Patent Description:
Automotive fluids, such as antifreeze, transmission fluid, and engine oil, are typically dispensed from bulk containers. For example, automotive service stations typically dispense small amounts of engine oil from a large drum using a handheld meter. The handheld meter receives fluid from the bulk storage drum and dispenses a desired volume of the fluid at a desired location. The user can use the user interface of the handheld meter to communicate with a central fluid monitoring computer to track and record the volume of fluid dispensed from the bulk containers. In current handheld meters, the user interface includes a button elevated above the handle, such that users typically set the handheld meter on the ground prior to inputting information. In addition, the display screen is susceptible to damage if the handheld meter is dropped or otherwise collides with an object.

A valve is disposed within the handheld meter and controls the flow of fluid through the device. The valve can be controlled by a trigger. The valve can be a manual valve, controlled on and off by a manual trigger; a pre-set metered valve, which includes a manual trigger but the valve automatically closes after a pre-set volume of fluid has been dispensed; or a metered valve, where the trigger cannot activate the valve until the handheld meter receives a dispense authorization. When the valve is initially activated, a control seal can shift into the fluid inlet, where high-velocity fluid impingement can cause the control seal to become displaced and unseated. When the valve closes, the control seal can experience scarfing when the control seal encounters a sharp edge geometry. Scarfing most commonly occurs when the valve is quickly modulated between slightly-open and slightly-closed positions, such as when the user is topping off the fluid at the end of a fluid dispense event. The valve also includes a top dynamic seal that can have minor leaking during valve reciprocation. The minor leakage can occur due to seal cross-sectional rotation due to valve reciprocation and because the top dynamic seal is always experiencing fluid pressure. In addition, the top dynamic seal contacts the cast housing of the handheld meter and can experience leakage due to the porosity of the cast housing.

Dynamic pressure forces can also exert a higher force on an upper portion of the valve than the lower portion of the valve, which can overcome the spring force that shifts the valve to the closed position. The valve can thus become stuck in the open position due to pressure imbalances within the valve chamber.

To replace the valve, the trigger is removed from the trigger control mechanism. The electronics bezel housing must be removed to provide access to the trigger mechanism pivot point. As such, the bezel housing and various other components of the handheld meter must be removed prior to replacing the valve. In addition, residual oil can remain in the valve cavity during valve replacement. The residual oil can migrate through the valve when the valve is reinstalled and can appear to the user as a new leak, even where there is no leak in the valve.

The fluid is dispensed out of the handheld meter through a nozzle. The nozzle includes an acetal seat on which a rounded, steel nozzle stem seats. The nozzle can experience leakage when contaminants are present in the fluid. In addition, the nozzle can experience fluid sputtering and/or stream fanning at high flow rates, and the nozzle can experience latent dripping of the fluid that remains in the nozzle tip when the nozzle stem shifts to the closed position.

According to the invention a handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar is defined in claim <NUM>. Further, a dispense assembly according to the invention comprising such handheld fluid meter is defined in claim <NUM>.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, a control valve for a handheld fluid meter includes a valve cartridge and a valve stem disposed in the valve cartridge. The valve cartridge includes a cartridge body extending between a first end and a second end and having a first circumferential flow passage in the first end and a second circumferential flow passage in the second end, a radial inlet extending through the first end into the first circumferential flow passage, a radial outlet extending through the second end into the second circumferential flow passage, and a control seat disposed about an interior of the cartridge body between the first circumferential flow passage and the second circumferential flow passage. The valve stem includes an upper portion disposed within the first end, a lower portion disposed within the second end, an elongate portion extending between and connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, and a control seal. The upper portion includes an annular control seal groove. The lower portion includes an actuating tip extending out of the second end of the valve cartridge. The control seal is disposed in the control seal groove and is configured to be engaged with the control seat with the valve stem in a closed position and to be disengaged from the control seat with the valve stem in an open position.

According to another aspect of the disclosure, a handheld fluid meter includes a meter body, a fluid inlet extending into the meter body, a valve chamber extending into the meter body and having a first circumferential flow passage and a second circumferential flow passage, a valve inlet extending fluidly connecting the fluid inlet and the first circumferential flow passage, a valve outlet extending downstream out of the valve chamber from the second circumferential flow passage, and a valve disposed in the valve chamber. The valve includes a valve cartridge and a valve stem disposed in the valve cartridge. The valve cartridge includes a cartridge body extending between a first end and a second end and having a third circumferential flow passage in the first end and a fourth circumferential flow passage in the second end, a radial inlet extending through the first end, a radial outlet extending through the second end, and a control seat disposed about an interior of the cartridge body between the third circumferential flow passage and the fourth circumferential flow passage. The radial inlet extends between the first circumferential flow passage and the third circumferential flow passage. The radial outlet extends between the second circumferential flow passage and the fourth circumferential flow passage. The valve stem includes an upper portion disposed within the first end a lower portion disposed within the second end, an elongate portion extending between and connecting the upper portion and the lower portion, and a control seal. The upper portion includes an annular control seal groove. The lower portion includes an actuating tip extending out of the second end of the valve cartridge. The control seal is disposed in the control seal groove and is configured to be engaged with the control seat with the valve stem in a closed position and to be disengaged from the control seat with the valve stem in an open position.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a nozzle includes a connector having a seating end and a connector bore extending through the connector, a nozzle body attached to the connector, and a nozzle stem. The nozzle body includes a receiving end, a dispensing end disposed opposite the receiving end and defining a fluid outlet, and a nozzle bore extending through the nozzle body between the receiving end and the dispensing end, wherein the seating end extends into the nozzle bore and is connected to the receiving end. The fluid outlet includes an upstream portion having a first diameter, a downstream portion having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter, and a connecting portion extending between and connecting the upstream portion and the downstream portion. The connecting portion is a cone-shaped passage. The nozzle stem is disposed in the nozzle bore between the seating end and the fluid outlet. The nozzle stem includes an overmolded tip. The overmolded tip includes a tip cone configured to mate with and seal against the cone-shaped passage with the nozzle stem in a closed position.

According to yet another aspect, a nozzle stem includes an inlet tube, a stem flange extending radially from the inlet tube, a flange groove extending into an outer edge of the stem flange, at least one flow passage extending through a wall of the inlet tube on a downstream side of the stem flange, and a stem tip extending downstream from the inlet tube. The flange groove is configured to receive a seal. The stem includes a main tip body extending from the inlet tube, a reduced diameter portion extending from the main tip body, and an overmolded tip seal disposed on the reduced diameter portion. The overmolded tip seal includes a sealing portion and a tip cone extending from the sealing portion.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar includes a meter body having a handle, a fluid inlet extending into the handle, and a fluid outlet extending out of an end of the meter body opposite the handle; a trigger configured to be manually displaced to control a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a bezel housing mounted on the meter body, the bezel housing including a display opening; a display screen fixedly mounted within the display opening; a user input fixedly mounted on the bezel housing, the user input including a plurality of buttons; display circuitry configured to provide a visual output at the display screen in a plurality of orientations; user input circuitry configured to receive inputs from a user via the plurality of buttons to modify the visual output of the display screen; and control circuitry connected to communicate with the display circuitry and the user input circuitry, the control circuitry configured to receive an input regarding a desired orientation of the visual output from the user input circuitry and to provide instructions to the display circuitry to modify the orientation of the visual output.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, a dispense assembly for use in an oil bar includes a handheld fluid meter and a manifold configured to be mounted in an oil bar, the manifold including a manifold inlet opening and a manifold outlet opening. The handheld fluid meter includes a meter body having a handle, a fluid inlet extending into the handle, and a fluid outlet extending out of an end of the meter body opposite the handle; a trigger configured to be manually displaced to control a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a bezel housing mounted on the meter body, the bezel housing including a display opening; a display screen fixedly mounted within the display opening; a user input fixedly mounted on the bezel housing, the user input including a plurality of buttons; display circuitry configured to provide a visual output at the display screen in a plurality of orientations; user input circuitry configured to receive inputs from a user via the plurality of buttons to modify the visual output of the display screen; and control circuitry connected to communicate with the display circuitry and the user input circuitry, the control circuitry configured to receive an input regarding a desired orientation of the visual output from the user input circuitry and to provide instructions to the display circuitry to modify the orientation of the visual output. The handheld fluid meter is mounted on the manifold such that the handle extends vertically above the display.

According to yet another aspect of the disclosure, an oil bar assembly includes a frame having a first side support member, a second side support member, and a back panel, the back panel extending between and connecting the first side support member and the second side support member; a front panel extending between and attached to the first side support member and the second side support member, wherein the front panel and the back panel define a plenum, and wherein a dispenser opening extends through the front panel, and dispense assembly mounted to the front panel. The dispense assembly includes a handheld fluid meter, a manifold having a manifold inlet opening and a manifold outlet opening, the manifold disposed within the plenum and attached to the front panel. The dispense assembly further includes an outlet fitting, a manifold inlet adapter extending between and connecting the outlet fitting and the manifold inlet opening, a manifold outlet adapter extending through the dispenser opening and connected to the manifold outlet opening, a swivel elbow connecting the manifold outlet adapter; and a nozzle connected to the swivel elbow. The handheld fluid meter includes a meter body having a handle, a fluid inlet extending into the handle, and a fluid outlet extending out of an end of the meter body opposite the handle; a trigger configured to be manually displaced to control a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet; a bezel housing mounted on the meter body, the bezel housing including a display opening; a display screen fixedly mounted within the display opening; a user input fixedly mounted on the bezel housing, the user input including a plurality of buttons; display circuitry configured to provide a visual output at the display screen in a plurality of orientations; user input circuitry configured to receive inputs from a user via the plurality of buttons to modify the visual output of the display screen; and control circuitry connected to communicate with the display circuitry and the user input circuitry, the control circuitry configured to receive an input regarding a desired orientation of the visual output from the user input circuitry and to provide instructions to the display circuitry to modify the orientation of the visual output.

