Abstract: In an apparatus for testing pneumatic flow resistance of a test component, such as an air filter useful in a system for admixing parenteral solutions, a pneumatic bridge has two branches connected, via a filter, a flow restrictor, and a flowmeter, to a source of gas under regulated pressure. Each branch comprises two arms with a centerpoint. The bridge has a pressure transducer connected between the centerpoints and arranged to detect pressure imbalances in the bridge. Each arm comprises a flow restrictor, namely a needle valve, which is calibrated via a vernier head. The valves are adjustable to balance the bridge. In one arm, in which the needle valve can be fully opened, the test component is connectible to constitute a flow restrictor. The transducer produces an output displayed via a digital voltmeter, which may be calibrated.

Abstract: An injection system and method for blending an additive into a main fluid flow stream at a controlled ratio, characterized by a controller wherein the electrical circuitry thereof is contained in an explosion-proof housing having a window through which electromagnetic energy, such as an infrared command signal, can be transmitted. The circuitry contained within the explosion-proof housing includes a receiver for receiving the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the window and a processor or processors for decoding information included in the electromagnetic energy and for carrying out one or more functions based on such information. Also disclosed is an additive injection correction technique, a clean line technique and related and other features of the system and method.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing a series of vessels arranged in parallel, a vacuum system to draw chemical from one or more bulk sources into the vessels, and a pressure system to deliver chemical under pressure from the vessels, chemicals can be easily delivered from any bulk source to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous and uniform chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure. Computer controlled process systems provides system flexibility and full automation.

Abstract: A method of and a device for dispensing a determined amount of particles in suspension within a fluid, the device comprising a column wherein is provided a fluidized bed of particles in suspension in a fluid and which is connected by at least one duct opening into one portion of the container wherein the fluidized bed is obtained to a device for the volumetric metering of the suspension taken from within the container, the device being arranged to communicate with a bottle adapted to receive a determined and accurate amount of particles, the device being applicable in particular to the preparation of champagne.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for serving beer at proper CO.sub.2 content and proper temperature for best taste, comprises a draft tower for distributing beer at the proper gas content and at the proper temperature. A plurality of beer barrels connected in series are in turn connected to the draft tower by a pipeline. A CO.sub.2 gas cylinder is connected to the barrels for supplying gas at an elevated pressure sufficient to move the beer from the barrels along the pipeline to the tower. A heater is provided for heating the barrel to an elevated temperature above the proper temperature for taste, so that the gas content in the barrel does not rise above the proper gas content under the influence of possibly elevated pressure needed to convey the beer. Near or at the draft tower, the beer is recooled to the proper temperature and thus served at a proper temperature and with the proper gas content.

Abstract: A low fluid indicator for a fluid injection system of the type having a sealed pressurized canister, and a valve responsive to a control signal to release fluid from the canister includes a counter that maintains a count. A pulse generating circuit increments the count by a first increment and a second increment in response to the control signal. The first increment is insensitive to the duration of the control signal above a threshold duration and is selected in accordance with a fill volume of the injection system. The second increment varies with duration of the control signal above the threshold duration and has a count rate selected in accordance with an injection flow rate of the injection system. A low fluid indicator lamp is responsive to the counter to indicator a low fluid condition when in the canister when the count exceeds a selected value.

Abstract: Programmable additive controllers control flow of fluid additives from a fluid supply line. A flowmeter is connected to the solenoid control valve for measuring flow of fluid. A controller opens and closes the control valve. The control valve is positioned downstream from the flowmeter, leaving the meter full upon shut off. A settable input controls cyclic operation of the controller. The controller further incorporates an input for required quantities of additive to be added on each cycle. A comparator in the controller compares a required quantity with signal output indicating flow through the flowmeter. The difference, if any, between actual flow and target flow is continuously sent, and the target flow is continuously adjusted up or down when necessary to compensate for the previous difference. The comparator connects to a closing control for closing the control valve and preventing further flow of additive when the cumulative flowmeter output signal approaches the requirement.

