US3601285A

US3601285A - Method and system for dispensing metered amounts of fluid substances from bulk containers

Info

Publication number: US3601285A
Application number: US824595A
Authority: US
Inventors: Asa L Leger; Lee R Mcelhaney; Jack D Nesmith
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1969-05-14
Filing date: 1969-05-14
Publication date: 1971-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 1988-08-24

Abstract

A metered fluid-pumping system includes an upright support which may be selectively raised or lowered between two extreme positions. An air-operated pump is attached to the upper portion of the support and is adapted to be lowered within an open-topped bulk fluid container. A flexible hose is attached to the output of the pump to enable selective dispensing of metered amounts of fluid from the bulk container. Structure is provided to meter selected amounts of fluid pumped from the container according to a preselected stored count and then to automatically shut off the pump. Structure is also provided which continuously senses the level of the fluid within the bulk container while providing a nonimpinging wiping action on the interior walls of the bulk container, and then automatically shuts the pump off when the fluid is substantially exhausted from the container without losing the stored count.

Description

United States Patent [54] METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING METERED AMOUNTS OF FLUID SUBSTANCES FROM BULK CONTAINERS 8 Claims, 8 Drawing Figs.

[52] 1.1.8. Cl 222/20, 222/66, 222/334 [51] Int. Cl 867d 5/30 [50] Field of Search 222/326,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,874,025 8/1932 Clapp 222/66 x 2,221,763 11/1940 Ginter..... 222/261 2,280,708 4/1942 Klein et al... 222/261 2,394,486 2/1946 Rotter et al 222/261 Primary Examiner- Robert B. Reeves Assistant Examiner-John P, Shannon, Jr. An0rneyRichards, Harris & Hubbard ABSTRACT: A metered fluid-pumping system includes an upright support which may be selectively raised or lowered between two extreme positions. An air-operated pump is attached to the upper portion of the support and is adapted to be lowered within an open-topped bulk fluid container. A flexible hose is attached to the output of the pump to enable selective dispensing of metered amounts of fluid from the bulk container. Structure is provided to meter selected amounts of fluid pumped from the container according to a preselected stored count and then to automatically shut off the pump Structure is also provided which continuously senses the level of the fluid within the bulk container while providing a nonimpinging wiping action on the interior walls of the bulk container, and then automatically shuts the pump off when the fluid is substantially exhausted from the container without losing the stored count.

INVENTORS ASA L. LEGER LEE R. M ELHANEY JACK D. N SMITH ATTORNEY PATENTEU M1824 [9n 3601.285

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LEE R. M ELHANEY JACK D. N SMITH ATTORNEY METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING METERED AMOUNTS OF FLUID SUBSTANCES FROM BULK CONTAINERS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to fluid and semifluid dispensing, and more particularly to a sanitary method and apparatus for selectively dispensing metered amounts of food products from bulk containers.

THE PRIOR ART It is often necessary to dispense metered amounts of liquid hygienic products from large bulk containers into smaller batches, hoppers or the like. For instance, in restaurant chains, salad product manufacturers, food processors, and other food-handling establishments, it is necessary to dispense accurately metered amounts of liquids and semiliquid food substances such as mayonnaise, salad dressings, mustard, catsup, sausage, liquid cheese, liquid margarine, jellies, fruit fillings, and the like from large cylindrical bulk-shipping containers into mixing hoppers. During such food product dispensing, it is important that the food product not be subjected to severe pumping action in order to prevent product breakdown, such as separation of oil and egg suspension in the case of the dispensing of mayonnaise. In addition to food sub stances, it is often desirable to pump metered amounts of other liquid or semiliquid substances such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics from bulk containers into a plurality of smaller retail size containers.

Sanitary vane meter-type pumps have previously been developed for fluid pumping, but have been too expensive for many commercial uses. Pumps have also heretofore been developed which may be attached to the upper rim of an open bulk-shipping drum and operated by pressurized air in order to pump a liquid from the drum through an elongated flexible dispensing hose. However, such previously developed pumps have not been completely satisfactory with respect to clcanliness and have generally required that the operator physically lift the pump into and out of the bulk-shipping containers, thereby imposing physical strain upon the operator as well as subjecting the pump to the danger of physical damage, Moreover, once installed, many previously developed hygienic fluid pumps have required that the operator guess or estimate the amount of fluid pumped from the container. In the case of recipes requiring accurate measurement of ingredients, such guesswork often results in improper mixtures, as well as creating product waste. Also, with the use of previous pump systems, it has been diflicult to completely empty bulk-shipping containers, and substantial amounts of the product have been left on the interior sides and bottoms of the containers because some fluids cavitate, or channel, and do not flow and seek their own level.