<FIG> is an isometric view of handheld meter <NUM>. <FIG> is a simplified schematic block diagram of the electronic components of handheld meter <NUM>. <FIG> and <FIG> will be discussed together. Handheld meter <NUM> includes meter body <NUM> (<FIG>), extension <NUM> (<FIG>), nozzle <NUM> (<FIG>), trigger <NUM> (<FIG>), bezel housing <NUM> (<FIG>), elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> (<FIG>), meter controller <NUM> (<FIG>), sensor <NUM> (<FIG>), user interface <NUM>, and trigger control mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>). Meter body <NUM> includes handle <NUM> (<FIG>), integral trigger guard <NUM> (<FIG>), fluid inlet <NUM> (<FIG>), and fluid outlet <NUM> (<FIG>). Meter controller <NUM> includes memory <NUM> (<FIG>) and control circuitry <NUM> (<FIG>). User interface <NUM> includes input <NUM> (<FIG>) and display <NUM> (<FIG>). Handheld meter <NUM> is a meter for use in a system for dispensing fluid and tracking fluid dispenses. For example, the fluid dispensing system can be implemented in an automotive shop to track oil, automotive transmission fluid, coolant, and other bulk dispense fluids.

Fluid inlet <NUM> opens into handle <NUM> and is configured to connect to a supply line to receive fluid from a storage container. Fluid outlet <NUM> extends through meter body <NUM> downstream of an internal valve, such as valve <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>), and other metering components. Fluid outlet <NUM> provides an outlet for fluid to exit meter body <NUM>. Extension <NUM> is connected to fluid outlet <NUM>, and nozzle <NUM> is mounted on an end of extension <NUM> opposite fluid outlet <NUM>. The fluid exits handheld meter <NUM> through nozzle <NUM>.

Bezel housing <NUM> is mounted on meter body <NUM>. Bezel housing <NUM> encloses and supports various electronic components of handheld meter <NUM>, such as meter controller <NUM>, user interface <NUM>, and trigger control mechanism <NUM>. Meter controller <NUM> is disposed in bezel housing <NUM> and includes memory <NUM> and control circuitry <NUM>. Memory <NUM> stores software that, when executed by control circuitry <NUM>, authorizes fluid dispenses, tracks and records the volume of each fluid dispense, and communicates fluid dispense information to and from the user. User interface <NUM> is disposed on and in bezel housing <NUM> and is configured to receive inputs from and provide outputs to the user. Input <NUM> is disposed on bezel housing <NUM> in line with handle <NUM>. Input <NUM> is slightly elevated relative to handle <NUM> and is positioned in a convenient, ergonomic location for the user to utilize input <NUM> with the user's thumb while the user grasps handle <NUM> of handheld meter <NUM>. Input <NUM> includes a button pad, but it is understood that input <NUM> can be of any suitable configuration for receiving information from the user, such as a touchscreen. Display <NUM> provides visual information to the user. For example, display <NUM> can be a liquid-crystal display ("LCD") for providing visual information to the user. Display <NUM> is oriented such that display <NUM> tilts towards handle <NUM>, which positions display perpendicular to the user's viewing angle, providing an ergonomic viewing angle for the user.

Control circuitry <NUM>, in one example, is configured to implement functionality and/or process instructions. For instance, control circuitry <NUM> can be capable of processing instructions stored in memory <NUM>. Examples of control circuitry <NUM> can include any one or more of a microprocessor, a controller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or other equivalent discrete or integrated logic circuitry.

Memory <NUM>, in some examples, can be configured to store information during operation. Memory <NUM>, in some examples, is described as computer-readable storage media. In some examples, a computer-readable storage medium can include a non-transitory medium. The term "non-transitory" can indicate that the storage medium is not embodied in a carrier wave or a propagated signal. In some examples, memory <NUM> is a temporary memory, meaning that a primary purpose of memory <NUM> is not long-term storage. Memory <NUM>, in some examples, is described as volatile memory, meaning that memory <NUM> does not maintain stored contents when power to handheld meter <NUM> is turned off. Memory <NUM>, in some examples, also includes one or more computer-readable storage media. Memory <NUM> can be configured to store larger amounts of information than volatile memory. Memory <NUM> can further be configured for long-term storage of information. In some examples, memory <NUM> includes non-volatile storage elements.

Trigger <NUM> extends from meter body <NUM> and interfaces with the valve disposed in meter body <NUM>. The user pulls trigger <NUM> to shift the valve to the open position, thereby opening the fluid flow path through meter body <NUM> between fluid inlet <NUM> and fluid outlet <NUM>. Integral trigger guard <NUM> is integral with meter body <NUM> and encloses trigger <NUM>. As such, integral trigger guard <NUM> can be metallic, same as meter body <NUM>. Elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> is mounted to integral trigger guard <NUM> and encloses the pivot point where trigger <NUM> connects to trigger control mechanism <NUM>. Elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> is configured to prevent any pinching or entanglement at the pivot point.

During operation, the user grasps handle <NUM> to control the position of handheld meter <NUM> and to control dispenses from handheld meter <NUM>. The user can input information to handheld meter <NUM> via input <NUM>. In some examples, meter controller <NUM> wirelessly communicates with a system controller. Meter controller <NUM> can receive a dispense command and, based on the dispense command, can authorize a dispense event. With a dispense event authorized, meter controller <NUM> communicates with trigger control mechanism <NUM> allow trigger <NUM> to shift the valve to the open position. With the valve in the open position, the metered fluid flows through handheld meter <NUM> from fluid inlet <NUM> to fluid outlet <NUM> and then downstream to nozzle <NUM> through extension <NUM>. The metered fluid is dispensed through nozzle <NUM>. As the metered fluid flows through meter body <NUM>, sensor <NUM> provides a measure of the volumetric flow of the fluid to meter controller <NUM>. In some examples, sensor <NUM> is a reed switch configured to sense the rotation of metering gears in the fluid flow path between fluid inlet <NUM> and fluid outlet <NUM>. When the volumetric flow reaches the authorized volume, meter controller <NUM> can deactivate trigger control mechanism <NUM> such that trigger <NUM> is no longer able to shift and/or hold the valve in the open position.

<FIG> is a side elevation view of handheld meter <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of handheld meter <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Handheld meter <NUM> includes meter body <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, bezel housing <NUM>, elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> (<FIG>), sensor <NUM> (<FIG>), user interface <NUM> (<FIG>), trigger control mechanism <NUM> (<FIG>), handle <NUM>, meter <NUM> (<FIG>), valve <NUM> (<FIG>), first circuit board <NUM> (<FIG>), second circuit board <NUM> (<FIG>), and antenna <NUM> (<FIG>). Meter body <NUM> includes integral trigger guard <NUM>, fluid inlet <NUM>, fluid outlet <NUM>, metering chamber <NUM> (<FIG>), valve inlet port <NUM> (<FIG>), valve outlet port <NUM> (<FIG>), and valve cavity <NUM> (<FIG>). User interface <NUM> includes input <NUM> (<FIG>) and display <NUM> (<FIG>). Valve <NUM> includes valve stem <NUM> (<FIG>), valve cartridge <NUM> (<FIG>), valve cap <NUM> (<FIG>), and valve spring <NUM> (<FIG>). Valve stem <NUM> includes stem bore <NUM> (<FIG>) and actuation tip <NUM> (<FIG>). Valve cartridge <NUM> includes cartridge body <NUM> (<FIG>), and cartridge body <NUM> includes first end <NUM> (<FIG>), second end <NUM> (<FIG>), radial inlets <NUM> (<FIG>), and radial outlets <NUM> (<FIG>). Trigger control mechanism <NUM> includes solenoid <NUM> (<FIG>), trip rod <NUM> (<FIG>), reset spring <NUM> (<FIG>), balls <NUM> (<FIG>), trigger pin <NUM>, and plunger pin <NUM> (<FIG>).

Handle <NUM> is configured to be grasped by a single hand of the user. Trigger <NUM> is disposed below handle <NUM> and is configured to be pulled by the user to commence a dispense event. Integral trigger guard <NUM> is integral with meter body <NUM> and encloses trigger <NUM>. Elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> is mounted to integral trigger guard <NUM> by fastener <NUM> and two additional fasteners (not shown) extending into meter body <NUM> at location <NUM>. Elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> encloses the pivot point between trigger <NUM> and trigger control mechanism <NUM>. Bezel housing <NUM> is mounted on meter body <NUM> and is configured to enclose various electronic components of handheld meter <NUM>. Bezel housing <NUM> can be made of any suitable material, such as a plastic.

