Patent Description:
<CIT> discloses a system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale. The system also has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed. <CIT> discloses a beverage dispense apparatus having one or more outlets for fluids to be dispensed, a fluid supply line for each fluid, each outlet being governed by a valve, and a valve actuator to open and close each valve. A flow sensor is positioned in each fluid supply line and connected to a control which controls the opening of its respective valve on receiving a start signal and actuates closing of the valve when the pre-determined amount of fluid flow has been achieved. <CIT> discloses a beverage supply device which can cool cooling water in a water tank provided with a beverage cooling pipe by use of a cooling unit using a refrigerant having little influence on global environment, a beverage dispenser is provided with the beverage cooling pipe disposed in the water tank to store cooling water, the water tank being cooled by an evaporation pipe, the beverage dispenser passes syrup, diluting water, and carbonated water as beverage ingredients through the beverage cooling pipe to extract beverage, and the beverage dispenser comprises: a cooling unit in which a compressor, a radiator, a capillary tube, the evaporation pipe and the like are connected to one another via a pipe to constitute a refrigerant circuit and which is filled with carbon dioxide as the refrigerant. <CIT> discloses a single meter blending fuel dispensing system utilizing a pair of proportional flow control valves each having a pressure transducer positioned aft of the valve flow control mechanism. A computer controller is used to program a desired fuel mixture by varying the pressure for each flow control valve. A pressure decrease in one valve produces a corresponding pressure increase in the other valve. A third pressure transducer can be situated downstream of the valves and is set such that the pressure it receives cannot exceed that of the two valve pressures. Flow meters can be substituted for the pressure sensors. A calibration method for calibrating the positive displacement meter is also disclosed. At installation the positive displacement meter is at its most accurate and is synchronized with the less accurate pressure sensors or flow meters. As time passes and the positive displacement meter wears it can be re-calibrated using the baseline data and the pressure sensors or flow meters which are not subject to mechanical wear. <CIT> discloses a liquid dispensing system wherein a flowmeter is provided for outputting pulses of a frequency synchronous with a flow rate of diluent water on a diluent water supply line. In addition, a motor-operate flow controlling valve is provided in a valve chamber communicating with an inlet and an outlet of a liquid material is provided on a syrup supply line. The beverage feeder also includes a supply control section for determining the valve based on the diluent water flow rate and the dilution ratio.

Many cleaning and sanitizing processes, whether laundering, warewashing or the like, have as a significant portion of their operating costs the expense of the formulated aqueous products they use. Furthermore, the effectiveness of most, if not all, cleaning and sanitizing processes is inextricably linked to supplying a calibrated or measured amount of a formulated aqueous product to the process. Too little product can impair the effectiveness of a cleaning and/or sanitizing process. Too much product can result in significant waste and adds unnecessary operating expenses to a business. For example, hospitality businesses such as hotels, hospitals, restaurants, and the like use liquid detergents and cleaning solutions for laundry and warewashing. These processes require proper formulation of the solutions to prevent waste and increase the effectiveness of the cleaning and sanitizing process. To achieve these objectives, many efforts have been made to calibrate, control and measure the dilution and delivery of concentrated liquid products during set-up and over the operational lifecycle of the dispenser. Current calibration and auditing techniques for a dispenser require the use of graduated liquid collection devices or scales, and multiple iterations of testing to calculate a dilution ratio to properly calibrate and audit the dispenser. These processes also often directly expose the individual conducting the calibration or audit to concentrated chemicals.

The present invention addresses these problems and provides for a method for quickly connecting a flow meter in-line to a liquid input of a dispenser for communicating liquid flow data to a controller for displaying a dilution ratio for accurately calibrating and auditing a liquid dispensing system.

In addition, the present invention addresses the real-time monitoring of liquid product dispensing, including the rate, volume, calibration and auditing of the liquid product being dispensed to insure the correct dilution ratio is consistently being achieved.

The present invention also addresses the use of real-time and historical liquid flow data, whether raw or processed, for assessing current and future use of the dispenser, liquid product effectiveness, and business decisions relating to a dispensing account.

The present invention provides a method for calibrating, auditing and controlling a liquid dispensing system as set out in the annexed claim <NUM>. A preferred method is set out in the annexed dependent claim <NUM>.

The present application discloses a hand held tool for calibrating and auditing a liquid dispensing system. The tool includes a flow meter having an inlet with a connector adapted for connecting the inlet of the flow meter in-line to one or more liquid inputs to a liquid dispensing system and a sensor having a data output of liquid flow information for a liquid input to the dispensing system. The tool includes a first flow meter having an inlet with a quick-connector adapted for connecting the inlet of the first flow meter in-line to a first liquid input, such as a liquid product, of the liquid dispensing system, and a second flow meter having an inlet with a quick-connector adapted for connecting the inlet of the second flow meter in-line to a second liquid input, such as a liquid diluent, of the liquid dispensing system and a controller operably connected to each flow meter to receive liquid flow information for a liquid input. The tool also may include dampening means, such as a bladder, a length of flexible wall tubing, and/or a check valve at the outlet of the flow meter.

In another disclosure the application refers to a liquid dispensing system. The dispensing system includes a dispenser having at least one liquid input connected in fluid communication to a liquid product and another liquid input connected in fluid communication to a liquid diluent. A flow meter is connected in fluid communication to each liquid input of the dispenser. The flow meter has a sensor with a data output of liquid flow information for each liquid input to the dispensing system. A controller is operably connected to the data output of the sensor to receive the liquid flow information for each liquid input and display a dilution ratio for the liquid product. At least one of the flow meters may include pulse dampening means to minimize in-line pressure pulses.

The present invention is a method for calibrating and auditing a liquid dispensing system. The method includes the step of taking a device in-hand having a flow meter operably connected to a controller. An inlet of the flow meter is removably connected in-line with a liquid input to the dispensing system. The dispensing system is operated and liquid flow information is acquired from the flow meter for the liquid input. The device used in the method of the present invention includes a first and second flow meter and the step of removably connecting an inlet of the first flow meter to a liquid product input and an inlet of the second flow meter to a liquid diluent input. The system is calibrated using measured liquid flow information. A dilution ratio is calculable using liquid flow information from the first and second flow meters.

The present invention is further described using the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and which:.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like parts throughout the several views, there is generally disclosed at <NUM> a hand-held tool used according to the method of the present invention for calibrating and auditing a liquid dispensing system <NUM>. The tool <NUM> includes generally a pair of flow meters operably connected to a controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> could be configured to any number of flow meters. As illustrated in <FIG>, tool <NUM> includes generally a pair of flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM>. Each flow meter assembly includes a flow meter <NUM>-<NUM>. Flow meters <NUM>-<NUM> are preferably an oval gear meter. However, it is understood that other suitable flow meters may also be utilized. Other potentially suitable types of flow meters include an orifice-square edge, orifice-conic edge, venturi, pitot tube, electromagnetic, turbine, ultrasonic-transient time, Doppler, rotometer, vortex, or coriolis flow meter. Of the oval gear meter type, flow meters <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured to acquire liquid flow information from liquid passing through the cavity <NUM>-<NUM> of the body <NUM>-<NUM> of each respective flow meter by magnetic pulse count or optical pulse count. A similar oval gear flow meter using magnetic pulse count is disclosed in Application Serial No. <CIT> and issued <CIT>. Likewise, a similar oval gear meter using optical pulse count for capturing or acquiring liquid flow information is disclosed in Application Serial No. <CIT>.

As shown, each flow meter <NUM>-<NUM> includes a body <NUM>-<NUM>. Within the body <NUM>-<NUM> of each flow meter <NUM>-<NUM> are rotors <NUM>-<NUM> as best illustrated in <FIG>. The pair of rotors <NUM>-<NUM> are positioned between the inlet <NUM> and outlet <NUM>. Within the flow meter body <NUM> and created between each rotor <NUM>-<NUM> are compartments <NUM> configured to trap a very precise volume of fluid between the outer oval shape of rotors <NUM>-<NUM> and the inner chamber wall of the flow meter body <NUM>. The trapping of a precise volume of liquid in the compartment <NUM> allows flow meter <NUM> to operate as a positive displacement flow meter. The flow meter operates by repeatedly filling and emptying compartment <NUM> of a known volume of a liquid. The flowrate is then calculated based on the number of times these compartments <NUM> are filled and emptied. The design of the oval gear flow meter <NUM>, as previously described, allows the oval shaped gear-toothed rotors <NUM>-<NUM> to rotate within the flow meter body <NUM> having a specified geometry. As these rotors <NUM>-<NUM> turn, they sweep out and trap a very precise volume of fluid between the outer oval shape of the rotors <NUM>-<NUM> and the inner chamber walls with none of the fluid actually passing through the gear teeth. An oval gear meter is ideally suited for measurement of viscous fluids or those with varying viscosities. While the flow meter <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is preferred to be used with the method of the present invention, it is understood that other suitable flow meters may also be utilized.

