U.S. patent number 3,900,136 [Application Number 05/184,603] was granted by the patent office on 1975-08-19 for liquid dispensing apparatus.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Draft Meter Corporation. Invention is credited to Archie V. Paranto.
United States Patent |
3,900,136 |
Paranto |
August 19, 1975 |
Liquid dispensing apparatus
Abstract
Liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a valve having a
resilient walled passage arranged to be displaced to initiate and
terminate flow of liquid through the passage. Timer controlled
apparatus displaces the wall of the passage to control the volume
of liquid delivered therethrough.
Inventors: |
Paranto; Archie V. (Dallas,
TX) |
Assignee: |
Draft Meter Corporation
(Dallas, TX)
|
Family
ID: |
22677584 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/184,603 |
Filed: |
September 28, 1971 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/639;
251/9 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D
3/041 (20130101); G01F 13/006 (20130101); B67D
1/1234 (20130101); B67D 2001/1483 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01F
13/00 (20060101); B67D 1/12 (20060101); B67D
3/00 (20060101); B67D 1/00 (20060101); B67D
3/04 (20060101); B67D 1/14 (20060101); B67d
001/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;222/70,400.7
;251/9,10 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Kocovsky; Thomas E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Moore; Howard E. Crutsinger; Gerald
G.
Claims
Having thus described my invention, I claim:
1. A liquid dispensing apparatus adapted for connection to a tap on
a beer keg having an explosion chamber therein and wherein an
outlet opening from the keg extends through the wall of the
explosion chamber, the improvements comprising, a valve body having
a bore extending therethrough and having a notch formed
intermediate opposite ends of said bore; an orifice sleeve adapted
to be positioned in sealing relation with a wall of an explosion
chamber adjacent the outlet opening therein, said sleeve having a
passage therethrough having a diameter substantially equal to the
diameter of the outlet opening; an elongated resilient tubular
member positioned about an end of said sleeve, said tubular member
having a passage having an inside diameter substantially equal to
the inside diameter of the passage through the sleeve to provide a
smooth transition through said passages; means to secure said valve
body to a tap such that the tubular member extends through the bore
in the valve body and the orifice sleeve is urged into sealing
relation with the wall of the explosion chamber; a closure element
having a leg; support means secured to said closure element
arranged such that said leg extends through the notch in the valve
body and engages a wall of said tubular member to close the passage
through the tubular member; and actuating means arranged to move
the leg from engagement with said tubular member.
2. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein the tubular member
comprises organic latex material.
3. The combination called for in claim 1 wherein the actuating
means comprises a solenoid having a movable core; and means to
secure the core to the leg of the closure element.
4. The combination called for in claim 3 with the addition of stop
means positioned to limit movement of said core.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
The liquid dispensing apparatus described herein relates to
improvements in apparatus of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.
3,608,778 entitled "AUTOMATIC FLUID DISPENSING APPARATUS", issued
Sept. 28, 1971 to Archie V. Paranto and Thomas J. Mathews.
The fluid dispensing apparatus described in the aforementioned
patent is particularly adapted for dispensing liquid such as beer
from a keg or other suitable container and offer numerous
advantages over devices previously developed. However, beer, being
a fermented liquor plus carbon dioxide in dilute solution, when
allowed to dry becomes quite sticky or tacky. Furthermore, when
beer is dispensed through a passage having varying diameters along
the length thereof the carbon dioxide comes out of solution forming
bubbles and causing the beer to foam excessively. As beer becomes
warm the tendency of the carbon dioxide to come out of solution
increases.
Because of the sticky nature of dried beer mechanical components of
the dispensing apparatus such as switches and valve elements which
move through closely fitting openings tend to stick in an open or
closed position which is highly undesirable, particularly in
apparatus operating in a timed sequence for measuring precise
quantities of liquid.
The dispensing apparatus disclosed in the aforementioned patent
operated on a timed cycle for dispensing desired quantities of
fluid such as beer. However, the apparatus required manual
manipulation of switches and thus required two hands to intitiate a
dispensing cycle. A further shortcoming discovered in the apparatus
described in the aforementioned patent resulted from the tendency
of the valve to stick in a closed position, the valve comprising a
resilient tube constructed of synthetic rubber or rubber-like
plastic of the type generally employed in surgical tubing. The
walls of such tubing tends to stick together when pinched to
terminate flow of liquid therethrough, resulting in relatively slow
recovery of the tubular member to a fully opened configuration when
the pinching force is removed. Since the time required to open the
valve was not constant, the volume of flow through the valve in
identical time intervals was not always the same. This resulted in
less accurate metering and inventory control than was
desirable.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
I have developed improved liquid dispensing apparatus comprising a
valve having a flow passage extending therethrough of substantially
uniform diameter, the diameter being substantially equal to the
diameter of the outlet passage of a beer keg, or other suitable
container, to assure smooth flow of beer or carbonated beverages
therethrough to minimize separation of carbon dioxide from the
liquid at a location between the outlet of the keg and the valve
element in the dispensing apparatus.
An improved valve element is provided, constructed of organic
latex, having a substantial wall thickness to minimize sticking of
the valve in the closed position. The valve includes improved
actuating means adapted to both pinch and twist the resilient tube
through which beer is dispensed for sealing to terminate flow of
beer therethrough while deforming walls of the tube in such a
manner that resilient forces in walls of the tube will exert sheer
force tending to move portions of the wall longitudinally relative
to each other to facilitate rapid opening of the passageway
therethrough.
I have developed an improved control circuit particularly adapted
to allow selection of a plurality of accurately metered volumes of
liquid offering precise control of the timed interval during which
the valve is in an open position.
A primary object of the invention is to provide liquid dispensing
apparatus comprising a valve having a substantially uniform flow
passage which is capable of being moved from the fully opened
position to a fully closed position in a very short time interval,
substantially less than one second.
A further object of the invention is to provide liquid dispensing
apparatus particularly adapted for dispensing beer and having a
valve element constructed of material which will not stick in a
closed position.
A further object of the invention is to provide liquid dispensing
apparatus having a valve particularly adapted to prevent heating of
a substantial volume of beer in the dispensing apparatus when the
valve is maintained in a closed position for a substantial period
of time.
A still further object of the invention is to provide liquid
dispensing apparatus having improved actuating means particularly
adapted to move a closure element into sealing relation with a
resilient tube, in combination with means to limit movement of the
actuating means so as to prevent bouncing of the closure element
when a resilient tube is engaged.
A still further object of the invention is to provide liquid
dispensing apparatus having switch elements disposed about a
dispensing spout such that the rim of a container, such as a glass,
mug or pitcher may be employed to actuate one of a plurality of
switches such that the selected container can be filled
automatically by positioning same adjacent the dispensing spout
such that the apparatus can be operated by one hand.
A still further object of the invention is to provide improved
apparatus for controlling the time interval during which a valve is
open wherein switches adapted to initiate flow are disabled after
one of the switches has been actuated to assure that counting
apparatus maintains an accurate inventory of fluid dispensed.
Other and further objects of the invention will become apparent
upon referring to the detailed description hereinafter following
and the drawings annexed hereto.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Drawings of preferred embodiments of the invention are annexed
hereto so that the invention may be better and more fully
understood, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic fluid dispensing head
embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken substantially along line
2--2 of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the interior side of the door of
the dispensing head cabinet;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a valve assembly embodying the
invention;
FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 5--5 of FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a basic power supply unit
utilized in the invention;
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a modified power supply unit
utilized in the invention;
FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit of the
invention;
FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit of a
modification of the invention;
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through a modified form of the
dispensing head illustrating details of construction of a modified
form of the valve assembly;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged cross-sectional view illustrating details of
construction of the valve seat;
FIG. 12 is a wiring diagram of a modified form of the control
circuit adapted for filling containers of two different sizes;
and
FIG. 13 is a wiring diagram of still another modified form of the
electrical control circuit adapted for dispensing three different
measured volumes selectively from each of two different
containers.
Numeral references indicate like parts throughout the various FIGS.
of the drawings.
DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawing, the numeral 10 generally
designates a fluid dispensing head comprising an outer housing 12
having a door 14 hingedly secured to one open side thereof in any
suitable manner such as the hinges 16. The door 14 is normally in a
closed position during use or operation of the dispensing head 10,
and a suitable overriding switch 18 may be provided for permitting
cleaning of the dispensing apparatus 10 or manual operation thereof
as will be hereinafter set forth. The switch 18 herein is of the
type operable by a key (not shown) and is preferably mounted on one
side wall of the cabinet 12 in such a manner that the key lock
portion 19 thereof is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet
12, and the switch 18 is disposed inside the cabinet 12.
A suitable on-off switch 20 is mounted on the cabinet 12 and as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is preferably of the toggle type with the
toggle member 21 being disposed exteriorly of the cabinet 12, the
switch 20 being disposed interiorly thereof. A signal lamp or light
23 is also mounted on the cabinet 12 and as shown herein the lamp
23 is secured to the upper side 22 in such a manner that the bulb
portion 24 is disposed exteriorly of the cabinet whereby a visual
indication is provided for determining the operating condition of
the device 10. In addition, an upstanding threaded shank member 25
is suitably mounted on the cabinet 12 for receiving and supporting
the usual advertising or insignia device (not shown) normally
required by law on dispensers of this type for identification of
the goods being dispensed thereby. The holder 25 may be secured to
the cabinet 12 in any well known manner, and as shown herein
extends upwardly from the upper side 22 for purposes of convenience
and overall attractiveness for the unit 10.
A plurality of selector switches or buttons 26 and 27 are mounted
on the cabinet for selection of a variety of fluid quantities to be
dispensed by the device, and as shown herein are mounted on the
door 14 for facilitating access to the switches 26 and 27. An
actuating switch lever 28 extends through an aperture 30 provided
in the door 14 for operation of a selector switch 32 which is
preferably suitably mounted on the rear surface 32 of the door 14.
The overriding switch 18, the on-off switch 20, the pilot light 23,
selector switches 26 and 27, and selector switch 32 are operably
connected in the electrical circuit of the apparatus 10 in a manner
and for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.
A valve assembly generally indicated at 36 is disposed within the
cabinet or housing 12 and comprises a body or outer sleeve 38
having one end thereof externally threaded as shown at 40 in FIGS.
4 and 5 for direct connection with a shank (not shown) of a beer
keg (not shown). A suitable lock nut 42 is threadedly secured on
the threaded portion 40 for facilitating securing of the sleeve 38
on the shank. The sleeve 38 is further provided with a central bore
44 extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving an orifice
member 46 therein. The orifice member 46 is of a substantially
tubular configuration having a central passageway 48 extending
therethrough to provide a channel for the flow of the beer. The
cross-sectional dimension of the passageway 48 is preselected to
provide the optimum dimension for the travel of the beer. One end
of the orifice member 46 is provided with an outwardly extending
circumferential flange 50 adapted for disposition adjacent an
annular shoulder 52 provided in the bore 44. In addition, a sealing
gasket 54 is disposed between the flange 50 and the beer shank (not
shown) for precluding leakage of fluid therebetween.
The orifice member 46 is inserted within a flexible sleeve or tube
56 and is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced
serrations 57, or the like, for resisting withdrawal of the device
from the sleeve 56. An orifice insert sleeve 47 is slidably
disposed within the passageway 48 of orifice member 46 and is
provided with an outwardly extending circumferential flange 49 for
limiting the length of insertion of the insert sleeve 47 into the
bore 48. An O-ring 51, or the like, may be interposed between the
head member or flange 49 and the flange 50, or a plurality of the
rings 51 may be so provided for varying the insertable length of
the member 47 in the bore 48. The outer end 53 of the insert member
47 is adapted for connection with or disposition within the
explosion chamber (not shown) of the standard shank of a beer keg
(not shown), and the adjustable feature of the sleeve 47
facilitates the installation of the valve 36 on shanks of different
dimensions. The orifice insert sleeve 47 functions to effectively
eliminate the normal explosion chamber of the beer shank, and
direct the beer or fluid from the supply source directly to the
passageway 48.
The orifice member 46 extends longitudinally within the passage 58
in resilient tube 56.
An outwardly extending nipple 60 extending into the passage 58
within the sleeve 56, is provided on the outer periphery of a
dispensing spout generally indicated at 62. The spout 62 is
preferably substantially cylindrical and is provided with an
internal central bore 64 having one end 66 open for dispensing the
fluid therethrough and the opposite end 68 closed as particularly
shown in FIG. 5. The nipple 60 is provided with a central bore 70
providing communication between the shut-off valve 58 and the bore
64 of the spout 62. The cross-sectional dimension of the bore 70 is
preferably at least as small as the cross-sectional dimension of
the bore 48 through orifice member 46, and substantially smaller
than the cross-sectional area of the bore 64 in spout 62. That
portion of the bore 64 in the proximity of or communicating with
the bore 70 provides an expansion or explosion chamber 72 in the
spout 62 as will be hereinafter set forth in detail.
A fluid stabilizer 74 is centrally disposed within the bore 64 and
extends longitudinally therein through the explosion chamber 72.
The stabilizer 74 is adjustably disposed within the chamber 72 and
comprises a stem or rod member 76 of a smaller diameter than the
diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the bore 64 and is
provided with an enlarged tapered head portion 78 on the outer end
thereof. The opposite end of the rod 76 is threaded at 80 and
extends through a threaded bore 82 provided in the closed end 68 of
the spout 62 into connection with a cap nut 84. Removal of the cap
nut 84 permits access to the threaded end 80 whereby manual
rotation of the end 80 in one direction will move the head member
78 upwardly in the chamber 72, as viewed in FIG. 5, and rotation of
the end 80 in an opposite direction will move the head member 78
downwardly in the chamber 72 to provide for variation of the
volumetric size of the chamber 72 and stabilization of the flow of
the fluid therethrough in accordance with the requirements for the
optimum dispensing of the beer.
Referring to FIG. 5, is should be readily apparent that as the beer
flows from the passageway 70 it passes into the explosion chamber
72 at a reduced rate. As the beer descends downwardly and passes
the enlargment 78 on stabilizer 74 the cross-sectional area of the
passageway is lessened thereby causing acceleration of the fluid
and drop in pressure to cause the gases to come out of solution.
The size of the passageway is carefully selected to produce the
correct bubbles for customer satisfaction. The greater the distance
between the head 78 and the discharged end 66 of the bore 64 the
greater the size of the bubbles, and the smaller the distance
between the head 78 and the discharge end of the bore 64, the
smaller the size of the bubbles.
A slot 86 is provided in the wall of the body 38 as particularly
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and is disposed in substantial alignment
with the portion of passage 58 in tube 56 which extends between
orifice member 46 and nipple 60. A spring member 88 is mounted
within the housing 12 by a suitable mounting bracket 90 (FIG. 2).
