NZ241179A

NZ241179A - Liquid dispenser: dispensing prevented if reservoir level too low

Info

Publication number: NZ241179A
Application number: NZ24117991A
Authority: NZ
Inventors: Malcolm Reeve
Original assignee: Precision Measures Ltd
Priority date: 1990-12-24
Filing date: 1991-12-23
Publication date: 1995-07-26

Description

<div class="application article clearfix" id="description"> 241171) ' pr;<:. ;•/ £}-.1 -r ' • ,"3k3.}j.H.1.5?.!... 1 Cbv* , ..$>b~i. DS/^;, GoiFaa/oo^ (jqif\5]OO i:::::::::: i: , v.5; 2.6 JU.L 1995 ■,0. .» ' V, f — !.S£B±< i24MA8'1"2 \ '' *y Patents Form No. 5 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION <• >r' ' ' DISPENSER WE, PRECISION MEASURES LIMITED, an Australian company of 62 Whiteman Street, South Melbourne, Victoria 3205, AUSTRALIA hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - 1 - (followed by page la) 24117 Dispenser Field of the Invention The invention relates to dispensing devices and means to control the dispensing oF fluids. Background of the Invention Dispensers of fluids, such as spirits, require accurate control mechanisms. This arises from the high value of these fluids and government regulations which specify the volume entitlements of consumers when ordering those fluids. Such mechanisms also benefit the seller of fluids by guarding against over-pouring. Typically, in hotels and clubs, spirit dispensers are provided at the bar. Current models of these dispensers are supplied from individual bottles of spirit. Such dispensers are generally attached to a wall or other suitable structure and support bottles in an upside-down orientation. The bottles have their necks located in an upper part of the dispenser. As such, these dispensers are gravity fed. A lower part of these dispensers have an operating knob. When pushed, the metering valve is caused to open, initiating the pouring cycle. This may permit a predetermined amount of spirit to issue from the dispenser. Thereafter, the metering valve is closed. This may be achieved mechanically, electrically or electromagnetically. Another form of dispenser uses a device which attaches to the neck of the bottle. By inverting the bottle either the fluid Is caused to free flow or alternatively the device may only permit a metered amount of fluid to be MPS0094/PS - 23/12/91 dispensed. (followed by page 2) wr y 2 Yet another approach involves the provision of a hand-operated dispensing gun which is fed directly by pressurised fluid. However, the measured volume of fluid dispensed may vary depending upon the fluid pressure, the dimensions of the fluid transport and dispensing means as well as environmental factors, such as temperature and pressure. In the inverted bottle system, periodically the bottle of spirit is exhausted and a fresh bottle is installed. The use of bottles is expensive, time-consuming and is open to security abuse. Further, as the spirit is gravity fed, the dispensers are usually located above the bar or in other elevated positions. Consequently, these dispensers may be unsightly and intrusive on the working space of the bar attendants. Accordingly, investigations have been carried out in an attempt to avoid the use of bottles and improve dispensers fed from a bulk fluid source. In doing so, the cost-effectiveness of bulk supplies is achieved together with the elimination or reduction of the problems described above. Description of the Invention According to a first preferred aspect of this invention, a fluid dispenser is provided comprising: (a) a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, the reservoir being adapted to receive the fluid through the inlet prior to the fluid being dispensed through the outlet, the outlet being adapted to dispense the fluid to (b) a metering means to dispense a predetermined volume of the fluid and to thereby control the amount of the fluid dispensed through the outlet; (c) monitoring means to monitor the level of the fluid in the reservoir at a plurality of levels, the monitoring means being adapted to produce a first signal when the level of the fluid in the reservoir falls below a first predetermined level, and being adapted to produce a second signal when the level of fluid in the reservoir rises above a second predetermined level, the second predetermined level being above the first predetermined level; Zyu¥j (d) said reservoir and said monitoring means being adapted to maintain a constant level of the fluid; and (e) control means adapted to prevent the fluid from being dispensed from the metering means when the level of the fluid in the reservoir is below the first predetermined level for a predetermined time. The use of a reservoir ensures that there are substantially constant conditions (such as fluid pressure and temperature) acting on the fluid, particularly relating to a controlled head of fluid being provided for metering means to maintain its integrity. In doing so, the traditional use of a bottle to fulfil this need is eliminated and a bulk source of fluid can be utilised to supply the reservoir without the current difficulties associated with plumbing and electrical interlocks. In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the dispenser further comprises monitoring means to monitor the level of fluid in the reservoir. Preferably, the monitoring means is adapted to monitor the level of fluid in the reservoir at more than one level and to monitor distinctly different conditions in the reservoir. The monitoring means may be electrical or electronic means, float means, light means, sonic means or other suitable means. Preferably, when the monitoring means comprises electrical or electronic means, the monitoring means includes at least one probe and more preferably a series of probes located in predetermined positions in the reservoir. The monitoring means may further comprise a reference probe. Typically, the probes will be adapted to produce a signal when the level o£ fluid in the reservoir goes above or below predetermined levels. The signal is adapted to arrest or initiate the supply of fluid through the inlet of the dispenser into the reservoir, depending on the level of fluid in the reservoir. In this respect, the dispenser may further include a valve, such as a solenoid >_ 't JL i ! valve, communicating with the inlet of the dispenser to open or close the supply of fluid into the inlet from an exterior source of fluid. Alternatively, the arresting or initiation of fluid supply may be effected by de-activating