Multi-components measuring and dispensing system
First Claim
1. A multi-component fluid measuring, mixing and dispensing system in which the components added all increase the volume of the mixture by the volume of the fluid component added comprising:
- a measuring container of fixed configuration such that it may be precisely calibrated for volume at various discrete levels of fluid;
ultrasonic wave source and detector means, each having a precise location in the top of the container for measuring the level of fluid in the container in terms of the distances of the fluid surface from the ultrasonic means;
a plurality of precision valves located at the container wall at the bottom of the measuring container providing access to selected fluid components to be measured and such that the fluid components when physically mixed maintain a constant volume;
conduit means connected to the valves for connecting each valve to a source of that valve'"'"'s selected fluid component;
valve control means for each valve responsive to valve opeon and valve close signals;
computer means controlling selection of each fluid component through selection of a valve connected to a known component fluid supply to open the valve and allow the selected fluid component to flow into the chamber until the computer means determines from ultrasonic detector means that collection of a predetermined volume of the selected fluid component is occurring, at which time the computer means causes the valve control means to close the valve precisely;
repetition of the valve selection process until all fluid components required for a particular mix have been added and precisely measured; and
means for draining fluid from the container into a mixer.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Components of a multi-component mixture are individually fed into a measuring container from the bottom through individual precision valves, the component being fluid rises in the container and its level is monitored by ultrasonic means which, in turn, input the measurement to a computer for comparison in memory to determine volume. When the measured level indicates a desired volume is achieved, the feed valve is closed. The contents are then drained from the bottom of the measuring container into a mixing container, and the next component measured in the same way until all components have been measured or the components are sequentially fed and measured until all of the components are present in the tube before discharge. The operation is under computer control which turns on and off the individual precision feed valves and opens a drain valve to drain the contents from the measuring container as well as determining when the proper volume or weight has been achieved.
38 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A multi-component fluid measuring, mixing and dispensing system in which the components added all increase the volume of the mixture by the volume of the fluid component added comprising:
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a measuring container of fixed configuration such that it may be precisely calibrated for volume at various discrete levels of fluid; ultrasonic wave source and detector means, each having a precise location in the top of the container for measuring the level of fluid in the container in terms of the distances of the fluid surface from the ultrasonic means; a plurality of precision valves located at the container wall at the bottom of the measuring container providing access to selected fluid components to be measured and such that the fluid components when physically mixed maintain a constant volume; conduit means connected to the valves for connecting each valve to a source of that valve'"'"'s selected fluid component; valve control means for each valve responsive to valve opeon and valve close signals; computer means controlling selection of each fluid component through selection of a valve connected to a known component fluid supply to open the valve and allow the selected fluid component to flow into the chamber until the computer means determines from ultrasonic detector means that collection of a predetermined volume of the selected fluid component is occurring, at which time the computer means causes the valve control means to close the valve precisely; repetition of the valve selection process until all fluid components required for a particular mix have been added and precisely measured; and means for draining fluid from the container into a mixer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification