Patent · US Expired

Volumetric fluid dispensing apparatus and method

US5090594A · kind A · utility

14Cited by
3References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJan 15, 1991
Grant dateFeb 25, 1992
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 15, 2011

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01F11/28
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A fluid dispensing apparatus having no moving parts in contact with the fluid includes a fluid chamber and a measuring cup having an open top disposed in the fluid chamber. The fluid chamber is connected to a fluid source which supplies fluid to fill the chamber to a pre-determined level above the top of the measuring cup. As the fluid chamber is being filled, the fluid overflows and fills the measuring cup. A first sensor indicates when the fluid reaches the pre-determined level above the top of the measuring cup and stops the flow of fluid into the fluid chamber. A drain, which is responsive to the first sensor, drains fluid from the fluid chamber until the fluid level drops to a predetermined level below the top of the measuring cup. As the fluid level in the fluid chamber recedes, a pre-determined volume of fluid is captured in the measuring cup. A second sensor indicates when the fluid level drops to the pre-determined level below the top of the measuring cup and stops the flow of fluid from the fluid chamber. A dispensing valve, which is responsive to the second sensor, dispenses the contents of the measuring cup. A third sensor indicates when the contents of the measuring cu…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.