초록 ▼

A flowable medium, such as a liquid, a semi-liquid, or a liquid containing particulate matter, can be automatically dispensed in a premeasured amount or in a continuous stream. When the flowable medium is being dispensed in a premeasured amount, such amount is isolated from the remainder of the flow

A flowable medium, such as a liquid, a semi-liquid, or a liquid containing particulate matter, can be automatically dispensed in a premeasured amount or in a continuous stream. When the flowable medium is being dispensed in a premeasured amount, such amount is isolated from the remainder of the flowable medium during the dispensing operation so that it can be dispensed independently of any head pressure created by the remainder of the flowable medium. By using a temperature sensor in combination with a microcomputer system for the purpose of detecting large fluctuations in the temperature of the flowable medium, it is also possible to determine when the remainder of the flowable medium reaches a low level condition.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for dispensing a flowable medium, such as a liquid, a semi-liquid, or a liquid containing particulate matter, in preselected quantities and at preselected temperatures, using an apparatus which includes storing means for storing a flowable medium to be dispensed, dispensing means for dispen

A method for dispensing a flowable medium, such as a liquid, a semi-liquid, or a liquid containing particulate matter, in preselected quantities and at preselected temperatures, using an apparatus which includes storing means for storing a flowable medium to be dispensed, dispensing means for dispensing the flowable medium from said storing means, and agitating means for agitating the flowable medium in said storing means to thereby enhance the dispensing of the flowable medium from said storing means, said agitating means including heating means for heating said agitating means and hence the flowable medium in said storing means and sensing means for sensing the temperature of the flowable medium in said storing means, said method comprising the step of detecting large instantaneous fluctuations in temperatures sensed by said sensing means to thereby provide an indication of the level of the flowable medium in said storing means.