Abstract: A gasoline blending and dispensing system delivers a predetermined blend of low and high octane gasoline from low and high octane gasoline supply tanks to a nozzle for dispensing from the system. The system includes a valve responsive to valve control signals produced by a valve control for regulating the flows of the low and high octane gasolines for dispensing the predetermined blend.

Abstract: An injection system and method for blending an additive into a main fluid flow stream at a controlled ratio, characterized by a controller wherein the electrical circuitry thereof is contained in an explosion-proof housing having a window through which electromagnetic energy, such as an infrared command signal, can be transmitted. The circuitry contained within the explosion-proof housing includes a receiver for receiving the electromagnetic energy transmitted through the window and a processor or processors for decoding information included in the electromagnetic energy and for carrying out one or more functions based on such information. Also disclosed in an additive injection correction technique, a clean line technique and related and other features of the system and method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a programmable additive controller that provides remote accounting and control of additive injectors. The invention enables remote monitoring and controlling of additive injectors from a host computer. It has statistical performance chart generation for individual additive controllers and correlates additives, products, product loadings and additive used for each injector, terminal lane and product by remote access. It remotely resets alarms and generates files for use on other systems as well as stores data for the entire company, providing company-wide information and control from a single host computer. Communications between each additive controller and the host computer is made through a modem.

Abstract: A material metering apparatus is disclosed which extrudes highly viscous material from an orifice of a known diameter past two fiber optic sensors to initiate and terminate a timing sequence. Knowing the specific gravity of the material, the apparatus uses the timing sequence and known diameter of the orifice to calculate the weight of the material so extruded. The components of the material metering apparatus are removable to facilitate ease of cleaning the variation in the viscous material subject to extrusion.

Abstract: A granular materials applicator is disclosed in which controlled metering rolls rotating at a preselected angular velocity provides volumetric displacement of the granular material irrespective of varying operating conditions.

Abstract: An automotive fuel additive dispensing and blending system is described wherein both proprietary and mandated fuel additives heretofore normally added at the refinery or a bulk storage plant may be added at a service station and blended into the fuel as fuel is dispensed thereby allowing most effective and reliable addition of additives that may be volatile and that may degrade in storage after mixed with fuel as well as providing a cost effective method for supplying differing gasoline blends to the customer.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved method and apparatus for the transfer and delivery of very high purity chemicals for use in semiconductor production and similar processes. By employing multiple alternating pressure vessels, chemicals are drawn from virtually any bulk source and delivered to one or more end-users. The use of a vacuum system to draw chemicals through sealed conduits eliminates the need for pumps which are a source of both maintenance problems and contamination in the system. Multiple vessels provide for a variety of flow options, which include continuous chemical delivery to the end-users, recirculation and regular filtration during periods of low use, and built-in redundancy to avoid system shut down if there is a component failure.

Abstract: A system for mixing a first grade of fuel with a second grade of fuel to create a third, intermediate grade of fuel includes a blend valve and a novel shut-off system for stopping fuel from flowing from the blend valve to a dispensing meter when either the first grade of fuel of the second grade of fuel is not being supplied to the blend valve.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spin coating apparatus for feeding a clean liquid at a fixed rate. In any of the feeding apparatus in the prior art, no constituent other than a filter has the function of eliminating foreign matter, and the operation of feeding a liquid under precise control is not attained. This results in the problem of the mixing of the foreign matter (and air bubbles) in the feed liquid, and the problem of nonuniformity in a feed speed as well as a feed amount. As expedients for solving these problems, the present invention provides the functions of automatically sensing and excluding factors for the appearances of the foreign matters, and devices for automatically and precisely controlling feed control elements such as a pump, thereby feeding the clean liquid in a constant amount and at a constant speed.

Abstract: Fluid delivery equipment, for example for distributing herbicide, is calibrated to provide a correct flow rate by performing a test cycle in which the fluid flows into a measuring device for a predetermined time, after which the volume of fluid in the measuring device is established to determine whether or not the flow rate corresponds to the desired flow rate. The measuring device establishes a flow path having two reverse bends (36, 30) with the reverse bend (36) bypassed by a vent hole (32). The level of liquid in the measuring device after a test is, for example, established by means of a graduated scale provided on a card (40) which is removably attached to a package containing the fluid to be distributed.