SUMMARY OFTHE INVENTION In accordance with the present method and apparatus invention, a fluid-dispensing system is provided wherein a pump is operable to pump and dispense fluid from a bulk container. The operation of the pump is automatically terminated when a preselected amount of fluid has been dispensed, or when the container is emptied.

In another aspect of the invention, a metered fluiddispensing system is provided wherein a support structure may be selectively elevated or lowered into position adjacent a fluid container. A pump is connected to the support structure in order to be disposed within the fluid container and includes dispensing structure for selectively dispensing of the fluid pumped from the container. Structure connected to the pump is selectively operable in order to control the amount of fluid pumped according to preset batch commands. Structure is also provided for continuously sensing the level of the fluid within the container in order to terminate the operation of the pump when the fluid container is substantially emptied, without losing the present batch commands.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fluiddispensing system includes a pedestal which supports an elongated upright member having an extension member selectively vertically movable relative to the upright member under the control of pressurized fluid. A pump is connected to the extension member in order to be selectively raised above and lowered within a bulk fluid container. Circuitry is provided for comparing the amount of fluid pumped against a preselected fluid amount, and for shutting off operation of the pump when the preselected amount has been dispensed. Additionally, structure is provided for detecting the level of the fluid within the container and for shutting off the pump when the fluid is substantially depleted within the container. A diffusing struc ture is provided on the pump in order to facilitate removal of the fluid from within the container, and structure is provided for removing the fluid from the interior walls of the container during operation of the system.

THE DRAWINGS For a more complete understanding of the invention and for further objects and advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the system in operation;

FIG. 2 is a somewhat diagrammatic sectional view of a portion ofthe system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the system shown in FIG. 1 in an elevated position;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a for use with the present system;

FIG. 5 is a somewhat diagrammatic section taken through the instrument casing of the system shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of the electrical circuit of the system shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic view of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the level sensing structure of the invention.

present fluid-dispensing typical air-operated pump the pressurized airflow of DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. I, the present fluid-dispensing system is designated generally by the numeral I0. An upright support member I2 is supported by a pedestal I4 and slidably supports a vertical extension member 16. A pair of support arms 18a b are rigidly connected to the extension member 16. A pair of brackets I9 are attached across arms 18a b to firmly support an air-operated pump 20. A stroke adjuster unit 2] enables selective control of the pumping stroke exerted by the pump 20 so that the system may be adjusted for use with various types of liquids. A pump intake extension 22 extends within a bulk-shipping container 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the container 24 comprises a cylindrical, open mouth barrel-type bulk container which contains a flexible plastic, typically polyethylene, bag 26 filled with a liquid product. An upper portion of the plastic bag is pulled over the upper rim of the container 24 in the manner illustrated to expose the fluid product.

A cover 28 is attached to the pump 20 and fits over the upper edge of the container 24 to maintain sanitary conditions during dispensing of the fluid, and also to properly position the intake extension 22 of the pump within the container 24.

A flexible dispensing hose 32 is connected to the output port 34 of the pump 20 and includes a dispensing nozzle 36. Hose 32 may be selectively held by an operator, in the manner shown, in order to dispense metered amounts of the fluid from the bulk container 24 into a remote mixing hopper 38, or to any other suitable container. A watertight cabinet 40 is attached to the extension member I6 and includes an off-on switch 42, a batch button switch 44, a regulated air gauge 46 and an elevator push-pull valve 48. Cabinet 40 is watertight so that the entire system may be washed down with water and the like in order to maintain sanitary conditions. A suitable watertight cabinet for use with the invention is the NEMA l2 Cabinet manufactured and sold by EM. Wiegmann & Co., Inc. of Freeburg, Illinois. The switch controls on the cabinet 40 may be selectively operated by the operator, in the manner to be subsequently described in detail, to provide preset amounts of fluid via the dispensing hose 32.

