U.S. patent application number 15/474523 was filed with the patent office on 2017-10-19 for modular bib pump.
The applicant listed for this patent is FLOW CONTROL LLC. Invention is credited to David ALLEN, Rick HAYASHI, Humberto V. MEZA, Christopher H. VERDUGO.
Application Number | 20170298920 15/474523 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 59966451 |
Filed Date | 2017-10-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170298920 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
VERDUGO; Christopher H. ; et
al. |
October 19, 2017 |
MODULAR BIB PUMP
Abstract
A modular pump features a gas-control-and-drive-unit (GCDU), a
cartridge-style-pumping-module (CSPU) and a retainer clip (RC). The
GCDU includes a GCDU-housing to receive/provide gas to a
gas-passageway causing a GCDU-force in one direction; an
actuator-rod-and-slide-valve-arrangement (AR/SVA) to respond to a
CSPM-force and exhaust the gas from the GCDU-housing causing a
GCDU-exhaustion-force in an opposite direction; and a
GCDU-coupling-member. The CSPM includes a CSPM-housing to receive a
fluid to be pumped, and a piston-and-dual-diaphragm-arrangement
(PDDA) to respond to the GCDU-force, provide the CSPM-force and
pump the fluid from the CSPM, and to respond to the
GCDU-exhaustion-force and pump the fluid from the CSPM. The
CSPM-housing includes a CSPM coupling member to detachably couple
to the GCDU-coupling-member. The RC detachably couples a piston of
the PDDA and an actuator rod of the AR/SVA, so the CSPM
attaches/detaches from the GCDU using a three-step process for
field replacement using the RC.
Inventors: |
VERDUGO; Christopher H.;
(Yorba Linda, CA) ; MEZA; Humberto V.; (Trabuco
Canyon, CA) ; ALLEN; David; (Santa Ana, CA) ;
HAYASHI; Rick; (Westminister, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
FLOW CONTROL LLC |
Beverly |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
59966451 |
Appl. No.: |
15/474523 |
Filed: |
March 30, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62315265 |
Mar 30, 2016 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 53/22 20130101;
F04B 43/026 20130101; F04B 43/0736 20130101; F04B 53/16
20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 43/073 20060101
F04B043/073; F04B 53/16 20060101 F04B053/16; F04B 43/02 20060101
F04B043/02 |
Claims
1. A modular pump comprising: a gas control and drive unit having a
gas control and drive unit housing configured to receive gas from a
gas inlet and provide the gas to a gas passageway so as to cause a
gas control and drive unit force, having an actuator rod and slide
valve arrangement configured to respond to a cartridge style
pumping module force in an axial direction and exhaust the gas from
a gas exhaust outlet of the gas control and drive unit housing so
as to cause a gas control and drive unit exhaustion force in an
opposite axial direction, and also having a gas control and drive
unit coupling member; a cartridge style pumping module having a
cartridge style pump module housing configured to receive a fluid
to be pumped from a fluid inlet, having a piston and dual diaphragm
arrangement configured to respond to the gas control and drive unit
force, provide the cartridge style pumping module force in the
axial direction and pump the fluid from a fluid discharge outlet of
the cartridge style pumping module, and also configured to respond
to the gas control and drive unit exhaustion force in the opposite
axial direction and pump the fluid from the fluid discharge outlet
of the cartridge style pumping module, the cartridge style pumping
module housing having a cartridge style pumping module coupling
member configured to detachably couple to the gas control and drive
unit coupling member; and a retainer clip configured to detachably
couple together a piston of the piston and dual diaphragm
arrangement and an actuator rod of the actuator rod and slide valve
arrangement, so that the cartridge style pumping module can be
attached and detached from the gas control and drive unit using a
three step process so as to be field replaceable using a retainer
clip attaching/detaching tool.
2. A modular pump according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge style
pumping module is attached to the gas control and drive unit using
the three step process, as follows: partially coupling together the
cartridge style pumping module coupling member and the gas control
and drive unit coupling member so as to leave a space between the
cartridge style pumping module and the gas control and drive unit
for accessing the retainer clip; attaching together the piston of
the piston and dual diaphragm arrangement and the actuator rod of
the actuator rod and slide valve arrangement with the retainer clip
using the retainer clip attaching/detaching tool to push the
retainer clip into a locking position; and fully coupling together
the cartridge style pumping module coupling member and the gas
control and drive unit coupling member in a locking engagement.
