Dispensing – Automatic control – Cutoff operated by rate of flow responsive mechanism
Patent
1997-03-11
1999-02-09
Derakshani, Philippe
Dispensing
Automatic control
Cutoff operated by rate of flow responsive mechanism
222 71, 2221291, 7386177, B67D 508
Patent
active
058682791
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention is concerned with liquid dispensers, such as those used to dispense post-mix soft drinks, and which are required to supply a finished product consisting of two liquids mixed at a predetermined ratio.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional dispensing device comprises conduit means for connection to storage devices for each of the two liquids, for connection of the storage means to a mixing chamber for the delivery of liquids to the mixing chamber in which the liquids are mixed and from which the mixture is dispensed, valve means being provided for each liquid, and flow control means being provided to control the relative quantities in which said liquids are delivered to the mixing chamber.
A number of situations may occur which cause the ratio in which the proportions in which the two liquids are delivered to the mixing chamber are varied. For example where the storage means is pressurised for the delivery of the liquids to the mixing chamber, pressure applied to the storage means may vary. Additionally, viscosity of the constituents may vary, particularly where one of the liquids is provided by a syrup.
Conventional flow control means operate on a proportional basis, such that the rate of flow of one of the liquids is gradually reduced by an amount proportional to the perceived divergence of the proportions from the desired mixture, so that the flow rates return to correct proportions, the intention being that the rates of flow of the two liquids along the conduits are as desired in the final mixture. Such flow control systems have heretofore proved to be somewhat unsatisfactory, and it is one of the various objects of this invention to provide a liquid dispensing device in which the relative proportions in which the two liquids are dispensed from the mixing device may be maintained with a high degree of accuracy, despite changing external factors.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention there is provided a device for dispensing liquids in a desired ratio, the device comprising therefore to a mixing chamber wherein the two liquids are mixed and from which the mixture is dispensed; and for each liquid operative to produce an output signal proportional to the quantity of liquid flowing through the conduit means, and control means to which the output signals are applied, the control means being operative on detection that flow of one liquid exceeds the other by a predetermined amount, to close the flow control valve associated with said one liquid.
If desired the device may comprise pumps means for each liquid, to pump liquid from the storage means to the mixing chamber under pressure, but more conveniently each liquid is contained in the storage means under pressure.
Conveniently a flow sensing chamber is provided in each of the conduit means, the flow sensing means being located in the flow sensing chamber.
Preferably the flow control meter comprises a flow sensing member rotatable by flow of liquid through the conduit means at a rate proportional to the rate of such flow of liquid, and preferably detection means is provided which is operative to detect the rate of rotation of the flow sensing member.
Conveniently the detection means comprises electromagnetic radiation means. For example, the flow sensing member may comprise one or more magnets, movement of which past a sensor being operative to induce a flow control signal. Alternatively the detection means may comprise a beam of electromagnetic radiation through which the flow sensing member passes as it rotates, breaking of the beam producing a flow control signal the frequency of which indicates the speed at which the flow sensing member is rotating.
Thus desirably the sensing means is operative to produce digital signals the frequency of which being proportional to the rate of flow of liquid sensed by the flow meter.
The digital signals may be used in any convenient manner to signal when an inbalance in flow rate occurs, to interrupt the flow of one liquid t
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patent: 4172381 (1979-10-01), Aigner
patent: 4753370 (1988-06-01), Rudick
patent: 4825707 (1989-05-01), Rosaen
patent: 4964533 (1990-10-01), Allington et al.
patent: 5033644 (1991-07-01), Tentler
patent: 5054650 (1991-10-01), Price
patent: 5542302 (1996-08-01), McMillan et al.
Derakshani Philippe
Kline Michael J.
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