Each flow meter <NUM>-<NUM> also includes a sensor <NUM>-<NUM>. Suitable sensors, whether optical or magnetic, are described in <CIT> and Application Serial No. <CIT> noted above. Sensors <NUM>-<NUM> acquire liquid flow information from the rotors <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG>. Each sensor <NUM>-<NUM> includes a connection <NUM>-<NUM> to the controller <NUM>. The connection <NUM>-<NUM> may be a wired or wireless connection. For example, controller <NUM> may include a transmitter and/or receiver for receiving liquid flow information from flow meters <NUM>-<NUM> and communicating liquid flow information to another device or intermediary data storage location. In the case where flow meters <NUM>-<NUM> require a power source, the wired connection <NUM>-<NUM> to controller <NUM> may be used to support the electrical needs of any device aboard the flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> (such as sensors <NUM>-<NUM>). A power source may also be configured into each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> for powering any electrical needs of the flow meter assembly. For example, each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> may be an "active device" electrically powered by an on-board power source such as a battery. In another embodiment, each flow meter <NUM>-<NUM> may be a passive device that is powered from a source external to the flow meter <NUM>-<NUM>, or the tool <NUM>, and thereby would not require power from another source to operate.

In the configuration shown for tool <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, liquid flow information is communicated from each flow meter <NUM>-<NUM> to controller <NUM> via wired connectors <NUM>-<NUM>. Each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> also includes fittings for quickly connecting them in-line to an existing conduit or an input line of a dispensing system. One type of quick-connect fitting is illustrated in <FIG>. Other quick-connect fittings are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or are rendered expedient by incorporation of or use of the present invention in combination with various dispensing systems. Various fittings and other quick-connectors are available commercially and suitable for use in quickly attaching and removing each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> from an "in-line" position to an "out-of-line" position relative to a conduit or other liquid carrying member of a dispensing system. For example, as shown in <FIG>, the inlet <NUM>-<NUM> and/or the outlet <NUM>-<NUM> of each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> may be configured with fittings <NUM>-<NUM>. Each fitting <NUM>-<NUM> has a first end that is inserted into the inlet <NUM>-<NUM> such as by threading the first end into the inlet. The fittings <NUM>-<NUM> also include a second end, such as a threaded end, adapted for receiving, by threads, a quick connector <NUM>-<NUM>. A liquid carrying member, such as a conduit, is inserted into the second end of fittings <NUM>-<NUM> and the quick connector <NUM>-<NUM> is threaded onto the second end. The conduit is sealed to the fitting as the quick connector <NUM>-<NUM> is threaded onto the fitting. For example, a compression seal ring may be used to seal the conduit to the fitting. These types of fittings are commonly known and commercially available. In this manner, the inlets <NUM>-<NUM> and/or outlets <NUM>-<NUM> may be quickly connected in-line with an existing liquid carrying member such as a conduit, hose, tubing or pipe of a dispensing system. Those skilled in the art can appreciate that the quick connectors or fittings being contemplated are not limited to threaded unions but may include other attachment interfaces, such as a quick coupler union, a compression fit union, a slip joint union, a gasket fit union, or any other connection union having the structure to permanently or temporarily hold cooperating attachment interfaces together, such as the inlets <NUM>-<NUM> and/or outlets <NUM>-<NUM> of each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> with a liquid carrying member, such as conduit, hose or pipe.

<FIG> and <FIG> illustrate other possible aspects that may be included with a flow meter assembly. In one aspect, one or both flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> may include a length of flexible tubing <NUM> connected at the outlet. The tubing <NUM> is preferably constructed of thin, flexible walls so as to allow in-line pressure changes, specifically back pulses, to be absorbed by the tubing to prevent or minimize the in-line pressure changes from reverse rotating the rotors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, in-line pressure changes can result from a pressure or pump source that is used to move liquid through a dispensing system. In one embodiment, the tubing <NUM> is preferably a low (e.g., <NUM>-<NUM> durometer hardness) durometer tubing of sufficient length (e.g., roughly six inches) to absorb in-line back pulses by providing minimal resistance to tube compression. The tubing <NUM> may be connected at the outlet <NUM>-<NUM> of the flow meter assembly. The opposite end of the tubing <NUM> may be connected in-line with an existing liquid carrying member such as a conduit, hose, tubing or pipe of a dispensing system using the fittings <NUM>-<NUM> and connectors <NUM>-<NUM>. Alternatively, the opposite end of the tubing <NUM> may be connected to a check valve <NUM>. The check valve <NUM> is configured to prevent liquid from flowing backwards through the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> as a result of inconsistent line pressure, such as from a back pulse. Since the check valve <NUM> is not always quick enough to entirely prevent a back pulse from reaching the meter, the tubing <NUM> further dampens what the check valve <NUM> misses. In this manner, the tubing <NUM> and check valve <NUM> work together to prevent in-line pressure inconsistencies, such as a back pulse, from reaching the meter and reverse-rotating the rotors. As best illustrated in <FIG>, one end of the check valve <NUM> may be configured with fittings <NUM>-<NUM> and connectors <NUM>-<NUM> to be connected in-line with an existing liquid carrying member such as a conduit, hose, tubing or pipe of a dispensing system. In another aspect as shown in <FIG>, the flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> may include a bladder <NUM> or a belt at the outlet of the cavity <NUM>-<NUM> to absorb inconsistent line pressures, such as a back pressure pulse. The bladder <NUM> or belt may be constructed of ultra-soft tubing (e.g., ultra-low or low durometer tubing) or a thinned membrane so that it provides minimal resistance to compression, and thereby absorbs pressure that might otherwise reverse-rotate the rotors <NUM>-<NUM>.

Controller <NUM> is operably configured to provide data storage, communication and processing. Data in the form of liquid flow information is received from each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM>. The liquid flow information is preferably reported to the controller <NUM> from each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> in units such as a volume per unit of time (i.e., volumetric flow). Given that each dispensing system has both liquid inputs and liquid outputs with varying liquid flowrates, each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> may be specifically configured for a measuring a certain volumetric flowrate. This includes measuring flow rate, total consumption, and other parameters associated with any liquid or liquidized flow. Any of the aforementioned measurements may also be electronically date time stamped for purposes of analyzing measurements. For example, a high volume flow meter may be used to connect in-line to the liquid diluent line of a dispenser whereas a lower volume flow meter may be used to connect in-line to the liquid product line of a dispensing system.

The controller <NUM> is also preferably configured to identify the type of flow meter (e.g., flowrate for the meter) connected to the controller <NUM>. In one embodiment, connectors <NUM>-<NUM> are configured with a pin-out having a specific number of pin connectors depending upon the type of flow meter being connected to the controller <NUM>. Alternatively, connectors <NUM>-<NUM> may have a different configuration for the pin-out. For example, a connector with <NUM> pins could only have two wires. Wires going to pins <NUM> and <NUM> would be a different flow meter than the one with wires going to pins <NUM> and <NUM>, or <NUM> and <NUM>, etc. Altering the configuration of the wired pins enables one common connector to be used to differentiate between multiple size gear meters. Thus, depending upon the number of pins in the pin-out, the controller automatically recognizes the type of meter and its flowrate and sensitivity parameters. Auto recognition of the type of flow meter, flowrate and sensitivity parameters for the flow meter may be used to tag liquid flow information received from each of the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> at controller <NUM>.

The controller <NUM> also includes a display <NUM> with controls <NUM>. The display <NUM>, such as an LCD, is configured to apprise the operator of at least such information as the flowrate for each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> and the dilution ratio for a liquid product flowing through one of the meters. Through the display <NUM> a user may also be apprised of the flowrate for the liquid diluent or product flowing through each meter <NUM>-<NUM>. Inputs from a user are received through controls <NUM> for controlling information provided on display <NUM>, data processing and data storage protocol and procedures. Controls <NUM> may also be provided for managing transfer of liquid flow information from the controller <NUM> or pair of flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> to other electronic devices, such as a PC. The controller <NUM> is preferably also configured with a processor <NUM> operably connected to a data store <NUM> and a data link <NUM>. Liquid flow information received from the pair of flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> may be saved in the data store <NUM> along with date time stamp information for the recorded data. The liquid flow information may also be processed by processor <NUM> to provide and display information to the operator via display <NUM>. Liquid flow information in the data store <NUM> or processed by processor <NUM> may be communicated to another device or location for further inspection, study or processing using data link <NUM>. Data link <NUM> may include a transmitter and a receiver for transmitting data and receiving data from another electronic device or network. Acquired liquid flow information may be communicated in real-time to permit real-time monitoring of a dispensing system or account. For example, liquid flow information acquired by the flow meters <NUM>-<NUM> for a dispensing system or account may be communicated back to business providing the dispensing equipment and product to the account to control, monitor, audit, calibrate, and assess the account in real-time. Such information may then be used to service, calibrate, repair and/or upgrade the equipment, as well as monitor the use of product. This information may also be shared with the business using the dispensing equipment and product to make decisions regarding the same. Data link <NUM> may also include a connector such as a USB port for connecting controller <NUM> to another electronic device via a USB cable or other data carrier. The controller <NUM> may include one or more electro-chemical cells such as a depletable or rechargeable battery cell for powering the electronics aboard the controller. The tool <NUM> is configured so that the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> and the controller <NUM> with connectors <NUM>-<NUM> can be operably stored within a carrying case to allow the tool <NUM> to be totally portable between liquid dispensing accounts. The present invention contemplates that device <NUM> can be also a PC (for example, a tablet PC, a notebook or even desktop PC) or a smartphone having a device-specific program or application. In such a configuration, the sensors <NUM>-<NUM> can be equipped with a microcontroller to convert sensor data to a digital data to transfer it to a PC, using, for example USB ports, or wireless transmission. The PC can have corresponding software to transform the data acquired from the sensors to a flowrate and a dilution ratio data and present them on the PC screen.