Abstract: A submerged pump manifold for a liquid fuel dispensing system. The pump manifold includes a chamber for housing a filter cartridge and a cover attached to the top of the chamber. An interlock device is removably attached to the cover such that the device must be removed upon removing the cover. The interlock device is attached to a plug-type connection on the pump manifold so that as the interlock device is rotated away from the cover, the plug-type connection is moved from its plugged-in position to its unplugged position, thereby electrically disabling the submerged pump while the cover is removed.

Abstract: Programmable additive controllers control flow of fluid additives from a fluid supply line. A flowmeter is connected to the solenoid control valve for measuring flow of fluid. A controller opens and closes the control valve. A settable input controls cyclic operation of the controller. The controller further incorporates an input for required quantities of additive to be added on each cycle. A comparator in the controller compares a required quantity with signal output indicating flow through the flowmeter. The comparator is connected to a valve closing control for closing the control valve and preventing further flow of additive when the cumulative flowmeter output signal approaches the requirement. A three-way valve is connected to the flowmeter for selectively flowing fluid additive to a test and to an outlet for ejection into a mixing tank. The controller has an input for a local panel factor and reads out mixing ratio volume per cycle and total volume of additive.

Abstract: A delivery system for controlling the flow of fluid is disclosed. The comprises a control valve comprising an electric control motor and a valve, and a hydraulic piston type motor including a shaft which is rotated when fluid flows through the system. The rate at which fluid flows into the system is measured by the hydraulic motor and is reflected by the rate at which the hydraulic motor shaft rotates. The rate at which fluid flows through the system is controlled by the control valve. The control valve is movable between a first position in which a first fluid flow rate through the system is achieved and a second position is which a second flow rate higher than the first rate is achieved. The control motor is responsive to an external signal which indicates a rate rotation for the control motor corresponding with a rate of fluid flow.

Abstract: Changes in the flow characteristics of a fluid being dispensed from a nozzle under then control of a metering valve are compensated for in order to maintain the volume of fluid dispensed over a predetermined time interval substantially equal to a selected setpoint. The volume of fluid delivered to the metering valve during a predetermined interval is measured and a correction factor based on the difference between the measured volume and the setpoint is calculated. The correction factor is used to generate a driving signal from which a control signal applied to the metering valve is generated.

Abstract: The flow rate of fluid components, typically water and syrup, is sensed by a flowmeter that is substantially insensitive to variations in fluid pressure and/or viscosity. A feedback circuit which may be either analog or digital permits the regulation of fluid flows to be in a precisely prescribed relative proportion. This proportion may be changed by varying the amplification gain of the feedback circuit in the analog configurations, or by programming a new ratio quantity in the digital configuration of the control circuit. The digital control circuit integrates the total fluid flow, and maintains historical records of the total fluid volume and portions dispensed. The dispensed volume of any particular portion may be predetermined by manually demarking the time interval over which such volume is flowed.

Abstract: A control system for use with a drink dispenser comprises a mode switch for causing the control system to switch between operation in a program mode and a dispense mode. Volumetric parameter data is provided by a volumetric parameter generator and is representative of dispensed drink volume. A memory stores the volumetric parameter data. A controller is coupled to the mode switch, the memory and the volumetric parameter generator and causes the volumetric parameter data to be stored in the memory while the control system is operating in the program mode and causes drink volume to be dispensed as a function of the stored volumetric parameter data while the control system is operating in the dispense mode.

Abstract: An automotive fluids dispensing and blending system wherein a customer may select various fuel additives such as octane enhancers, fuel injector cleaners, varnish dissolvers, compounds to free-up piston rings, etc., all choices of which may be automatically blended with the selected fuel as the fuel is being dispensed normally into the vehicle fuel tank. The system also allows the customer to select and dispense various engine oils and oil additives, antifreeze solutions, windshield washer fluid, power steering fluid, and other automotive fluids directly into the vehicle using provided lines, nozzles and controls. All sales transactions are displayed to the customer and station operator for purposes of payment, and all sales transaction data is recorded and stored.

