Importance

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Abstract

A method and an apparatus for metering a flow of a liquid, such as a milk flow in a milking system. The liquid is passed into a metering or measuring chamber from which it is discharged in portions having substantially the same mass or weight, and the total number of liquid portions discharged is counted whereafter the total mass or weight of the liquid flow may be calculated on the basis of that count. The discharge operation is controlled by a float member arranged within the metering chamber and containing a magnet which may actuate reed switches positioned at different levels along the metering chamber. Each liquid portion is discharged from the metering chamber by exposing the chamber to a gas pressure substantially exceeding the pressure at the discharge end of a metering chamber outlet. The metering chamber is preferably partly defined by a bell-shaped valve body controlling the metering chamber inlet and being movable to its closed position under the influence of said gas pressure. The apparatus may contain special means for metering a last fraction of a liquid portion as well as means for reducing formation of foam within the metering chamber.

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First Claim