Patent ID: 8441254
Filing Date: 2013-05-14
Classification: F16K,G01D,G01F,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An encoder for a fluid dispensing system comprising: a magnetic sensor configured proximal to a magnet operatively associated with a rotatable output shaft of a fluid metering device, the sensor configured to generate a first output signal indicative of a sensed magnetic field associated at least in part with the magnet of the fluid metering device, the sensor and the magnet being a predetermined distance from one another, and a controller responsive to the first output signal and configured to compare the first output signal to a predetermined threshold value associated with said predetermined distance, the controller further configured to generate a second output signal responsive to said comparison, wherein the magnet is movable within the encoder along the axial direction of the output shaft between a first position and a second position relative to the magnetic sensor, wherein the magnet is biased into the first position when the encoder is in an installed position with respect to the fluid metering device, and wherein the magnet is biased into a second position relative to the magnetic sensor when the magnet is not coupled to the output shaft of the fluid metering device.