19b) is provided at the free end of the air passage pipe (17) which is adapted to open when the water level in the low-temperature tank (2) lowers.

Abstract: Bottled water dispensers are disclosed that include a water bottle receptacle. The water bottle receptacle includes a first and second floating baffle (with a hole disposed in the center portion of the second floating baffle). A raised ring having a triangular cross-sectional shape is located at the bottom portion of the receptacle, which makes contact with the second floating baffle, when the second floating baffle is buoyantly forced upwards into the raised ring to close an aperture through which water is transferred from the water bottle into a cold tank of the water dispenser (during hot water sterilization procedures, when the water level in a cold tank of the dispenser exceeds a threshold level). The second floating baffle is effective to prevent the undesirable heating of water contained within the water bottle during such hot water sterilization procedures.

Abstract: A constant level of fluid (8 or 106) in vessel (1 or 104) is maintained using a reservoir (5 or 102) and a tank (4 or 101). Float valves (9 or 107) which raise and lower with the level of fluid in the reservoir are used to selectively close off fluid passages (13 or 109) from the tank into the reservoir. Until the desired level of fluid is reached in the reservoir, the reservoir continuously provides fluid to the vessel. Once fluid flow into the reservoir is stopped, flow from the reservoir into the vessel also stops. The vessel can be positioned adjacent to or remote from the reservoir.

Abstract: A liquid flow control apparatus (5) suitable for handling milk from a milking machine, comprising a first chamber (10) that comprises an inlet (11) for the milk, an outlet (12) for connecting to a vacuum pump, and an outlet (14) for the milk to flow by gravity to a second chamber (13). The first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) are in communication with each other by means of the outlet (14) at the bottom of the first chamber (10). The second chamber (13) has a float valve (23) that closes off communication between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13) depending on the level of liquid in the second chamber (13). A conduit tube (18) for air communication is disposed between the first chamber (10) and the second chamber (13). A second float valve (17b) closes off communication via the conduit tube (18) between the two chambers. A third chamber (21) has two valves with one valve (26) opening to the atmosphere and a second valve (20) opening to the second chamber (13).

Abstract: The present invention represents an improvement in state of the art apparatus for injecting controlled amounts of a soil amendment, including fertilizers, into an irrigation system, by first effecting the batch mixing of a selected soil amendment, in the form of a particulate material in a fluid medium, such that the particulate material is either dissolved or suspended in the fluid medium to form a slurry, continuously locating an area within the mixing tank in which the admixture displays the greatest, or optimum homogeneity, and continuously withdrawing metered amounts of the resultant slurry for injection into an irrigation system over the entire period of the irrigation cycle.

Abstract: A control valve includes a vertical housing having an upper float chamber, a lower valve chamber, and a valve seat support which is provided between the float chamber and the valve chamber, defines a passage communicating the float chamber and the valve chamber and has a bottom valve seat above the valve chamber. An inlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet and an outlet communicated with the valve chamber. An outlet conduit extends outwardly from the housing and has an inlet communicated with the passage and an outlet. A shaft is movable vertically, is provided inside the housing and has a valve block mounted on a bottom end of the shaft. An upper and a lower stop are respectively fixed on the shaft. An upper and a lower float are respectively movably sleeved around the shaft between the upper and lower stops. A perforated partition is mounted inside the housing between the upper float and the lower float.

Abstract: The invention relates a combined liquid level and pressure regulator for separators, comprising a liquid level sensing float connected through a rigid vertical shaft with two discharge cross section controlling valves. The essence of the invention is that the discharge cross section controlling valves are pressure-compensated slide valves arranged so as to control the discharge cross sections of the gas outlet and the liquid outlet of the separator.