3. A modular pump according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge style
pumping module is detached from the gas control and drive unit
using the three step process, as follows: partially decoupling and
unlocking the cartridge style pumping module coupling member and
the gas control and drive unit coupling member from a locking
engagement, so as to leave a space between the cartridge style
pumping module and the gas control and drive unit for accessing the
retainer clip; detaching the piston of the piston and dual
diaphragm arrangement and the actuator rod of the actuator rod and
slide valve arrangement by removing the retainer clip using the
retainer clip attaching/detaching tool to push the retainer clip
from a locking position; and fully decoupling together the
cartridge style pumping module coupling member and the gas control
and drive unit coupling member.
4. A modular pump according to claim 1, wherein the gas control and
drive unit housing and the cartridge style pumping module housing
are configured along a common longitudinal axis; and the cartridge
style pumping module coupling member comprises a pair of tabs
configured on opposite sides of the cartridge style pumping module
housing and extending in parallel with the common longitudinal
axis.
5. A modular pump according to claim 4, wherein the gas control and
drive unit coupling member comprise a pair of channels configured
on opposite sides of the gas control and drive unit housing and
configured with openings to detachably couple to the pair of
tabs.
6. A modular pump according to claim 5, wherein the pair of tabs
are configured to deflect towards or away from the common
longitudinal axis in order to couple or decouple to or from the
pair of channels.
7. A modular pump according to claim 1, wherein the modular pump is
a bag-in-the-box (BIB) pump for pumping syrup.
8. A modular pump according to claim 1, wherein the actuator rod
comprises a tapered end having a slot or opening formed or
configured therein; the piston shaft comprises a flanged portion
having a cylindrical recessed channel portion, a rim portion and an
interior cavity formed within the recessed channel portion
configured to receive the tapered end; the retainer clip comprises
a three prong clip having prongs; so that the tapered end is
configured in the slot or opening, and the retainer clip is pushed
so a center prong passed into and through the slot or opening and
the interior cavity, and two outer prongs are adapted in the
cylindrical recessed channel portion and engage the rim portion, so
as to lock, fasten or couple the actuator rod and piston shaft
together.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims benefit to provisional patent
application serial nos. 62/315,265 (911-005.090-1//F-FLJ-X0026),
filed 30 Mar. 2016, which is incorporated by reference in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a pump; and more
particularly relates to a bag-in-the-box (BIB) pump.
2. Description of Related Art
[0003] FIG. 1 shows a disposal pumphead known in the art, and
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,862 (Atty dckt no.
911-005.067-2/F-FLJ-X0002, which is assigned to, commonly owned by
the assignee of the instant application, and hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
[0004] The assignee of the instant application designs,
manufactures and distributes BIB pumps for the post mix dispensing
market, e.g., like the disposable pump in FIG. 1. There is an
interest in the marketplace for a major configuration change to the
prior art pump (e.g., see FIG. 1) in order to gain cost advantages
being initiated throughout their organization. This effort focuses
on the reduction of waste in the usage of BIB pumps. Currently, the
pump life is approximately 100,000 gallons which translates to many
years of service. Many pumps are removed far before their useful
life and discarded due to restaurant shutdowns and flavors changes
within the installation.
[0005] There is a need in the industry for a desired design change
so the pump may be easily remanufactureable/replaceable in the
field, e.g., by restaurant personnel as opposed to trained
technicians. In addition to flavor changes, the need for store
operator replacement of pumps due to breakdowns is a major
driver.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In summary, and by way of example, the present invention may
consistent of a gas operated modular BIB pump with a
cartridge-style replaceable pumping module mated to a separate gas
control drive unit, where the separate gas control drive unit is
semi-permanent and the pumping module is designed to be field
replaceable by untrained technicians.
[0007] The general solution is to re-situate the pistons involved
in pumping the fluid in a way that makes it easier to modularize
the pumping chamber from the gas control unit. Using some creative
interfacing design features, the modular BIB pump according to the
present invention should be easier to remove, e.g. without the need
for tools.
Examples of Particular Embodiments
[0008] According to some embodiments, and by way of example, the
present invention may include, or take the form of, a new and
unique modular pump featuring a combination of a gas control and
drive unit, a cartridge style pumping module and a retainer
clip.
[0009] The gas control and drive unit may include a gas control and
drive unit housing configured to receive gas from a gas inlet and
provide the gas to a gas passageway so as to cause a gas control
and drive unit force, as well as an actuator rod and slide valve
arrangement configured to respond to a cartridge style pumping
module force in an axial direction and exhaust the gas from a gas
exhaust outlet of the gas control and drive unit housing so as to
cause a gas control and drive unit exhaustion force in an opposite
axial direction, and also having a gas control and drive unit
coupling member.