Abstract: For a metering vibrating pump in a variable flow rate condition, a system and a device is provided for supplying desired liquid quantities comprising a memory circuit (36) set by a supply or energization starting signal (38), a counter (24) counting a certain pump stroke number detected by a piston position detector (12) for detecting the position of a piston in the pump, a numerical comparator (28) comparing the numbers emitted by the counter (24) with preset numbers formed by a numerical digital combinator (32) for outputting a reset signal for the memory circuit (36); the memory circuit (36) starts the pump operation when it is set and stops the operation when it is reset.

Abstract: A gasoline dispenser system includes a housing with a first enclosure providing a safe area for mounting electrical apparatus, a second enclosure providing a hazaradous area for mounting fuel carrying apparatus, an air gap vapor barrier separating the first and second enclosures, at least one bifurcated electromechanical valve for controlling gasoline flow, having a solenoid winding mounted within the first enclosure, and a valve body mounted within the second enclosure, with a control rod connected from the solenoid winding, through the air gap, to a plunger or control device within the valve body, and with an elastomeric seal about the control rod for secondary sealing where it enters the second enclosure, for substantially preventing gasoline fumes from escaping from the second enclosure into the air gap.

Abstract: An orange juice dispensing system including a pump driven by a d.c. motor for pumping concentrate through a concentrate conduit to a mixing chamber of a dispensing valve, a water line for feeding water to the mixing chamber and including a flow meter and a motorized control valve therein, sensors connected to the pump for sensing concentrate flow rate, and a microcontroller receiving signals from the pump sensors and the water flow meter for controlling the mixture ratio and flow rate by controlling the motorized control valve in the water line and the d.c. motor connected to the concentrate pump. The concentrate is preferably contained in a nonreturnable, plastic, semi-rigid container.

Abstract: A syrup dispensing system in which a pump is actuated at a preset clock rate under a fixed pressure head. The clock rate and pressure head are tailored to accommodate the lowest operating temperature for the system and, accordingly, the thickest syrup. A preset amount of syrup is dispensed on each clock cycle such that a constant rate of syrup flow is attained.

Abstract: A cleanser feeding mechanism has a cleanser housing portion, a cleanser feeding member for feeding a cleanser housed in the cleanser housing portion, and a synchronous motor for applying a drive force to the cleanser feeding member, and feeds an amount of cleanser corresponding to the number of revolutions of the synchronous motor. A cleanser feeding amount-setting unit sets an amount of cleanser to be fed from the cleanser feeding mechanism. A driving unit applies an AC source voltage of an AC power source to the synchronous motor. A counter counts the number of cycles of the AC source voltage from a timing at which the AC source voltage is applied to the synchronous motor. A reference cycle number-setting unit sets a total cycle number of the AC source voltage which corresponds to a cleanser amount set by the cleanser feeding amount-setting unit.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing system for dispensing fuel such as gasoline, for example, includes a nozzle to which is mounted an actuator controlled transducer. The extent of movement of the actuator from a rest position causes the transducer to produce a flow rate signal having a magnitude proportional to the degree of movement of the actuator. The flow rate signals are electrically connected to a remotely located controller which responds to the signals by providing drive signals for operating a proportional flow control valve opening for attaining the called for flow rate of fluid to be dispensed from the remotely located valve, through a hose, to the nozzle for dispensement therefrom.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dispensing fluid material whereby the fluid is discharged from a nozzle onto a workpiece. Delivery of fluid to the nozzle is controlled by a metering valve located in close proximity to the nozzle. The flow of dispensed fluid is sensed by a pressure transducer disposed to sense the pressure drop across the nozzle. The pressure transducer generates a feedback signal which can be applied by way of a closed loop control system to an electropneumatic servovalve which operates a double-acting air cylinder the pressure drop across the nozzle thereby controlling the flow of dispensed fluid in accordance with a driving signal. Where the dispenser is carried by a robot, the driving signal can be correlated to the relative speed between the workpiece and the nozzle to accurately control the amount of fluid per unit length contained in a bead deposited on the surface of the workpiece.