As shown herein the spring 88 comprises a central coil portion 92
would around a pin 94 suitably secured to the bracket 90, and a
spring first arm 96 extends upwardly from the coil portion 92 as
shown in the drawings, and a second spring arm 98 extends outwardly
from the coil portion 92 and through the slot 86 as particularly
shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The spring arm 98 is disposed adjacent the
upper surface of resilient tube 56 and force exerted by the spring
88 through leg 98 holds the tube 56 in a normally pinched
condition, passage 58 being therefore normally closed.
The outer end 100 of the spring arm 98 is pivotally connected with
the reciprocal element or core 102 of a suitable solenoid 104 by a
suitable link member 106. When the solenoid 104 is in the normal
inactive condition, the spring 98 rests against the surface of tube
56, closing passage 58 therethrough, valve 58 for maintaining the
valve in the normal closed position. When the solenoid 104 is
energized, as will be hereinafter set forth, the element 102 is
moved upwardly, as viewed in FIG. 4, and lifts the spring arm 98
from engagement with the tube 56, thus opening the passage 58 for
permitting the flow of fluid therethrough. Of course, the solenoid
104 may be mounted within the housing 12 in any suitable manner
such as by the mounting bracket 107 and screws 108, or the like. In
addition, a guide bracket 110 (FIG. 2) may be secured within the
housing 12 for cooperation with the link 106 to guide the
reciprocal movement of the link 106 upon alternate activation and
deactivation of the solenoid 104.
Electrical power or current for operation of the dispensing head 10
is supplied by a control device generally indicated at 112 (FIG.
6). The control device 112 may be remotely disposed with respect to
the dispensing head 10, and the basic unit 112 is of a modular type
construction comprising a housing 114 having an off-on switch 116
suitably mounted thereon, and provided with means for receiving a
plurality of cells or modules 118. The basic unit 112 depicted in
FIG. 6 includes a single module 118 for operation of one dispensing
head 10, whereas the control unit 112A includes four modules, 118A,
118B, 118C, 118D. It will be apparent that substantially any
desired number of the modules 118 may be provided, with each module
118 being electrically connected to its respective dispensing head
10 in any suitable manner, such as by an extension cord, or the
like, (not shown).
Each of the modules 118 is substantially identical and comprises an
outer housing 120 adapted to be readily inserted in and secured to
the housing 112. The electrical components of each module 118 are
mounted within the respective housing 120, with each electrical
arrangement being substantially the same. The off-on switch 116 is
preferably of the key operated type and is suitably electrically
connected with each module 118 to supply electrical current
thereto. Of course, the off-on switch 116 is suitably connected
with a source of electrical current, such as the usual house power,
as is well known, and suitable electrical connections 128 are
interposed between the switch 116 and the modules 118 for
converting the normal AC house power to DC power. Each module 118
is provided with an on-off switch 122, as best illustrated in FIG.
6, whereby selective operation of each module 118 may be provided
and a suitable pilot light 123 for indicating the operating status
thereof. In addition, each module 118 is provided with a suitable
adjustable time-counter device 124 which is preferably of the type
commonly known as a triac. Each module 118 is electrically
connected with one selector switch of one dispensing device 10,
such as either or any one of the switches 26, 27, or 28. A separate
or independent module unit 118 is required for each selector switch
26, 27, or 28, or each dispenser head 10.
Referring now to FIG. 8, an electrical schematic is depicted
therein particularly illustrating the electrical circuit for a
control unit 112 as shown in FIG. 6, with the said control unit 112
being arranged for operation of the selector switch 32 by engaging
lever 28 of a dispensing apparatus 10. The selector switch 32 is
preferably a normally open switch of the spring urged or spring
loaded type. The switch 20 is preferably of a gang or toggle
actuated type, as hereinbefore set forth, and under the normal
operating conditions for the apparatus 10, the switch 20 is in the
closed position shown in FIG. 8. As long as the switch 20 is in the
closed position, and the selector switch 32 is in the open
position, current flows through the pilot light 24 for lighting
thereof, thus providing a visual indication that the dispenser head
10 is in condition to be energized for delivering fluid, such as
beer, through the nozzle or dispensing spout 62.
The off-on switch 122 of the module 118 may be of any suitable type
and as shown herein is of the slide button type. When the switch
122 is in the closed position, electrical current is supplied from
the switch 116 to the triac 124. As hereinbefore set forth, whereas
the switch 116 is electrically connected with the usual alternating
current of the house power, suitable electrical connectors 128 are
interposed between the switch 116 and the triac 123 whereby the
electric power supplied thereto will be direct current, and in
addition, other suitable electrical connectors (not shown) are
provided between the switch 116 and the triac 124 to operably
connect the triac 124 with the required electrical power. Of
course, the triac 124 is normally provided with a normally open
switch 126, as is well known, and current does not flow through the
triac until the switch 126 is closed.
Upon the closing the selector switch 32, such as by engaging the
actuating lever 28 by a glass or other container (not shown), the
triac is activated in the usual manner for the closing of the
switch 126 whereby electrical current is supplied to the solenoid
104. It is preferable to provide a slight time delay between the
closing of the switch 32 and the energizing of the solenoid 104 in
order to permit sufficient time for placing of the container or
glass beneath the nozzle 62 for receiving the fluid to be
dispensed. When the solenoid 104 is energized, the spring arm 98 is
raised from the engagement with the tube 56 and fluid flows through
the valve into the explosion chamber 72 and through the spout 62
for discharge into the pre-positioned glass. The triac 124 is
preset for remaining activated during a preselected time interval
to hold the passage 58 open for a preselected time interval as
required for the dispensing of the proper quantity of the fluid as
required for the most desirable filling level for the glass. As
soon as the time interval has elapsed, the switch 126 is opened for
deactivation of the triac, as is well known. This interrupts the
flow of current to the solenoid 104, and the solenoid releases the
spring arm 98 for closing of the shut-off valve.
During the time interval when fluid is being delivered through the
nozzle 62, the pilot light 24 is shut off, but as soon as the
delivery of the fluid is stopped, the pilot light is lighted
whereby visual indication is provided showing that the dispensing
head 10 is in condition being reset for delivering a quantity of
the fluid. As shown herein, the light 24 is of a type having a
built-in resistance whereby the resistance of the light 24 is
sufficiently greater than the resistance of the solenoid that the
light will cease to glow, or at least emit only a very faint glow,
when the solenoid is energized. Of course, it will be apparent that
the light 24 may be shut off upon energization of the solenoid in
substantially any suitable manner, as is well known, and is not
limited to the particular electrical connection shown herein.
When the fluid being dispensed by the apparatus 10 is beer,
cleaning of the flow passageway and nozzle is frequently required
to reduce any accumulation of algae, or the like. In order to open
the flow passageway for a continual flow of fluid therethrough, the
overriding switch 18 may be closed by manual actuation of the
operation key (not shown) as is well known. When the switch 18 is
closed, electrical current is directed to the solenoid 104 for
pulling the spring arm 98 out of engagement with the tube 56. Thus,
the flow of fluid through the passageways 48, 58, and 70 and
through the nozzle 62 will remain constant until the switch 18 is
opened. This permits cleaning out of the flow lines, as
required.
In addition, it will be apparent that suitable mechanical linkage
(not shown) may be provided for a manual operation of the spring
arm 98 and shut-off valve 58 in order that the dispenser apparatus
10 may be utilized in the conventional manner in the event of
electric power failure, or for any other reason.
Referring to FIG. 9, an electrical schematic is shown such as may
be utilized in connection with a dispensing head 10 having three
selector switches, such as the particular dispensing head shown in
FIG. 1. In this instance, the control unit 112 will be provided
with three modules 118, with a module 118 being provided for each
of the selector switches 26, 27, and 32. The triac 124 of the first
module 118 is electrically connected with the switch 26; the triac
124A of the second module 118 is electrically connected with the
switch 27; and the triac 124B of the third module 118 is
electrically connected with the switch 32. Each of the triacs is
preset at a timing of actuation corresponding with the time
interval required for delivery of fluid through the shut-off valve
to achieve the desired quantity. For example, the switch 26 is
selected in order to deliver a quantity of beer equal to a small
glass; the switch 27 is selected in order to deliver a quantity of
beer equal to a pitcher; and the switch 32 is selected in order to
deliver a quantity of beer equal to a large glass.
Each triac also counts each delivery operation it makes. The
counter portion of the triac is preferably of the non-resetting
type and is activated each time the triac is energized, thus
permitting a counting of the number of dispensing operations
actuated thereby. In addition, the triac is particularly arranged
to provide for one and only one action for the counting for each
delivery operation regardless of any accidental closing of a
selector switch during a delivery or dispensing operation. Thus, an
accurate record may be maintained of the fluid being dispensed by
the dispensing device or devices being controlled by the control
apparatus 112.
In the event a selector switch has been closed by mistake, or an
erroneous selector switch has been closed, the "kill" switch 20 may
be opened by manual operation of the toggle member 21. This opens
the electrical circuit, and de-energizes the solenoid 104 for
immediately closing the valve 58. This prevents or greatly reduces
accidental spilling or wastage of the fluid.
By way of summary, a plurality of the dispensing heads 10 may be
installed in direct communication with the fluid to be dispensed
thereby. the dispensing heads 10 may be provided with a single
selector switch, or may each be provided with a plurality of
selector switches, as desired. In any event, an independent module
118 must be provided in the control unit 112 for connection with
each selector switch. When a selector switch is closed, the triac
connected therewith is activated for energizing the respective
solenoid. Energization of the solenoid opens the respective
shut-off valve for permitting the flow of fluid therethrough, and
for discharge of the fluid into the expansion chamber 72 and
through the nozzle 62 into the container disposed therebelow. The
shut-off valve is held open during the time period of activation of
the triac for delivery of a predetermined quantity of the fluid as
required for filling the particular container. The triac then is
deactivated, thus de-energizing the solenoid, and releasing the
spring arm 98 for immediate closing of the valve 58.
