초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for dispensing fluids in response to a user request for a specified amount of the fluid. A microprocessor opens and closes a fluid port for predetermined amounts of time to control the amount of fluid dispensed. The microprocessor monitors the elapsed time and the amount of fl

A method and apparatus for dispensing fluids in response to a user request for a specified amount of the fluid. A microprocessor opens and closes a fluid port for predetermined amounts of time to control the amount of fluid dispensed. The microprocessor monitors the elapsed time and the amount of fluid that has been dispensed since the last time the filter was serviced. In one preferred embodiment, the amount of fluid that is dispensed is measured by continuously monitoring the volume of fluid flowing through the apparatus. A pressure measurement device allows the microprocessor to monitor the fluid pressure. The microprocessor prevents fluid from being dispensed if the pressure is not within a predetermined range of tolerances. The fluid port is opened and closed by activating and deactivating a solenoid. A keypad allows the user to input the amount of fluid that is to be dispensed. A "Wait" period is imposed between the time that the user initiates the first stage and the time the user may initiate the second stage. The microprocessor does not open the fluid port if a "Failure" condition exists. An LCD is provided to display the amount of fluid that the user has requested. In an alternative embodiment, a bar code scanner or other input device allows the user to automatically input the amount of fluid that is to be dispensed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A portable automated fluid dispenser for automatically dispensing a selectable and variable volume of fluid, including:(a) a manifold having a fluid passage for selectively allowing fluid to flow through the manifold, wherein the fluid passage has a fluid input port and a

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A portable automated fluid dispenser for automatically dispensing a selectable and variable volume of fluid, including:(a) a manifold having a fluid passage for selectively allowing fluid to flow through the manifold, wherein the fluid passage has a fluid input port and a fluid output port;(b) a valve disposed in the manifold for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid input port to the fluid output port;(c) a fluid measurement device, operatively connected to the fluid passage, for measuring a delivered volume of fluid dispensed, wherein the fluid measurement device is capable of measuring the delivered volume of fluid to an accuracy of approximately 1 milliliter:(d) a control device operatively coupled to the valve and the fluid measurement device, the control device selectively causing the valve to open, and then to close after a selected volume of fluid has been dispensed as determined by the fluid measurement device; and(e) a data input device, operatively coupled to the control device, wherein the data input device specifies the selected volume of fluid to be dispensed by the portable automated fluid dispenser, and wherein the selected volume of fluid can be specified with a resolution of approximately 1 milliliter.