The present pump system is constructed according to a sanitary design concept for use with food products under USDA specifications. No threaded structure is in contact with the food product being pumped. The majority of the parts of the system are made from stainless steel and the dispensing hose is made from approved plastic material. All parts of the invention are easily removable for cleaning and maintenance. The watertight nature of the system allows it to be fully washed down with hot water or the like after use.

A level-sensing plate 50 is concentrically disposed about the pump intake extension 22 and is vertically slidable along the length thereof. Plate 50 is rigidly connected to rods 520-1: which slidably extend through apertures in the cover 28 and are slidably received within holes in the brackets [9. Plate 50 rides on the upper surface of the fluid within the container 24 to continuously monitor the level of the fluid. As will be later described, the rods 520 b control the actuation of a microswitch which shuts off the pump 20 when the plate 50 reaches the bottom of the container 24. Additionally, the plate 50, in combination with the slight vibration imparted by the pump 20, tends to clean the interior walls of the container 24 during its downward travel.

FIG. 2 somewhat diagrammatically illustrates the pumping action of the fluid pump 20. When the cover 28 is properly positioned on the open upper end of the bulk container 24, the pump intake extension 22 is properly positioned near the bottom of the container 24. A diffuser plate 56 is attached to the intake extension 22 in order to facilitate removal of the fluid from within the container 24. When the pump in energized, fluid from within the container 24 is sucked around the outer edges of the diffuser plate 56 and upwardly through the interi or of the intake extension 22, and out the outlet port 34 to the dispenser hose 32. The diffuser plate 56 eliminates channeling," or the formation of an inverted cone by the fluid within the container, which tends to occur when relatively thick fluids are pumped without the use of the diffuser plate 56.

As previously noted, the particular bulk-shipping container 24 illustrated includes a plastic bag 26 having the ends rolled over the top of the container 24. It will, however, be understood that not all bulk-shipping containers with which the present system is utilized will include such plastic bags.

Level-sensing plate 50 is shown riding on the top of the liquid 58 within the container 24. The weight of the plate 50 is chosen for use with specific liquids so as not to sink below the surface of the liquid. As the plate 50 sinks within the container 24 due to depletion of the liquid 58, rods 520 b slide lower until a microswitch is actuated in order to terminate operation of the pump 20 when the supply of liquid is exhausted within the container 24. It will be noticed that the diameter of the plate 50 is somewhat less than the inner diameter of the container 24. However, the outer edges of the plate 50 are disposed sufficiently close to the interior walls of the container 24 so as to cause a nonimpinging wiping or cleaning action as the plate 50 slides downwardly within the container 24. This wiping action occurs due to surface tension between the liquid 58, the plate 50 and the sidewalls of the container 24. The nonimpinging wiping action provided by the plate 50 is facilitated by the gentle vibration induced by the operation of the pump 20.

FIG. 3 illustrates the present dispensing system in its elevated position to allow removal of an empty bulk container and insertion of a full bulk container. Elevation of the system occurs upon operation of the push-pull valve 48, in a manner to be later described, and supplies air under pressure via a hose 60. Hose 60 is connected to a conduit extending through the extension member 16 to the support 12. The extension member 16 is telescoped over the support member 12 such that the application of air under pressure causes extension member 16 to be elevated in the manner illustrated. A stop, not shown, is provided on the extension member 16 to maintain the pump 20 in the elevated position to enable changing of the bulk container drums.

When a fresh drum has been properly placed on the pedestal 14, elevator valve 48 is again actuated and the extension member 16 slides downwardly over the support member 12. At the same time, the diffuser plate 56, the pump intake extension 22 and the level-sensing plate 50 are inserted within the bulk container 24. The cover 28 is lowered until it abuts the top of the container 24 to properly position the pump within the container, and then the pumping and dispensing operation is begun. It will be understood that as the plate 50 abuts the upper level of the fluid within the container 24, the plate 50 rides on the top of the fluid and will thus be moved upwardly adjacent the cover 28 for start of a new dispensing cycle.

