Volume Or Rate Of Flow Metering Patents (Class 222/71)
  • Publication number: 20080306474
    Abstract: The invention relates to a coolant dosing device for the application of cryogenic gas for producing low temperatures as required e.g. in cryosurgery. The invention aims to ensure a disturbance-free operation in spite of often dirty gas and to exclude possible operating errors in the connection of capsules of the prior art. According to the invention, the coolant dosing device comprises a capillary tube that receives gas that has been filtered in the capsule and directly supplies it to the dispenser, thereby ensuring a disturbance-free operation. The low force connection between the capsule and the metering device by means of O-rings that are slipped over ensures a tight seal and an error-free operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2004
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Inventors: Dieter Steinfatt, Helga Steinfatt
  • Publication number: 20080272144
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser for dispensing a metered volume of a fluid product having a storage chamber for storing the fluid product in; a dispensing outlet through which the fluid product is dispensable from the dispenser; a metering chamber which is adapted to provide the metered volume of the fluid product for dispensing through the dispensing outlet by movement of the metering chamber between a contracted state and an expanded state, movement of the metering chamber from the contracted state to the expanded state placing the metering and storage chambers in fluid communication to enable the metering chamber to receive from the storage chamber an excess volume of the fluid product comprising the metered volume and a surplus volume; and a bleed arrangement adapted to bleed the surplus volume of the fluid product from the metering chamber is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2005
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventors: Stanley George Bonney, Louis Albert Della-Porta, Paul Kenneth Rand
  • Publication number: 20080251533
    Abstract: A beverage dispenser has a faucet with a spout, a fitting for connection to a beverage supply, and a lever operated valve. A servo motor, coupled to the lever, operates the faucet and proportionally controls the flow of the beverage. That proportional flow control manages the amount of beverage foaming. A flow sensor has a magnetic turbine within the faucet and a Hall effect element that magnetically senses turbine motion and produces a signal indicating an amount of beverage flow. A keypad enables service personnel to designate various portions of the beverage to automatically fill serving containers of different sizes. A control circuit responds to activation of the keypad and to the flow sensor by operating the servo motor to dispense the related quantity of the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas E. Giles, William L. Pursell, Neil D. Roiland, David Timpel
  • Publication number: 20080223483
    Abstract: Techniques for dispensing a type of liquid in a specific amount or at a constant flow rate are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a height difference between an inlet and an outlet is maintained by an adjustable tubing assembly. An overflow assembly is provided to divert any overflow of the liquid from entering a reservoir and keep a specific level of the liquid. A valve is provided to the inlet and can be turned off when a sensor detects that there is an overflow of the liquid in the overflow assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Leon HAN, Russell D. MOULTON
  • Publication number: 20080217106
    Abstract: A metering device for a lubricant dispenser has an inflow opening and at least two outflow openings for dividing up the amounts of lubricant being conveyed, and has a slide inserted into a housing of the metering device so as to move lengthwise, which slide has an axial bore on the inflow side. The outflow openings are connected to the axial bore of the slide on the inflow side by way of a displacement chamber, in each instance. The displacement chambers are hydraulically separated from one another by kickback valves. A forward stroke of the slide brings about a reduction in volume of the displacement chambers and flow of the lubricant out of the outflow openings. A backward stroke of the slide brings about an increase in volume of the displacement chambers and follow-up flow of the lubricant through the kickback valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Egon Eisenbacher, Thomas Hildenbrand
  • Publication number: 20080205970