Trigger control mechanism <NUM> is attached to meter body <NUM> and partially extends into bezel housing <NUM>. Trigger control mechanism <NUM> is configured to control trigger <NUM> between an activated state, where trigger <NUM> can actuate valve <NUM> to the open position, and a deactivated state, where trigger <NUM> cannot actuate valve <NUM>. Solenoid <NUM> is connected to meter body <NUM>. Trip rod <NUM> interfaces with solenoid <NUM> and extends between solenoid <NUM> and trigger <NUM>. Balls <NUM> are disposed in trip rod <NUM>. Plunger pin <NUM> extends from solenoid <NUM> and is configured to interface with balls <NUM> to lock trip rod <NUM> in position in the activated state. Trip rod <NUM> is connected to trigger <NUM> by trigger pin <NUM>. Reset spring <NUM> is disposed around trip rod <NUM> and is configured to drive trip rod <NUM> towards solenoid <NUM> to return trip rod <NUM>, and thus trigger <NUM>, to an inactive position, such that trip rod <NUM> is ready to be engaged for the next dispense event.

Fluid inlet <NUM> extends into handle <NUM> of handheld fluid meter <NUM>. Fluid inlet <NUM> is configured to connect to a supply line to receive fluid from a storage container through the supply line. Fluid inlet <NUM> extends through handle <NUM> to metering chamber <NUM>. Metering chamber <NUM> is disposed in meter body <NUM> between fluid inlet <NUM> and valve inlet port <NUM>. Meter <NUM> is disposed in metering chamber <NUM>. In some examples, meter <NUM> is a positive displacement meter, such as a gear meter.

Valve cavity <NUM> is disposed in meter body <NUM>. Valve inlet port <NUM> extends through meter body <NUM> between metering chamber <NUM> and valve cavity <NUM>. Valve outlet port <NUM> extends out of valve cavity <NUM> to fluid outlet <NUM>. Valve <NUM> is disposed in valve cavity <NUM> and controls the flow of fluid through valve cavity <NUM> between valve inlet port <NUM> and valve outlet port <NUM>.

Valve cartridge <NUM> is disposed in valve cavity <NUM>. Radial inlets <NUM> extend through first end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> proximate valve inlet port <NUM>. Radial inlets <NUM> are disposed circumferentially around cartridge body <NUM> and provide a flow path for the metered fluid to flow into valve cartridge <NUM> from fluid inlet <NUM>. Radial outlets <NUM> extend through second end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> proximate valve outlet port <NUM>. Radial outlets <NUM> are disposed circumferentially around cartridge body <NUM> and provide a flow path for the metered fluid to flow out of valve cartridge <NUM> to fluid outlet <NUM>. Valve cap <NUM> is attached to first end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> and is configured to prevent the metered fluid from entering valve cartridge <NUM> through first end <NUM>.

Valve stem <NUM> is disposed in valve cartridge <NUM>. Valve stem <NUM> is movable between an open position, where the metered fluid can flow from valve inlet port <NUM> to valve outlet port <NUM> through valve <NUM>, and a closed position, where the metered fluid is prevented from flowing from valve inlet port <NUM> to valve outlet port <NUM> through valve <NUM>. Actuation tip <NUM> extends out of valve cavity <NUM> and second end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> and abuts trigger <NUM>. Stem bore <NUM> extends through valve stem <NUM> and actuation tip <NUM> and is exposed to atmosphere. Stem bore <NUM> provides a pathway for air to flow into and out of valve cartridge <NUM> as valve stem <NUM> shifts between the open position and the closed position, thereby preventing undesired pressurization within valve cartridge <NUM>. In addition, stem bore <NUM> provides a leak path for the metered fluid to flow out of valve <NUM> and provide a visual indication of a leak between valve stem <NUM> and valve cartridge <NUM>. Valve spring <NUM> extends from valve cap <NUM> into stem bore <NUM> of valve stem <NUM>. Valve spring <NUM> is configured to exert a force on valve stem <NUM> to return valve stem <NUM> to the closed position.

Sensor <NUM> is disposed directly above and adjacent to meter <NUM>. Sensor <NUM> can be any suitable sensor for determining the volumetric flow of the fluid passing through metering chamber <NUM>. For example, sensor <NUM> can be a reed switch. Where sensor <NUM> is a reed switch, sensor <NUM> interfaces with meter <NUM> to count the rotation of the gears, which provides a volumetric count of the fluid passing through meter <NUM>. Input <NUM> is disposed on bezel housing <NUM> above sensor <NUM>. Input <NUM> is configured to receive commands from the user and provide those commands to meter controller <NUM> (<FIG>). Second circuit board <NUM> is associated with both input <NUM> and sensor <NUM> and provides electrical and communicative connections for both input <NUM> and sensor <NUM>. In some examples, second circuit board <NUM> is attached to bezel housing <NUM>. Having both input <NUM> and sensor <NUM> integrated into common second circuit board <NUM> allows for input <NUM> to be disposed on a portion of bezel housing <NUM> disposed below the remaining portion of bezel housing <NUM>. As discussed above, positioning input <NUM> in-line with handle <NUM> and at approximately the same height as handle <NUM> provides increased comfort and ergonomics to the user. As such, the in-line input <NUM> provides the user comfortable access to input <NUM> while the user grasps handle <NUM> with a single hand. Moreover, the height of input <NUM> reduces strain on the hand and thumb of the user and reduces the hand movements required to manipulate input <NUM>.

Display <NUM> is supported by bezel housing <NUM>. Display <NUM> provides visual information regarding the fluid dispense and handheld meter <NUM> to the user. Display <NUM> is angled towards handle <NUM> to provide the user with an ergonomic viewing angle. As shown in <FIG>, display <NUM> is disposed at angle α relative to handle <NUM>. Angle α can be any desired angle such that display <NUM> is not oriented away from the user or downward towards handle <NUM>, such as where angle α is between <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees. In some examples, angle α is between <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees. Antenna <NUM> is disposed within bezel housing <NUM> and is configured to provide wireless communications abilities to handheld meter <NUM> to allow handheld meter <NUM> to communicate with other components within a fluid management system. First circuit board <NUM> is mounted within bezel housing between meter body <NUM> and user interface <NUM>. The meter controller, such as meter controller <NUM>, can be disposed on first circuit board <NUM>, second circuit board <NUM>, or both.

A dispense event is initiated when handheld meter <NUM> receives a dispense command, either from the user or from the fluid management system. The dispense command can be provided to handheld meter <NUM> wirelessly via antenna <NUM> and/or can be provided by the user via input <NUM>. In some examples, the dispense command can include a desired volumetric count, which is the volume of the metered fluid that is to be dispensed during the dispense event. Based on the dispense command, the meter controller activates trigger control mechanism <NUM>. In the activated position, solenoid <NUM> displaces plunger pin <NUM> into trip rod <NUM>. Plunger pin <NUM> causes balls <NUM> to engage meter body <NUM>, thereby locking trip rod <NUM> in the position shown in <FIG>. With trip rod <NUM> locked in position, trigger <NUM> pivots about trigger pin <NUM>. Depressing trigger <NUM> thus causes valve stem <NUM> to shift upwards within valve cartridge <NUM> to the open position, opening a flow path through valve <NUM>.

The metered fluid enters handheld meter <NUM> through fluid inlet <NUM>, flows through metering chamber <NUM>, and flows into valve inlet port <NUM>. In examples where meter <NUM> is a gear meter, the flow of the metered fluid causes the gears of meter <NUM> to rotate, and sensor <NUM> counts the rotations of the gears. Because the volume of fluid flowing through the gears with each rotation is known, the meter controller can generate a volumetric count based on the information provided by sensor <NUM>. The meter controller tracks the volumetric count and, in some examples, is configured to deactivate trigger control mechanism <NUM> when the actual volumetric count provided by sensor <NUM> reaches the desired volumetric count. The meter controller can provide information regarding the dispense event to the user via display <NUM>.

The metered fluid flows into valve cavity <NUM> from valve inlet port <NUM>. The fluid enters valve cartridge <NUM> through radial inlets <NUM>, flows around valve stem <NUM>, and exits valve cartridge <NUM> through radial outlets <NUM>. The meter fluid exits valve cavity <NUM> through valve outlet port <NUM> and flows downstream out of meter body <NUM> through fluid outlet <NUM>.

When the volumetric count reaches the desired volumetric count, the meter controller deactivates trigger control mechanism <NUM>, preventing any additional, unauthorized fluid dispensing. Solenoid <NUM> retracts plunger pin <NUM>, thereby unlocking trip rod <NUM> such that trip rod <NUM> can freely slide within meter body <NUM>. Reset spring <NUM> exerts an upward force on trip rod <NUM>, which assists solenoid <NUM> in the removal of plunger pin <NUM> from trip rod <NUM>. In some examples, reset spring <NUM> is preloaded to decrease the force solenoid <NUM> is required to exert to retract plunger pin <NUM>. In some examples, reset spring <NUM> has a preload of about 10N-15N. In one example, reset spring <NUM> has a preload of about <NUM>. With trip rod <NUM> unlocked, trigger <NUM> no longer pivots about trigger pin <NUM>. Instead, depressing trigger <NUM> causes trigger <NUM> to pull trip rod <NUM> downwards within meter body <NUM>, and trigger <NUM> pivots about actuation tip <NUM>. Shifting the pivot point of trigger <NUM> from trigger pin <NUM> to actuation tip <NUM> prevents trigger <NUM> from exerting the necessary force on valve stem <NUM> that is required to shift valve stem <NUM> from the closed position to the open position.