[0010] The cartridge style pumping module may include a cartridge
style pump module housing configured to receive a fluid to be
pumped from a fluid inlet, having a piston and dual diaphragm
arrangement configured to respond to the gas control and drive unit
force, provide the cartridge style pumping module force in the
axial direction and pump the fluid from a fluid discharge outlet of
the cartridge style pumping module, and also configured to respond
to the gas control and drive unit exhaustion force in the opposite
axial direction and pump the fluid from the fluid discharge outlet
of the cartridge style pumping module. The cartridge style pumping
module housing may also include a cartridge style pumping module
coupling member configured to detachably couple to the gas control
and drive unit coupling member.
[0011] The retainer clip may be configured to detachably couple
together a piston shaft of the piston and dual diaphragm
arrangement and an actuator rod of the actuator rod and slide valve
arrangement, so that the cartridge style pumping module can be
attached and detached from the gas control and drive unit using a
three step process so as to be field replaceable using a retainer
clip attaching/detaching tool.
[0012] By way of example, the modular pump may include one or more
of the following features:
[0013] The cartridge style pumping module may be attached to the
gas control and drive unit using the three step process, as
follows: [0014] partially coupling together the cartridge style
pumping module coupling member and the gas control and drive unit
coupling member so as to leave a space between the cartridge style
pumping module and the gas control and drive unit for accessing the
retainer clip; [0015] attaching together the piston of the piston
and dual diaphragm arrangement and the actuator rod of the actuator
rod and slide valve arrangement with the retainer clip using the
retainer clip attaching/detaching tool to push the retainer clip
into a locking position; and fully coupling together the cartridge
style pumping module coupling member and the gas control and drive
unit coupling member in a locking engagement.
[0016] The cartridge style pumping module may be detached from the
gas control and drive unit using the three step process, as
follows: [0017] partially decoupling and unlocking the cartridge
style pumping module coupling member and the gas control and drive
unit coupling member from a locking engagement, so as to leave a
space between the cartridge style pumping module and the gas
control and drive unit for accessing the retainer clip; [0018]
detaching the piston of the piston and dual diaphragm arrangement
and the actuator rod of the actuator rod and slide valve
arrangement by removing the retainer clip using the retainer clip
attaching/detaching tool to pushing the retainer clip from a
locking position; and [0019] fully decoupling together the
cartridge style pumping module coupling member and the gas control
and drive unit coupling member.
[0020] The gas control and drive unit housing and the cartridge
style pumping module housing may be configured along a common
longitudinal axis; and the cartridge style pumping module coupling
member may include a pair of tabs configured on opposite sides of
the cartridge style pumping module housing and extending in
parallel with the common longitudinal axis.
[0021] The gas control and drive unit coupling member may include a
pair of channels configured on opposite sides of the gas control
and drive unit housing and configured with openings to detachably
couple to the pair of tabs.
[0022] The pair of tabs may be configured to deflect towards or
away from the common longitudinal axis in order to couple or
decouple to or from the pair of channels.
[0023] The modular pump may be a bag-in-the-box (BIB) pump for
pumping syrup.
[0024] The actuator rod may include a tapered end with a slot or
opening formed or configured therein; the piston shaft may include
a flanged portion having a cylindrical recessed channel portion, a
rim portion and an interior cavity formed within the recessed
channel portion configured to receive the tapered end; and the
retainer clip may include a multi-prong clip having multiple
prongs. In operation, the tapered end may be configured in the slot
or opening, the retainer clip may be pushed so a center prong
passed into and through the slot or opening and the interior cavity
of the flange portion of the piston shaft, and at least one of the
multiple outer prongs may be adapted in the cylindrical recessed
channel portion and engage the rim portion, so as to lock, fasten
or couple the actuator rod and piston shaft together.
Solution to Problem in the Art
[0025] The present invention overcomes the above mentioned
difficulties as follows:
[0026] The present invention provides a modular BIB pump that may
be easily remanufactureable/replaceable in the field, e.g., by
restaurant personnel as opposed to trained technicians. In addition
to flavor changes, the new modular BIB pump allows for replacement
by store operator replacement of pumps due to breakdowns.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0027] The drawing includes FIGS. 1-12 which are not necessarily
drawn to scale, which are briefly described as follows:
[0028] FIG. 1 shows the current pump that is known in the art.
[0029] FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a modular BIB pump, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the modular BIB pump showing
the basic layout of key differentiating sub-assemblies of the
modular BIB pump, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. (Note: for the purpose of developing and illustrating
the present invention in its simplest form, fasteners, ports and
other essential geometry have been omitted from this Figure.)
[0031] FIG. 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the modular BIB
pump in FIG. 2, showing a layout of major components and
sub-assemblies of the modular BIB pump, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 5 is a side cross-sectional view of the modular BIB
pump in FIG. 2, showing modular BIB pump fluid porting, according
to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 6 is a partial side cross-sectional view of the gas
control and drive unit of the modular BIB pump, showing the
operation of the modular BIB pump, e.g., including fluid pathways
and gas entry to control valve space, according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 7 includes FIGS. 7A and 7B, showing the operation of
the modular BIB pump, e.g., including the gas path and
piston/diaphragm travel (inboard), according to some embodiments of
the present invention. FIG. 7A is a phantom perspective view of the
modular BIB pump, showing a semi-transparent outer housing for
seeing into the pump; and FIG. 7B is a side cross-sectional view of
the modular BIB pump.
[0035] FIG. 8 is a side cross-sectional view of the modular BIB
pump, showing the gas path and piston/diaphragm travel (outboard),
according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 9 includes FIGS. 9A and 9B, showing liquid pumping
chambers and pathways of the modular BIB pump, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 9A and 9B are a side
cross-sectional views of the modular BIB pump.
[0037] FIG. 10 includes FIGS. 10A and 10B, showing the pump
operation in normal operation and sold-out activation with
restricted syrup flow, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. FIG. 10A is a partial cross-sectional view of the inlet
housing of the pumping module and the gas inlet and sold out
assembly of the gas control and drive unit; and FIG. 10B is a
partial cross-sectional view of the gas inlet and soldout assembly
of the gas control and drive unit shown in FIG. 10A.
[0038] FIG. 11 includes FIGS. 11A thru 11E, showing the pumping
module change-out procedure, including the separation of the
pumping module from the gas control unit, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 11A is a top view of the
modular BIB pump showing the pump module and the gas control and
drive unit coupled together; FIG. 11B is a top cross-section view
of the modular BIB pump in FIG. 11A showing the pump module and the
gas control and drive unit slightly separated after the tabs in
FIG. 11A are pressed inwardly together; FIG. 11C is a partial top
cross-sectional view of the modular BIB pump shown in FIG. 11B
showing the tool positioned against the retainer clip between the
pump module and the gas control and drive unit; FIG. 11D is a
partial top cross-sectional view of the modular BIB pump shown in
FIG. 11B showing the retaining clip disengaged releasing the piston
shaft from the actuator rod; and FIG. 11E is an exploded view of
the modular BIB pump shown in FIG. 11A showing the pump module
separated from the gas control and drive unit.
[0039] FIG. 12 includes FIGS. 12A thru 12E, showing the pumping
module change-out procedure, including the installation of the
pumping module to the gas control unit, according to some
embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 12A is an exploded view
of the modular BIB pump having the pump module separated and
positioned with tabs for engaging channels/slots of the gas control
and drive unit;
[0040] FIG. 12B is a top view of the modular BIB pump having the
pump module partially separated from the gas control and drive
unit; FIG. 12C is an exploded view of the modular BIB pump shown in
FIG. 12A from the other side; FIG. 12D is a partial top
cross-sectional view of the modular BIB pump shown in FIG. 12B
showing the tool insert and retainer clip positioned to couple the
piston shaft and actuator rod together; FIG. 12E is a partial top
cross-sectional view of the modular BIB pump shown in FIG. 12B
showing the retainer clip coupling the piston shaft and actuator
rod together after the tool is pushed; and FIG. 12F is a top view
of the modular BIB pump showing the pump module and the gas control
and drive unit coupled together similar to that shown in FIG.
11A.
