Product dispensing system
First Claim
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1. A flow control device comprising:
- a flow measuring device configured to generate a flow feedback signal indicative of a volume of content flowing within a line of a dispensing system;
a feedback controller system, responsive to the flow feedback signal and configured to compare a desired flow volume to the flow feedback signal to generate a flow control signal, wherein the feedback controller system includes a feed forward controller for establishing, at least in part, an initial value for the flow control signal; and
a variable line impedance positioned within the line of the dispensing system and responsive to the flow control signal, the variable line impedance being configured to regulate the volume of content flowing within the line of the dispensing system based, at least in part, upon the flow control signal.
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Abstract
A flow sensor includes a fluid chamber configured to receive a fluid. A diaphragm assembly is configured to be displaced whenever the fluid within the fluid chamber is displaced. A transducer assembly is configured to monitor the displacement of the diaphragm assembly and generate a signal based, at least in part, upon the quantity of fluid displaced within the fluid chamber.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A flow control device comprising:
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a flow measuring device configured to generate a flow feedback signal indicative of a volume of content flowing within a line of a dispensing system; a feedback controller system, responsive to the flow feedback signal and configured to compare a desired flow volume to the flow feedback signal to generate a flow control signal, wherein the feedback controller system includes a feed forward controller for establishing, at least in part, an initial value for the flow control signal; and a variable line impedance positioned within the line of the dispensing system and responsive to the flow control signal, the variable line impedance being configured to regulate the volume of content flowing within the line of the dispensing system based, at least in part, upon the flow control signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A fluid pumping system comprising:
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a fluid pathway having a fluid inlet and a fluid exit; a fluid pump configured to pump a fluid through the fluid pathway between the fluid inlet and the fluid exit; and an air detection sensor disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid exit, the air detection sensor configured to detect the presence of air within the fluid pathway. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A fluid delivery system comprising:
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a fluid pathway having an inlet disposed at a first vertical height and an exit disposed at a second vertical height higher than the first vertical height; a fluid pump disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid exit, the fluid pump further disposed at a third vertical height higher than the first vertical height and lower than the second vertical height; and a flow sensor disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid pump, the flow sensor configured to detect the flow of fluid through a fluid pathway, wherein air entering the fluid inlet may travel through the fluid pathway and exit via the fluid exit. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification