초록 ▼

A system for dispensing liquid from first and second containers is disclosed herein. The liquid dispensing system includes a first media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the first container, for transferring liquid from the first container. A second media transfer line, po

A system for dispensing liquid from first and second containers is disclosed herein. The liquid dispensing system includes a first media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the first container, for transferring liquid from the first container. A second media transfer line, positioned in liquid-flow communication with the second container, is disposed to transfer liquid from the second container. When placed in a first state a switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the first media transfer line and allows liquid to flow through the second media transfer line. In a second state the switchable valve prevents liquid from flowing through the second media transfer line while allowing liquid to flow through the first media transfer line. A liquid storage reservoir connected in liquid-flow communication with the switchable valve stores liquid received from the first and second media transfer lines by way of the switchable valve. A transfer line sensor arrangement monitors the first and second media transfer lines for the presence of liquid therein, and generates a first switching signal when liquid becomes absent from the first media transfer line and a second switching signal when liquid becomes absent from the second media transfer line. The switchable valve is switched to the first state in response to the first switching signal and to the second state in response to the second switching signal. A vacuum generator is disposed to remove gas from the liquid storage reservoir above the level of liquid therein.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of dispensing liquid media from first and second containers comprising the steps of: creating a vacuum to selectively transfer said media from either said first container through a first media transfer line, or from said second container through a second media transfer line, to a liquid sto

A method of dispensing liquid media from first and second containers comprising the steps of: creating a vacuum to selectively transfer said media from either said first container through a first media transfer line, or from said second container through a second media transfer line, to a liquid storage reservoir; placing a source of inert gas in gas-flow communication with said first container to provide backfilling of said container with inert gas; and monitoring said transfer of media through said media transfer lines and switching liquid flow between said containers into said reservoir when media is not being transferred through one of said media transfer lines.