METERING APPARATUS FOR FLOWABLE COMPOSITIONS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A metering apparatus (1) for flowable preparations, comprising:
- a) a metering device (2) having an energy source (3), a control unit (4), a sensor unit (5), and a micropump (6), controllable by the control unit (4), having a specific delivery volume of less than 500 l/min; and
b) at least one first container (9) that contains a first flowable preparation (10) and is couplable to the metering device (2).
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Abstract
A metering apparatus for flowable preparations includes a metering unit having an energy source, a control unit and a sensor unit. A container for a first flowable preparation, such as a detergent, cleaning agent, or fragrance, is removably couplable to the metering unit. A micropump that has a specific delivery quantity of less than 500 l/min is provided in the metering unit. The micropump can be controlled by the control unit to dispense flowable product from the container into a desired system external to the metering apparatus, such as a dishwasher, washing machine, toilet, air freshening system, and the like.
44 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A metering apparatus (1) for flowable preparations, comprising:
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a) a metering device (2) having an energy source (3), a control unit (4), a sensor unit (5), and a micropump (6), controllable by the control unit (4), having a specific delivery volume of less than 500 l/min; and b) at least one first container (9) that contains a first flowable preparation (10) and is couplable to the metering device (2). - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20)
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- 13. (canceled)
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14. (canceled)
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15. (canceled)
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16. (canceled)
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17. A method for controlling a metering apparatus for a flowable preparation, comprising:
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a) receiving sensor signals that contain at least data regarding the content of at least one container (9, 13) in which the flowable preparation is contained; b) comparing the sensor signals with threshold values; c) generating a control signal when a condition defined by the comparison of the sensor signals with the threshold values is met; and d) metering the flowable preparation out of the container in response to said control signal with a micropump having a specific delivery volume of less than 500 l/min. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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19. (canceled)
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22. A metering system for metering flowable preparations, comprising:
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a metering device having an energy source, a control unit, a sensor unit, and a micropump, said micropump being controllable by the control unit and having a specific delivery volume of less than 500 l/min; at least one first container that contains a first flowable preparation and is couplable to the metering device; at least one suction passage through which the first flowable preparation flows from the container into the micropump; and at least one discharge from which the flowable preparation exits the metering device. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25)
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Specification