A system for detecting the level of a fluid in a dispensing container may comprise a pressure sensor comprising a detection end disposed inside a dispensing canister. The dispensing canister may have a top and a bottom that is configured to dispense a fluid. The pressure sensor may be operably attached to the canister. The system may further comprise a processing unit comprising a motor control board and a control circuit comprising a processor and programming resident in memory to determine the level at which the fluid is present.
G01F 23/14 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of pressure
G01F 25/00 - Testing or calibration of apparatus for measuring volume, volume flow or liquid level or for metering by volume
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
G01F 23/18 - Indicating, recording, or alarm devices actuated electrically
G01F 23/20 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measurement of weight, e.g. to determine the level of stored liquefied gas
One or more techniques and/or systems (100) are disclosed for a way to dispense a variety of liquids, such as paint tinting liquids, while mitigating some problems associated with such systems (100). A system (100) can help to mitigate these issues by adjusting the temperature at the nozzle tip to match dew point temperature conditions of the ambient air. In controlling the nozzle (102) temperature and environment at the nozzle tip, for example, drying and condensation may be mitigated. A nozzle (102) can be coupled with a nozzle block (104) and temperature controller (106) to control the temperature of the nozzle (102). A variety of sensors can be used to detect environmental conditions, and a system controller can use the sensor readings to adjust the temperature of the temperature controller to match an ambient dew point.
B05B 1/24 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means incorporating means for heating the liquid or other fluent material, e.g. electrically
B05B 15/50 - Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
B05B 1/14 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
F25B 21/00 - Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
A tri-chamber nutating pump (120) is disclosed which includes two pump chambers (142,144) disposed within a pump housing (121) that accommodates a nutating piston (110). A reciprocating compensating piston (209) is also provided with its own compensating housing (206) that is connected to the outlet (136). As a cumulative output from the first two pump chambers (142, 144) reaches its maximum level, the compensating piston (209) is pushed into the outlet (136) or through a passage (307) to reduce the output of the first two chambers (142, 144) and avoid splashing. As the output from the first two chambers (142, 144) reaches its minimum level, the compensating piston (209) is withdrawn from the outlet (136) or through a passage (307) thereby increasing the output of the third chamber (207) to its maximum level when the output from the first two pump chambers (142, 144) reaches its minimum level.
F04B 7/06 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving in which the valving is performed by pistons and cylinders coacting to open and close intake or outlet ports the pistons and cylinders being relatively reciprocated and rotated
F04B 11/00 - Equalisation of pulses, e.g. by use of air vessels; Counteracting cavitation
4.
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING COATING COMPOSITIONS
An apparatus for processing coating compositions. The apparatus comprises: at least one liquid displacement device, such as a dispenser pump or a stirrer, e.g. of a paint delivery system; at least one sensor for determining flow behaviour of a coating composition in the liquid displacement device during operation of the liquid displacement device; a control unit responsive to output signals from the sensor to generate a parameter representing rheological quality of the coating composition.
Method of and assembly for homogenizing a liquid, in particular a colorant for paint, in a container, comprising the steps of withdrawing liquid from the container and then returning the liquid to the container. With this method and assembly, no stirrer is required.
An apparatus for dispensing a plurality of liquids, in particular colorants for paints, comprising a support, such as a turntable (2) or a linear table, defining a plurality of positions and a plurality of containers holding a liquid, mounted on the support at the positions, and provided with a pump (4) and/or a valve (5) for dispensing the liquid from the container. At least some of the containers form, together with a respective liquid and pump and/or valve, a cartridge (3), which cartridge is releasably mounted in the apparatus.
A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.
B67D 7/06 - Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes - Details or accessories
A fluid dispenser is disclosed for dispensing multiple fluids and that includes valve assemblies with rotary recirculation and dispense valves. A table controlled by a motor and a controller moves all of the valve assemblies to either a dispense position or a recirculation position together. The controller selectively operates the pump motors associated with individual canisters of fluid so that the system can dispense a single fluid or multiple fluids at a time. When in the recirculation position, the fluids can be continuously, intermittently or periodically recirculated to maintain the fluids in a homogenous state.
