Automated dispensing apparatus

US5632314A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Fluid Management, Inc. · US

Inventors

• Klaus-Dieter Koppe · Norderstedt, DE
• Michael Krapalis · Norderstedt, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 28, 1996
• Grant date: May 27, 1997
• Expiry date: Jun 28, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/87088
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A dispenser for flowable materials includes a plurality of dispense valves arranged in two concentric circles. An actuator arm mounted for rotation about the center of the circles glides over the tops of the valves. A pair of channel-like passageways are formed in the arm, one for the valves arranged in the outer circle, the other for the valves arranged in the inner circle. The valves of the inner and outer circles are radially offset from one another, and accordingly a valve from only one of the two circles is engaged at any given time. The arm is mounted for lifting and lowering movements to accomplish a dispense operation.