5097results about "Liquid flow controllers" patented technology

A stackable and reusable, container cover is disclosed for safe, sealed, and protected confinement of fluid contents therein to prevent, among other matters, spillage, contamination, evaporation and hardening of the fluid contents. The cover consists of a single molded disc shaped device with an elevated flat surface, platform for supporting another container thereon. The cover also provides for multiple and different sized spouts for various and particular flow rates and flow confinements, and angled in such manner for easy drip less pouring. In addition, the cover provides for a significant step in providing a very convenient snap on, attachment, and snap off, detachment means for reuse of the cover on yet another container.

A deposition apparatus is provided to eliminate unnecessary empty spaces that may form between a substrate and a substrate supporting pin, which may be formed within a substrate supporting pin hole, by covering the substrate supporting pin, inserted into the substrate supporting pin hole formed in the substrate support, by a substrate supporting pin cover loaded on the substrate support. Accordingly, the temperature under the substrate can be maintained constant, and generation of parasitic plasma or contaminating particles can be avoided.

Some embodiments disclosed herein related to a device for transferring precise amounts of fluid from at least one source container to a at least one target container. In some embodiments, the fluid is first transferred from the source container (e.g., a vial) through a connector to an intermediate measuring container (e.g., a syringe). In some embodiments air can pass through an air inlet and enter the vial to compensate for the volume of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An air check valve or a bag or a filter can prevent the fluid from escaping through the air inlet. The precisely measured amount of fluid can then be transferred from the intermediate measuring container to the target container (e.g., an IV bag). In some embodiments the connector can include a source check valve and a target check valve to direct fluid first from the source container to the intermediate measuring container and then from the intermediate measuring container to the target container. Some embodiments of the device can include a motor and a controller for automatically actuating a plunger of the syringe to transfer the desired amount of fluid.

A cartridge connectable to a fuel cell is disclosed. The cartridge comprises an outer casing and an inner flexible liner containing fuel for the fuel cell. The inner flexible liner may have an insert disposed inside the inner liner to facilitate the transport of fuel from the cartridge to the fuel cell. The insert minimizes the fuel that is trapped within the cartridge. The inner flexible liner can be used without the outer casing. The outer casing can be substantially rigid or flexible. The cartridge is also adaptable to receive byproducts from the fuel cell. The cartridge can also be pressurized to push fuel to the fuel cell. Unidirectional relief valves are also disclosed to prevent internal pressure in the cartridge from becoming too high or too low.

A system for controlling an amount of liquid poured from a liquid container includes a spout configured for attachment to an opening of a liquid container and for controlling a desired amount of liquid poured from the liquid container. The spout is further configured to emit signals containing activity information. A receiver is configured to receive the signals, and a computer is coupled to the receiver, for processing the signals into text for viewing. The present invention further provides a method of controlling liquid flow from a liquid container, including the steps of: (a) determining an amount of liquid which is to be poured from a liquid container; (b) transmitting activity information signal corresponding to a predetermined activity; (c) remotely receiving the activity information signal of step (b); and (d) processing the activity information signal of step (c) into readable form.

The present application describes a product mixing device. The product mixing device includes an ingredient combination chamber and means for agitation positioned about the ingredient combination chamber. The ingredient combination chamber includes a diluent inlet, a number of macro-ingredient inlets, a number of micro-ingredient inlets, and an outlet.

An apparatus for filling vials comprises a shelving unit defining an array of storage locations. The shelving unit may be an array in an XY plane or one or more carousels. A plurality of storage containers are provided, each removably carried by one of the storage locations. A counting and dispensing unit, a source of vials, a label printer and application unit or units, and an output device are also provided. The output device may take a variety of forms such as an output chute, which is preferably used when a capping unit is provided, an output conveyor, a plurality of output lanes, and an output carousel, which may be a dedicated carousel or a portion of the carousel providing the plurality of storage locations. A computer controlled engagement device provides motion in a Z direction. The engagement device may be comprised of a first stage for engaging the storage containers and a second stage for engaging the vials. A computer controlled system carries the engagement device and moves the engagement device in XY directions among the plurality of storage locations, counting and dispensing unit, source of vials, label printer and application unit, and output device. Methods of operating and refilling the vial filling apparatus are also disclosed.

