Batch control system

Control means for use in a batching system for controlling the batching of a fluid material from one container to another container through conduit means having a pump coupled therein, a flowmeter coupled therein and a valve coupled therein, said control means comprising:

• a microprocessor;
• a control panel;
• a keypad coupled to said microprocesor and mounted on said control panel, said keypad including a set of control keys for instantly displaying and/or setting primary operating parameters for controlling a batching operation, said set of control keys including a COUNT key for calling up on the display in a single key actuation, the current batch count or, if entered, the preset count for the next batch and a PRESET key for calling up on the display in a single key actuation the number of units remaining to be delivered in a current batch;
• battery backed non-volatile memory means coupled to said microprocessor;
• a serial port in said microprocessor;
• alphanumeric visual display means coupled to said microprocessor and mounted on said control panel;
• relay control output means coupled to said microprocessor and to relays for controlling energization of the pump and the valve, respectively;
• and
• at least one input coupled to said microprocessor for receiving count pulses from the flowmeter.