When replacement of valve <NUM> is desired, trigger <NUM> must be removed from meter body <NUM> prior to replacing valve <NUM>. Elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> facilitates quick and simple removal and replacement of valve <NUM>. To replace valve <NUM>, fastener <NUM> is removed and elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> is pulled off of meter body <NUM>. With elastomeric trigger guard <NUM> removed, trigger pin <NUM> is exposed to the user. The user can knock trigger pin <NUM> out, such that trigger <NUM> is no longer attached to trip rod <NUM>. With trigger pin <NUM> removed, trigger <NUM> can then be pulled off of meter body <NUM>. The user then has access to valve <NUM> and valve <NUM> can be removed and replaced. During replacement of valve <NUM>, the user typically sets meter body <NUM> in an upside down orientation to have access to valve <NUM>. With meter body <NUM> in the upside down orientation, the metered fluid can pool in valve cavity <NUM>. When a replacement valve <NUM> is installed, valve cap <NUM> prevents the metered fluid from entering into first end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM>. If the metered fluid were to enter first end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM>, then that metered fluid could migrate through stem bore <NUM> and leak out of actuation tip <NUM>, which would provide a false-positive indication of a leak to the user, even though a leak does not exist. Valve cap <NUM> prevents that pooled metered fluid from entering first end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM>, and as such, valve cap <NUM> eliminates false-positive leak indications that could occur during replacement of valve <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of valve <NUM> in the closed position. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of valve <NUM> in a throttled position. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of valve <NUM> in an open position. <FIG> is a cross-sectional, perspective view of valve <NUM> showing flow lines F. <FIG> will be discussed together. Valve inlet port <NUM>, valve outlet port <NUM>, and valve cavity <NUM> of meter body <NUM> are shown in <FIG>. Valve cavity <NUM> includes first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Valve <NUM> includes valve stem <NUM>, valve cartridge <NUM>, valve cap <NUM>, valve spring <NUM>, first dynamic seal <NUM>, second dynamic seal <NUM>, control seal <NUM>, static seal <NUM>, static seal <NUM>, and cap seal <NUM>. First dynamic seal <NUM> includes projection <NUM>. Valve stem <NUM> includes stem bore <NUM>, actuation tip <NUM>, upper portion <NUM>, lower portion <NUM>, and elongate portion <NUM>. Upper portion <NUM> includes first dynamic seal groove <NUM> and control seal groove <NUM>, and upper portion <NUM> has diameter D1. Lower portion <NUM> includes second dynamic seal groove <NUM> and has diameter D2. Valve cartridge <NUM> includes cartridge body <NUM>, and cartridge body <NUM> includes first end <NUM>, second end <NUM>, radial inlets <NUM>, radial outlets <NUM>, control seat <NUM>, static seal groove <NUM>, first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Valve cap <NUM> includes cap seal groove <NUM>.

Valve inlet port <NUM> extends through meter body <NUM> into valve cavity <NUM>. Valve outlet port <NUM> extends from valve cavity <NUM> through meter body <NUM>. First exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> extends about valve cavity <NUM> proximate valve inlet port <NUM>. Second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> extends about valve cavity <NUM> proximate valve outlet port <NUM>. Valve <NUM> is disposed within valve cavity <NUM>.

Valve cartridge <NUM> extends into valve cavity <NUM>. In some examples, valve cartridge <NUM> is machined from bar stock, such as steel bar stock. First interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> extends around an interior of first end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM>. Radial inlets <NUM> extend through first end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> between first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> extends around an interior of second end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM>. Radial outlets <NUM> extend through second end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> between second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. In some examples, valve cartridge <NUM> includes a plurality of radial inlets <NUM> and radial outlets <NUM>, each extending circumferentially about valve cartridge <NUM>. In one example, valve cartridge <NUM> includes six radial inlets <NUM> and six radial outlets <NUM>, but it is understood that valve cartridge <NUM> can include as many or as few radial inlets <NUM> and radial outlets <NUM> as desired. Control seat <NUM> is an annular projection extending from an interior of cartridge body <NUM>. Control seat <NUM> is disposed between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Control seat <NUM> provides a seat for control seal <NUM> to seal against when valve <NUM> is in the closed position.

Static seal groove <NUM> extends around an exterior of cartridge body <NUM> between first end <NUM> and second end <NUM>. Static seal <NUM> is disposed in static seal groove. Static seal <NUM> prevents the metered fluid from leaking around cartridge body <NUM> between first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Second end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> is connected to meter body <NUM> to secure valve cartridge <NUM> within valve cavity <NUM>. In some examples, second end <NUM> includes external threading configured to mate with internal threading on meter body <NUM>. While valve cartridge <NUM> is described as connected to meter body <NUM> by interfaced threading, it is understood that valve cartridge <NUM> can be secured to meter body <NUM> in any suitable manner, such as a snap-fit connection. Static seal <NUM> extends around second end <NUM> between valve cartridge <NUM> and meter body <NUM>. Static seal <NUM> prevents the metered fluid from leaking out of valve cavity <NUM> around second end <NUM>.

Valve stem <NUM> is disposed within valve cartridge <NUM>. Upper portion <NUM> is disposed within first end <NUM>, and lower portion <NUM> is disposed within second end <NUM>. Elongate portion <NUM> extends between and connects upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM>. Actuation tip <NUM> extends from lower portion <NUM> out of second end <NUM>. Stem bore <NUM> extends through upper portion <NUM>, elongate portion <NUM>, lower portion <NUM>, and actuation tip <NUM>; and stem bore <NUM> is open to atmosphere. Upper portion <NUM> has first diameter D1 and lower portion <NUM> has second diameter D2. First diameter D1 is the same as second diameter D2, such that the pressure forces exerted on both upper portion <NUM> and lower portion <NUM> by the metered fluid are balanced.

First dynamic seal groove <NUM> extends around upper portion <NUM>. First dynamic seal <NUM> is disposed in first dynamic seal groove <NUM> and is configured to provide a seal between upper portion <NUM> and cartridge body <NUM>. First dynamic seal groove <NUM> is disposed above first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, and first dynamic seal <NUM> maintains engagement with cartridge body <NUM> when valve stem <NUM> is in the open position, the closed position, and any intermediate position there between. First dynamic seal <NUM> includes projection <NUM> that extends from first dynamic seal <NUM> and contacts cartridge body <NUM>. Projection <NUM> provides increased resistance to rolling deformation to first dynamic seal <NUM>. The reduction of rolling deformation prevents running leakage around first dynamic seal <NUM> as valve stem <NUM> reciprocates within valve cartridge <NUM>.

Second dynamic seal groove <NUM> extends around lower portion <NUM>. Second dynamic seal <NUM> is disposed in second dynamic seal groove <NUM> and is configured to provide a seal between lower portion <NUM> and cartridge body <NUM>. Second dynamic seal <NUM> is disposed below second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Second dynamic seal <NUM> maintains engagement with cartridge body <NUM> when valve stem <NUM> is in the open position, the closed position, or any intermediate position there between. In some examples, second dynamic seal <NUM> is configured similar to first dynamic seal <NUM>, such that second dynamic seal <NUM> also includes a projection, such as projection <NUM>, to increase resistance to rolling deformation.

Control seal groove <NUM> extends around upper portion <NUM> below first dynamic seal groove <NUM>. Control seal <NUM> is disposed in control seal groove <NUM> and is configured to provide a seal between valve stem <NUM> and valve cartridge <NUM>. Control seal <NUM> is configured to control the flow of meter fluid through valve <NUM>. Control seal <NUM> engages control seat <NUM> when valve <NUM> is in the closed position, preventing flow between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Control seal <NUM> is disengaged from control seat <NUM> when valve <NUM> is in the open position, allowing flow between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. In some examples control seal <NUM> in an o-ring.

Valve cap <NUM> is connected to first end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM>. Cap seal groove <NUM> extends around valve cap <NUM>. Cap seal <NUM> is disposed in cap seal groove <NUM> and is configured to provide a seal between valve cap <NUM> and valve cartridge <NUM>. Cap seal <NUM> prevents fluid from leaking from fluid inlet <NUM> to valve passage <NUM> and into first end <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> around valve cap <NUM>. As discussed above, valve cap <NUM> prevents any pooled metered fluid within valve cavity <NUM> from entering valve cartridge <NUM> through first end <NUM> during replacement of valve <NUM>. As such, valve cap <NUM> eliminates leak false-positives from occurring during replacement of valve <NUM>.

Valve spring <NUM> extends from valve cap <NUM> and into stem bore <NUM>. Valve spring <NUM> exerts a force on valve stem <NUM> to bias valve stem <NUM> towards the closed position.

During operation, valve <NUM> is modulated between the closed position, shown in <FIG>, and the open position, shown in <FIG>. Valve stem <NUM> is initially in the closed position shown in <FIG>. With valve stem <NUM> in the closed position, control seal <NUM> engages control seat <NUM> and prevents the meter fluid from flowing through valve <NUM>. Both first dynamic seal <NUM> and control seal <NUM> are subjected to the fluid pressure upstream of valve <NUM> when valve stem <NUM> is in the closed position. Second dynamic seal <NUM> is isolated from the upstream fluid pressure with valve stem <NUM> in the closed position, such that second dynamic seal <NUM> is not subjected to the upstream fluid pressure when valve stem <NUM> is in the closed position.