    Abstract: A toothpaste dispensing toothbrush is provided that includes a main body that contains a bladder therein that serves to contain a volume of toothpaste. A metered dosing pump is included that controls the flow of toothpaste from the fluid storage region and through a conduit that exits adjacent the bristles of the toothbrush head. Each operation of the metered dosing pump dispenses a measured and controlled amount of toothpaste into the bristles of the toothbrush. In addition to providing a flow of toothpaste, the rear side of the toothbrush may also include an additional “flavor burst” pack module to deliver an additional flavoring or another material, such as fluoride, to the flow of toothpaste.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: POLY-D, LLC
    Inventors: Roger J. LaFlamme, Jim F. Warner
  • Patent number: 7396510
    Abstract: A microdosage device comprises a media reservoir used for accommodating a liquid to be dosed, a nozzle connected via a connecting channel to the media reservoir and adapted to be filled via said connecting channel with the liquid to be dosed, and a drive unit for applying, when actuated, to a liquid contained in the media reservoir and in the nozzle a force of such a nature that a substantially identical pressure will be exerted on said liquid contained in the media reservoir and in the nozzle. Flow resistances of the connecting channel and of the nozzle are dimensioned such that, in response to an actuation of the drive unit, a volumetric flow in the connecting channel will be small in comparison with a volumetric flow in the nozzle, said volumetric flow in the nozzle causing an ejection of the liquid to be dosed from an ejection opening of the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2008
    Inventors: Roland Zengerle, Peter Koltay
  • Publication number: 20080134709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an ice dispenser apparatus having an ice storage bin removably mounted to the refrigerator for receiving and storing ice pieces from an ice maker, a metering device for separating individual ice pieces, and a sensing device for detecting the presence of ice pieces. Actuation of a motor causes the metering device to separate individual ice pieces and the sensing device detects ice pieces before, after, or during dispensing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventors: MARCUS ROLAND FISCHER, AMY LAUREN SIWEK, KEVIN MICHAEL CHASE, TONY LEE KOENIGSKNECHT, RANDELL LEE JEFFERY, LARRY THOMAS BASHARK, JORDAN ROBERT FOUNTAIN, BRANDON MICHAEL DAWSON, RYAN DEAN MCCOLLUM, MATTHEW RUSSEL SCHWARTZ
  • Publication number: 20080110927
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant for the production of optionally decorated confectionery from at least one liquid to viscous starting mass, said plant comprising a dosing unit, for the dosed introduction of mass to a dosing location, a positioning means, for carrying out a relative positioning between the dosing unit and the dosing position and a transport means for the removal of the dosed masses in the dosing location. According to the invention, the plant further comprises a data processing system with input means, display means and a memory, a comparator, a method parameter calculating means which designates process parameters of the production method and/or machine parameters of the plant according to a given calculated schema, for the product parameters inputted via the input means and a control system comprising actuators.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2005
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventors: Uwe Steiner, Karl-Jurgen Kasemann, Michael Paul
  • Publication number: 20080110773
    Abstract: A wearable device is structured to provide flowable agent for application to a surface, such as the body of a human, or other surfaces, the device being structured to attach to the body or to an item of clothing so that the source of flowable agent is readily accessible. The wearable device of the present invention may be formed as a pen-like structure, as an item of jewelry or as a decal that can be worn on clothing. One embodiment of the wearable device further includes a self-closing check valve to prevent dispensing of flowable agent, and may include a metering device, locking device and additional safety features.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Inventor: Darcy W. Greep
  • Publication number: 20080105704
    Abstract: A fitment for package holding a liquid and a package including such a fitment. The fitment is a metering dispensing valve arranged to be secured to a flexible bag for selectively dispensing a metered quantity of the liquid therefrom. It includes a compressible bulb and a piercing member which when actuated pierces through the bag to enable a metered amount of the liquid to be drawn into a reservoir in the bulb. The bulb can then be compressed to dispense the metered amount of liquid from the reservoir. The dispensing valve also includes a inlet valve to the reservoir and an outlet valve from the reservoir. The fitment may include a pair of barriers to enable it to be sterilized before being secured to the bag form an aseptic package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: FRES-CO SYSTEM USA, INC.