or activating pumping means delivering fluid to the dispenser. Certain probes are preferably also adapted to send a signal to signal means to notify an operator of the conditions in the reservoir, such as, when the level of fluid in the reservoir goes above or below predetermined levels. In particular, the signal means may be sent a signal when the level reaches a predetermined maximum level (overflow condition) or goes below a low level of the reservoir. Preferably, the signal means Is an audio and/or visual means which may preferably be adapted to operate only if, after a predetermined period of time (such as 2 or 3 seconds) has elapsed, the condition giving rise to the signal has not been rectified. In a further preferred aspect of the invention, the dispenser includes metering means to control the amount of fluid dispensed through the outlet. Preferably, the metering means is adapted to receive fluid and dispense a predetermined volume of fluid. This feature will normally be adopted when the fluid is high-cost fluid such as spirits. The dispenser may be further adapted so that when the fluid level falls below a predetermined low level and, optionally, remains there for a predetermined period (e.g. a few seconds), the dispenser is adapted to prevent fluid being dispensed. This may be achieved by adapting the metering means to prevent fluid issuing from it or by adapting the outlet of the dispenser to become obstructed so that no fluid may pass through the outlet. In this condition, the monitoring means may cause the signal means to operate. MPS0094/PS - 23/12/91 5. 24117'.! Preferably, the reservoir includes an overflow outlet in its upper part. In an overflow condition the fluid flows through the outlet to a recovery vessel such as a drip tray. In this condition the monitoring means will preferably cause a visual and/or audio signal to issue- Generally, the fluid wilt be supplied to the dispenser, via the inlet, from an external source, such as a bulk container. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the reservoir may communicate with more than one outlet, each of which may be attached to a separate metering means. Where an outlet is not attached to a metering means the outlet is sealed. The dispenser may comprise more than one reservoir, each of which is in communication with a separate outlet. Where there is more than one reservoir, the inlet of each reservoir is preferably in communication with separate fluid supply. Description of the Drawing The invention will now be further illustrated with reference to the drawing which is a cross-sectional view. This is a concept drawing and there is no physical relativity of the dimensions of the dispenser to the fluid supply. Fluid is stored in bulk container 1 in a remote storage area. The container 1 may be of plastic construction (normally 20 litres) or a bag in a box style or stainless steel container. MPS0094/PS - 23/12/91 241170 A pump 2 pumps fluid from container 1 to dispenser 3 through a supply tube 4. Pump 2 is a diaphragm pump which is either electrically powered or operated by compressed gas supplied from a cylinder 5 or by a pressurised air supply from a compressor (not shown). When stainless steel containers are used for storage, they are pressurised by a regulated supply of gas from a cylinder or air from a small compressor. The dispenser 3 has a solenoid valve G located between one end of the supply tube 4 and an inlet 7 to reservoir 8. Fluid passing through solenoid valve 6 enters the reservoir 8 of dispenser 3 via inlet 7. When the solenoid valve 6 is closed the flow of fluid into reservoir 8 is stopped. When the solenoid valve 6 is open, the reduced pressure in the supply tube 4 causes the pump 2 to begin to operate. Solenoid valve 6 is controlled from an electronics panel 9 as follows. The reservoir 8 has four probes A, B, C and D. Each of the probes has sensing means initiating signals to the solenoid valve G or the electronics panel 9 (or to both) under predetermined conditions. Probe A is the common or reference probe. Probe B signals a low fluid level condition. This condition controls the solenoid valve 6 to the open position. Should the fluid level fall below probe B, that is the reservoir 8 requires replenishment, and that condition not change for a predetermined period, e.g. 2 seconds, an audio and/or visual signal is displayed on the electronics panel 9. This will usually mean that the bulk container 1 needs to be replenished. MPS0094/PS - 23/12/91 •s • *1 7. Probe C signals a full condition. This condition electronically controls the solenoid valve 6 to close. Probe D signals an overflow of fluid condition. This condition initiates an audio and visual output to alert the operator. The overflowing fluid can escape from the reservoir through outlet 10. The excess fluid accumulates in a drip tray 11. The electronics panel 9 and associated electrical equipment control the entire function of the dispenser 3. It can include visual indicators (such as light emitting diodes (LED's) and liquid crystal displays (LCD's)) mounted on the panel 9. The LCD is a digital counter which tallies all fluid withdrawals from the metering device 12. This is typically achieved via a signal transmitted from an electrical connection (such as a 5-pin mounting) on the metering device to the electronics panel 9. The dispenser 3 is operated by initiating operating knob 13. This causes the metering device 12 to dispense a predetermined volume of fluid. In turn this amount is drawn from the reservoir 8. Depending upon the level of fluid in the reservoir 8, the probes may cause the solenoid valve 6 to open. This permits fluid from a bulk container 1 to be pumped via pump 2 through supply tube 4 and inlet 7 into reservoir 8. The probes may also send a signal to the electronics panel 9 to display an audio or visual signal. It will be obvious that a number of these reservoirs may be juxtaposed each with a separate operating knob. Accordingly, the invention permits a constant reservoir of fluid (or fluids) to be drawn from a bulk source (or bulk sources) of fluids which avoids the current V "limitMioijs on bar space and delivery accuracy of direct pump and hand gun 23/12/91 8. 2411711 systems and the like. Similarly, it avoids the need to have constant replacement of bottles which is both time-consuming and open to theft of expensive fluids such as spirits. The avoidance of bottles also permits the dispenser to be more compactly designed. </div>

