Automatic metering and dispensing system

A system and apparatus for the automatic selection and proportioning of a plurality of components of a fluid mixture into a single receptacle location, upon the activation of a fluid formula storage device which generates signals representative of fluid component proportions, comprising:

• a. means coupled to the fluid formula storage device for generating a plurality of component position signals, by transformation of signals from the fluid formula storage device;
• b. a rotatable table and drive means, connected to said means for generating a plurality of component position signals and selectively activated by said component position signals, for angularly and sequentially indexing to a plurality of component positions;
• c. a plurality of component metering cylinders fixedly attached in a circular path adjacent said rotatable table at respective component positions, each of said cylinders having a valve and a metering plunger;
• d. a linear metering mechanism attached to said rotatable table and coupled to the fluid formula storage device for activation over a predetermined linear distance;
• e. means for connecting said linear metering mechanism to said metering plunger;
• f. valve activation means, attached to said rotatable table and coupled to said fluid formula storage device, for engaging and activating said valve;
• and
• g. a fluid dispensing head in fluid component flow coupling relationship to each of said valves and positioned above said single receptacle location.

A fluid selection apparatus for selecting any of a plurality of fluid components held in respective reservoirs for fluid coupling to a single receptacle, comprising:

• a. a plurality of fluid valves arranged along a circular path, each valve respectively fluid coupled to a reservoir and having a valve actuating arm projecting therefrom;
• b. a single dispensing head fluid coupled to all of said fluid valves and to said receptacle;
• c. a fixed shaft axially positioned at the center of said circular path;
• d. a housing rotatably mounted on said shaft;
• e. a gear rigidly and concentrically attached to said shaft;
• f. a drive motor attached to said housing and mechanically coupled to said gear;
• g. mechanical linking means, attached to said housing and projecting radially toward said circular path, for attaching to said valve actuating arms;
• and
• h. drive means for moving said mechanical linking means, said drive means being attached to said housing, whereby rotation of said housing into radial alignment with one of said fluid valves and activation of said drive means permits fluid flow.

A fluid metering apparatus for metering a predetermined fluid volume from a fluid reservoir to a dispenser, comprising:

• a. a three-way valve having a first outlet coupled to said reservoir, a second outlet coupled to said dispenser, and a third outlet internally valvable to either said first or second outlet;
• b. a cylinder coupled to said third valve outlet;
• c. a plunger slidably fitted into said cylinder;
• d. a rotatable threaded screw movable into parallel adjacent position with said plunger;
• e. a drive block threadably attached to said screw and extending to said plunger, including means for gripping said plunger;
• f. means for rotating said threaded screw in two angular directions;
• g. encoder means, coupled to said rotatable threaded screw, for generating electrical signals indicative of said screw angular rotation;
• and
• h. control means connected to receive said signals and connected to said means for rotating said threaded screw, for selectively energizing said means for rotating as a function of said electrical signals.

A fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing a plurality of fluid components into a single receptacle opening, comprising:

• a. a circular table for holding said receptacle in a predetermined position;
• b. a piercing means for making a single opening in said receptacle at a predetermined position;
• c. a plurality of dispensing outlets, each fluid-coupled to receive a fluid component, arranged along a circular path above said receptacle, said circular path having its origination point at the position of said piercing means;
• and
• d. means for selectively rotating said circular table to position said single opening below any of said dispensing outlets.

A method of metering a precise fluid volume by mechanically raising and lowering a metering plunger in a cylinder in cooperation with a fluid valve for admitting fluid into the cylinder from a reservoir in a first valve position and admitting fluid from the cylinder to a dispenser in a second valve position, comprising the steps of:

• a. setting the fluid valve to its first position;
• b. raising the plunger to a first predetermined level;
• c. lowering the plunger to a second predetermined level;
• d. setting the fluid valve to its second position;
• e. lowering the plunger to a third predetermined level;
• and
• f. setting the fluid valve to its first position.