[0041] Not every element or arrow in every Figure is labeled with a
lead line and reference numeral/label, so as to reduce clutter in
the drawing as a whole.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF BEST MODE OF THE INVENTION
Detailed Description of the Operation of the Present Invention
[0042] In summary, and by way of example, and consistent with that
shown in FIGS. 2-12, the present invention may take the form of, or
consist of, a new and unique modular BIB pump generally indicated
by 10 featuring a combination of a gas control and drive unit 20, a
cartridge style pumping module 30 and a retainer clip 40. In
particular, the reader is referred to FIGS. 4, 11 and 12, which
show the basic components, as well as the decoupling and coupling
of the gas control and drive unit 20 and the cartridge style
pumping module 30, according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0043] The gas control and drive unit 20 may include a gas control
and drive unit housing 20f configured to receive gas from a gas
inlet GI and provide the gas to a gas passageway so as to cause a
gas control and drive unit force Agp, as well as an actuator rod
and slide valve arrangement 20c, 20e configured to respond to a
cartridge style pumping module force Ap in an axial direction and
exhaust the gas from a gas exhaust outlet GE of the gas control and
drive unit housing 20 so as to cause a gas control and drive unit
exhaustion force Agp' in an opposite axial direction, and also
having a gas control and drive unit coupling member(s) 22.
[0044] The cartridge style pumping module 30 may include a
cartridge style pump module housing 30i configured to receive a
fluid to be pumped from a fluid inlet SI, having a piston and dual
diaphragm arrangement 30c, 20e1, 20e2 configured to respond to the
gas control and drive unit exhaustion force Agp', provide the
cartridge style pumping module force Ap in the axial direction and
pump the fluid from a fluid discharge outlet SD of the cartridge
style pumping module 30, and also configured to respond to the gas
control and drive unit exhaustion force Agp' in the opposite axial
direction and pump the fluid from the fluid discharge outlet SD of
the cartridge style pumping module 30. The cartridge style pumping
module housing 30i may also include a cartridge style pumping
module coupling member(s) 32 configured to detachably couple to the
gas control and drive unit coupling member(s) 22.
[0045] The retainer clip 40 may be configured to detachably couple
together a piston 30c of the piston and dual diaphragm arrangement
30c, 20e1, 20e2 and an actuator rod 20e of the actuator rod and
slide valve arrangement 20c, 20e, so that the cartridge style
pumping module 30 can be attached and detached from the gas control
and drive unit 20 using a three step process so as to be field
replaceable, e.g., using a retainer clip attaching/detaching tool
50.
[0046] By way of example, and consistent with that shown in FIG. 4,
the actuator rod 20e may include a tapered end 20e1 with a
slot/opening 20e2 formed or configured therein. The piston shaft
30c may include a flanged portion 30c1 having a cylindrical
recessed channel portion 30c1', a rim portion 30c1'' and an
interior cavity 30c1'' formed within the cylindrical recessed
channel portion 30c1' configured and dimensioned to receive the
tapered end 20e1. The retainer clip 40 may take the form of a
multi-prong clip having multiple prongs, e.g., including prongs p1,
p2 and p3. In operation, when the tapered end 20e1 is configured in
the slot/opening 20e2, the retainer clip 40 is pushed so that a
center prong p2 passed into and through the slot/opening 20e2 and
the interior cavity 30c1'' of the flange portion 30c1 of the piston
shaft 30c, and at least one of the multiple prongs such as outer
prong(s) p1 and/or p3 are adapted in the cylindrical recessed
channel portion 30c1' and engage the rim portion 30c1'', so as to
lock, fasten or couple the actuator rod 20e and piston shaft 30c
together. The flanged portion 30c1 may also be configured with a
second rim portion 30c1'''' (see FIG. 7B), so that the outer prongs
p1 and/or p3 engage the rim portion 30c1'' on one side and the
second rim portion 30c1'''' on the other side to engage the flange
portion 30c on both sides.
[0047] The scope of the invention is intended to include, and
embodiment are envisioned, using other types or kinds of techniques
for coupling the actuator rod 20e and piston shaft 30c together
with the spirit of the underlying invention. By way of example, the
coupling features of the actuator rod 20e and piston shaft 30c may
be switched, so that the piston shaft 30c is configured with a
corresponding tapered end with a corresponding slot/opening formed
or configured therein; and the actuator rod 20e is configured with
a corresponding flanged portion having a corresponding cylindrical
recessed channel portion and a corresponding rim portion and a
corresponding interior cavity formed within the corresponding
recessed channel portion configured to receive the corresponding
tapered end of the piston shaft 30c. By way of further example, the
scope of the invention is intended to include, and embodiment are
envisioned, using other types or kinds of techniques for coupling
the actuator rod 20e and piston shaft 30c that are either now known
or later developed in the future.