For a more detailed view of a suitable air pump 20 for use with the invention, reference is made to FIG. 4. A suitable pump 20 is the air-powered fluid pump sold under the tradename Model 206-030 Series A by the Gray company, Inc., of Minneapolis Minn. However, it will be understood that various types of sanitary fluid pumps could be alternatively utilized with the invention. The preferred pump shown in FIG. 4 comprises an air motor 62 which causes reciprocation of a displacement rod 64 within a riser tube 66. An exhaust muffler 68 is provided to muffle the exhausted air. A supply of pressurized air is supplied via an air intake port 70. A fluid intake valve assembly '72 is provided in the lower end of the riser tube 66 and includes a ball valve 74 to prevent back flow of the fluid in operation of the pump, fluid is sucked upwardly through the inlet intake valve '72 and along the riser tube 66 where it is output at the outlet port 34. Further explanation of the construction and operation of the fluid pump 20 is not deemed necessary, as the pump is conventional.

Fit 5 illustrates a somewhat diagrammatic illustration of the interior of the cabinet 40, with the electrical connections omitted for simplicity of illustration. An impulse counter is connected within the cabinet 40 and includes a selector knob 82 which is accessible to the operator through a door in the casing in order to preselect a desired amount of fluid to be pumped during a run. In the preferred embodiment, the dial of the counter 80 is calibrated in impulse strokes of the pump 20 and the knob 82 is merely rotated to preselect a specified number of strokes to be pumped and dispensed. By knowing the displacement fluid volume of each stroke of the pump, the setting is easily calibrated in gallons. A suitable memory counter 80 for use with the invention is the Model H240 A 6 Microflex Reset Counter manufactured and sold by the Eagle Signal Division of E. W. Bliss of Davenport, Iowa. The memory counter 80 is of the automatic reset type and requires no resetting to run the same size batches over and over. Only the push of button switch 44 is required to meter out the same size batch time after time. If a different size batch is desired, the memory counter 80 is manually reset to the new value.

A pulsation count switch 84 is connected to a conduit 86 to which is connected at line 88 which feeds the pulsating exhaust air from the pump 20 to a muffler device. Switch 84 includes a diaphragm which senses each pump pulsation and generates an electrical pulse which is fed to the counter 80. As will be later described, when the number of pulses sensed by the switch 84 equals the preset amount set by the knob 82, counter 80 actuates a valve in order to terminate operation of the pump. A suitable switch 84 is the Pressure Switch Type 4410 manufactured and sold by Penn Controls, Inc. of Goshen, lnd.

The present system is set so that a predetermined number of strokes of the pump for a specified liquid is equal to a known liquid volume. Thus, by monitoring the operation of the pump with the switch 84, the amount of liquid pumped by the pump 20 may be accurately determined and utilized to control the operation of the pump. Electrical power is supplied to the cabinet 40 via a cord 92 which is adapted to be plugged into a conventional electrical outlet.

A supply of compressed air is fed via line 94 to the cabinet 40 and via a conduit 96 to a mechanically operated air valve 98. Valve 98 is normally closed, when pushed in, but upon pulling out the handle of elevator valve 48, pressurized air is fed through the valve to the line 60 to elevate the present system in a manner shown in FIG. 3.

Pressurized air is also fed through a regulator 100 which supplies an indication of the air pressure via a conduit 102 to the pressure gauge 46. A selected portion of the pressurized air is fed through a conduit 104 to a normally closed solenoid air valve 106. A normally open solenoid operated air valve 108 is connected in series with valve 106 and is connected to a conduit 110 which supplies air to the intake 70 of the pump 20, as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 illustrates the electrical circuitry contained within the cabinet 40. AC electrical power is provided via the cord 92 and is supplied to one terminal of the emergency switch 42. The remaining terminal of the switch 42 is fed via lead 120 to a terminal of the counter 80. Electrical power is also supplied to the terminal of the switch 44, the other terminal of the switch 44 being connected via a lead 122 to a terminal of the counter 80. The pulsation count switch 84 is connected to leads 124 and 126 which are connected across terminals of the counter 80. A solenoid coil 128 which actuates the solenoid valve 106 is connected across the counter 80, as is a solenoid coil 130 which controls the operation of the solenoid-operated valve 108. A microswitch 132 having a switch arm 134 is connected between one terminal of the solenoid winding 130 and a counter 80. As best shown in FIG. 3, switch arm 134 bears against the rod 52!) and normally maintains the microswitch 132 in an off position. When the rod 52b drops below the level of the switch arm 134, as occurs when the plate 50 reaches the bottom of the container 24, the switch arm 134 closes the microswitch 132 to indicate that the fluid within the container 24 is exhausted.