    Inventor: Barry Pritchard
  • Patent number: 7367473
    Abstract: A circuit for dispensing fluid products, in particular coloring agents, paints and the like, comprises a pump (12) for delivering a fluid product, which pump can be activated selectively to send the fluid product to a dispensing duct (16) and a valve (18) which is disposed on the dispensing duct (16) and which can be opened to dispense the fluid product. A control system (28) is able to control the activation of the pump (12) in order to dispense a predetermined quantity of the fluid product. A sensor (24) is provided to detect the opening of the valve (18) and thus the effective start of the dispensing operation to be signalled to the control system (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: CPS Color Equipment S.p.A
    Inventor: Maurizio Meschiari
  • Patent number: 7296708
    Abstract: The invention replaces mechanical actuation of the valve (22) in lubricant dispense meters (10) to provide a software driven method of controlling the dispense of fluids. The design utilizes either a pressure sensitive membrane switch or a multiple discrete position membrane switch (18) in conjunction with either a multiple discrete stage solenoid actuated valve, a proportional solenoid actuated valve or an on/off solenoid actuated valve (22) to provide operator or programmed control of lubricant dispense frequency and flow rate via the meter's microprocessor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Graco Minnesota Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. King, Eugene G. Thury, Gregory W. Parkhurst, Michael J. Marshik
  • Patent number: 7292914
    Abstract: A system for controlling and monitoring operations of a chemical dispense system from a remote location is disclosed. The chemical dispense system includes a formulator for preparing a chemical product using one or more component chemical concentrates. The chemical dispense system also includes an allocator for managing the distribution of formulated chemical products to a point-of-use such that the formulated products are distributed to the point-of-use by a specified plan or sequence. The allocator may also be used to manage the formulation of chemical products such that the chemical products are formulated based on a plan or sequence. The chemical dispense system includes a communications system that enables system operators to control and monitor allocation and/or formulation operations from a remote location. A method for remotely monitoring and controlling operations of the chemical dispense system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald D. Jungmann, Bruce W. Weber, James M. Zoll, Clyde A. Bailey, Jun Wu
  • Patent number: 7159625
    Abstract: A device for verifying the amount of gasoline dispended by a gasoline pump is disclosed. The device comprises a housing containing a flow meter with said housing adapted to receive a gas pump nozzle and having an exit nozzle which is received by an intake gasoline channel of an automotive vehicle. In this manner, the housing and corresponding flow meter is integrated between the gas pump nozzle and gasoline-receiving channel of the vehicle. A display on the flow meter housing records the amount of gasoline dispensed therethrough. A user is then able to compare the recorded amount on the flow meter display with the amount recorded on a gas pump display. In an alternative version, a flow meter is incorporated within the gasoline-receiving channel of a vehicle. An automotive display then displays the volume of gasoline pumped into the vehicle for comparison with the volume displayed on the gas pump display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: David Klutts
  • Patent number: 7156115
    Abstract: A flow control system (10) is provided in which a flow control valve (12) is controlled by a control system (14). The control system (14) measures a flow rate or temperature of a fluid flowing through the flow control valve (12) and adjusts the flow control valve (12) to achieve a desired flow rate. The flow control valve (12) includes an electromagnetically adjustable spool (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Inventors: William F. Everett, David C. Sudolcan
  • Patent number: 7141119
    Abstract: A pressure-controlling dispersion delivery system for delivering a sheared dispersion comprising a plurality of ingredients to a coating device selected from a direct feed delivery system and a coating device flow-through delivery system, wherein a coating formed from a dispersion delivered through the pressure-controlling delivery system has a more consistent caliper than a coating formed from a similar sheared dispersion delivered to a coating device by means of a gear pump delivery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Imation Corp.