Claims

<div class="application article clearfix printTableText" id="claims"> WHAT WE CLAIM IS: . A fluid dispenser including: (a) a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet, the reservoir being adapted to receive the fluid through the inlet prior to the fluid being dispensed through the oudet, the outlet being adapted to dispense the fluid to (b) a metering means to dispense a predetermined volume of the fluid and to thereby control the amount of the fluid dispensed through the outlet; (c) monitoring means to monitor the level of the fluid in the reservoir at a plurality of levels, the monitoring means being adapted to produce a first signal when the level of the fluid in the reservoir falls below a first predetermined level, and being adapted to produce a second signal when the level of fluid in the reservoir rises above a second predetermined • level, the .second predetermined level being above the first predetermined level; (d) said reservoir and said monitoring means being adapted to maintain a constant level of the fluid; and (e) control means adapted to prevent the fluid from being dispensed from the metering means when the level of the fluid in the reservoir is below the first predetermined level for a predetermined time,
2. A fluid dispenser according to claim 1, wherein the monitoring means comprises electrical or electronic means, float means, light means or sonic means.
3. A fluid dispenser according to claim 2, wherein the electronic means is a probe.
4. A fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the second signal ceases the flow of the fluid into the reservoir until the level of the fluid in the reservoir is below the first predetermined level.
5. A fluid dispenser according to claim 4 ,•wherein cessation of the flow of fluid is effected by sealing the inlet or deactivating a pumping means delivering fluid to the fluid dispenser.
6. A fluid dispenser according to claim 5 wherein the first signal is adapted to initiate the flow of fluid into the reservoir until the second predetermined level of fluid is reached.
7. A fluid dispenser according to claim 6, wherein the flow of fluid is initiated by opening the inlet or reactivating the pumping means delivering fluid to the fluid dispenser.
8. A fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a valve means controls the flow, or cessation of flow, of fluid through the inlet into the reservoir in response to the signal from the monitoring means.
9 ■ A fluid dispenser according to claim8»wherein the valve means is a solenoid valve. 10 M/Htf
10. A fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 9» wherein the dispenser further comprises signal means to receive a signal from the monitoring means to notify an operator when the level of fluid in the reservoir is below the predetermined minimum or above a predetermined maximum level.
11. A fluid dispenser according to claim 10, wherein the signal means comprises an audio or visual signal, or both.
12. A fluid dispenser according to claim i o or claim11/ wherein the dispenser includes a timing means to receive the signal from the monitoring means and to transmit the signal to the signal means if the signal remains active for a predetermined period of time.
13. A fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 12,wherein the inlet is in communication with an external supply of the fluid.
14. A fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 13, including more than one outlet,
15. A fluid dispenser according to claim 14, wherein each outlet communicates with a separate metering means.
16. A fluid dispenser according to any one of claims 1 to 15, including more than one reservoir, each of which is in communication with a separate outlet,
17. A fluid dispenser according to claim 16, wherein each reservoir has a separate inlet adapted to communicate with a separate fluid supply.
18. A fluid dispenser substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing. PRECISION MEASURES LIMITED </div>