Existing liquid dispensing systems, such as dispensing system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>, all include one or more liquid inputs to a dispenser. The liquid inputs to the dispenser generally range from varying liquid product types that may or may not be diluted by a liquid diluent input to the dispenser. Existing devices, systems and methods for verifying the accuracy of the dispenser, such as the dilution rate of a liquid product, currently require a lot of resources and time for calibrating and performing continuing audits of the dispensing system over time. The tool <NUM> used in the method of the present invention is ideally suited for quickly connecting in-line with conduit or tubing, including an existing device or feature of a dispenser, for performing a quick calibration and performing continuing audits of the dispenser over time. The tool <NUM> is also ideally suited for semi-permanent or permanent installation into a dispensing system. Numerous types of dispensing systems currently exist and are contemplated herein. For example, aspirated dispensers provide a means for dispensing liquid inputs to an end use process such as an appliance. Further details and written description of the various features, functions and structure of an aspirating dispensing system are disclosed in Application Serial No. <CIT>. Other dispensers are also contemplated. For example, dispensers configured to dispense based on weight, flow, unit volume or unit count are contemplated as a type of dispensing system that tool <NUM> could be used to provide calibration, monitoring and on-going audits of the dispenser over time. For example, the tool <NUM> used in the method of the present invention could be used to monitor, calibrate and audit a dispensing system that breaks down a solid to a liquid product, dilutes a concentrate to a liquid product, dissolves a tablet to a liquid product, or dispenses a liquid product directly from a source. The tool <NUM> used in the method of the present invention is a portable device and may be integrated into an existing or contemplated dispensing system as described above. <FIG> illustrates the tool <NUM> shown in <FIG> being integrated into the dispensing system <NUM>. The tool <NUM> shown in <FIG> could also be integrated into the dispensing system <NUM> shown in <FIG>. <FIG> illustrate tool <NUM> shown in <FIG>respectively being used as a portable device for calibrating and auditing the dispensing system <NUM>.

The dispensing system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> includes a dispenser <NUM>. The dispenser <NUM> includes four solenoid valves <NUM>-<NUM> (solenoid valve <NUM> not shown). The dispenser <NUM> also includes several liquid inputs. For example, the dispenser <NUM> may include four liquid product inlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> (product inlet ports <NUM> and <NUM> are not shown). Each product inlet port <NUM>-<NUM> of dispenser <NUM> is connected in fluid communication to a liquid product source such as a liquid product container <NUM>-<NUM> (liquid product container <NUM> and <NUM> not shown). Each liquid product inlet port <NUM>-<NUM> of dispenser <NUM> is connected in fluid communication to liquid product containers <NUM>-<NUM> via a liquid product conduit <NUM>-<NUM> (liquid product conduit <NUM> and <NUM> not shown). Flow meter assembly <NUM> is connected in-line to liquid product conduit <NUM>. Flow meter assembly <NUM> is also connected to controller <NUM> by connection <NUM>.

