Geometric lockout coupler

Details Geometric lockout coupler Geometric lockout coupler

1999-04-02

2001-03-06

Shaver, Kevin (Department: 3754)

Valves and valve actuation

With correlated flow path

Valve operated by joining flow path sections

C251S144000, C251S351000, C222S501000, C222S520000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06196522

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to an apparatus used for dispensing chemicals. The invention is especially suited for dispensing incompatible chemicals, which are defined as liquid chemicals that when mixed can result in creation of an undesirable reaction by-product. The invention relates to unique geometric lockout couplers which can be used to dispense incompatible chemicals without accidental mixing or other inappropriate contact.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many processes such as laundry washing make use of more than one chemical. Such chemicals can include organic surfactants, nonionic rinse aids, acid compositions, alkaline compositions, chlorine bleach compositions, alkaline materials and a variety of other cleaning or treating materials. Often such materials have substantial functionality when used appropriately in a use locus, however, if mixed with another incompatible chemical, such a mixture can result in the production of an undesirable reaction by-product that can interfere either with the operation of the use locus, the operation of the dispenser or can interfere with or ruin the substrate present in the machine such as ware, laundry, textile or other materials. Further, some chemicals if mixed can be explosive or toxic. Mixing acid and a source of chlorine can result in the release of chlorine gas. Blending certain chemicals can also result in the release of hydrogen gas which can also have explosive consequences.
The prior art generally dispenses a liquid chemical from a source reservoir through a line to a pump which is then directed to either a common or a separate manifold that ends in a use locus. Connecting an inappropriate source of chemical to an incorrect line when using such prior art systems can result in contacting reactive liquids in the dispenser or use locus with the production of an undesirable reaction by-product that can be damaging or hazardous.
A substantial need exists for a coupler apparatus that can prevent inappropriate contact between incompatible chemicals, thereby preventing the concomitant production of a harmful by-product.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is a geometric lockout coupler assembly including a probe capable of reversibly moving between an open position and a closed position, where the open position permits fluid to pass through the probe; and a bung cup sized and configured to accept the probe. The probe further comprises a geometric configuration which cooperates with the complementarily shaped bung cup to allow fluid to flow through the probe while not permitting other probes to cooperate with the bung cup.
In this, complementarily shaped is intended to mean that the bung cup has a unique geometric configuration which permits it to completely receive a probe with the correct geometric configuration while not accepting probes with other geometric configurations. For example,
FIG. 9
shows a bung cup which is complementarily shaped to the probe seen in FIG.
4
.
FIGS. 12 and 13
show another probe and complementarily shaped bung cup. As described later, these respective probes and matching bung cups include particular geometric configurations which prevent accidental mixing of incompatible chemicals caused by attaching a supply line to the incorrect supply drum or other container.
The invention is also found in a geometric lockout coupler assembly comprising a probe comprising an inner probe and an outer probe, and a complementarily shaped bung cup. The inner probe and outer probe are capable of reversibly moving axially in relation to each other between an open position, where fluid is permitted to pass through the probe, and a closed position. The inner probe further comprises a hollow cylinder through which fluid may pass, and one or more windows which permit entry of said fluid when the probe is in the open position. The probe further comprises a geometric configuration which cooperates with the complementarily shaped bung cup to permit insertion of the probe into the bung cup.
The invention is further found in a geometric lockout coupler comprising a probe comprising an inner probe and an outer probe and a complementarily shaped bung cup sized and configured to accept the probe. The inner probe comprises a hollow cylinder through which fluid may pass, and one or more windows which permit entry of said fluid; and further comprises a plurality of slider pegs. The outer probe comprises a plurality of slider tracks which cooperate with said slider pegs to permit the outer probe to simultaneously move axially and radially on the inner probe, thereby reversibly opening said window to permit fluid to pass through the probe. The outer probe further comprises a plurality of locking pegs. The probe further comprises a geometric configuration comprising a plurality of indentations which cooperate with the complementarily shaped bung cup comprising a plurality of protrusions to permit complete insertion of the probe into the bung cup.
The invention is also found in a geometric lockout bung cup comprising a hollow cylinder comprising a first end suitable for attachment to a drum bung; wherein the first end comprises a plurality of lockout tracks preferably arranged 180° apart radially; and a second end suitable for attachment to a dip tube. The second end comprises a collar which limits penetration depth of the dip tube used with the bung cup. Also included at the second end is a plurality of protrusions which are arranged at predetermined radial positions in relation to said lockout tracks.
In another embodiment, the invention is found in a geometric lockout coupler assembly comprising a probe comprising an inner probe, an outer probe and a bung cup. The probe has a first end and a second end; the first end comprising an engagement surface and a fluid exit point; and the second end comprising a fluid entrance point. The inner probe comprises a hollow cylinder through which fluid may flow, and one or more windows which permit entry of said fluid, wherein said windows of said inner probe correspond with the fluid entrance point.
The inner probe further comprises a plurality of slider pegs while the outer probe comprises a plurality of slider tracks which cooperate with said slider pegs to permit the outer probe to simultaneously move axially and radially on the inner probe, thereby reversibly opening said windows to permit fluid flow through the probe. The outer probe further comprises a plurality of locking pegs. The probe further comprises a geometric configuration comprising a plurality of indentations which cooperate with the complementarily shaped bung cup comprising a plurality of protrusions to permit complete insertion of the probe while not permitting other probes to cooperate with said bung cup.
The invention can also be found in a system for dispensing incompatible chemicals. The system comprises a plurality of probes, each probe having an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position permits fluids to pass through the probe, each probe having a lockout portion having a distinct geometric configuration; and a plurality of bung cups, wherein each bung cup is configured to completely receive the lockout portion of only a matching probe selected from the plurality of probes, wherein the bung cup is further configured to permit the matching probe to be turned to the open position.


REFERENCES:
patent: 1912304 (1933-05-01), Phillips
patent: 2606736 (1952-08-01), Ferm
patent: 4696326 (1987-09-01), Sturgis
patent: 5096158 (1992-03-01), Burdick et al.
patent: 5449145 (1995-09-01), Wortich
patent: 5971019 (1999-10-01), Imai

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