A system and method for fueling multiple saddle tanks of hydraulic fracturing equipment from a single self-propelled cart. The cart having multiple retractable fuel lines for providing and obtaining fuel. Each retractable fuel supply line uses a flowmeter, a ball valve, and an electrically actuated valve to provide remote control to a controller based on a user's selected fueling requirements. An electronic reporting system provides fuel data to operators and users. Fuel data such as fuel tank status, an amount of fuel usage over a stage level, a daily level, or job level along with a fill level of the fuel tank.

A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of fluid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of fluid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices. Also, to reliably catalog data which is used by the automated biological reaction system, data is loaded to a memory device, which in turn is used by the operator to update the operator's databases. The generation of the sequence of steps for the automated biological reaction device based on data loaded by the operator, including checks to determine the ability to complete the run, is provided.

A drinkware is provided to provide information to a receiver. The drinkware is a RF device coupled to a handheld drinking container. The RF device can receive and send RF signals and communicate with a sensory device. A transmitter can send a signal to the communication device, which then activates sensory device. The RF device can communicate with the transmitter to control a fountain machine.

Disclosed are systems and methods for dispensing flavor doses and beverages. A beverage tower may be provided that has a small footprint and that is capable of dispensing a wide variety of flavor doses and blended beverages. The beverage tower may include a flow control module that controls the flow rate of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower and a switch module that includes a plurality of switches that may be selectively opened and closed to control the flow of beverage additives and water through the beverage tower to a point of dispense. A flavor dose or blended beverage may be dispensed by the beverage tower in accordance with user input that is provided to the beverage tower via a control panel. The user input may specify a desired beverage additive, a desired cup size, and an indication of whether a flavor shot or a blended beverage is desired. Additionally, a user may define and program into the memory of the beverage tower the various flavor doses and blended beverages that are capable of being dispensed by the beverage tower.

A dispensing system is disclosed which utilizes an electronically powered key device and/or identification code associated with a refill container to preclude the need for mechanical keys. The system utilizes a near field frequency response to determine whether a refill container is compatible with a dispensing system. In particular, the refill container is provided with a coil terminated by one of a number of capacitors. The container is received in a housing that provides a pair of coils that are in a spatial relationship with the installed refill container's coil. By energizing one of the housing's coils, the other coil detects a unique electronic signature generated by the container's coil. If the signature is acceptable, the dispensing system is allowed to dispense a quantity of material. The system also provides a unique latching mechanism to retain the container and ensure positioning of all the coils.

Packages and methods for storage and dispensing of materials, e.g., high purity liquid reagents and chemical mechanical polishing compositions used in the manufacture of microelectronic device products, including containment structures and methods adapted for pressure-dispensing of high-purity liquids. Liner packaging of liquid or liquid-containing media is described, in which zero or near-zero head space conformations are employed to minimize adverse effects of particle generation, formation of bubbles and degradation of contained material.

The invention relates to a sealed cartridge, provided to be extracted under pressure, containing a substance (15) for preparing a beverage, comprising a dish (9) with a bottom (10) and a side wall (11), having substantially the shape of a frustum of a cone, and a circular edge with a diameter greater than the bottom, and a cover (12) welded to the periphery of the edge of the dish, in which the cover (12) consists of a flexible material which is impermeable to oxygen, chosen from the group consisting of aluminum, an aluminum/plastic composite, an aluminum/plastic/paper composite, pure or multi-layer plastic, the said cartridge not comprising a filter or a weakening zone and the cover being intended to be torn only through the effect of the force of the extraction fluid when extraction starts, the said cartridge comprising, in the dish at the level of the bottom, a barrier (13) that is automatically resealable against leakage of the substance upon withdrawal of the fluid injection needle.