Water or other suitable diluents provided by a water or diluent source <NUM>, is delivered under a source pressure by a suitable pressure to a water intake conduit <NUM>. The source pressure is typically from <NUM> psi to <NUM> psi. A suitable water solenoid <NUM> is placed in the flow path of conduit <NUM> and may be utilized to open and close the flow of the water through the conduit. The intake conduit <NUM> may be connected in fluid communication to an inlet <NUM> of a boost pump <NUM>. The boost pump <NUM> may be used to raise the pressure of the water or diluent from the source pressure to a suitable elevated pressure. The outlet <NUM> of the boost pump is connected in fluid communication to the inlet <NUM> of dispenser <NUM> via conduit <NUM> with an anti-siphon valve <NUM> typically positioned in-line in the flow path of conduit <NUM>. Flow meter assembly <NUM> is also positioned in-line in the flow path of conduit <NUM> as shown. Flow meter assembly <NUM> is connected to controller <NUM> via connection <NUM>. Solenoid valve <NUM> is activated to allow water or the diluent to flow at the source pressure to the boost pump where it may then be elevated in pressure and enters the dispenser <NUM>. In the case where dispenser <NUM> is an aspirating dispenser, the inlet <NUM> is connected in fluid communication to a passageway (not shown) within the dispenser <NUM>. Product inlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> (and two not shown) are moved into fluid communication with the passageway (not shown) within the dispenser <NUM> by activation of solenoid valves <NUM>-<NUM> (solenoid valve <NUM> not shown). The dispenser <NUM> includes an outlet port <NUM> connected in fluid communication to the passageway. The dispenser <NUM> includes four liquid product conduits <NUM>-<NUM> (liquid product conduits <NUM> and <NUM> are not shown) operably connected to each of the product inlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> (and two not shown). Further details and written description describing the various features, functions and structure of the dispenser, in the case where dispenser <NUM> comprises an aspirating dispenser, are further described in Application Serial No. <CIT> discussed above.

In one leg of the dispenser <NUM> liquid product <NUM> from liquid product container <NUM> may be provided to dispenser <NUM> via liquid product conduit <NUM> using a peristaltic pump <NUM>. The peristaltic pump <NUM> (p-pump) includes an inlet <NUM> connected in fluid communication to the liquid product container <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> connected in fluid communication with a product inlet port <NUM> of dispenser <NUM>. Optionally, a flow meter assembly identical to flow meter assembly <NUM> or <NUM> may be configured in-line to the flow path of liquid product conduit <NUM>. Recognizing that p-pumps have a tendency to create a back pulse in the conduit <NUM> upon initial compression of the tubing in the pump, the flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> may be connected in-line to conduit <NUM> to prevent the back pulse from reaching and counter-rotating the rotors in the flow meter. As discussed above, the tubing <NUM> and check valve <NUM> on the downstream side of the meter mitigate the back pulse by minimizing or preventing back flow using the check valve <NUM> and absorbing the back pulse using the tubing <NUM>. The present invention further contemplates that a flow meter assembly may be configured in the liquid flow path of any liquid input to the dispenser <NUM> and connected to controller <NUM>. Regardless of the type of liquid input or how the liquid product is processed or dispensed, flow meter assemblies may be positioned in-line with the flow path of each liquid input to the dispenser <NUM>. Each flow meter assembly would be connected to controller <NUM> by connectors, such as by wired connectors <NUM> and <NUM>. Additionally, each flow meter assembly may be configured with the optimal flowrate sensitivity depending upon the liquid input being monitored. For example, a flow meter having an appropriate flowrate sensitivity may be placed in-line to conduit <NUM> for measuring the volumetric flow of liquid diluent passing through conduit <NUM> into dispenser <NUM>. Similarly, a flow meter assembly having an appropriate flow meter sensitivity may be placed in-line to the liquid product conduit <NUM>, or other liquid input to dispenser <NUM>, for measuring the volumetric flow of liquid product <NUM> from liquid product container <NUM> into dispenser <NUM>.

During the initial setup and on-going operation of dispensing system <NUM>, liquid flow information communicated from each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> to controller <NUM> allows the installer or technician to verify that the correct amount of liquid product <NUM> and <NUM> is being dispensed relative to the liquid diluent (e.g., the dilution ratio). During a liquid product dispensing event, liquid flow information (e.g., the volumetric flow rate) is communicated from each sensor <NUM>-<NUM> of each flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> and any optional flow meter assemblies connected to controller <NUM>. During a dispensing event, solenoid valve <NUM> opens to allow liquid diluent to pass through conduit <NUM> to dispenser <NUM>. Flow meter assembly <NUM> monitors the flowrate of liquid diluent passing through conduit <NUM>. The liquid flow information, or volumetric flow of the liquid diluent, is communicated from the flow meter assembly <NUM> to controller <NUM> via connector <NUM>. Communication of liquid flow data may be accomplished using either wired or wireless connections. Likewise, liquid product <NUM> is drawn from liquid product container <NUM> into dispenser, and both are dispensed through outlet conduit <NUM> to an end use application such as a warewashing or laundry appliance. The processor aboard the controller <NUM> uses the liquid flow data from both flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> to calculate a dilution ratio for the liquid product being dispensed to the end-use application. Additional data, such as flow rate, total consumption, ounce/gallon readings, may also be acquired from the liquid flow information measured by the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM>. Date time stamps may also be applied to data upon acquisition.