    Inventors: Travis A. Lemke, Mark Serafin
  • Patent number: 7111757
    Abstract: Devices and methods for accurate volumetric measurement and dispensing of any liquid, regardless of that liquid's density and vapor pressure, are disclosed. This invention employs devices and methods which are used to eliminate free volume from a variable volume chamber. A desired volume of liquid can be measured accurately within the volume range of the chamber. These devices and methods are suitable for volumetric measurement and dispensing of any liquid, regardless of density or vapor pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventors: Thomas Matthew O'Brien, Charles William Merten
  • Patent number: 7076330
    Abstract: A fraud detection system within a fuel dispenser includes the ability to measure the amount of fuel dispensed through the fuel dispenser. The measurement is compared to a value independently created representing what the amount of fuel dispensed should approximate. If the values are not comparable, an alarm may be generated to indicate that the fuel dispenser has been modified to perpetrate fraud upon the customers. In particular, a reference used in the comparison is created bearing on a flow rate of the fuel being dispensed through the fuel dispenser. The flow rate is derived from a source independent of a pulser within the fuel dispenser providing the needed authenticity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventor: Timothy E. Dickson
  • Patent number: 7066353
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for proportionally injecting a liquid chemical into a fluid stream using a portion of the fluid stream as motive force for a chemical injection pump. The apparatus includes a paired single or double acting reciprocating injection pump and driver with the driver piston(s) having a surface area of three times the surface area of the injection piston(s). The portion of the fluid stream is passed through a prime mover to the pump and then discharged to atmosphere. A fluid product flow meter generates a signal which controls the cycling of the reciprocating pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6908014
    Abstract: An anti-theft device prevents tampering with a diesel fuel dispenser. The device bars access to a pulser even if a cover of the dispenser is pried back or removed. A housing formed of plate steel substantially surrounds the pulser and is secured to the frame of the dispenser in three places so that about one-half hour is required to remove the device, even after a cover has been fully removed from the dispenser. This allows ample time for a station operator to observe that a theft is in progress. Three bolts are used to secure the device to the frame of the dispenser. Advantageously, all three of the bolts are placed into pre-existing openings so that no new openings need to be drilled as a part of the installation process. Only one pre-existing bolt of the frame is removed and reinstalled during the installation procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2005
    Inventor: George Glover
  • Patent number: 6889871
    Abstract: An internal gear set comprising an inner rotor having a number of radially projecting cylindrical tooth members engaging a conjugate internally toothed outer rotor. The latter has one more tooth than there are tooth members on the inner rotor and is mounted eccentrically to the inner rotor so that the rotors move conjugately relative to one other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Sealed Air Corporation
    Inventors: Edward H. Gervais, Souheil Eldanaf
  • Patent number: 6886556
    Abstract: The problem of the invention is to so develop known dispensers, that it is possible to very precisely determine the actual discharged medium volume. A dispenser according to the invention has a media path, which leads from a medium storage container to a discharge opening. A delivery device for delivering medium is located in said media path. The media reservoir stores a medium, particularly a fluid, which preferably incorporates at least one pharmaceutical substance. A media discharge can be brought about by means of an operating means. According to the invention, on the dispenser is provided an electronic detecting device for detecting a quantity representing the amount of medium discharged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Ing. Erich Pfeiffer GmbH
    Inventor: Karl-Heinz Fuchs
  • Patent number: 6886639
    Abstract: A fire-fighting system in which multiple water discharge lines each have associated with them a foam concentrate delivery line where each of the foam concentrate delivery lines are supplied from a foam concentrate tank by way of a positive displacement pump having the capability of having its flow rate adjusted. Each of the water discharge lines includes a flow meter as do all of the foam concentrate delivery lines. The foam concentrate delivery lines also include a valve whose orifice size is electrically controlled. Associated with each of the foam concentrate delivery lines is a microprocessor-based line controller module that receives inputs from the flow meters in the water discharge lines and the flow meters in the foam concentrate delivery lines whereby the proportion of foam concentrate to water in the separate water discharge lines can be set at predetermined values.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2005
    Assignee: Hypro Corporation
    Inventors: Lawrence C. Arvidson, Robert S. Horeck, Robert L. Hosfield
  • Patent number: 6845882
    Abstract: A multiproduct fuel dispenser for dispensing a plurality of fuels stored in a plurality of reservoir tanks comprising a nozzle for dispensing fuel, fuel delivery lines for delivering fuel from the plurality of reservoir tanks to the nozzle, and a common fuel meter operatively connected to the fuel delivery lines for quantifying the amount of fuel dispensed from the plurality of reservoir tanks, the common fuel meter having an internal volume no greater than 0.1 gallons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Dresser, Inc.
