An apparatus for automatically dispensing a fluid includes a container adapted to carry a supply of fluid, and a valve connected to said container, wherein actuation of said valve dispenses the fluid. Also included is an apparatus position indicator proximally associated with the container and an object sensor positioned near the valve. The object sensor monitors an area below where the valve dispenses when open and upon detection of an object opens said valve. Initial positioning of the apparatus triggers the apparatus position indicator to generate an appropriate signal until said object sensor is properly positioned. Once positioned the device may be permanently secured. A control circuit within the apparatus also allows programming of lighting indicators, dispense cycle size, and dispense quantities. The control circuit also provides for overload protection, motor braking and RF shielding.

Apparatus for hands-free dispensing of a measured quantity of material

In one embodiment, a method is provided for performing a fluid process within a machine having a fluid system including at least two reservoirs of different types of fluids. The method includes the steps of identifying a first reservoir for use in performing a fluid process; (a) adjusting a configuration of a valve system operatively coupled to the fluid system to permit a fluid evacuation process to be performed for the reservoir, (b) subsequently performing the fluid evacuation process for the reservoir, (c) subsequently adjusting the configuration of the valve system to permit a fluid refill process to be performed for the reservoir, (d) subsequently performing the fluid refill process for the reservoir; and, subsequently identifying an additional reservoir and performing at least one of the steps (a), (b), (c) and (d) for the additional reservoir, wherein the first reservoir includes a fluid of a type which is different from a type of a fluid of the additional reservoir. Various system and computer-readable media embodiments are also provided. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR § 1.72(b).

Methods and systems for performing, monitoring and analyzing multiple machine fluid processes

A filling device for use to manually or automatically refill a fuel cartridge using a separate fuel container or a second fuel cartridge is disclosed. The filling device provides for the sharing or fuel among numerous fuel containers and fuel cartridges in various consumer electronic devices. Fuel cartridges can be filled in-situ using an adapter for connecting the fuel container to the fuel cartridge. The adapter includes an input connector and an output connector arranged to adapt various fuel containers and fuel cartridges together. The adapter can be arranged as a passive device or as an active device and can include pumps, valves, power sources and control units as desired.

Method and apparatus for filling a fuel container

A closed fluid transfer system is provided including a fluid source (12) in fluid communication with an inlet of hollow body.(14) The hollow body includes a flexible and expandable wall (26), typically composed of elastomeric material, at one end thereof. An outlet (32) is formed distal from the flexible and expandable wall. Fluid is transported from the fluid source to the hollow body through a tube by a pump or the like.

Fluid transfer system

A pump housing is provided with a conduit extending through the housing between a pump inlet and pump outlet. A pump device is disposed within the housing and in communication with the conduit to pump fluid therethrough. A fluid flow meter also is disposed within the housing and in communication with the conduit to monitor fluid flow rate through the conduit. The fluid flow meter generates signals related to the fluid flow rate which are fed back to a control device operable to control the flow rate through the pump device. The flow meter may include a pair of meshed modified elliptical gears. The modified elliptical gears are based on a true elliptical shape, with bulged portions added between the major and minor axes of the elliptical shape. The modified elliptical gears have involute teeth that are relatively thick adjacent the minor axis and relatively thin adjacent the major axis.

Integral pump and flow meter device

A gear pump for use in a metered liquid dispensing system utilizes a pair of carbon graphite wear plates to increase pump vacuum or suction lift capabilities. The wear plates are disposed on opposite sides of the pump spur gears and are biased against the sides of the gears to reduce internal pump clearances. The biasing force is provided by a resilient O-ring positioned between a surface of the pump housing and one of the wear plates. The gears are mounted for limited movement so the urging of the one wear plate is transferred through the gears to the other wear plate. The gear pump is driven through a gear reducer unit by a reversible electric motor. The use of a gear pump assures accurate metering of the amount of fluid delivered by the system.

Aslin David J

Papers

Gear pump with a resilient means for biasing a side wear plate

Pompe a engrenage pour un dispositif de distribution d'une quantite dosee d'un liquide.

Zahnradpumpe fuer ein dispensersystem

Improvements in and relating to gear pumps for metered liquid dispensing systems