FIG. 7 illustrates schematically the pneumatic connections of the invention. The air supply is supplied via the conduit 94 and is fed through a conduit 96 to valve 98 operable by the push-pull elevator valve 48. Air under pressure is also fed through the regulator 100 and through the conduit 102 to the gauge 46. The pressurized air is also fed through conduit 104 through

valves

106 and 108 to the inlet port of the pump 20. When valve 98 is open, air is fed via hose 60 to selectively raise the pump structure in the manner previously described. The exhaust from motor 20 is fed via the line 88 to the pulsation count switch 84 and through the muffler 90 to the at mosphere.

Operation of the system will now become apparent from the previous description. Normally, the line 94 is connected to the pressurized source of air and air pressure is adjusted until the gauge 46 reads approximately 40 psi. The electrical cord 92 is connected to a suitable 110 AC voltage grounded power supply. The valve handle 48 is pulled out to open valve 98 and to supply pressurized air via the hose 60 in order to elevate the system to the position shown in FIG. 3. A bulk container 24 full of liquid is set upon the pedestal I4 and positioned to rest against the base of the support member 12. If the bulk container 24 contains a plastic bag, the bag is loosened and the edge of the bag is pulled over the rim ofthe bulk container 24 in the manner shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The valve handle 48 is then depressed and the pump 20 is lowered into the container 24 in the manner shown in FIG. 1.

The operator then manually sets the knob 82 on the memory counter 80 to a selected charging count. The valve at the dispensing nozzle 36 on the dispensing hose 32 is opened and the emergency on-off switch 42 is turned to its on position The batch button switch 44 is depressed to energize the sole noid coil 128 in order to open the normally closed valve 106.

Compressed air is then fed via the conduit to energize the pump 20 to charge the system. In operation, it has been found that setting the memory counter 80 to generate 30 pump strokes, or one gallon of liquid, will properly charge the system.

After the system is properly charged with liquid, the amount of fluid desired to be dispensed in the next batch is set by rotation of knob 82. Emergency onolf switch 42 should be checked to insure that it is turned to its "on" position. The batch button switch 44 is then depressed to energize solenoid coil 128 to cause operation of the pump 20. The switch 44 does not have to be maintained in a depressed condition to maintain the coil 128 in an energized state. The pump 20 will continue pumping liquid from the bulk container 24 until the count stored by the setting of the knob 82 on the memory counter 80 equals the number ofimpulses supplied by the pulsation count switch 84. When these two counts are equal, memory counter 80 shuts ofl the voltage supplied to the solenoid coil 128 and thus closes the valve 106 to automatically terminate operation of the pump 20. Upon setting of the counter 82 to a new batch setting, additional different me tered amounts of fluid may be pumped by the system.

As long as sufficient fluid remains within the bulk container 24, the rod 52b maintains the switch am 134 in a position to maintain microswitch 132 in its deenergized position. When the plate 50 reaches the lowermost part of the bulk container 24, the rod 52b releases switch arm 134 and winding is energized in order to close the normally open valve 108. This automatically terminates operation of the pump 20. The petcock is then turned to an off position. The system is then elevated by the manual operation of the valve 48 and a new bulk container is positioned in the unit. During this time, the remaining count required for the desired batch is stored by the memory counter 80. The valve 48 is then manually closed to allow the pump unit to lower itself into a new bulk container 24. Petcock 140 is then turned to an on position which starts pump 20 to dispense fluid for the remainder of the desired batch. Charging of the system is not required for subsequent bulk containers after the initial charging procedure.

When the system is automatically terminated by the levelsensing plate 50 in the manner described, the air petcock 140 on the pump 20 should be promptly closed until a new bulk container 24 has been positioned on the system.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of a level-sensing plate according to the invention. Plate 142 includes an annular curved portion 144 which defines an annular air space between the plate 142 and the upper level of the fluid. This air space insures that the plate 142 rides lightly on the top of the fluid during operation of the system. The weight of the plate 142 and the relative size of the curved portion 144 may be varied to tailor the system for use with specific fluids.