    Inventor: John Arnold Todd
  • Patent number: 6840744
    Abstract: A system for continuous delivery of a measured flow of liquid to a processing apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a bulk supply of the liquid and an intermediate vessel. A first pump delivers liquid from the intermediate vessel to processing equipment at one rate. A second pump delivers liquid from the reservoir to the intermediate vessel at a second much faster rate. A monitor device continuously monitors the weight of the vessel and controls the first pump accordingly to deliver the required weight of liquid at the required rate to the processing equipment. The monitoring device determines when the weight of liquid in the intermediate vessel has reached a minimum position to initiate operation of the second pump to refill to vessel and a further device terminates operation of the second pump when the liquid level in the vessel reaches a maximum position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Assignee: Bioquell UK Limited
    Inventor: David Watling
  • Patent number: 6807460
    Abstract: A beverage dispensing system includes a beverage dispenser which forms and dispenses a beverage and a processor for monitoring the beverage dispenser. The beverage dispenser operates under various parameters including a first parameter that is indicative of the quality of the beverage to be dispensed and a second parameter that is indicative as to when routine maintenance is to be scheduled. The processor monitors the various parameters under which the beverage dispenser operates and determines whether the first parameter is outside of a predetermined range. If the first parameter is outside the predetermined range, the processor sends a signal regarding a request for immediate repair service. The second parameter is also monitored and the routine maintenance is scheduled based thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2004
    Assignee: PepsiCo, Inc.
    Inventors: William J. Black, Joseph Todd Piatnik, Jr., Timothy W. Bethuy, Richard V. Baxter, Jr., Jeffrey C. Thon, Edward G. Beistle, Andrew D. Nelson
  • Publication number: 20040100857
    Abstract: A volumetric solid and liquid dispenser includes a drum sized for receiving and containing a predetermined volume of solid material from a solid material supply source. The supply source can be a hopper positioned above the drum. The drum is rotatably mounted to a support frame and can be rotated from a position in which it receives solid material from the supply source to a dispensing position in which it dispenses the solid material into a receptacle below. A liquid metering and dispensing container dispenses a predetermined volume of liquid into the receptacle for mixing with the solid material. The invention is particularly useful for dispensing predetermined volumes of sand and water into a cement mixer for mixing with mortar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2002
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Inventor: Archie J. Harris
  • Patent number: 6732945
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing system has a liquid chemical metering and delivery system including a process tank and a metering vessel. Fluid level detectors detect the fluid level in the process tank and metering vessel. A two stage fill valve fills the metering vessel from bottom to top. A dispense valve dispenses the metered contents of the vessel into a process tank via gravity, to form a chemical solution in the process tank, with high mixing accuracy. The volumes of the metering vessel and process tank and the inflow and outflow rates are set to provide 100% up time to a process chamber which uses the chemical solution to process semiconductor wafers or other flat media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventor: Kert Dolechek
  • Publication number: 20040079762
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2003
    Publication date: April 29, 2004
    Applicant: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6706538
    Abstract: Devices and methods for integrated packaging, shipping, storage and precise dispensing of extremely small volumes of liquids such as aqueous solutions and compounds dissolved in organic solvents are disclosed. Devices of the invention include a sealed reservoir with an integrated metering tap. The tap includes a metering tube, which is translatable between a fill position inside the reservoir and an expel position outside the reservoir. The metering tube includes: (1) a tube end closure in a lower portion of the tube, (2) a port above the tube end closure, and (3) a piston in an upper portion of the tube. The piston is movable between a down position that seals the side port and an up position above the port. Movement of the piston from the up position to the down position can displace from 10 nanoliters to 20 microliters, e.g., from 20 nanoliters to 2 microliters, or 50 nanoliters to 500 nanoliters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Boston Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Karg, Douglas W. Kroncke, Michael J. Jobin
  • Patent number: 6697705
    Abstract: A control system for a fuel dispensing system and a method for simultaneously refueling from at least two fuel dispensers to provide a single transaction total wherein the two fuel dispensers are a master/satellite fuel dispenser pair. A first communication means enables the dispenser control circuitry in the master dispenser to control the dispensing of fuel from the satellite dispenser. A second communication means enables the dispenser control circuitry to receive data regarding the amount of fuel dispensed by the satellite dispenser. A combination means generally associated with the dispenser control circuitry combines the total amount of fuel dispensed from the master/satellite fuel dispenser pair to a single vehicle. A device mounted on the master dispenser displays the total volume and price for the customer as a single transaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Johnson, Edward A. Payne