An improved outlet tube device for a urinary drainage bag is disclosed wherein an outlet valve mechanism is contained with a rigid housing fixed securely to the drainage bag, rather than just being clamped to the outlet tubing, and thus cannot become separated from the bag. The outlet valve can be opened only by positive action on the part of the medical care personnel, thereby assuring that urine will be discharged only in a controlled manner. Further, because the valve mechanism does not require that a substantial length of tubing with a freely movable end be used in conjunction with the outlet port, there is no need to engage the free end of the tubing with a keeper. Thus the possibility of the tubing springing back to its straight configuration and flicking residual urine on the attending medical personnel is eliminated. In one embodiment the outlet tube device comprises a pinchcock-type valve which is fixedly mounted to the bag and which is normally operative to clamp off the outlet tube. In a second embodiment the outlet tube device comprises a syringetype fitting which is fixedly mounted to the bag. Depressing the syringe plunger closes the valve, and retracting the plunger opens the valve to permit fluid to be discharged through the outlet tube. In a third embodiment, a hose clamp is contained within a rigid housing and is selectively operative to clamp a hose to prevent fluid flow therethrough.

A reagent dispensing valve particularly adapted for dispensing precise microfluidic quantities of fluids. The valve includes a valve portion and a solenoid actuator that are in fluid isolation from one another. The valve portion includes a plunger and seat combination and the actuator is substantially decoupled from the fluid path through the valve. The fluid path through the valve is substantially non-tortuous, thereby minimizing localized fluid pressure drops, and hence undesirable gaseous bubble precipitation within the fluid. The valve is also configured to substantially prevent bubble accumulation. The valve can further include a bubble trap for trapping and removing bubbles.

A splashless lid device for dispensing fluid contained in a drinking container, wherein the container includes a lip portion which defines an opening into the container. A mounting portion is configured to sealingly engage the lip portion of the container and to be removable. A top cover is coupled to the mounting portion and extends substantially laterally across the container opening when the mounting portion is sealingly engaged with the container lip. The top cover includes a top wall and a bottom wall cooperating to define an interior cavity. The top wall has a drinking port in flow communication with the interior cavity. The bottom wall defines a baffle opening which extends into the interior cavity and is adapted to reduce splashing of fluid through the opening fluid dispensed from the container must pass through the baffle opening and into the interior cavity before passing through the drinking port.

In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor comprises a housing member, a connector configured to couple the adaptor with a vial, and an extractor channel formed in the housing member. The extractor channel is configured to facilitate withdrawal of fluid from the vial when the adaptor is coupled to the vial. In some embodiments, an anti-reflux valve is positioned within the extractor channel. The anti-reflux valve can be configured to impede or obstruct fluid returning to a fluid source after withdrawal of the fluid from the fluid source.

A bin for storing and dispensing dry flowable material comprises a main body portion defining a chamber for receiving the flowable material, a top portion enclosing the top of the body portion and having an inlet through which the material can pass to fill the bin, a bottom portion enclosing the bottom of the body portion and having at least one outlet, the bottom portion being inclined to direct the material toward the at least one outlet, a wall extending upwardly from the at least one outlet to an elevation in the body portion for dividing at least a lower part of the chamber into adjacent sections and a valve mechanism for selectively controlling the dispensing of the material from each section.

Methods for loading a compressed fluid, such as natural gas, into and discharging the compressed fluid out of containment are provided. The compressed fluid is injected into a bottom portion of a container system for storage and/or transport until a target pressure is reached after which gas is withdrawn from an upper portion of the container system at a rate to maintain the target pressure while the compressed fluid is injected in the bottom portion. The compressed fluid is cooled through an expansion valve and by refrigerated chillers or by injecting a cold liquid of the same chemical composition as the compressed fluid, such as liquid natural gas, into the compressed fluid prior to injection into the container system. Withdrawal or discharge from the container system to a receiving facility begins with blow down from the bottom portion of the container system without a displacement fluid and continues until pressure falls below an acceptable differential pressure. The discharge stream is passed through a separator and a light gas from the separator is pressurized and injected into an upper portion of the container system to drive the compressed fluid out the bottom. The light gas is pressurized using either a compressor or a heated tank system, where two vessels operate in parallel, trapping and heating the light gas and then discharging to the container system from one while filling the other and alternating the operation between the two.