An important aspect of the invention is the feature that after use in dispensing food products or the like, the system is first cleaned by discharging leftover food from the hose 32. Hose 32 is then removed and is replaced by a small cleaning hose with a washing gun nozzle. The pressure of the pump system is turned up and a container of water, soap or other cleansing agent is positioned on the system and utilized to cleanse the system by dispensing the cleansing agent through the cleansing hose.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to specific embodiments, it will be understood that various changes and modifications will be suggested to one skilled in the art, and it is intended to encompass these changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A metered dispensing system for fluids comprising:

a. a support structure,

b. means for moving said support structure into position adjacent a fluid container,

c. an air motor operated fluid pump means connected to said support structure for being disposed within the fluid container when said support structure is adjacent the container,

d. dispensing means connected to said fluid pump means for dispensing the fluid pumped from the container,

e. means connected to said pump means and selectively operable to control the amount of fluid pumped by said pump means according to the preset commands,

. means for sensing the levei of the fluid within the container for terminating the operation of said pump means when the fluid container is emptied,

g. counter means having a register for storing a preset quan tity representing a selected amount offluid,

h. means for sensing the air exhaust from said motor for generating an indication of the amount of fluid pumped by said pump means, and

i, means for terminating operation of said pump means when the amount of fluid pumped equals the preset quantity.

2. A system for pumping fluid from bulk fluid containers comprising:

a. a pedestal supporting an elongated upright member,

b. an extension member mounted on said upright member and movable relative thereto along the iongitudinai axis of said upright member,

c. air pressure means selectively connectable to said upright member for elevating and lowering said extension member,

d. an air-motor-opei'ated fluid pump connected to the upper portion of said extension member for being selectively raised above and lowered within bulk fluid containers,

e. a watertight cabinet rigidly attached to said extension member and containing counter means for monitoring the operation of said fluid pump,

f. means for presetting a selected amount of fluid to be pumped and for terminating the operation of said pump means in response to said counter means, said means au tomatically resetting said system for repeat pumping of said selected amount of fluid after termination of said pump operation,

g. means for detecting the level of fluid within the container and for terminating the operation of said pump means when the fluid is substantially depleted within the con tainer, and

h. means responsive to the exhaust of said motor for detect ing the amount of fluid pumped by said pumpv 3. A metered dispensing system for fluids comprising:

a support structure operable to be positioned over an open topped fluid container,

a fluid pump connected to said support structure for being disposed within the fluid container and including an intake end for being positioned near the bottom of the fluid container,

dispensing means connected to said fluid pump for dispensing the fluid pumped from the container,

a circular plate having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the fluid container for riding upon the upper surface of the fluid within the container and for providing a nonimpinging wiping action to the interior of the con tainer as the fluid therein is depleted,

rod means connected to said circular plate and slidable within said support structure,

switch means responsive to said rod means for being actuated when the container is substantially empty,

means for sensing the amount of fluid pumped from the container,

electrical circuitry for storing a memory of reference amount of fluid to be pumped and for comparing said reference amount with the amount pumped to thereby maintain a memory of the amount of fluid yet to be pumped even after the fluid is exhausted from the container, and

means for terminating pumping of fluid when said reference amount has been pumped.

4. The system ofclaim 3 and further comprising: a diffuser plate rigidiy connected on the lower end of said pump and adapted to be closely disposed to the bottom of the fluid container when said pump is lowered into the container, whereby the removal of fluid from the container is facilitated.

5. The system of claim 3 and further comprising:

a cover attached to said pump whereby when said pump is properly positioned within a fluid container said cover [its over the open end of the container,

6. A system for pumping fluid from bulk fluid containers comprising:

a pedestal supporting an elongated upright member,

an extension member mounted on said upright member and movable relative thereto along the longitudinal axis of said upright member,

air pressure means selectively connectable to said upright member for elevating and lowering said extension member,

a fluid pump connected to the upper portion of said extension member for being selectively raised above and lowered within a bulk fluid container such that the lower fluid intake end is positioned near the bottom of the container,

a watertight cabinet rigidly attached to said extension member and containing counter means for monitoring the operation of said fluid pump,

a circular plate having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the fluid container for riding upon the upper surface of the fluid within the container and for providing a nonimpinging wiping action to the interior of the container as the fluid therein is depleted,

means responsive to the position of said circular plate for terminating operation of said pump,

means for sensing the amount of fluid pumped from the container, and

electrical circuitry for maintaining a memory of the amount of fluid desired to be pumped after the fluid is depleted irorn a container,

7. The system of claim 6 wherein said pump is air motor operated,

means for sensing the exhaust from said motor to indicate the amount of fluid pumped.