Abstract: A postmix juice dispensing system for reconstituting and dispensing pliable 5+1 orange juice at freezer temperatures of from about -10.degree. F. to 0.degree. F., including a pressurizable canister for pressurizing concentrate in a flexible bag and for forcing the concentrate through a concentrate conduit into a heat exchanger, then into a metering device and then into a mixing chamber where the concentrate mixes with water fed also through a metering device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing a substance to a work area in which the method includes the steps of determining the quantity of the substance to be dispensed substantially evenly to the work area, calculating the rate of dispensing the substance to the work area for the quantity determined in the determining step to achieve substantially even dispensing, dispensing the substance to the work area at the calculated rate during movement over the work area, and adjusting the rate of dispensing at intervals during such movement to minimize error in such dispensing.

Abstract: In a method for continuously determining the delivery rate of a stream or flow of loose bulk material and/or for continuously dosing such material, the loose material is caused to travel along part of a circular path and is then removed from that circular path after travelling at least around a portion of a circle. The centrifugal force exerted by the loose material on the axis of rotation is measured and used to deterine the delivery rate. The centrifugal force is measured by sensing an excursion of a rotational axis of a measuring wheel caused by the centrifugal force exerted by the loose material continuously fed onto and removed from the rotating measuring wheel such that the material travels through a semicircle. Before being fed onto the measuring wheel, the material may be accelerated to the wheel's velocity. The centrifugal force resulting on the wheel axis is measured.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a pair of tank assemblies 110, 112 interconnected by a valve module 114 for controlling the communication of water to be treated to an on-line tank and the regeneration of an exhausted tank. Each tank assembly includes a compartment containing a water softening resin 125 and a compartment centering an iron filter media. The valve module is connected to a regeneration solution reservoir 150 by brine conduits 164, 220. A pumping assembly 192 automatically transfers a predetermined amount of a supplemental regenerant fluid from a well 168 into the regeneration solution reservoir at the conclusion of a regeneration cycle. The pumping assembly includes upper and lower chambers 194a, 196a communicating with the supplemental regenerant fluid reservoir 168 and brine supply conduits 164, 220 respectively.

Abstract: A data logger for a post-mix beverage dispensing system in a fast food restaurant includes a data logger control box and drink counting software for operating a microprocessor coupled to the logger control box. The microprocessor can determine the number and size of drinks sold in the restaurant for selected periods during a day or days.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing multiple fluids utilizes two fluid reservoirs each in fluid communication with a respective pump for pumping the fluids to a mixing head, the pumps being mechanically connected to each other and adapted to pump fluids from the reservoirs at a predetermined volume ratio, and with a pressure switch provided for measuring fluid pressure to the mixing head and stopping the pumping of fluid at a predetermined maximum pressure while starting the pumping of fluid when the fluid pressure falls below the predetermined maximum pressure. A device for detecting an empty fluid reservoir is used to stop the pumping of fluids to avoid single component pumping. A mechanical torque-releasable coupling is used to disconnect a pump from the pump drive in the event of an internal pump overload.

Abstract: In a combine harvester having a clean grain conveyor, a clean grain weight rate metering device is provided generally at the discharge end of said conveyor. The weight rate metering device includes a sensor member disposed to be acted upon by the clean grain flow as it issues from the clean grain conveyor, and a transducer operatively associated with the sensor member to continuously generate a signal proportional to the clean grain weight rate. The sensor member is curved in shape and is operatively disposed generally in the path of the clean grain flow issuing from the conveyor for deflecting the direction of movement of the clean grain flow and for guiding said flow therealong while subjecting the sensor member to a centrifugal force.

Abstract: A dispenser for conductive liquids which includes appropriate circuit elements to measure the volume of liquid dispensed therethrough, and particularly useful in the bar and restaurant trade. The dispenser also includes circuitry to record the number of times it is removed from a container. Probes are provided for actuating a display and for remote recording and reading.