Abstract: The recirculating beverage dispenser unit comprises a cooling unit, a carbonation unit, an inlet connection between a source of fresh water and the cooling unit, a fresh water valve and spigot, a delivery conduit coupling the fresh water valve and spigot to the cooling unit, at least one mixing valve and spigot coupled by a conduit to the carbonation unit and coupled by another conduit to a source of pressurized syrup, and a pump and other conduits for circulating carbonated water from and to the at least one mixing valve and spigot to and from the carbonation unit. The carbonation unit is mounted in the cooling unit and has a refrigerant carrying conduit coiled therearound in parallel relationship with a carbonation unit water inlet conduit. A spiral baffle is positioned around the carbonation unit to direct fresh water coming into the cooling unit around the parallel coiled tubings. Syrup carrying tubings extend through and are coiled about an inner surface of the cooling unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for volumetric metering and filling of liquids which includes a vertically extending dispensing chamber provided with a lower inflow and outflow opening and an upper vent opening. A float having an indicator ring is freely reciprocable in the dispensing chamber and scanning elements for controlling the inflow or outflow of liquid are disposed outside the dispensing chamber. Further control elements control a retarded inflow or outflow of the liquid via a throttle device, so that the upper and lower height, the criterion for accurate metering out of quantities of liquid, of the surface of the liquid in the dispensing chamber can be regulated.

Abstract: A float of a system for pressure feeding of slurry including a main body in the form of a bellows having a liquid and a gas sealed therein. The float has an apparent specific gravity which may vary depending on the value of pressure of a slurry or a driving liquid, whereby the slurry can be continuously fed from at least one slurry supply chamber by a driving liquid under high pressure to a desired destination.

Abstract: A constant-flow regulator for use in gravity-assisted liquid-delivery systems, wherein the regulator comprises: upper and lower cylindrical elements secured together for movement to form a chamber, whereby the height of the chamber formed by the upper and lower sections may be varied; and a double conical float element positioned within the chamber, the float element moving between a closed and an open position, whereby one or the other end of the float element moves upwardly or downwardly to seal an inlet or an outlet, in order to maintain constant the liquid level within the closed container formed by the first and second cylindrical elements.

Abstract: A static metering pump includes a pair of tanks, electrically operated inlet and outlet valves, liquid level sensors and controls which permit the alternate filling of a first of the tanks while permitting the discharging of liquid from a second of the tanks and then permitting the discharging of liquid from the first tank while filling the second tank. The cycle of filling and discharging of the tanks is repeated until a preselected volume of liquid is dispensed with precise metering. The two tanks are adapted to dispense the same volume of liquid in normal operation. Where the total volume of dispensed liquid called for includes a fraction of the normal volume of the tanks, one of the tanks is provided with a fractional liquid level sensor which may be preset to fill this tank initially to the fractional volume and to commence the metering operation by the discharge of this tank.

Abstract: A rate of flow regulator comprising upper and lower fluid chambers, the upper chamber having a double acting float valve to maintain a predetermined level of fluid therein, vent means venting each chamber to atmosphere, and metering means for regulating fluid flow to the lower chamber, the height of said upper chamber being adjustable relative to said metering means to change the fluid flow rate.

Abstract: An automatic gravity-actuated plant watering system receives quantities of water from a supply, collects a predetermined amount, discharges and distributes the same whenever the collected quantities of water reach the predetermined amount. Metering means are provided to regulate the quantity of water flow per unit time, and gravity-actuated cleaning means are used to prevent contaminants from obstructing the fluid flow.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for regulating the flow of solution from a fluid reservoir to the vein of a patient. All of the embodiments of the present invention include a first fluid chamber having an inlet and a discharge port and means disposed within a first fluid chamber for maintaining the level of solution therein between upper and lower levels. In all of the embodiments of the present invention, an upper and lower valve seat is provided within the first chamber which interacts with a float or floats contained therein to from two valve mechanisms which maintain a constant rate of flow of solution independent of the initial height or variations in height of solution contained within the reservoir during its depletion. In two of the embodiments of the present invention, a second fluid chamber is coupled to the first fluid chamber by means of a drip chamber which permits the visual counting of the rate of flow of solution from the first chamber to the second fluid chamber.