B05B 7/02 - Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
B05B 1/30 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
B05B 1/16 - Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with strainers in or outside the outlet opening having selectively-effective outlets
Dispenser for dispensing liquids comprising an inner displacement member (28, 81) nested in an outer displacement member (15, 82). The inner member is moveable between two end positions within the outer member by an actuator (13, 89). The actuator is arranged to move the outer displacement member into a dispensing position when the inner displacement member is in one of its end positions. The displacement members can for example be pistons and/or bellows.
G01F 11/02 - Apparatus requiring external operation adapted at each repeated and identical operation to measure and separate a predetermined volume of fluid or fluent solid material from a supply or container, without regard to weight, and to deliver it with measuring chambers which expand or contract during measurement
10.
AN APPARATUS FOR MAKING AND DISPENSING AERATED FROZEN FOOD PRODUCTS
An apparatus for making and dispensing frozen aerated products includes a rotating horizontal freeze plate with an upper surface for receiving a chilled aerated mix. The horizontal freeze plate rotates about its central axis. The apparatus further includes a scraper for scraping frozen aerated mix off of the rotating freeze plate. The scraper includes a scraper blade with a leading edge that extends radially across the portion of the freeze plate and that engages the upper surface of the freeze plate. The scraper blade is directed opposite the direction of rotation of the freeze plate. The scraper further includes a body that forms an elongated semi-cylindrical channel above the scraper blade that extends radially above the freeze plate for the collection of scraped, frozen and aerated mix. The apparatus also includes a plow for pushing the scraped, frozen and aerated mix through the channel towards a cup held by a cup-lifter mechanism disposed at an end of the channel.
An improved modular flavor dispenser for dispensing a plurality of different flavors is shown and described. One disclosed modular flavor dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator or interface with a controller associated with the food or beverage dispenser. For example, an automated coffee machine may include its own controller. The controller of the coffee machine communicates with the coordinator or interface of the modular flavor dispenser which, in turn, communicates with the motor control board or controller of the flavor dispenser. The flavor coordinator board may have a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein or that information may be communicated from the controller of the coffee machine. The flavor coordinator board is linked to the motor control board which, in turn, is linked in parallel with the plurality of pumps used to dispense the variety of flavors. In the example of gourmet coffee, four or more pumps may be used: vanilla, hazelnut, cinnamon, caramel, chocolate as well as other flavors. Improved techniques for pumping chocolate syrup are also disclosed that involve the use of nutating piston-type pumps.
A47J 31/40 - Beverage-making apparatus with dispensing means for adding a measured quantity of ingredients, e.g. coffee, water, sugar, cocoa, milk, tea
A23F 5/46 - Coffee flavour; Coffee oil; Flavouring of coffee or coffee extract
B67D 7/74 - Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred
A dual chamber mixing pump design is disclosed which allows two different sources of fluid to be combined into one mixed product fluid. The pump is divided into two chambers, the proximal chamber and the distal chamber. The chambers are defined in part by a piston having proximal and distal ends and recessed sections. The pump utilizes one common driving mechanism to axially rotate and laterally reciprocate the piston to provide continuous pumping of fluids with reduced pulsations. Each fluid enters through its own pump inlet and outlet. For mixing applications, the outlets are joined together. The flow volume per stroke of each chamber is determined by the lateral stroke of the entire piston assembly and also by the annular areas of the proximal and distal ends of the piston. The flow volume per stroke may be altered by varying the piston and shaft diameters for each chamber. This allows mixing of two fluids in any ratio or proportion desired. Alternating pulses of the two chambers provide a stream which has small segments of alternating fluid from each inlet. Such segmented streams can become more thoroughly mixed through normal flow characteristics of the downstream flow path, providing more effective mixing.
F04B 7/06 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving in which the valving is performed by pistons and cylinders coacting to open and close intake or outlet ports the pistons and cylinders being relatively reciprocated and rotated
13.
