Dispensing of liquids
US4453574A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1981 |
| Grant date | Jun 12, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC12M29/14
- WIPO fieldBiotechnology
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Liquid additives can be supplied to a fermenter vessel from a reservoir by a dispensing device which comprises a central discharge chamber connected in series between an upper escape chamber and a lower inlet chamber. These chambers are arranged to provide a smooth passage for liquid and do not have any steps or recesses therein. An escape port leading from the upper end of the escape chamber to the reservoir is controlled by a valve member. An inlet port leads into the lower end of the inlet chamber from the reservoir and is controlled by a valve member. A discharge port leads from the bottom end of the discharge chamber and is controlled by a valve member. A pressure equalizing port leads to the top end of the discharge chamber and is controlled by a valve member. The discharge and pressure equalizing ports are connected to the upper portion of the fermenter vessel. The escape chamber is capable of retaining liquid therein by interfacial tension while liquid is discharged from the discharge chamber. If desired, the discharge chamber may be divided into a plurality of sub-chambers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.