Automated fluid dispenser

Details Automated fluid dispenser Automated fluid dispenser

2000-02-25

2001-03-27

Bomberg, Kenneth (Department: 3754)

Dispensing

Automatic control

Motor control

C222S309000, C222S334000, C222S129200, C222S372000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06206241

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices for dispensing fluids.
More particularly, the present invention relates to automated dispensing devices.
In a further and more specific aspect, the instant invention concerns automatically dispensing liquid soap.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Devices for dispensing fluids are well known and have been used to dispense liquid soaps, cleaning fluids, and condiments for many years. While capable of dispensing any fluid, the present invention is primarily concerned with dispensing liquid soap which will be the primary area of discussion.
Liquid soap is typically dispensed by the reciprocal translation of a plunger which pumps liquid soap from a source and ejects it from an aperture. These dispensers require manual manipulation of the plunger. Such manipulation serves as a vehicle for transmission of bacterial and viral contaminants to subsequent users.
There also exists pneumatically actuated and mechanically (motor/pump) actuated mechanisms for dispensing soap in response to a trigger signal. These devices require a relatively substantial amount of power, usually in the form of electrical power, to maintain the air or gas pressure necessary to operate the pneumatic dispenser or to operate a motor in a mechanical dispenser. Conventional electric power (120 volts AC) creates an electrical hazard in proximity to a wash basin, or the like, reducing the desirability of devices requiring large quantities of power.
It would be highly advantageous, therefore, to remedy the foregoing and other deficiencies inherent in the prior art.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved automatic fluid dispenser.
Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic soap dispenser which requires very little electrical power.
And another object of the invention is to provide an automatic soap dispenser which is self cleaning.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic soap dispenser which is adjustable to dispense a pre-determined quantity.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Briefly, to achieve the desired objects of the instant invention in accordance with a preferred embodiment thereof, provided is an automatic fluid dispenser including a pump mechanism actuated by a piston movable between a first position, and a second position in which a fluid is dispensed. A conduit is coupled to the pump mechanism and coupiable to a pressurized fluid source. A valve is carried by the conduit and is movable between an open position in which a pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source moves the piston to the second position, and a closed position stopping the pressurized fluid.
In a more specific aspect of the present invention, provided is an automatic fluid dispenser including a liquid soap reservoir, a soap dispensing fixture and a pump mechanism. The pump mechanism includes a housing defining a pump chamber having an inlet coupled to the liquid soap reservoir and an outlet coupled to the soap dispensing fixture. A first check valve is mounted in the inlet of the pump chamber for allowing liquid soap flow only into the pump chamber from the reservoir, and a second check valve is mounted in the outlet for allowing liquid soap flow only out of the pump chamber to the soap dispensing fixture. A piston is positioned within a bore in the housing for reciprocating motion between a first position in which the pump chamber has a volume and a second position in which the volume of the pump chamber is reduced. The pump mechanism further includes a biasing element biasing the piston into the first position. A conduit is coupled to the bore and coupled to a pressurized water source. The conduit directs pressurized water from the pressurized water source onto the piston. A valve is carried by the conduit and movable between an open position in which pressurized water from the pressurized water source moves the piston to the second position, and a closed position stopping the pressurized water. A water bleed is coupled to the bore between the piston and the valve. A sensor positioned proximate the fixture actuates a solenoid to move the valve to the open position. The valve is normally biased to the closed position.


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