When a dispense event is initiated, the trigger, such as trigger <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) is depressed causing valve stem <NUM> to shift upward within valve cartridge <NUM>. Valve stem <NUM> initially shifts to the throttled position shown in <FIG>. With valve stem <NUM> in the throttled position, control seal <NUM> is disengaged from control seat <NUM> and is disposed in the flow path of the fluid entering valve cartridge <NUM> through radial inlets <NUM>. As discussed in more detail below with regard to <FIG>, with valve stem <NUM> in the throttled position a restricted flow path opens between upper portion <NUM> and valve cartridge <NUM>. The restricted flow path limits the velocity of the metered fluid flowing through valve <NUM> and impinging on control seal <NUM>. Limiting the fluid velocity when control seal <NUM> is directly in the fluid flow path through radial inlets <NUM> prevents the metered fluid from displacing control seal <NUM> out of control seal groove <NUM>.

Valve stem <NUM> continues to displace upwards within valve cartridge <NUM> to the fully open position shown in <FIG>. In the fully open position, control seal <NUM> is offset from and disposed above radial inlets <NUM> such that a portion of valve cartridge <NUM> shields control seal <NUM> from the direct flow path of the metered fluid. Valve cartridge <NUM> shielding control seal <NUM> from the full fluid velocity prevents undesired displacement of control seal <NUM> out of control seal groove <NUM>.

The metered fluid enters first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> from valve inlet port <NUM> and flows circumferentially around first end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM> within first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. The metered fluid flows into first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> through radial inlets <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> ensures balanced circumferential flow around first end <NUM> of cartridge body <NUM>, and first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> ensures balanced circumferential flow around valve stem <NUM>. Ensuring balanced circumferential flow provides an even pressure distribution about control seal <NUM>. As such, control seal <NUM> experiences similar flow velocities regardless of the angular position of the flow on control seal <NUM>. First exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> thus allow for consistent external pressure on control seal <NUM>, preventing displacement of control seal <NUM> out of control seal groove <NUM>.

The metered fluid flows downstream from first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> to second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. The metered fluid flows from second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> to second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> through radial outlets <NUM>, and the metered fluid flows out of second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> through valve outlet port <NUM>. Similar to first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> provide an even distribution of flow through valve <NUM>, thereby providing balanced pressure and flow velocity.

First exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, and second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> thus provide an even annular distribution of fluid flow lines F through valve <NUM>, such that the metered fluid flows around the full circumference of valve cavity <NUM> and valve cartridge <NUM>, rather than through a direct path connecting valve inlet port <NUM> and valve outlet port <NUM>.

With valve stem <NUM> in the fully open position, both first dynamic seal <NUM> and second dynamic seal <NUM> experience the fluid pressure of the meter fluid. After the fluid dispense ends, valve stem <NUM> shifts back to the closed position shown in <FIG>. Valve spring <NUM> exerts a downward force on valve stem <NUM> to drive valve stem <NUM> to the closed position. Upper diameter D1 is the same as lower diameter D2 such that the fluid pressure acting on first dynamic seal <NUM> and upper portion <NUM> is balanced with the fluid pressure acting on second dynamic seal <NUM> and lower portion <NUM>. Balancing the pressure forces on first dynamic seal <NUM> and second dynamic seal <NUM> creates a pressure equilibrium, eliminating pressure imbalance on valve stem <NUM>. The balanced pressure forces ensure that valve spring <NUM> can shift valve stem <NUM> to the closed position under all rated operating conditions.

Throughout operation valve stem <NUM> is retained within and guided by cartridge body <NUM>. First dynamic seal <NUM>, control seal <NUM>, and second dynamic seal <NUM> are all configured to extend between valve stem <NUM> and valve cartridge <NUM>. Guiding valve stem <NUM> with cartridge body <NUM> provides enhanced seal alignment, as valve stem <NUM> is not guided by multiple parts having multiple diameters. In addition, having first dynamic seal <NUM> seal on valve cartridge <NUM>, which is machined from bar stock, prevents running leaks around first dynamic seal <NUM> as first dynamic seal <NUM> does not seal against a cast member, such as meter body <NUM>.

Valve <NUM> provides significant advantages. The fluid velocity through valve <NUM> is maintained below a maximum level until control seal <NUM> is out of the direct flow path of the metered fluid, preventing undesired displacement of control seal <NUM> from control seal groove <NUM>. First exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, and second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> ensure that the metered fluid flows around the full circumference of valve cartridge <NUM> and valve stem <NUM>, providing balanced forces on control seal <NUM> regardless of angular position. Projection <NUM> extends from first dynamic seal <NUM> and reduces rotational flexing, which reduces running leakage around first dynamic seal <NUM>. Valve cap <NUM> prevents fluid from entering valve cartridge <NUM> through first end <NUM>, which eliminates false-positive leak indications from appearing during replacement of valve <NUM>. Upper diameter D1 is equal to lower diameter D2, such that the pressure forces on first dynamic seal <NUM> and second dynamic seal <NUM> are balanced when valve <NUM> is in the open position. The balanced forces ensure that valve spring <NUM> can drive valve stem <NUM> to the closed position under all rated operating conditions. Cartridge body <NUM> provides the only sealing surface for first dynamic seal <NUM>, control seal <NUM>, and second dynamic seal <NUM>, which provides better seal alignment as valve stem <NUM> is guided by a single part.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of control seal <NUM> with valve <NUM> in a closed position. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of control seal <NUM> with valve <NUM> in a modulated position. <FIG> is a cross-sectional view of control seal groove <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Valve inlet port <NUM> and valve cavity <NUM> of meter body <NUM> are shown. First exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> of valve cavity <NUM> are shown. Valve stem <NUM>, valve cartridge <NUM>, valve spring <NUM>, control seal <NUM>, and static seal <NUM> of valve <NUM> are shown. Upper portion <NUM>, elongate portion <NUM> (<FIG>), and stem bore <NUM> of valve stem <NUM> are shown, and upper portion <NUM> includes control seal groove <NUM> and throttling portion <NUM>. Control seal groove <NUM> includes dovetail <NUM>, and dovetail <NUM> has width W1 (<FIG>). Radial inlet <NUM>, radial outlet <NUM> (<FIG>), control seat <NUM>, static seal groove <NUM>, first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> of valve cartridge <NUM> are shown. Control seat <NUM> includes seat radius R.

Valve stem <NUM> is disposed in valve cartridge <NUM> and is movable between the open position and the closed position. Control seal groove <NUM> extends into upper portion <NUM>, and control seal <NUM> is disposed in control seal groove <NUM>. Dovetail <NUM> extends from a downstream side of control seal groove <NUM> such that control seal groove <NUM> presents a partial dovetail. Width W1 is a width of control seal groove <NUM> at dovetail <NUM>. Width W1 is preferably about <NUM> (<NUM> in. ), which in one example is approximately the same as a cross-sectional diameter of control seal <NUM>. In some examples, a ratio of the cross-sectional diameter of control seal <NUM> to width W1 is between about <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>. In one example, the ratio of the cross-sectional diameter of control seal <NUM> to width W1 about <NUM>:<NUM>. Dovetail <NUM> ensures that control seal <NUM> remains seated in control seal groove <NUM> throughout all rated operating conditions. Throttling portion <NUM> is a part of upper portion <NUM> that extends below control seal groove <NUM>.

Static seal groove <NUM> extends about an exterior of valve cartridge <NUM>. Static seal groove <NUM> is disposed between first exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second exterior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Static seal <NUM> is disposed in static seal groove <NUM> and is configured to provide a seal at the interface of valve cartridge <NUM> and meter body <NUM>. Control seat <NUM> extends from an interior of valve cartridge <NUM> and is disposed between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Control seat <NUM> provides a sealing surface for control seal <NUM>.

During operation, valve stem <NUM> is modulated between a closed position, where control seal <NUM> is engaged with control seat <NUM>, and an open position, where control seat <NUM> is disengaged from control seat <NUM>. Control seal <NUM> is initially in the closed position shown in <FIG>, such that control seal <NUM> is disposed between valve stem <NUM> and control seat <NUM> to prevent any metered fluid from flowing between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. To initiate a fluid dispense, valve stem <NUM> shifts upwards until control seal <NUM> disengages from control seat <NUM>. When control seal <NUM> initially disengages from control seat <NUM>, annular flow path <NUM> is opened between throttling portion <NUM> and control seat <NUM>. Annular flow path <NUM> provides a restricted area for the metered fluid to flow between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. The restricted area created by annular flow path <NUM> limits the initial flow velocity of the metered fluid through valve <NUM>.

The length of annular flow path <NUM> decreases as valve stem <NUM> continues to shift upwards to the fully open position (shown in <FIG>). As the length of annular flow path <NUM> decreases, the flow velocity of the meter fluid flowing into first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and through annular flow path <NUM> simultaneously increases. As such, annular flow path <NUM> provides flow feathering for precise flow control. For example, the further the user depresses the trigger, the greater the flow velocity through valve <NUM>. The flow feathering provided by annular flow path <NUM> allows the user to precisely and consistently top-off the dispensed metered fluid during a dispense event. During a top-off, valve stem <NUM> is slightly opened and closed to dispense small amounts of fluid to bring the actual dispense volume up to the desired dispense volume.

Throttling portion <NUM> is offset from control seat <NUM> when valve stem <NUM> is in the fully open position. With valve stem <NUM> in the fully open position, a non-restricted flow path is created between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Throttling portion <NUM> is sized to disengage from control seat <NUM> when control seal <NUM> is disposed above radial inlets <NUM> such that control seal <NUM> is at least partially shielded from the full fluid velocity by valve cartridge <NUM>. As such, control seal <NUM> is not disposed in the direct flow path of the metered fluid when valve stem <NUM> is in the fully open position.