Abstract: Fibers or other bulk material to be conveyed into an air forming system are fed in a continuous stream at a uniform rate to the air forming system by conveying the material into an elongated weight pan, weighing the pan, dropping the material onto a conveyor, and adjusting the speed of the conveyor to compensate for variations in weight. After a target weight in the pan is achieved, material is no longer fed into the pan, but the pan is not dumped until the conveyor has moved at least a distance equal to the length of the pan. The conveyor is at least twice as long as the pan, so that two dumps of the pan can be accommodated on the belt at the same time, thereby permitting the speed of the belt to be adjusted to feed the material into the air forming system at a substantially constant rate.

Abstract: The batch control system is used in a batching system for controlling the batching of a fluid material from one container to another container through a conduit having a pump coupled therein, a flowmeter coupled therein and a valve coupled therein. The batch control system includes a microprocessor; a keypad coupled to said microprocessor; a battery backed non-volatile memory coupled to the microprocessor; a serial port in the microprocessor; an alpha-numeric display coupled to the microprocessor; relay control outputs coupled to said microprocessor and to relays for controlling energization of the pump and the valve, respectively; at least one input coupled to the microprocessor for receiving count pulses from the flowmeter; and, outputs for supply data to a station remote from the location of the batch control system, such as a manager's office or a station at the location of one of the containers.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the flow rate of solid granular material in which a sample holder of variable geometry is provided with an aperture containing a shutter. The aperture is opened and the material is collected and weighed. Either the time to collect a given weight or the weight collected in a given time is determined and combined with signals representing the sample holder geometry, aperture cross section and material constants to provide a measure of flow rate.

Abstract: A system for dispensing multiple discrete streams of a high viscosity liquid material, and particularly, systems such as those for applying sealants to the seams of an automobile body on a production line. The system is provided with a multi-speed pump for supplying the viscous liquid from a reservoir at high pressure to a distribution manifold from which it is distributed at regulated rates to a plurality of extrusion guns through drop lines from the manifold. A motor speed control which is settable to a number of predetermined motor operating speeds which selects the speed of the multi-speed pump in response to the combination of guns which is activated, so that the dispensing rate can remain the same regardless of which other guns are activated. Regulators which include volumetric metering pumps are included in the drop lines at each of the guns, with controls coordinated with the motor speed control.

Abstract: A measuring device for beverage dispenser lines comprises a housing with inlet and discharge ports, first and second attachments, and first and second couplings. The attachments have connectors for securing the attachments to ends of fluid conveying conduits. The first and second couplings are mounted on the first and second attachments, respectively, and the housing, and releasably couple the attachments with the ports of the housing.

Abstract: A feed meter for determining the feed rate of conveyed material comprising a rotatable encoded disc which rotates in proportion to the velocity of conveyed material and displaces the disc in proportion to the depth of material being conveyed, whereby a fixed detector provides an output representative of feed rate. One use of the feed meters is for controlling the application rate of additive material to conveyed material.

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

Abstract: A precision fluid measuring apparatus is provided which is simple to operate and manufacture, but which permits precise measurement of fluid quantities in a closed system. A flow passageway is defined by a conduit having three sets of apertures wherein the first set of apertures is located at one end of the conduit and the other two sets of apertures are located at the other end of the conduit. A blocking member is positioned in the flow passageway of the conduit and between the second and third sets of apertures. An envelope is provided which surrounds the three sets of apertures and which is slidable along the conduit between an upstream and a downstream position. Collars are provided which seal the first set of apertures and the second set of apertures when the envelope is in the downstream position. The collars provide a hermetic seal between the envelope and the conduit.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow-rate of ferromagnetic granular media in a gravity-fed and/or low velocity peening apparatus by passing the media in the supply line at substantially constant head pressure through an inductive transducer, wherein the current drawn by the induction coil varies in accordance with changes in the flow-rate.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing method and apparatus particularly adapted for post-mix dispensing of a soft drink, with accurate relative proportions of carbonated water and soft drink syrup. Separate syrup and water valves are controllably turned on and off, independently, at prescribed duty cycles, to provide a prescribed mix ratio, and syrup and water flow meters monitor the instantaneous flow rates of the water and syrup to minimize the effects of any pressure variations in the initial syrup and water supplies. The apparatus is conveniently modified for use with different soft drink syrups using a separate removable personality module for each syrup, characterizing its prescribed mix ratio and its viscosity.