When it is desirable to shut off any of the selector valves from
operation, the respective module 118 may be shut-off by opening the
respective switch 122 thereof. This may be desirable in the event
one of the fluid supply sources is emptied, and the entire
dispenser head 10 should be placed temporarily out of service to
prevent activation of the triacs during a non-delivery operation.
The triac will provide a counting upon each activation thereof, and
any time the triac is activated without delivery of fluid will
result in an "over counting" of delivered fluid, thus providing
inaccurate inventory record.
In the event is is necessary to interrupt the flow of the fluid at
any time during a dispensing operation, the kill switch 20 may be
actuated by the toggle 21 which stops the flow of the fluid. After
a time interval of sufficient length to permit the particular triac
to become deactivated, the toggle 21 may be utilized for closing
the switch 20 and restoring the dispenser to the normal operating
condition therefor. Of course, the pilot light 24 will be lighted
at all times when the dispensing head 10 is in condition for
delivery of fluid through the nozzle 62. Similarly, the pilot light
123 of each module will be lighted when the module is in condition
to activate the triac associated therewith.
When it is necessary to clean out the flow line and nozzle, the
override switch 18 may be closed by operation of the key lock 19.
This energizes the solenoid 104 for opening the valve 58 to permit
an uninterrupted flow of fluid therethrough for as long a time
period as the switch 18 remains closed. When the cleaning operation
has been completed, the switch 18 may be opened, thus restoring the
system to the normal operating condition therefor.
DESCRIPTION OF A SECOND EMBODIMENT
A second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 10 of
the drawing.
Numeral 210 generally designates a fluid dispensing head comprising
a housing 212 having a door 214 hingedly secured thereto in the
manner hereinbefore described in the description relating to the
preferred embodiment. The inner surface of door 214 has a concave
portion 214a formed therein and has enlarged openings 227a and 228a
formed therein through which actuating levers 227b and 228b of
micro-switches 227 and 228 extend. It should be noted that openings
227a and 228a are substantially larger than the dimension of the
actuating levers of the respective micro-switches. Such
construction is provided because beer is often spilled, coming into
contact with door 214 of the dispensing apparatus.
The enlarged openings 227a and 228a through which levers 227b and
228b, employed for actuating the micro-switches 227 and 228, extend
allows movement of said levers without engaging the sides of
openings extending through the door. Thus, even though the
respective parts becomes sticky such does not interfere with the
operation of the switching apparatus. Any liquid passing through
openings 227a and 228a drains from the inside of housing 212
through passage 212b in the bottom 212a of the housing.
A switch corresponding to switch 26 of the first embodiment of the
invention is employed in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10 and
is mounted in like manner as lever 227b.
An on-off switch 220, actuated by a toggle lever 221, is secured to
the top wall 222 of housing 212. A solenoid 204, having a core 202
movably disposed therein, is secured to the back wall of housing
212 by suitable means such as bolts 208. An angle bracket 209 has
openings formed therein and is secured to the back wall of housing
212 by bolts 208 which are employed to secure solenoid body 204 to
the housing. The lower end of bracket 209 extends inwardly from the
back wall of housing 212 and has a resilient bumper 213 disposed on
the upper surface thereof positioned to engage a lower surface of
core 202 when the horizontally disposed leg 298 os spring element
288 is disposed in the position illustrated in FIG. 11 wherein the
upper wall 256a engages lower wall 256b of resilient tube 256.
As best illustrated in FIG. 10 the modified form of valve 236
comprises an outer cylindrical body 238 having a bore 244 extending
longitudinally therethrough. Like the first form of the invention
hereinbefore described, the rear end of valve body 238 has a
threaded portion 240 formed thereon. A shank 240a, of conventional
design, is connectable to a beer keg (not shown) and has a passage
240b extending therethrough. The outer end of shank 240a has a
coupling 240c rotatably secured thereto adapted to threadedly
engage the threaded portion 240 on valve body 238.
Shank 240a has an explosion chamber 240d formed in the outer end
thereof adjacent the outer end of passage 240b.
Conventional beer taps generally have an enlarged chamber portion
formed in the rear end thereof forming an explosion chamber and
having a valve member movable for opening and closing a passage on
the side of the explosion chamber opposite the passage 240b in
shank 240a.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,408,036 to L. H. Smith discloses a typical
explosion chamber construction having a valve element movably
disposed therein.
Since the outer end of shank 240a, and consequently explosion
chamber 240d, in a conventional installation, is disposed outside
of the refrigerated cabinet in which the beer keg or other suitable
container is maintained, a substantial quantity of beer trapped in
the explosion chamber 240d would become heated thereby increasing
the tendency of carbon dioxide gas to come out of solution. Valves
of the type disclosed in the aforementioned patent to Smith move
into the explosion chamber, and consequently agitate warm beer
contained therein, when the valve element is moved to an open
position.