  • Patent number: 6685054
    Abstract: A flow regulator is provided in a liquid delivery line. The flow regulator includes flow regulation a body having an inflow port through which liquids different from each other in a property such as density, viscosity, etc flow in the body, and an outflow port through which the liquids flow out from the body. A set of rotators, which are rotated within the body in respective directions opposite to each other is provided to move the liquid by given volumes along the internal wall of the body. And a drive unit for driving the set of rotators is also provided. This construction provides an apparatus which can be used for delivering a liquid, which, in delivering liquids different from each other in viscosity, a given volume of the liquid can be accurately delivered to a liquid delivery line in a continuous manner even though the viscosity of the liquids have varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bunichiro Kameyama
  • Patent number: 6662970
    Abstract: An on demand oil dispensing system for motor vehicles including an electric motor driving a gear pump having flow paths including an intake line connected to an oil reservoir and a discharge line having a manual shut-off valve at the end thereof and a pressure sensing switch positioned in the discharge line which cuts off power to the motor and pump when the pressure in the discharge line rises above a set level and a reverse flow check valve in the discharge line upstream of the pressure sensing switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Inventor: Glen T. Presley
  • Patent number: 6648175
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Assignee: Environ Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6637471
    Abstract: An automatic hybrid volumetric method of dispensing (HVD) improves on gravimetric dispensing and volumetric dispensing. The method dispenses ingredients for a mixture, according to pre-selected formulations, utilizing a supply of the fluid ingredients, an ingredient container, a power-driven plunger in the ingredient container, a mixture container, and a calibration weight scale. The plunger is movable to expel fluid in the ingredient container. The method includes several steps. The ingredient container is connected to the supply to receive a first ingredient in the ingredient container. The ingredient container is connected to the mixture container for the mixture container to receive ingredient expelled from the ingredient container by movement of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Assignee: GFI Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Luehrsen, Derek P. Pedraza
  • Patent number: 6620383
    Abstract: Devices and methods for integrated packaging, shipping, storage and precise dispensing of extremely small volumes of liquids such as aqueous solutions and compounds dissolved in organic solvents are disclosed. Devices of the invention include a sealed reservoir with an integrated metering tap. The tap includes a metering tube, which is translatable between a fill position inside the reservoir and an expel position outside the reservoir. The metering tube includes: (1) a tube end closure in a lower portion of the tube, (2) a port above the tube end closure, and (3) a piston in an upper portion of the tube. The piston is movable between a down position that seals the side port and an up position above the port. Movement of the piston from the up position to the down position can displace from 10 nanoliters to 20 microliters, e.g., from 20 nanoliters to 2 microliters, or 50 nanoliters to 500 nanoliters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Boston Innovation Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Karg, Douglas W. Kroncke
  • Publication number: 20030080145
    Abstract: A fuel dispenser receiving fuel from a fuel source and dispenses the fuel to an output device while metering the quantity of fuel dispensed to the output device. The fuel dispenser includes a housing. A inlet port in the housing couples the housing to the fuel source. An outlet port in the housing couples the housing to the output device. A meter chamber in the housing has a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, and a chamber opening. An inlet passage extends from the inlet port to the chamber inlet for conveying fuel received from the fuel source from the inlet port to the meter chamber. An outlet passage extends from the meter chamber outlet to the outlet port for conveying fuel from the meter chamber to the outlet port. A nutating disk meter disposed within the meter chamber of the housing is for measuring the quantity of fuel flowing through the fuel dispenser. A chamber cover covers the opening and seals the nutating disk meter in the meter chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Kevin D. Struthers, Michael C. Webb
  • Patent number: 6551611
    Abstract: Varying the daily dose of either or both of the estrogen and the progestogen administered for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is readily and inexpensively accomplished, without the necessity of the physician prescribing a new product each time the daily dose of the estrogen or progestogen is changed, by administering preferably transdermally the estrogen and the progestogen contained in separate extrudable pharmaceutical compositions from a dispenser which contains means, preferably adjustable only by the attending physician or dispensing pharmacist, for varying the volume of either or both of the respective compositions which is dispensed as a single dose from the dispenser in response to a defined digital dispensing manipulation of the dispenser thereby facilitating optimal compliance to a combination of HRT with individually adjusted dosages of the estrogen and progestogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Jörg Elliesen, Jutta Riedl