At the end of the dispense event valve stem <NUM> returns to the closed position. As valve stem <NUM> transitions to the closed position, control seal <NUM> initially engages control seat <NUM> at control seat radius R. In some examples, a ratio of control seat radius R to a cross-sectional radius of control seal <NUM> is <NUM>:<NUM>-<NUM>:<NUM>. In one example, the ratio of control seat radius R to the cross-sectional radius of control seal <NUM> is about <NUM>:<NUM>. Control seat radius R allows control seal <NUM> to pop in and pop out of sealing engagement with control seat <NUM>, preventing control seal <NUM> from experiencing scarfing caused by deformation of control seal <NUM> at control seat <NUM>. This further prevents high-velocity fluid flow seal erosion as control seal <NUM> is not itself controlling the fluid velocity. Control seal <NUM> thus provides poppet-style flow control. When control seal <NUM> is engaged with control seat <NUM> flow is shut off. When control seal <NUM> is disengaged from control seat <NUM> flow proceeds. Control seal <NUM> does not throttle flow; instead, annular flow path <NUM> provides all flow throttling through valve <NUM>. As annular flow path <NUM> controls the flow velocity, control seal <NUM> is less susceptible to high-velocity fluid flow erosion.

Valve <NUM> provides significant advantages. Annular flow path <NUM> provides flow feathering as valve stem <NUM> shifts from the closed position to the open position. Annular flow path <NUM> also maintains the flow velocity below the maximum flow velocity until control seal <NUM> is out of the direct path of the meter fluid. Control seat radius R prevents scarfing of control seal <NUM> as control seal <NUM> transitions between the open position and the closed position. Dovetail <NUM> prevents displacement of control seal <NUM> from control seal groove <NUM>.

<FIG> is a first cross-sectional view of valve cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> is a second cross-sectional view of valve cartridge <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Valve cartridge <NUM> includes cartridge body <NUM>, first end <NUM>, second end <NUM>, radial inlets <NUM>, radial outlets <NUM>, control seat <NUM>, static seal groove <NUM>, first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>, and cartridge bore <NUM>. First end <NUM> includes interior threads <NUM>. Second end <NUM> includes exterior threads <NUM>, undercut <NUM>, valve stem bearing surface <NUM>, and cartridge flange <NUM>.

Cartridge bore <NUM> extends through cartridge body <NUM> from first end <NUM> to second end <NUM>. Interior threads <NUM> are disposed at a distal end of first end <NUM> and are configured to interface with exterior threads on a valve cap, such as valve cap <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>), to retain the valve cap on valve cartridge <NUM>. Radial inlets <NUM> extend through cartridge body <NUM> into first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Radial outlets <NUM> extends through cartridge body <NUM> into second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Control seat <NUM> extends into cartridge bore <NUM> from an interior of cartridge body <NUM> and is disposed between first interior circumferential flow passage <NUM> and second interior circumferential flow passage <NUM>. Static seal groove <NUM> extends around an exterior of cartridge body <NUM> between radial inlets <NUM> and radial outlets <NUM>, and static seal groove <NUM> is configured to receive a seal, such as static seal <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>).

Cartridge flange <NUM> extends radially from second end <NUM>. Cartridge flange <NUM> is configured to abut an exterior of a meter body, such as meter body <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>), when valve cartridge <NUM> is installed in the meter body. Exterior threads <NUM> extend around second end <NUM> above cartridge flange <NUM>. Exterior threads <NUM> are configured to interface with interior threads on the meter body to secure valve cartridge <NUM> to the meter body. Valve stem bearing surface <NUM> extends into second end <NUM>. Valve stem bearing surface <NUM> limits downward movement of a valve stem, such as valve stem <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>), disposed in valve cartridge <NUM>. The valve stem rests against valve stem bearing surface <NUM> when the valve is in the closed position. Undercut <NUM> extends into an interior of cartridge body <NUM> adjacent valve stem bearing surface <NUM>. In some examples, valve cartridge <NUM> is machined from a bar stock, such as steel. Undercut <NUM> facilitates dimensional control and surface finishing on the interior of cartridge bore <NUM> during the manufacture of valve cartridge <NUM>.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view of bezel housing <NUM> and display <NUM>. Bezel housing <NUM> includes display opening <NUM>, and display opening <NUM> includes edges <NUM>. Display <NUM> includes upper retainer <NUM>, lower retainer <NUM>, first pad <NUM>, second pad <NUM>, and display screen <NUM>.

First circuit board <NUM>, antenna <NUM>, and solenoid <NUM> are disposed within bezel housing <NUM>. Solenoid <NUM> extends at least partially into meter body <NUM>, which facilitates a lower profile of bezel housing <NUM>. Antenna <NUM> is configured to provide wireless communication for a meter controller, such as meter controller <NUM> (<FIG>). First circuit board <NUM> and second circuit board <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>) can include various electrical components, such as the meter controller, configured to control operation of handheld meter <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>).

Display <NUM> is mounted to bezel housing <NUM> within display opening <NUM>. Display <NUM> is tilted towards the user at angle α. As discussed above, angle α can be any desired angle between <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees. In one example, angle α is between <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees. Display screen <NUM> is disposed between first pad <NUM> and second pad <NUM>. In some examples, display screen <NUM> is an LCD. Both first pad <NUM> and second pad <NUM> can include adhesive backing. Upper retainer <NUM> is connected to lower retainer <NUM>, and upper retainer <NUM> and lower retainer <NUM> encapsulate first pad <NUM>, second pad <NUM>, and display screen <NUM>. Upper retainer <NUM> is clear, to allow the user to view the images provided by display screen. In some examples, lower retainer <NUM> is also clear. For example, both upper retainer <NUM> and lower retainer <NUM> can be polycarbonate. Upper retainer <NUM> is attached to bezel housing <NUM> to secure display <NUM> in position in display opening <NUM>. In some examples, upper retainer <NUM> can be mounted to bezel housing <NUM> with a double sided acrylic foam tape, such as <NUM>® VHB™ tape.

Edges <NUM> of display opening <NUM> are elevated relative to display <NUM> when display <NUM> is mounted in bezel housing <NUM>. Elevating edges <NUM> of display opening <NUM> relative to display <NUM> protects display <NUM> from experiencing an impact force if handheld meter <NUM> is dropped or otherwise experiences an impact.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of nozzle <NUM> taken along line <NUM>-<NUM> in <FIG> showing nozzle <NUM> in an open position. <FIG> is an enlarged view of detail Z in <FIG>. <FIG> is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing nozzle <NUM> in a closed position. <FIG> will be discussed together. Nozzle <NUM> includes connector <NUM>, nozzle body <NUM>, nozzle stem <NUM>, and nozzle spring <NUM>. Connector <NUM> includes seating end <NUM> and connector bore <NUM>. Seating end <NUM> includes shoulder <NUM>, neck <NUM>, and connector seal groove <NUM>. Nozzle body <NUM> includes receiving end <NUM>, dispensing end <NUM>, nozzle bore <NUM>, and vent hole <NUM>. Dispensing end <NUM> includes upstream portion <NUM>, downstream portion <NUM>, and connecting portion <NUM>. Upstream portion <NUM> includes upstream diameter D3. Downstream portion <NUM> includes downstream diameter D4 and nozzle outlet <NUM>. Connecting portion <NUM> includes angle γ. Nozzle stem <NUM> includes inlet tube <NUM>, stem flange <NUM>, flow passages <NUM>, and stem tip <NUM>. Stem tip <NUM> includes main tip body <NUM>, reduced diameter portion <NUM>, and overmolded tip <NUM>. Stem flange <NUM> includes flange seal groove <NUM>. Overmolded tip <NUM> includes sealing portion <NUM> and tip cone <NUM>. Tip cone <NUM> includes angle θ, base diameter D5, and length L1.

Connector <NUM>, nozzle stem <NUM>, and nozzle body <NUM> are disposed coaxially on nozzle axis A-A. Connector <NUM> is configured to attach to a handheld meter, such as handheld meter <NUM> (<FIG>). In some examples, connector <NUM> is attached to an extension, such as extension <NUM> (<FIG>). In other examples, connector <NUM> is attached to a swivel elbow of an oil bar, such as swivel elbow <NUM> (best seen in <FIG>). Seating end <NUM> of connector <NUM> extends into nozzle bore <NUM> and is connected to receiving end <NUM> of nozzle body <NUM>. In some examples, seating end <NUM> includes external threads configured to mate with internal threads in receiving end <NUM>. Neck <NUM> extends into nozzle bore <NUM> from seating end <NUM>. Shoulder <NUM> extends radially from neck <NUM>. Connector seal groove <NUM> extends into seating end <NUM>, and connector seal <NUM> is disposed in connector seal groove <NUM>.

Nozzle bore <NUM> extends through nozzle body <NUM> between receiving end <NUM> and dispensing end <NUM>. Downstream portion <NUM> is a distal end of dispensing end <NUM>. The metered fluid exits downstream portion <NUM> through nozzle outlet <NUM>. Connecting portion <NUM> is a cone-shaped passage extending between and connecting upstream portion <NUM> and downstream portion <NUM>. Connecting portion <NUM> provides a smooth transition between upstream diameter D3 of upstream portion <NUM> and downstream diameter D4 of downstream portion <NUM>. Angle γ is an angle of connecting portion <NUM>, and in some examples, angle γ is about <NUM>-degrees. Vent hole <NUM> extends through nozzle body <NUM> into nozzle bore <NUM>. Vent hole <NUM> is open to atmosphere to allow air to flow into and out of nozzle body <NUM> to prevent over pressurization in nozzle bore <NUM> as nozzle stem <NUM> transitions between the open position and the closed position.