The controller <NUM> may also be connected in operable communication with the dispenser <NUM> and/or peristaltic pump <NUM> for altering the rate at which liquid product <NUM> and <NUM> are dispensed from dispenser <NUM>. Using controller <NUM>, the amount of liquid product being dispensed may be increased or decreased to ensure that the use solution or mixed solution dispensed via outlet conduit <NUM> to an end use application is being dispensed at the correct concentration or dilution ratio. Real-time monitoring of the dilution ratio may be provided on the display <NUM> of controller <NUM>. Thus, the controller <NUM> may monitor, process and store liquid flow information received from each of the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM>, and any additional flow meter assemblies connected to a liquid input leg of the dispenser, for calibrating and providing on-going audits of the dispensing system <NUM>. Liquid flow information or data acquired from each of the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> (and others not shown), whether processed or raw, may be stored aboard the controller <NUM> in a data store <NUM> for subsequent download to a PC or other electronic device. Liquid flow information may also be date time stamped viewed in real-time or stored for subsequent analysis. Furthermore, controller may include a link for uploading liquid flow information to a network or other system for real-time or post monitoring of the behavior of the dispensing system <NUM> by a company or technician. The controller <NUM> is also able to alert or provide notifications via display <NUM>, or a network or other connection to allow an operator, user or technician to be apprised of the operating status of the dispensing system <NUM>. For example, if the dilution ratio of a liquid product falls outside of the tolerable dilution ratio for that specific liquid product, the controller <NUM> may be configured to apprise the operator, user or technician of the malfunction and the subsequent need for service. This historical information or liquid flow data may be saved in a data store <NUM> aboard the controller <NUM> for subsequent evaluation or use in making business decisions relating to the dispensing system <NUM> or the dispensing account. Using the controls <NUM> of controller <NUM>, a user, operator or technician may gain access to liquid flow data acquired by each of the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> (and those not shown). Through the controls <NUM> aboard controller <NUM>, a user, operator or technician may alter the amount of the liquid input relative to the liquid diluent to adjust or alter the dilution ratio. In another aspect of the invention, the controller <NUM> may be undocked from the dispensing system and connected via a wire or wireless connection to a PC or other electronic device for downloading, saving or uploading liquid flow information from the flow meter assemblies <NUM>-<NUM> (and others not shown) for subsequent evaluation, and use in making business decisions relating to the dispenser, dilution ratio of the liquid product or the type of liquid product being used. In the case of connection to a pump dosed product (such as a p-pump, diaphragm pump, piston pump, gear pump, etc.), the controller may also be configured to auto calibrate on start up and auto control while running. A technician may use the real-time feedback to dial in the correct dilution rate during calibration/audit. Alternatively, by auto-control, or manual control by operator input, the controller <NUM> may use the real time feedback to adjust the dispenser to achieve the desired dilution rate.

<FIG> are schematic representations of the device applied in the method of the present invention used in a commercial laundry system. A laundry system is one type of commercial application the method of the present invention is used for. Other commercial applications such as a warewashing system or an on-site formulator are also contemplated. As previously discussed, the tool <NUM> is used as a portable device for monitoring, calibrating and auditing liquid dispensing systems on an on-going basis. <FIG> illustrate the use of tool <NUM> shown in <FIG> respectively to monitor, calibrate and audit dispensing system <NUM>. For example, tool <NUM> may be used during the initial installation of dispensing system <NUM> to calibrate each of the liquid inputs to the dispenser <NUM> to ensure that each input is being dispensed to the end use application at the correct dilution ratio. Like the dispensing system shown in <FIG>, the dispensing system shown in <FIG>includes a dispenser <NUM> having product inlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> (product inlet port <NUM> not shown). The product inlet ports <NUM>-<NUM> are connected to liquid product containers <NUM>-<NUM> via liquid products conduits <NUM>-<NUM>. Each liquid product container <NUM>-<NUM> houses a liquid product <NUM>-<NUM>. Each liquid product <NUM>-<NUM> constitutes a liquid input to the dispenser <NUM>. A flow meter assembly <NUM> or <NUM> may be placed in-line to the flow path of a liquid product conduit <NUM>-<NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, in the case where product in the liquid product conduit <NUM>-<NUM>, liquid in the liquid conduit <NUM> or liquid and/or product in the outlet conduit <NUM> experiences pressure pulses, and specifically back pulses, the flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> or FIG. 1C may be used to mitigate or prevent the back pulse from reaching and causing the rotors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> to reverse rotate. As discussed above, the tubing <NUM> and check valve <NUM> on the downstream side of the meter mitigate the back pulse by minimizing or preventing back flow using the check valve <NUM> and absorbing the back pulse using the tubing <NUM>. In the case of the meter shown in FIG. 1C, which may be used alone or in combination with a check valve, the bladder <NUM> absorbs the back pulse to prevent it from counter rotating the rotors and providing a false reading. For example, a p-pump <NUM> has a tendency to create back a pressure pulse each time the tube in the pump is compressed. This back pressure pulse, if allowed to counter rotate the rotors of the meter, would result in the flow meter producing an inaccurate reading. In the case where line pressures are generally consistent or constant, the flow meter assembly <NUM>-<NUM> shown in <FIG> may be used to acquire liquid flow information.