  • Patent number: 6523723
    Abstract: Dosing feeder for a liquid that is in a container (6), comprising a dosing arm (2) that shows at least one dosing cup (2.1) that is open at the top. The dosing arm (2) is arranged in a dosing head (3) that in its turn shows a first duct (4.1) being in connection with the container (6). The dosing head (3) is movable or turnable in relation to the dosing arm (2) so that the dosing cup (2.1) alternately may be brought in connection with the first duct (4.1) for feed of liquid or may release the dosing cup (2.1) so that it gets accessible for the liquid. The dosing arm (2) may be cylinder-shaped, the dosing head (3) being turnable around the dosing arm (2). On filling with liquid into the dosing cup (2.1) the container (6) is above the dosing arm (2), the first duct (4.1) being connected with the dosing cup (2.1.). In position of rest the container (6) is under the dosing arm (2), the second duct (3.2) being connected with the dosing cup (2.1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Inventor: Sten Ekström
  • Publication number: 20020178783
    Abstract: A system for regulating and monitoring the delivery of a flow of a gas from a gas source to an output flow of a gas delivery device, wherein the gas is comprised of at least one specialty gas and preferably greater than one specialty gas. The system comprises a delivery unit and a sampling unit. The delivery unit is connectable with the gas source and the output flow of the gas delivery device for delivering the flow of the gas from the gas source to the output flow at an injection site defined thereby, wherein the delivery unit is comprised of an adjustable device for regulating the flow of the gas therethrough. The sampling unit is connectable with the output flow of the gas delivery device at a location downstream of the injection site for removing a gas sample from the output flow, wherein the sampling unit is comprised of a sample monitoring device for providing feedback on the composition of the gas sample. Preferably, the feedback is provided on a continuous basis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2002
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Chris Miller, Steven Fairbanks, John W.H. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020142028
    Abstract: Varying the daily dose of either or both of the estrogen and the progestogen administered for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is readily and inexpensively accomplished, without the necessity of the physician prescribing a new product each time the daily dose of the estrogen or progestogen is changed, by administering preferably transdermally the estrogen and the progestogen contained in separate extrudable pharmaceutical compositions from a dispenser which contains means, preferably adjustable only by the attending physician or dispensing pharmacist, for varying the volume of either or both of the respective compositions which is dispensed as a single dose from the dispenser in response to a defined digital dispensing manipulation of the dispenser thereby facilitating optimal compliance to a combination of HRT with individually adjusted dosages of the estrogen and progestogen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2000
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Jorg Elliesen, Jutta Riedl
  • Patent number: 6459854
    Abstract: A liquid heating module for use in a hot beverage machine, a beverage forming system that includes the module, and a process for heating liquid for forming beverages. The liquid heating module includes a hollow metal tube, a cylindrical insert which is disposed inside the hollow tube along its entire length and substantially along its axis of symmetry, at least one electrical resistor on a first outer part of the tube for preheating liquid flowing through the tube, and at least one additional electrical resistor on a second outer part of the tube for temperature adjustment of the liquid flowing through the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Alfred Yoakim, Ruguo Hu
  • Publication number: 20020130142
    Abstract: A windshield washing fluid dispenser is described for selectively filling a vehicle windshield washer reservoir. A base housing supports a windshield washing fluid tower which is at least partially transparent to visually display windshield washing fluid therein. A bulk windshield washing fluid container is situated within the base housing. A fluid pump assembly has an intake line received within the fluid container and a discharge line that extends to openly communicate with the display tower. The pump assembly is operable to at least partially fill the display tower to a selected level such that the windshield washing fluid is visible through the windshield washing fluid display tower. A filler hose leads from the display tower to a discharge end, the hose being of sufficient length to extend from the windshield washer fluid display tower to the vehicle windshield washer reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2001
    Publication date: September 19, 2002
    Inventor: Loyde A. Wheeler
  • Publication number: 20020113082