Nozzle stem <NUM> is disposed within nozzle bore <NUM>. Nozzle stem <NUM> is configured to shift between an open position, where sealing portion <NUM> is disengaged from connecting portion <NUM>, and a closed position, where sealing portion <NUM> is engaged with connecting portion <NUM>. Inlet tube <NUM> extends into connector bore <NUM> through seating end <NUM>. Stem flange <NUM> extends radially from inlet tube <NUM>. Stem flange <NUM> is configured to abut neck <NUM> to limit displacement of nozzle stem <NUM>. Nozzle spring <NUM> extends between shoulder <NUM> and stem flange <NUM>. Flange seal groove <NUM> extends into an outer edge of stem flange <NUM>. Flange seal <NUM> is disposed in flange seal groove <NUM> between stem flange <NUM> and nozzle body <NUM>. Flow passages <NUM> are disposed downstream of stem flange <NUM> and extend radially through nozzle stem <NUM> into inlet tube <NUM>.

Stem tip <NUM> extends axially from inlet tube <NUM>. Main tip body <NUM> extends from inlet tube <NUM>, and reduced diameter portion <NUM> extends axially from main tip body <NUM>. Overmolded tip <NUM> is disposed on reduced diameter portion <NUM>. Overmolded tip <NUM> can be formed from an elastomer. In some examples, overmolded tip <NUM> is formed from nitrile rubber. It is understood, however, that overmolded tip <NUM> can be formed from any elastomer chemically-compatible with the metered fluid. Sealing portion <NUM> is configured to engage connecting portion <NUM> with nozzle stem <NUM> in the closed position. Tip cone <NUM> extends from sealing portion <NUM>. Angle θ is the angle between tip cone <NUM> and downstream portion <NUM>. In some examples, angle θ is between about <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees. In one example, angle θ is about <NUM>-degrees.

Nozzle body <NUM> is movable relative to connector <NUM> to shift nozzle <NUM> between an activated state and a deactivated state. In the activated state, nozzle stem <NUM> is able to shift between the open and closed positions within nozzle body <NUM>. In the deactivated state, stem flange <NUM> abuts neck <NUM> and sealing portion <NUM> abuts connecting portion <NUM> such that nozzle stem <NUM> is unable to shift within nozzle body <NUM>. In the deactivated state nozzle stem <NUM> is locked in the closed position to prevent inadvertent fluid dispenses. To shift nozzle between the activated state and the deactivated state, the user screws nozzle body <NUM> further on to or off of connector <NUM>, thereby changing the distance that nozzle stem <NUM> can move within nozzle body <NUM>.

During operation, nozzle body <NUM> is placed in the activated position. With nozzle body <NUM> in the activated position the user initiates a flow of metered fluid to nozzle <NUM>. The metered fluid flows through connector bore <NUM> and enters inlet tube <NUM>. The metered fluid flows out of inlet tube <NUM> through flow passages <NUM>, generating a fluid pressure within nozzle bore <NUM>. The fluid pressure acts on stem flange <NUM> and overcomes the force of nozzle spring <NUM> to cause nozzle stem <NUM> to shift from the closed position to the open position. With nozzle stem <NUM> in the open position, sealing portion <NUM> is disengaged from connecting portion <NUM> and a flow path is opened through dispensing end <NUM>. The meter fluid flows through upstream portion <NUM>, between tip cone <NUM> and connecting portion <NUM>, and exits nozzle body <NUM> through downstream portion <NUM>.

Tip cone <NUM> facilitates a tight stream of metered fluid exiting dispensing end <NUM> through nozzle outlet <NUM>. A ratio of base diameter D5 to length L1 is between about <NUM>:<NUM> and <NUM>:<NUM>. In one example, the ratio of base diameter D5 to length L1 is about <NUM>:<NUM>. Tip cone <NUM> prevents sputtering, fanning, and atomizing of the metered fluid exiting dispensing end <NUM>. As the metered fluid enters connecting portion <NUM>, the flow path created between connecting portion <NUM> and tip cone <NUM> orients the flow of the metered fluid along nozzle axis A-A. The meter fluid converges in downstream portion <NUM> and is dispensed out of nozzle outlet <NUM> in a tight stream. With nozzle stem <NUM> in the open position, tip cone <NUM> is offset from nozzle outlet <NUM> of downstream portion <NUM> by length L2. In some examples, length L2 is about <NUM>-<NUM> (about <NUM>-<NUM> in. In one example, length L2 is about <NUM> (about <NUM> in. A ratio of diameter D4 to length L2 is about <NUM>:<NUM>. Length L2 and angle θ generate a laminar flow in downstream portion prior to the meter fluid exiting nozzle outlet <NUM>. The laminar flow eliminates sputtering, fanning, and atomization of the metered fluid. In some examples, tip cone <NUM> facilitates a tight stream of meter fluid at flow rates up to about <NUM> gallons per minute.

After a dispense event is complete, the user releases the trigger and the flow of meter fluid to nozzle <NUM> is shut off. When the flow of meter fluid stops, valve spring <NUM> drives nozzle stem <NUM> to the closed position. With nozzle stem <NUM> in the closed position, sealing portion <NUM> engages connecting portion <NUM> and tip cone <NUM> extends into downstream portion <NUM>. Connecting portion <NUM> aligns sealing portion <NUM> on nozzle axis A-A as nozzle stem <NUM> shifts to the closed position, facilitating alignment of nozzle stem <NUM> within dispensing end <NUM> and ensuring formation of a fluid-tight seal. As discussed above, overmolded tip <NUM> is formed from a compliant material, such as nitrile rubber, which facilitates formation of the fluid-tight seal even where contaminants are present in the meter fluid.

Tip cone <NUM> extends into downstream portion <NUM> with nozzle stem <NUM> in the closed position. In some examples, tip cone <NUM> occupies about <NUM>% of the volume of downstream portion <NUM> when nozzle stem <NUM> is in the closed position. Tip cone <NUM> ensures that the mass of the metered fluid remaining in downstream portion <NUM> is sufficiently low such that the surface tension of the metered fluid prevents the metered fluid from dripping out of downstream portion <NUM>. As such, tip cone <NUM> extending into and occupying at least <NUM>% of the volume of downstream portion <NUM> prevents latent dripping of any metered fluid that is within downstream portion <NUM> when nozzle stem <NUM> shifts to the closed position.

Nozzle <NUM> provides significant advantages. Overmolded tip <NUM> facilitates sealing and alignment of nozzle stem <NUM>. Overmolded tip <NUM> being compliant further facilitates sealing, particularly where contaminants are present in the metered fluid. Connecting portion <NUM> provides a smooth transition between upstream diameter D3 and downstream diameter D4, further ensuring alignment and sealing of nozzle stem <NUM>. Tip cone <NUM> and length L2 generate laminar flow in downstream portion <NUM>, which prevents sputtering, fanning, and/or atomization of the metered fluid. Tip cone <NUM> extends into and occupies downstream portion <NUM> with nozzle stem <NUM> in the closed position, thereby preventing latent dripping of the metered fluid out of nozzle outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> is an isometric view of oil bar <NUM>. <FIG> is an exploded view of dispense assembly <NUM>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating an example of meter controller <NUM> and user interface <NUM>. <FIG> is a block diagram illustrating another example of meter controller <NUM> and user interface <NUM>. <FIG> will be discussed together. Oil bar <NUM> includes dispense assemblies 226a-226c (collectively herein "dispense assembly <NUM>"), frame <NUM>, front panel <NUM>, and pan <NUM>. Frame <NUM> includes first side panel <NUM>, second side panel <NUM>, back panel <NUM>, and plenum <NUM>. Front panel <NUM> includes dispenser openings 242a-242c (collectively herein "dispenser opening <NUM>"). Control circuitry <NUM> of meter controller <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Position sensor <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. Display circuitry <NUM> and user input circuitry <NUM> of user interface <NUM> are shown in <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, each dispense assembly <NUM> includes handheld meter <NUM>, nozzle <NUM>, inlet fitting <NUM>, outlet fitting <NUM>, manifold inlet adapter <NUM>, manifold <NUM>, manifold outlet adapter <NUM>, and swivel elbow <NUM>. Manifold <NUM> includes manifold inlet opening <NUM> and manifold outlet opening <NUM>. Meter body <NUM>, trigger <NUM>, bezel housing <NUM>, elastomeric trigger guard <NUM>, and user interface <NUM> of handheld meter <NUM> are shown. Handle <NUM>, integral trigger guard <NUM>, fluid inlet <NUM>, and fluid outlet <NUM> of meter body <NUM> are shown. User interface <NUM> includes input <NUM> and display <NUM>.