A suitable controller <NUM> provides a low voltage connection to the solenoid valves <NUM>-<NUM> (solenoid valve <NUM> not shown) and p-pump <NUM> through an electrical connection <NUM>. The controller <NUM> receives a signal via connection <NUM> from the appliance <NUM>, such as a laundry machine. The outlet conduit <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> is connected in fluid communication to the appliance <NUM> to dispense a solution to the appliance. The appliance <NUM> sends a signal to controller <NUM>. Based on the desired liquid product being requested by the appliance <NUM>, an instruction is sent from the controller <NUM> through electrical connection <NUM> to actuate one of the solenoid valves <NUM>-<NUM>. The requested liquid product <NUM>-<NUM> is drawn from a liquid product container <NUM>-<NUM> and through a liquid product conduit <NUM>-<NUM> into dispenser <NUM>. The present invention also contemplates that the controller <NUM> could be configured to pulse a solenoid valve <NUM>-<NUM> connected to dispenser <NUM> to control the dilution rate. Varying the pulse rate can vary the end use dilution concentration. The liquid product and liquid diluent received from the liquid diluent source <NUM> is dispensed through an outlet port of the dispenser <NUM> into the appliance <NUM> via outlet conduit <NUM>. Although dispensing system <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>illustrates the features of a particular dispensing system, such as an aspirated dispensing system, the tool <NUM> used in the method of the present invention contemplates use with any type of dispensing system. For example, the tool <NUM> could be used to monitor, calibrate and audit, on an on-going basis, any type of dispensing system where liquid inputs to the dispensing system are dispensed to an end use application and there exists a desire to control a dilution ratio or concentration for a liquid input being dispensed to the end use application. The tool <NUM> could also be used to monitor, calibrate and audit, on an on-going basis and in real-time, any dispensing parameter extractable from the liquid flow information acquired by the flow meters <NUM>-<NUM> connected in-line to a liquid carrying member of the dispensing system. As discussed above, the liquid flow information could include the flow rate, total amount dispensed, total amount consumed, date and time of the readings, etc. The liquid flow information could be used by controller <NUM> to control and provide input to controller <NUM> operating the dispensing system <NUM>. For example, tool <NUM> could be used to audit each dispensing event. The liquid flow information could be used by controller <NUM> to verify that the dispensing system <NUM> is operating properly, and if not, the liquid flow information could be used for making real-time corrections to each dispensing event until the event matches the system's desired operating parameters. Additionally, the liquid flow information could be recorded and used by an on or off-site user, operator or technician to monitor and make adjustments to the controller <NUM> and/or dispensing system <NUM> as needed.

Claim 1:
A method for calibrating, auditing and controlling a liquid dispensing system (<NUM>), comprising:
taking a portable device (<NUM>) in hand having a flow meter (<NUM>; <NUM>) and a hand-held controller (<NUM>), the flow meter (<NUM>; <NUM>) being operably connected to the hand-held controller (<NUM>);
removably connecting an inlet (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the flow meter (<NUM>; <NUM>) in-line with a liquid input to the dispensing system (<NUM>);
operating the dispensing system (<NUM>); and
acquiring liquid flow information from the flow meter for the liquid input;
wherein the portable device (<NUM>) comprises a first and second flow meter (<NUM>, <NUM>) and the step of removably connecting:
a. the inlet (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the first flow meter (<NUM>; <NUM>) to a liquid product input; and
b. the inlet (<NUM>; <NUM>) of the second flow meter (<NUM>; <NUM>) to a liquid diluent input;
wherein
the inlet of the first flow meter has a quick-connector adapted for connecting the inlet of the first flow meter in-line to a first liquid input of the liquid dispensing system; and
the inlet of the second flow meter has a quick-connector adapted for connecting the inlet of the second flow meter in-line to a second liquid input of the liquid dispensing system;
further comprising
the step of calculating a dilution rate using liquid flow information from first and second flow meters (<NUM>, <NUM>), and
the step of calibrating the liquid dispensing system (<NUM>) based upon the measured liquid flow information.