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser antenna system for communicating with remote communications units associated with a customer. The system will include a dispenser having a first site for customer interface wherein an area extending away from and along the first side substantially defines a fueling position. A first antenna is used to communicate with remote communications units through an associated communications system. The first antenna and communications system are adapted to provide a focused transmission field substantially throughout the fueling position, but substantially minimizing extension of the transmission field outside of the fueling position. Means associated with the communications system is provided to receive signals from the remote communications units. This means is typically one or more receive antennas in communication with the communications system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2001
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Inventors: Russel Dean Leatherman, William S. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20020100768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pack comprising a storage compartment (1) and a dispensing compartment (2), the dispensing compartment (2) comprising a metering space (6) and an outlet space (13), in which there is an outlet opening (4), there being between the storage compartment (1) and the dispensing compartment (2) a dividing wall (3) that, in an area (12) of the dividing wall (3) that—compared with other areas of the dividing wall (3)—is at the greatest distance from the pack base (7), is penetrated by a connecting piece (5), which projects into the dispensing compartment (2) and ends flush on the side of the storage compartment (1) and through which the contents can pass from the storage compartment (1) into the dispensing compartment (2), that end of the connecting piece (5) which faces the dispensing compartment (2) sloping in the direction of the metering space (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2002
    Publication date: August 1, 2002
    Applicant: Bestfoods
    Inventor: Wolfgang Eppler
  • Patent number: 6422421
    Abstract: A pizza sauce dispensing apparatus that includes a base, a motor mounted within the base, a pump mounted to the base, a container of sauce mounted on the base, a removable conduit connecting the container and the pump, a valve removably mounted to the container, a nozzle, another removable conduit between the pump and the nozzle, a nozzle switch, a bracket for storing the nozzle when not in use, an electrical control circuit for programming the apparatus to dispense sauce as a function of pizza size, a sauce addition switch and a sauce subtraction switch, and an electrical path including two metal posts and wire from the base to the nozzle switch. The parts having the sauce path are removable and washable even though some of the parts include an electrical path which typically cannot be immersed in water. The result is an efficient, relatively inexpensive apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Quantum Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Freudinger, David J. White
  • Publication number: 20020074344
    Abstract: The present invention provides a fuel dispenser capable of sensing the proximity or location of a customer relative to the fuel dispenser without requiring direct customer contact and controlling the display or aspects of the display accordingly to conserve energy, reduce heat generation or draw the customer's attention to the display once the customer is within a relative proximity to the fuel dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 20, 2002
    Inventors: Joseph D. Long, Paul D. Miller, Dolan F. Blalock
  • Patent number: 6391111
    Abstract: To provide a coating apparatus which is capable of making short a lag time up to action of a valve and making operate a discharging pump and a valve with the best timing. By employing electric-air regulators ER1 and ER2 of small size and high response speed as a speed controller for controlling a switching speed of a switching valve AV or a suck-back valve SV, total flowing course is made short, thereby a time lag up to operation of a valve is made short. Further, by detecting the pressure of a resist liquid being discharged from a discharging pump 120 by a pressure sensor 123, and by controlling the operation of each device of a discharging pump 120, a switching valve AV, and a suck-back valve SV through a controller 180, a discharging pump 120, a switching valve AV, and a suck-back valve SV can be operated with the best timings, and generation of particles due to dripping of a resist liquid at a tip end of a resist nozzle 60 is prevented from occurring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Akihiro Fujimoto, Kazuo Sakamoto, Nobukazu Ishizaka, Izumi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6367658
    Abstract: A coin/credit-card/debit-card and credit card activated windshield washer fluid dispensing system that is economically constructed with a minimum number of electrical components, and which is particularly suitable for retrofitting to existing housings built for other dispensing purposes. Through use of the present invention an operator can neatly transfer a metered amount of windshield washer fluid directly into a motor vehicle windshield fluid reservoir under low pressure without the use of a funnel. The system can be used as a stand-alone unit or combined in a housing with other automotive-related systems, such as air/vacuum service units. A first preferred embodiment comprises a timer, pump, and solenoid all operating under standard current whereby upon opening the solenoid and pump activation, windshield washer fluid is transferred from a tank to a low pressure regulator for a pre-determined amount of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: David Joseph Kenney, Rebecca Beauregard Kenney