Back panel <NUM> extends between and is connected to first side panel <NUM> and second side panel <NUM>. In some examples, first side panel <NUM>, second side panel <NUM>, and back panel <NUM> are integrally formed as a single part. In other examples, first side panel <NUM> and second side panel are connected to back panel <NUM> by fasteners. Front panel <NUM> is mounted to a top of first side panel <NUM> and second side panel <NUM>. Pan <NUM> is disposed at a bottom of frame <NUM>. Plenum <NUM> is defined between front panel <NUM> and back panel <NUM>. Dispense assemblies <NUM> are mounted on oil bar <NUM> and are configured to dispense fluid to containers. Handheld meter <NUM> is plumbed for incorporation on oil bar <NUM> to provide dispense authorization and fluid tracking. Manifold <NUM> is disposed in plenum <NUM> and is connected to front panel <NUM> by fasteners <NUM>, which extend through front panel <NUM> and into manifold <NUM>. Inlet fitting <NUM> extends into and is connected to fluid inlet <NUM>. Inlet fitting <NUM> is configured to receive a supply hose extending from a bulk fluid storage tank. Outlet fitting <NUM> is connected to fluid outlet <NUM>. Manifold inlet adapter <NUM> is connected to outlet fitting <NUM> and manifold inlet opening <NUM>. Manifold outlet adapter <NUM> is connected to manifold outlet opening <NUM> and extends through dispenser opening <NUM> in front panel <NUM>. Swivel elbow <NUM> is attached to an end of manifold outlet adapter <NUM> extending out of front panel <NUM>. Nozzle <NUM> is connected to swivel elbow <NUM> and configured to dispense the metered fluid. Mounting multiple dispense assemblies <NUM> on oil bar <NUM> allows for various types of fluids to be connected to oil bar <NUM> for dispensing, such as where each dispense assembly <NUM> is connected to a different bulk storage tank containing different fluids.

User interface <NUM> includes display circuitry <NUM> and user input circuitry <NUM>. User input circuitry <NUM> can be of any suitable configuration to enable actuation by the user. For example, input <NUM> can include a plurality of mechanical buttons that receive inputs from the user and provide the inputs to user input circuitry <NUM>, with each button corresponding to a directional command for an indicator provided on display <NUM>. Display circuitry <NUM> is of any suitable digital or analog display capable of producing a visual output viewable at display <NUM>. Control circuitry <NUM> is electrically connected within handheld meter <NUM> and can be of any suitable configuration for controlling operation of handheld meter <NUM>. Control circuitry <NUM> is configured to control the generation of displays on display circuitry <NUM> and to recognize and process operator commands provided through user input circuitry <NUM>. While control circuitry <NUM> is described as configured to control operation of handheld meter <NUM>, it is understood that control circuitry <NUM> can be separate from the control circuitry controlling operation of handheld fluid meter <NUM>.

Handheld meter <NUM> is mounted in an inverted orientation on oil bar <NUM>. Display <NUM> and input <NUM> are fixedly mounted on bezel housing <NUM>. Meter controller <NUM> is configured to invert an orientation of a visual output provided by display <NUM> such that the visual output is readable by the user with handheld meter <NUM> mounted in the inverted orientation. The user prepares handheld meter <NUM> for use on oil bar <NUM> by inputting an oil bar command to handheld meter <NUM> via input <NUM>. While the oil bar command is described as provided by the user, it is understood that the oil bar command can be automatically generated and provided to control circuitry <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, handheld fluid meter <NUM> can include position sensor <NUM>, which can be any suitable sensor for determining the relative position of handheld fluid meter <NUM>, such as an accelerometer, for example. Position sensor <NUM> senses the relative position of handheld fluid meter <NUM> and is configured to determine when handheld fluid meter <NUM> is in the inverted position. Position sensor <NUM> provides the relative position information to control circuitry <NUM>, and control circuitry <NUM> can automatically generate the oil bar command based on the relative position information indicating that handheld fluid meter <NUM> is in the inverted position. In another example, handheld fluid meter <NUM> can include a sensor, configured to generate the oil bar command based on handheld fluid meter <NUM> being in position on oil bar <NUM>. For example, handheld fluid meter <NUM> can include a reed switch that is activated by a magnet installed on oil bar <NUM>.

Control circuitry <NUM> receives the oil bar command from user input circuitry <NUM> and/or from position sensor <NUM> and provides orientation instructions to display circuitry <NUM>. Based on the orientation instructions, the orientation of the visual output provided by display circuitry <NUM> is modified such that the visual output is readable by the user with handheld meter <NUM> mounted on oil bar <NUM>. In one example, display circuitry <NUM> rotates the visual output <NUM>-degrees.

In addition to rotating the visual orientation, control circuitry <NUM> can modify the functionality of the buttons of input <NUM> such that the orientation of the visual output is reflected in the functionality of the buttons. Control circuitry <NUM> modifies the functionality of the buttons of input <NUM> such that commands provided at each button are related to the desired relative direction on the visual output. For example, where input <NUM> is configured such that the button orientations are related to the standard, upright display orientation, control circuitry <NUM> is configured to invert the "up" and "down" buttons in addition to inverting the visual output provided by display <NUM>. As such, the "up" button becomes the "down" button and the "down" button becomes the "up" button. As such, the commands input by the user are provided the desired directional control on visual output with handheld meter <NUM> mounted in the inverted position on oil bar <NUM>. Control circuitry <NUM> can also invert the left and right buttons to correctly associate "left" and "right" with the inverted screen orientation. In other examples, input <NUM> is configured such that the button orientations are related to a relative direction on screen. In such an example, control circuitry <NUM> does not invert the commands from input <NUM>, as the relative direction of the buttons to display <NUM> remains the same, even though the visual output is inverted. Control circuitry <NUM> thus inverts the visual output provided by display circuitry <NUM> and can modify the functionality of the buttons to ensure that the visual output is readable with handheld meter <NUM> in the inverted position, and to ensure that button commands are related to the desired relative direction on the visual output.

With the visual output of display screen <NUM> inverted, display screen <NUM> is readable by the user with handheld meter <NUM> mounted on oil bar <NUM>. As discussed above, display <NUM> extends through bezel housing <NUM> and is oriented at angle α (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>) relative to handle <NUM>, such that display <NUM> is tilted towards handle <NUM>. With display <NUM> at angle α, the visual orientation is angled upwards, towards the user and perpendicular to the user's line of sight. Angle α can be any desired angle for positioning display <NUM> in the user's line of sight while the user is dispensing with dispense assembly <NUM>. As such, angle α can be between <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees. In some examples, angle α is between <NUM>-degrees and <NUM>-degrees. Display <NUM> is thus in an ergonomic viewing position for the user. In addition, trigger <NUM> is mounted above both display <NUM> and fluid outlet <NUM>, which positions trigger <NUM> in an ergonomic position that allows the user to easily and simultaneously view display <NUM> and manipulate trigger <NUM>.

Control circuitry <NUM> is described as inverting the visual output of display circuitry <NUM> and/or the functionality of the buttons of input <NUM> to prepare handheld fluid meter <NUM> for use on oil bar <NUM>. It is understood, however, that the oil bar command is not limited to use of handheld fluid meter <NUM> on oil bar <NUM>. For example, in automotive shops handheld fluid meters <NUM> can hang from a hose reel mounted on the ceiling. While hanging, the handheld fluid meter <NUM> is in the inverted position. Control circuitry <NUM> can modify the orientation of the visual output and the button functionality whenever handheld fluid meter <NUM> is in the inverted position, such as based on information received from position sensor <NUM>. As such, the user is able to easily and quickly view the visual output whenever handheld fluid meter <NUM> is in the inverted position.

Dispense assembly <NUM> and meter controller <NUM> provide significant advantages. Mounting handheld meter <NUM> in the inverted position orients display <NUM> in an ergonomic position for the user. Mounting handheld meter <NUM> in the inverted position also reduces the number of parts and eliminates complicated plumbing previously required to make handheld meters suitable for use on oil bar <NUM>. Dispense assembly <NUM> including handheld meter <NUM> reduces the required inventory in a shop as a special PN meter is not required for oil bar <NUM> applications. Control circuitry <NUM> modifies the orientation of visual output such that the visual output is easily readable with handheld meter <NUM> in the inverted position. Control circuitry <NUM> also modifies the functionality of the buttons of input <NUM> such that the button orientation is associated with the visual orientation, which allows the user to easily and intuitively control of handheld meter <NUM>. Control circuitry <NUM> modifying the visual output based on information received from position sensor <NUM> ensures that the visual output is properly oriented whenever handheld fluid meter <NUM> is in an inverted position, without requiring user input.

Claim 1:
A handheld fluid meter for use in an oil bar, the handheld meter (<NUM>) comprising:
a meter body (<NUM>) comprising:
a handle (<NUM>);
a fluid inlet (<NUM>) extending into the handle (<NUM>);
a fluid outlet (<NUM>) extending out of an end of the meter body (<NUM>) opposite the handle (<NUM>);
a trigger (<NUM>) configured to be manually displaced to control a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet (<NUM>) and the fluid outlet (<NUM>);
a bezel housing (<NUM>) mounted on the meter body (<NUM>), the bezel housing (<NUM>) including a display opening;
a display screen (<NUM>) fixedly mounted within the display opening;
a user input (<NUM>) fixedly mounted on the bezel housing (<NUM>), the user input (<NUM>) including a plurality of buttons;
characterised in:
display circuitry (<NUM>) configured to provide a visual output at the display screen (<NUM>) in a plurality of orientations;
user input circuitry (<NUM>) configured to receive inputs from a user via the plurality of buttons to modify the visual output of the display screen (<NUM>); and
control circuitry (<NUM>) connected to communicate with the display circuitry (<NUM>) and the user input circuitry (<NUM>), the control circuitry (<NUM>) configured to receive an input regarding a desired orientation of the visual output from the user input circuitry and to provide instructions to the display circuitry (<NUM>) to modify the orientation of the visual output.