Fluent material handling – with receiver or receiver coacting mea – Filling means with receiver or receiver coacting means – Interlocked discharge means – support and/or coupling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-08-20
2001-01-09
Jacyna, J. Casimer (Department: 3751)
Fluent material handling, with receiver or receiver coacting mea
Filling means with receiver or receiver coacting means
Interlocked discharge means, support and/or coupling
C141S090000, C141S349000, C141S352000, C141S354000, C251S149800
Reexamination Certificate
active
06170543
ABSTRACT:
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to product dispensing systems and, more particularly, to product dispensing systems which provide controlled, closed loop transfer of chemicals from one container to a receiving vessel.
BACKGROUND ART
For many years, safe, trouble-free delivery or transferral of various materials, particularly toxic or hazardous materials, has long been a problem which has plagued the industry. In particular, in situations where small quantities of such materials are to be transferred from a storage container to an active, usable reservoir, such as a holding tank wherein the materials are diluted for use, the difficulties typically encountered with transferring these products become most acute.
In an attempt to reduce or eliminate these difficulties, various systems or adaptors have been developed. However, these prior art systems have failed to eliminate or overcome the inherent problems or dangers.
Some of the most acute problems occur with the transferral or dispensing of concentrated chemicals to be added into a diluting solution, typically water, for intermixture therewith and subsequent applications to a particular item or surface. One area in which products of this nature are frequently employed is the agricultural field, which includes commercial and large-scale turf and ornamental applications where grass, plants, and the like are grown for sale or for maintenance. This area also encompasses golf courses, wherein large grass areas must be carefully maintained. However, numerous other areas and industries also require similar systems for the transferral of concentrated chemicals.
In employing these chemical products, extreme care must be exercised due to the concentrated, toxic nature of the fluid materials. In addition, care must be exercised in dispensing these products from a storage vessel to a delivery container or dilution vessel, in order to assure that proper delivery of the concentrated material is achieved, as well as proper dilution and mixing. In many instances, the introduction of excess fluid material into the dilution container can cause an overly concentrated spray to be applied, which can either damage the plants, grass, etc. to which it is applied. In addition, harm to the environment may also result due to the run off of concentrated solutions into ground water supplies.
Although the need for carefully measuring and dispensing such chemical products from a storage vessel to the dilution tank or container has been well known in the prior art, no system has been developed for successfully, efficiently, and repeatedly delivering measured quantities of the concentrated chemical material on a repeatable basis in an easily used system. As a result, the quantities being delivered are not accurate and spillage of the products onto the surrounding area often occurs. These inherent problems have consistently caused difficulties and potential harm to the environment as well as to individuals and has caused less effective concentrations to be applied or used.
In addition, another problem that has plagued this industry is the complexity of prior art constructions. Many prior art chemical product transfer systems are formed from numerous components, requiring expensive manufacturing and assembly costs. Consequently, these systems have not been successful.
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a dispensing system for chemical products which operates in a completely closed manner using only authorized equipment.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system for chemical products having the characteristic features described above which is capable of dispensing the entire contents of a container or measured quantities of the concentrated chemical, assuring the transfer of reasonably precise amounts.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which completely eliminates spillage, excessive dosing, and under-dosing.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which is completely safe and operates in an easily employed, error-free manner.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which provides positive, flow control means to assure that the chemical product is delivered only when safe to do so.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which employs a minimum of components and is reasonably easy to assemble.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which employs cooperating, interlocking components, thereby preventing access to chemicals which are not authorized.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which is employable for dispensing liquid products or dry products.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a dispensing system having the characteristic features described above which enables empty containers to be rinsed clean as part of the dispensing operation, thereby further enhancing system efficiency and environmental safety.
Other and more specific objects will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
By employing the present invention, all of the difficulties and drawbacks found in the prior art are completely overcome and a dispensing system is achieved which is capable of producing the transfer of concentrated chemical products from a storage container to a dilution container in a completely closed, spill-free, controlled manner. Furthermore, by employing the present invention, the entire contents of the container can be transferred or, if desired, repeated transfer of measured dosage can be made in order to assure the dispensing of a precise quantity of product from the storage vessel to the dilution container.
In order to attain this controlled, spill-free, dispensing and delivery of any desired chemical product, the present invention employs a product dispensing valve assembly which is securely mounted to a storage container within which the desired chemical product is retained. As discussed above, since such chemical products are often highly concentrated and toxic, the product dispensing valve assembly of the present invention is preferably securely affixed to the portal of the storage vessel in a manner which prevents the removal of the valve assembly from the storage vessel. In this way, controlled distribution of the product from the storage vessel is attained and implemented only by authorized personnel using authorized equipment.
In order to assure the chemical product retained in the storage vessel is distributed only at the desired times, and is otherwise inaccessible, the product dispensing valve assembly of the present invention incorporates closure and locking means which are automatically engaged whenever the product dispensing valve assembly is disengaged from its cooperating adapter. In addition, a mating, specially constructed adapter or coupling is mounted to the dilution container and employed to cooperate with the valve assembly by effectively disengaging the locking means when activated. In this way, assurance is provided that no individual can obtain unauthorized access to the chemical product stored within the closed and sealed container. Only by employing the proper coupling is one able to disengage the locking means of the product dispensing valve assembly of the present invention and activate the distribution of the chemical product from the storage container to the dilution container.
By achieving a securely locked product dispensing valve assembly and a cooperating activating adapter, a controlled dispensing system is realized which provides complete controlled distribution of the desired chemical produc
Baker Craig A.
Simmel Thomas L.
Jacyna J. Casimer
Link Research & Development, Inc.
Stoltz Melvin I.
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