[0048] The cartridge style pumping module 30 may be attached to the
gas control and drive unit 20 using the three step process, as
follows:: [0049] partially coupling together the cartridge style
pumping module coupling member(s) 32 and the gas control and drive
unit coupling member(s) 22 so as to leave a space between the
cartridge style pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive
unit 20 for accessing the retainer clip 40; [0050] attaching
together the piston 30c of the piston and dual diaphragm
arrangement 30c, 30e1, 30e2 and the actuator rod 20e of the
actuator rod and slide valve arrangement 20c, 20e with the retainer
clip 40 using the retainer clip attaching/detaching tool 50 (aka
herein as the "tool") to push the retainer clip 40 into a locking
position (e.g., see FIG. 12E, as well as FIGS. 4, 5, 7B, 8, 9, 11B,
and 11C); and [0051] fully coupling together the cartridge style
pumping module coupling member 30 and the gas control and drive
unit coupling member 20 in a locking engagement (e.g., see FIGS.
12F and 11A, as well as 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7B, 8 and 9).
[0052] The cartridge style pumping module 30 may be detached from
the gas control and drive unit 20 using the three step process, as
follows:: [0053] partially decoupling and unlocking the cartridge
style pumping module coupling member(s) 32 and the gas control and
drive unit coupling member(s) 22 from a locking engagement, so as
to leave a space between the cartridge style pumping module 30 and
the gas control and drive unit 20 for accessing the retainer clip
40; [0054] detaching the piston 30c of the piston and dual
diaphragm arrangement 30c, 30e1, 30e2 and the actuator rod 20e of
the actuator rod and slide valve arrangement 20c, 20e by removing
the retainer clip 40 using the retainer clip attaching/detaching
tool 50 to push the retainer clip 40 from the locking position; and
[0055] fully decoupling together the cartridge style pumping module
coupling member(s) 32 and the gas control and drive unit coupling
member(s) 22.
[0056] The gas control and drive unit housing 20f and the cartridge
style pumping module housing 30i may be configured along a common
longitudinal axis; and the cartridge style pumping module coupling
member 32 may include a pair of tabs 32a, 32b configured on
opposite sides of the cartridge style pumping module housing 30i
and extending in parallel with the common longitudinal axis.
[0057] The gas control and drive unit coupling member 22 may
include a pair of channels 22a, 22b configured on opposite sides of
the gas control and drive unit housing 20f and configured with
channel openings to detachably couple to the pair of tabs 32a,
32b.
[0058] The pair of tabs 32a, 32b may be configured to deflect
towards or away from the common longitudinal axis in order to
couple or decouple to or from the pair of channels 22a, 22b.
[0059] The modular pump 10 may be used as, or take the form of, a
bag-in-the-box (BIB) pump for pumping syrup.
FIG. 4
[0060] By way of example, FIG. 4 shows the basic layout of major
components and sub-assemblies of the modular BIB pump, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0061] For example, the gas control and drive unit 20 includes the
following components:
[0062] a soldout assembly 20a;
[0063] a gas inlet cover 20b;
[0064] a G series slide valve 20c;
[0065] a gas control cover 20d;
[0066] an actuator rod 20e; and
[0067] a gas control valve housing 20f.
[0068] The pump module 30 includes the following components:
[0069] an inlet housing 30a;
[0070] syrup input check valves 30b;
[0071] a piston shaft 30c;
[0072] an end cover 30d;
[0073] piston-diaphragms 30e1, 30e2;
[0074] a liquid chamber 30f;
[0075] syrup output check valves 30g;
[0076] an outlet housing 30h.
[0077] In modular BIB pump also includes a retainer clip 40 for
coupling together the actuator rod 20e, and a second retainer clip
42 for coupling together the piston-diaphragm 30e1 and the piston
shaft 30c.
[0078] The basic structural and functional cooperation between
these components is described in further detail in relation to
FIGS. 5-12 below.
FIG. 5
[0079] By way of example, FIG. 5 shows the modular BIB pump fluid
porting, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
For example, gas enters the gas control and drive unit 20 via a gas
inlet port GI of the gas inlet cover 20b (FIG. 4), and gas exhaust
GE exits the gas control and drive unit 20 via a gas outlet port
GO. Syrup enters the pump module 30 via a syrup inlet SI of the
inlet housing 30a (FIG. 4), and the syrup exits the pump module 30
via a syrup discharge SD of the outlet valve housing 30h (FIG.
4).
FIG. 6
[0080] By way of example, FIG. 6 show the basic operation of the
modular BIB pump, e.g., including fluid pathways and gas entry to
control valve space, according to some embodiments of the present
invention. In operation, and as indicated in FIG. 6, the gas
control valve housing 20f is normally filled with gas. Moreover,
arrows labeled and identified as al thru a5 show the pathway of the
gas passing into and from the gas inlet GI, through the soldout
assembly 20a to the slide valve 20c.
