| 摘要 |
<p><P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To replace a tank with a new tank without leaving almost any liquid in the tank. <P>SOLUTION: An upper tank 41 is always open to the atmosphere. However, since the upper end 48a and lower end 48b of a communication pipe 48 are immersed in a liquid, the upper and lower tanks 41 and 44 communicate with each other via the communication pipe 48 in a sealed state. As a liquid is dispensed and used from the dispensing opening 53 of a dispensing mechanism 50, the liquid in the upper tank 41 is moved into the lower tank 44, and the water level gradually decreases from the upper tank 41. When the water level in the upper tank 41 decreases, and the upper end 48a of the communication pipe 48 reaches a position higher than the liquid surface (i.e., the position where the upper end is almost at the same level as the liquid surface and is slightly exposed from the liquid surface), the lower tank 44 is opened to the atmosphere. Even when the liquid is continuously used, the liquid in the lower tank 44 is used without stopping. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT</p> |