Nutating pump with reduced pulsations in output flow
A nutating pump is disclosed which has a modified piston and housing or casing that provides two distinct pump chambers or areas. Output from the first pump chamber is delivered during a first half of the dispense cycle or the piston movement cycle. A substantial portion of this output is held for delivery by the second chamber during a second part or half of the dispense cycle. Thus, the output generated by the pump is not altered or reduced, it is delivered over the entire piston movement cycle as opposed to prior art pumps which deliver all of the fluid during a first half or first portion of the piston movement cycle. In this way, superior pulse modification is achieved as fluid is delivered across the entire piston movement cycle as opposed to a first half or first portion of the piston movement cycle. In additional embodiments disclosed, two distinct chambers are also provided but each chamber generates its own output as the piston includes two machined or flat sections for active pumping. Thus, each chamber generates its own positive output flow but the flow from each chamber is delivered during a different half of the piston movement cycle. Thus, the flow is still distributed throughout the entire piston movement cycle. In the first embodiment with a first and second chamber, the second chamber essentially acts as a holding station for fluid to be delivered during a second half of the piston movement cycle.
F04B 19/00 - Machines or pumps having pertinent characteristics not provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups
F04B 7/06 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving in which the valving is performed by pistons and cylinders coacting to open and close intake or outlet ports the pistons and cylinders being relatively reciprocated and rotated
14.
NUTATING PUMP WITH REDUCED PULSATIONS IN OUTPUT FLOW
A nutating pump is disclosed which has a modified piston and housing or casing that provides two distinct pump chambers or areas. Output from the first pump chamber is delivered during a first half of the dispense cycle or the piston movement cycle. A substantial portion of this output is held for delivery by the second chamber during a second part or half of the dispense cycle Thus, the output generated by the pump is not altered or reduced, it is delivered over the entire piston movement cycle as opposed to prior art pumps which deliver all of the fluid during a first half or first portion of the piston movement cycle. In this way, superior pulse modification is achieved as fluid is delivered across the entire piston movement cycle as opposed to a first half or first portion of the piston movement cycle. In additional embodiments disclosed, two distinct chambers are also provided but each chamber generates its own output as the piston includes two machined or flat sections for active pumping. Thus, each chamber generates its own positive output flow but the flow from each chamber is delivered during a different half of the piston movement cycle. Thus, the flow is still distributed throughout the entire piston movement cycle. In the first embodiment with a first and second chamber, the second chamber essentially acts as a holding station for fluid to be delivered during a second half of the piston movement cycle.
F04B 7/06 - Piston machines or pumps characterised by having positively-driven valving in which the valving is performed by pistons and cylinders coacting to open and close intake or outlet ports the pistons and cylinders being relatively reciprocated and rotated
F04B 49/20 - Control of, or safety measures for, machines, pumps, or pumping installations, not otherwise provided for in, or of interest apart from, groups by changing the driving speed
An improved multi fluid dispenser for simultaneous dispensing of a plurality of fluids shown and described. The dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator board. The controller has a memory with a plurality of recipes stored in the memory. A coordinator board is linked to a first module, The first module may include one or two pumps, each connected to a fluid reservoir. The module is then linked in series to a plurality of other modules as well as a manifold module. Each module includes a module board for controlling the pump or pumps of that module. The controller, coordinator board and module boards are all programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs through outlet nozzles of the manifold in accordance with a recipe selected by the user and retrieved from the memory of the controller.
B44D 3/00 - Accessories or implements for use in connection with painting or artistic drawing, not otherwise provided for; Methods or devices for colour determination, selection, or synthesis, e.g. use of colour tables
B67D 99/00 - Subject matter not provided for in other groups of this subclass
An improved multi fluid dispenser for simultaneous dispensing of a plurality of fluids shown and described. The dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator board. The controller has a memory with a plurality of recipes stored in the memory. A coordinator board is linked to a first module. The first module may include one or two pumps, each connected to a fluid reservoir. The module is then linked in series to a plurality of other modules as well as a manifold module. Each module includes a module board for controlling the pump or pumps of that module. The controller, coordinator board and module boards are all programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs through outlet nozzles of the manifold in accordance with a recipe selected by the user and retrieved from the memory of the controller.
A valve assembly comprising a housing and a valve member mounted within the housing rotatable about an axis and between at least a dispensing position and a further position, for instance a volume selection position during which a material can be withdrawn from a container, and, preferably, a seat for mounting and guiding the valve member within the housing, wherein at least one of said housing, valve member, and seat is made of a synthetic material and the assembly further comprises a spring, which urges at least two of said housing, valve member, and seat together.
F16K 11/087 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves; Arrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only taps or cocks with spherical plug
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