8. The system of claim 6 and further comprising:

at least one rod connected to said plate, and

switch means operable by said rod.

Claims

1. A metered dispensing system for fluids comprising: a. a support structure, b. means for moving said support structure into position adjacent a fluid container, c. an air motor operated fluid pump means connected to said support structure for being disposed within the fluid container when said support structure is adjacent the container, d. dispensing means connected to said fluid pump means for dispensing the fluid pumped from the container, e. means connected to said pump means and selectively operable to control the amount of fluid pumped by said pump means according to the preset commands, f. means for sensing the level of the fluid within the container for terminating the operation of said pump means when the fluid container is emptied, g. counter means having a register for storing a preset quantity representing a selected amount of fluid, h. means for sensing the air exhaust from said motor for generating an indication of the amount of fluid pumped by said pump means, and i. means for terminating operation of said pump means when the amount of fluid pumped equals the preset quantity.

2. A system for pumping fluid from bulk fluid containers comprising: a. a pedestal supporting an elongated upright member, b. an extension member mounted on said upright member and movable relative thereto along the longitudinal axis of said upright member, c. air pressure means selectively connectable to said upright member for elevating and lowering said extension member, d. an air-motor-operated fluid pump connected to the upper portion of said extension member for being selectively Raised above and lowered within bulk fluid containers, e. a watertight cabinet rigidly attached to said extension member and containing counter means for monitoring the operation of said fluid pump, f. means for presetting a selected amount of fluid to be pumped and for terminating the operation of said pump means in response to said counter means, said means automatically resetting said system for repeat pumping of said selected amount of fluid after termination of said pump operation, g. means for detecting the level of fluid within the container and for terminating the operation of said pump means when the fluid is substantially depleted within the container, and h. means responsive to the exhaust of said motor for detecting the amount of fluid pumped by said pump.

3. A metered dispensing system for fluids comprising: a support structure operable to be positioned over an open-topped fluid container, a fluid pump connected to said support structure for being disposed within the fluid container and including an intake end for being positioned near the bottom of the fluid container, dispensing means connected to said fluid pump for dispensing the fluid pumped from the container, a circular plate having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the fluid container for riding upon the upper surface of the fluid within the container and for providing a nonimpinging wiping action to the interior of the container as the fluid therein is depleted, rod means connected to said circular plate and slidable within said support structure, switch means responsive to said rod means for being actuated when the container is substantially empty, means for sensing the amount of fluid pumped from the container, electrical circuitry for storing a memory of reference amount of fluid to be pumped and for comparing said reference amount with the amount pumped to thereby maintain a memory of the amount of fluid yet to be pumped even after the fluid is exhausted from the container, and means for terminating pumping of fluid when said reference amount has been pumped.

4. The system of claim 3 and further comprising: a diffuser plate rigidly connected on the lower end of said pump and adapted to be closely disposed to the bottom of the fluid container when said pump is lowered into the container, whereby the removal of fluid from the container is facilitated.

5. The system of claim 3 and further comprising: a cover attached to said pump whereby when said pump is properly positioned within a fluid container said cover fits over the open end of the container.

6. A system for pumping fluid from bulk fluid containers comprising: a pedestal supporting an elongated upright member, an extension member mounted on said upright member and movable relative thereto along the longitudinal axis of said upright member, air pressure means selectively connectable to said upright member for elevating and lowering said extension member, a fluid pump connected to the upper portion of said extension member for being selectively raised above and lowered within a bulk fluid container such that the lower fluid intake end is positioned near the bottom of the container, a watertight cabinet rigidly attached to said extension member and containing counter means for monitoring the operation of said fluid pump, a circular plate having an outer diameter less than the inner diameter of the fluid container for riding upon the upper surface of the fluid within the container and for providing a nonimpinging wiping action to the interior of the container as the fluid therein is depleted, means responsive to the position of said circular plate for terminating operation of said pump, means for sensing the amount of fluid pumped from the container, and electrical circuitry for maintaining a memory of the amount of fluid desired to be pumped after the fluid is depleted from a container.

7. The systeM of claim 6 wherein said pump is air motor operated, means for sensing the exhaust from said motor to indicate the amount of fluid pumped.

8. The system of claim 6 and further comprising: at least one rod connected to said plate, and switch means operable by said rod.