FIG. 7
[0081] By way of example, FIG. 7 shows the operation of the modular
BIB pump, e.g., including the gas path and piston/diaphragm travel
(inboard), according to some embodiments of the present
invention.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 7, gas under pressure enters the slide
valve 20c from the gas filled chamber (e.g., aka as area 1) that
forms part of the gas control valve housing 20f (see also FIGS. 4
and 6) and is routed though the slide valve 20c to a passage
located at an arrow labeled 2. From point 2, the gas is routed to
the end cover 30d via the passage labeled by arrow 3 (FIG. 7A). The
gas then enters an interior cavity of the end cover 30d at a point
number/opening labeled by arrow 4 (FIG. 7B).
[0083] Once the gas is in the end cover 30d, gas pressure will act
on the piston/diaphragm 30e1 resulting in an applied force Ap which
will cause the piston shaft 30c to move in the direction of the
arrow labeled Ap. As the piston shaft 30c moves, fluid in the
liquid chamber 30f will be displaced through the outlet/discharge
valves 30g of the outlet valve housing 30h, e.g., as indicated by
the arrow shown and labeled Af.
[0084] The gas in area labeled 5 is allowed to be vented
(connected) to atmosphere to allow for piston travel in the
direction of the applied force, as shown. The gas exhaust GE
escapes through the gas outlet or exhaust port GO, as shown.
FIG. 8
[0085] By way of example, FIG. 8 show the gas path and
piston/diaphragm travel (outboard), according to some embodiments
of the present invention.
[0086] As shown in FIG. 8, when the piston shaft 30c and actuator
rod 20e arrive at the end of the stroke (direction indicated in
previous Figure), the G series slide valve 30c will change state
(e.g., sliding from a rightward position in FIG. 7 to a leftward
position in FIG. 8) and route gas from the area labeled 1 through a
passage labeled 2 and into an area labeled 3. The gas flow is
indicated by the arrows included in FIG. 8. The gas pressure
indicated by arrows labeled Agp will act over the surface of the
piston-diaphragm 20g to produce an axial force on the piston shaft
30c in the direction of the arrow Ap' in the opposite direction
from the arrow labeled Ap (FIG. 7B). Any fluid contained in the
liquid chamber 30f will be displaced out the outlet/discharge
valves 30g of the outlet valve housing 30h, e.g., as indicated by
the arrow Af shown. The gas in the interior cavity or area labeled
4 of the end cover 30d is allowed to pass via the passageways
labeled 3 in FIG. 7A back to the point 2 in FIG. 7B, to be vented
(connected) to atmosphere to allow for piston shaft 30c travel in
the direction labeled Ap, as indicated. The gas escapes through the
exhaust outlet or port GO.
FIG. 9
[0087] By way of example, FIG. 9 shows the liquid pumping chambers
& pathways of the modular BIB pump, according to some
embodiments of the present invention.
[0088] In FIG. 9A, the liquid chamber LC has two chambers, labeled
chamber 1 and chamber 2. As piston-diaphragm 30e1, 30e2 moves
outboard (e.g., leftwardly as shown), liquid/fluid in chamber 2 is
displaced through the discharge check valves 30g (see also FIG. 4).
Simultaneously, as the volume in chamber 1 expands liquid/fluid is
drawn in through inlet check valves 30b (see also FIG. 4).
[0089] In FIG. 9B, as piston-diaphragm 30e1, 30e2 moves inboard
(e.g., rightwardly as shown), liquid/fluid in chamber 2 is
displaced through the discharge check valves 30g. Simultaneously,
as the volume in chamber 1 expands, liquid/fluid is drawn in
through inlet check valves 30b.
[0090] The piston-diaphragm 30e1, 30e2 reciprocates back and forth
in order to draw liquid/fluid into a respective chamber, and
displaced fluid from a respective chamber.
FIG. 10
[0091] By way of example, FIG. 10 shows the pump operation in
normal (FIG. 10A) and sold out activation (FIG. 10B), according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0092] For example, during normal operation the pressure in the
inlet area labeled (1) is near atmosphere and gas is routed through
the soldout valve assembly 20a and into the pump. When the
liquid/fluid (e.g., syrup) source runs out, the pressure in the
inlet area (1) will be reduced to less than atmosphere. The
pressure difference acting on the sensing diaphragm 20a' will cause
movement indicated by the arrow. The movement will cause the gas
flow through the soldout valve assembly 20a to cease thereby
stopping the modular BIB pump from continued operation. When the
liquid/fluid (e.g., syrup) source is restored, pressure across the
sensing diaphragm 20a' will return to normal, and the soldout valve
assembly 20a will allow gas to flow into the modular BIB pump
10.
