Product dispensing system
First Claim
Patent Images
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 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 an initial value for the flow control signal; and
a variable line impedance positioned within the line of the dispensing system and configured to regulate the volume of content flowing within the line of the dispensing system based upon the flow control signal wherein the variable line impedance comprising;
a first rigid member having a first surface;
a second rigid member having a second surface; and
a variable cross-section fluid pathway defined by, at least in part, the first surface and the second surface,wherein the first surface being movable relative to the second surface to increase and decrease the variable cross-section fluid pathway.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
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.
8 Citations
16 Claims
-
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 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 an initial value for the flow control signal; and a variable line impedance positioned within the line of the dispensing system and configured to regulate the volume of content flowing within the line of the dispensing system based upon the flow control signal wherein the variable line impedance comprising; a first rigid member having a first surface; a second rigid member having a second surface; and a variable cross-section fluid pathway defined by, at least in part, the first surface and the second surface, wherein the first surface being movable relative to the second surface to increase and decrease the variable cross-section fluid pathway. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
-
-
7. A fluid pumping system comprising:
-
a fluid pathway having a fluid inlet and a fluid exit; a fluid pump configured to pump a fluid through the fluid pathway; 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 (8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A fluid delivery system comprising:
-
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. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification