Patent ID: 6079596
Filing Date: 2000-06-27
Classification: F04B,G01F

Abstract:
A metering assembly for metering and dispensing non-solid material, said assembly comprising:a metering cylinder comprising;a metering body with a bore defined therein and an inlet/outlet port defined therein, said bore having a bottom and said port in communication with said bore;a displacement rod having a first end positioned in said bore and an opposed second end, said displacement rod having a first position wherein said first end is adjacent said bottom of said bore and a second position wherein said first end is spaced from said bottom of said bore, said displacement rod capable of movement between said first and said second positions, movement from said first position to said second position defined as movement in a filling direction and movement from said second position to said first position defined as movement in a dispensing direction; anda sealing means for sealing said rod to said bore;an air cylinder supported in a position spaced from said metering cylinder, said air cylinder comprising an air cylinder body; andan air cylinder rod extending from said air cylinder body toward said metering cylinder, said air cylinder rod having an actuator end connected to said second end of said displacement rod for movement therewith in said filling and dispensing directions;said air cylinder operable to move said air cylinder rod such that said actuator end moves in said dispensing direction urging said displacement rod in said dispensing direction; andan air actuator comprising;an inlet port for communication with a reservoir of non-solid material to be metered and dispensed;an outlet port for communication with a dispensing means for dispensing non-solid material; anda switched port in communication with said inlet/outlet port in said metering body;said air actuator having a first position wherein said inlet port is in communication with said switched port, and a second position wherein said outlet port is in communication with said switched port.