[0093] By way of example, the processes happens whenever a
liquid/fluid/syrup bag empties and needs to be replaced with a new
liquid/fluid/syrup bag.
FIG. 11
[0094] FIG. 11 shows the pumping module change-out procedure,
including the separation of the pumping module 30 from the gas
control and drive unit unit 20, according to some embodiments of
the present invention.
[0095] In FIG. 11, FIG. 11A shows the pump module 30 and the gas
control and drive unit 20 coupled together. FIG. 11B shows the pump
module 30 and the gas control and drive unit 20 slightly separated
after the tabs in FIG. 11A are pressed inwardly together. FIG. 11C
shows the tool 50 positioned against the retaining clip 40 between
the pump module 30 and the gas control and drive unit 20. FIG. 11D
shows the retaining clip 40 disengaged releasing the piston shaft
30c from the actuator rod 20e. FIG. 11E shows the pump module 30
separated from the gas control and drive unit 20.
[0096] The pumping module change-out procedure for decoupling the
pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive unit 20, e.g.,
including the following steps:
[0097] 1). Press tabs 22a, 22b and pull the pumping module 30 away
from gas control and drive unit 20 to expose interior of the pump
10, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.
[0098] 2) Locate retainer clip 40 and disposable tool 50, as shown
in FIG. 11B.
[0099] 3) Insert the disposable tool 50 between the housings of the
pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive unit 20 and push
the retainer clip 40 to disengage the actuator rod 20e and the
piston shaft 30c, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 11C and 11D.
[0100] 4) Pull the pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive
unit 20 away from each other to fully disengage the pumping module
30 and the gas control and drive unit 20, e.g., as shown in FIG.
11E.
FIG. 12
[0101] FIG. 12 shows the pumping module change-out procedure,
including the installation of the pumping module to the gas control
unit, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0102] In FIG. 12, FIG. 12A shows the modular BIB pump 10 having
the pump module 30 separated and positioned with tabs 22a, 22b for
engaging channels/slots 32 of the gas control and drive unit 30.
FIG. 12B shows the modular BIB pump 10 having the pump module 10
partially separated from the gas control and drive unit 30. FIG.
12D shows the tool insert 50 and retainer clip 40 positioned to
couple the piston shaft 30c and actuator rod 20e together. FIG. 12E
shows the retainer clip 40 coupling the piston shaft 30c and
actuator rod 20e together after the tool 50 pushes the retainer
clip into place. FIG. 12F shows the pump module 30 and the gas
control and drive unit 20 coupled together similar to that shown in
FIG. 11A.
[0103] The pumping module change-out procedure for coupling the
pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive unit 20 together,
e.g., including the following steps:
[0104] 1) Insert the pumping module 30 with tabs 22a, 22b aligned
with the channels 32a, 32b in the gas control and drive unit 20,
e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
[0105] 2) Push the pumping module 30 to close gap between the
piston shaft 30c and the actuator rod 20e, e.g., as shown in FIGS.
12D, 12E.
[0106] 3) Assure other fits are aligned before full insertion of
the pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive unit 20
together, e.g., as shown in FIG. 12C.
[0107] 4) Locate the retainer clip 40 and disposable tool 50; and
position the retainer clip 40 in relation to the piston shaft 30c
and the actuator rod 20e, e.g., as shown in FIGS. 12C and 12D.
[0108] 5) Insert the disposable tool 50 between the housings of the
pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive unit 20 and push
the retainer clip 40 to close and couple the piston shaft 30c and
the actuator rod 20e, then remove the tool 50, e.g., as shown in
FIG. 12E.
[0109] 6) Push the pumping module 30 and the gas control and drive
unit 20 together to fully fully seat the tabs 22a, 22b, e.g., as
shown in FIG. 12F.
Possible Applications
[0110] Possible Applications may include one or more of the
following: Beverage PostMix Dispensing Systems
The Scope of the Invention
[0111] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention.
[0112] In addition, may modifications may be made to adapt a
particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it
is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular
embodiment(s) disclosed herein as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention.
* * * * *