The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 10, 1997
Filed:
Jan. 19, 1995
Bruce M Juhola, Atherton, CA (US);
Ian P Raphael, Los Gatos, CA (US);
Microbar Systems, Inc., Santa Clara, CA (US);
Abstract
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.