Referring to FIG. 10 of the drawing, it should be noted that
orifice insert sleeve 247 has an outer end 253 adapted to be
positioned in seating relation with the wall of explosion chamber
240d in the outer end of shank 240a. The passage 240b in shank 240a
generally has a diameter of 7/32 of an inch and passageway 248
extending longitudinally through insert sleeve 247a is of
substantially equal diameter. Insert sleeve 247 has an outwardly
extending circumferential flange 249 forming an enlarged head
against which one or more sealing elements such as O-ring seals 251
are seated.
The resilient tube 256 is arranged to extend longitudinally through
passage 244 in valve body 238 and extends throughout the entire
length thereof.
Resilient tube 256 is preferably constructed of organic latex
material which a good heat insulator material and has surface
characteristics tending to minimize sticking of the walls 256a and
256b when urged together to the position illustrated in FIG. 11.
Tubular member 256 has a circumferentially extending flange 254
extending about one end thereof, said flange being integral with
tubular member 256. Dispensing spout 262 having a flow stabilizer
274 disposed therein is identical to spout 62 hereinbefore
described in the description of the preferred embodiment.
Dispensing spout 262 has a nipple 260 extending outwardly from the
upper end thereof, said nipple having a flow passage 270 extending
therethrough. Nipple 260 extends into the outer end of passageway
258 formed in resilient tubular member 256 varying uniformly
between opposite ends thereof, when the tubular member is in a
relaxed condition. Providing such tapered wall thickness allows
insertion of member 247 into the inner end of passage 258 by
stretching the passage slightly such that the portion 258c of the
tube adjacent the end of member 247 has a bore substantially equal
to the diameter of passageway 248 in member 247 providing a smooth
transition and offering minimum obstruction to flow of fluid
therethrough. In like manner the outer end of tubular member 256 is
stretched around the periphery of nipple 260 forming a
substantially smooth transition at 258d between passageway 258 and
passageway 270.
The tapered wall thickness of tubular member 256 provides an added
advantage of providing increased wall thickness adjacent spring
element 298 to provide substantial force biasing tube toward the
relaxed position when spring element 298 is elevated to the
position illustrated in FIG. 10.
Valve body 238 has a notch 286 formed therein and a plate 286a
having a protuberance 286b formed therealong is secured to the
valve body at the lower edge of said notch. As best illustrated in
FIG. 11, protuberance 286b is positioned such that downward
movement of leg 298 of spring 288 strikes the upper surface 256a of
resilient tubular member 256 causing the lower wall 256b thereof to
be moved into engagement with the protuberance 286b and to be
deformed thereabout. The protuberance thus positioned causes inner
surfaces about passage 258 in tube 256 to be moved into sealing
relation along a substantial length of the surface thereof rather
than at a tangent point as is generally the case with pinch-type
valves. Since the tube is twisted or slightly wrapped about
protuberance 286b when leg 298 of spring element 288 is in the
position illustrated in FIG. 11, upward movement of the leg 298
results in appplication of forces, as a result of portions of the
tube being stretched unsymmetrically, to apply sheer stress to
momentarily cause the upper surface of passageway 258 to slide
longitudinally relative to the lower surface thereof reducing
tendency of walls of the tubing to stick together.
In FIG. 12 of the drawing is illustrated a control circuit adapted
to permit metering of two different quantities of liquid, such as
beer, from a first container and being further adapted to allow
switching of the circuit for drawing measured quantities from a
second keg or other suitable container.
A first dispensing head 210 has a solenoid 204 mounted therein, as
hereinbefore described, and has a kill switch 220 arranged to
terminate a signal to the coil of solenoid 204 if desired. A light
223 is provided for indicating that conditions exist wherein the
valve associated with head 210 is in a closed position and ready
for a dispensing operation. Switches 226, 227 and 228 are provided
for offering a selection of a plurality of measured quantities of
liquid.
A first timing device T-1 is arranged to be energized by a signal
delivered through switch 228 to cause a signal to be generated for
energizing solenoid 204 for a predetermined period of time
determined by the setting of timing device T-1. The duration of the
signal delivered by timing device T-1 is adjustable by a
potentiometer P-1 illustrated as variable resisters R-1, R-2, and
R-3 associated with timer T-1. A counter C-1 is arranged to
indicate the number of times that timing device T-1 has been
energized. Thus, since the quantity of beer dispensed during each
dispensing cycle is known, an accurate control of inventory of beer
dispensed is available.
The coil of a relay RY-1 is energized while timing device T-1 is
conducting. When the coil of relay RY-1 is energized switches
associated with the relay move from the normally closed position
illustrated in the drawing to close a circuit through the coil of
solenoid 204 while breaking the circuit through indicator light 223
on head 210 and simultaneously breaking a circuit through indicator
light L-1 indicating that timing device T-1 is conducting. Contacts
of relay RY-1, when the coil is energized, disable all of the
switches 226, 227, and 228 to prevent delivery of a reset signal to
the timing device or to counters C-1 and C-2 before a dispensing
cycle is completed.
At the termination of a dispensing cycle current through the coil
of relay RY-1 ceases causing switches associated with the relay to
move back to the nomally closed condition de-energizing the coil of
solenoid 204, turning on lights 223 and L-1 and connecting switches
226, 227, and 228 such that timing device T-1 can be reset, counter
C-1 indicating each reset cycle.
A second control circuit is similarly provided and connected to
timer T-2 such that closing of switch 227 for drawing, for example,
a pitcher of beer, sets timing device T-2 energizing the coil of
relay RY-2 and stepping counter C-1. Relay RY-2 has switches
arranged as indicated in the drawing to direct the current for
energizing the coil of solenoid 204 while breaking circuits through
indicator lights 223 and L-1 and simultaneously disabling switches
227 and 228 to prevent resetting of timing devices T-1 and T-2 and
to prevent additional stepping of counting devices C-1 and C-2
which would result in an inaccurate record of the quantity of beer
dispensed.
A duplex of cross-over switch SW-2 is a double throw switch having
a plurality of contacts arranged to disconnect the electrical
circuit from the first head 210 and to connect same to a second
head 210' such that closing of switches 226, 227, and 228 thereof,
energizing the control circuit including timers T-1 and T-2 in same
manner hereinbefore described. The electrical circuit illustrated
in FIG. 12 is readily adaptable for dispensing a single volume, for
example, a glass of beer from each of the heads 210 and 210'
simultaneously by connecting jumper lines as indicated in dashed
outlines JL-1, JL-2, JL-3, JL-4 and disconnecting the plug as
indicated at JL-5.
When jumper lines JL-1 through JL-5 are connected as illustrated in
dashed outlines, closing of switch 228 of head 210' will route a
single through jumper line JL-1 to timer T-2 for energizing same
which in turn initiates a timed cycle wherein solenoid 204 is
energized causing beer to be dispensed from the spout of head 210'.
When switch 228 of head 210 is energized timing device T-2 will
deliver a signal for energizing the coil of solenoid 204 of head
210.
It should be readily apparent that the circuit illustrated in FIG.
12 allows dispensing of either a glass or a pitcher from head 210
and provides the capability of switching to head 210' when the keg
connected to head 210 is emptied. The circuit is further adaptable
by connecting jumper lines JL-1 - JL-5 to allow dispensing of
glasses of beer from each of the heads 210 and 210' from separate
kegs if desired.
The electrical circuit illustrated in FIG. 13 is similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 12 except that three timing devices T-1, T-2,
and T-3 are employed with the associated relays RY-1, RY-2, RY-3,
and counters C-1, C-2 and C-3 are arranged substantially as
described in the description relating to FIG. 12. The circuit
illustrated in FIG. 13 allows drawing of a glass, a mug and a
pitcher of beer selectively from one keg through head 210 while
allowing actuation of duplex switch SW-2 for disconnecting head 210
and connecting head 210' substantially as hereinbefore
described.
It should further be appreciated that the circuitry illustrated in
FIG. 13 provides the added advantage, by connecting jumper lines
JL-6 through JL-11, as illustrated in dashed outline in FIG. 13 for
dispensing one size, such as a glass of beer from each of three
separate kegs having heads 210, 210' and 210" associated therewith.
It should be appreciated that when the jumper lines JL-6 through
JL-11 are connected as illustrated in dashed outlines, at least one
switch of each of the dispensing heads will be arranged to initiate
a timing cycle through one of the timing devices T-1, T-2 or
T-3.
Preferably at least one of the potentiometer devices P-1 or P-2 or
P-3 has a switch SW-3 associated therewith to bypass resistors R-1,
R-2 and R-3. When switch SW-3 is closed the associated timer is set
for a predetermined time interval, for example, three tenths of a
second to allow dispensing of a small measured quantity of beer for
example, approximately one-half ounce. It should be noted that when
this operation is accomplished the counter registers the dispensing
cycle. Switch SW-3 is not readily accessible by an operator at head
210.
From the foregoing it should be readily apparent that I have
developed an improved liquid metering and dispensing apparatus
which accomplishes the objects of the invention hereinbefore
discussed providing accurate control of the time interval, a valve
element is held in open condition while providing a valve element
which can be opened and closed rapidly to allow accurate metering
of fluid therethrough. It should further be apparent that the valve
hereinbefore described is adjustable to facilitate attaching same
to the dispensing shank of a keg though the size and configuration
of the shank and the explosion chamber therein may vary between
manufacturers. The usual explosion chamber in the end of the shank
240a has been eliminated providing improved dispensing by
eliminating agitation of beer and preventing excessive heating
thereof.
It should be readily apparent that the control circuit hereinbefore
described and illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13 offers great
flexibility in the control of valve elements of a plurality of
dispensing heads to allow dispensing of multiple quantities of beer
from one head or dispensing of single quantities of beer from a
plurality of heads simultaneously.
While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described
herein, it should be appreciated that other and further forms of
the invention may be devised without departing from the basic
concept of my invention.
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