US20040144799A1 - Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor - Google Patents
Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20040144799A1 US20040144799A1 US10/351,006 US35100603A US2004144799A1 US 20040144799 A1 US20040144799 A1 US 20040144799A1 US 35100603 A US35100603 A US 35100603A US 2004144799 A1 US2004144799 A1 US 2004144799A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- manifold
- set forth
- cells
- passage
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D77/00—Packages formed by enclosing articles or materials in preformed containers, e.g. boxes, cartons, sacks or bags
- B65D77/22—Details
- B65D77/30—Opening or contents-removing devices added or incorporated during filling or closing of containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/0042—Details of specific parts of the dispensers
- B67D1/0078—Ingredient cartridges
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/04—Apparatus utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on beverages in storage containers
- B67D1/0462—Squeezing collapsible or flexible beverage containers, e.g. bag-in-box containers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D2231/00—Means for facilitating the complete expelling of the contents
- B65D2231/001—Means for facilitating the complete expelling of the contents the container being a bag
- B65D2231/004—Means for facilitating the complete expelling of the contents the container being a bag comprising rods or tubes provided with radial openings, ribs or the like, e.g. dip-tubes, spiral rods
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
- B67D1/08—Details
- B67D1/0801—Details of beverage containers, e.g. casks, kegs
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D2210/00—Indexing scheme relating to aspects and details of apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught or for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D2210/00028—Constructional details
- B67D2210/00047—Piping
- B67D2210/0006—Manifolds
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to pumps which act on flexible bags to dispense fluent material, and more particularly to a liquid dispenser employing a flexible bag suitable for higher flow rate operation.
- fluent materials include food, beverages, and medicinal products in the form of liquids, powders, slurries, dispersions, particulate solids or other pressure transportable fluidizable material.
- fluent material is a food additive for a food product
- surfaces contacting the material be maintained in an aseptic condition.
- the parts of the pump which contact the food are made of materials (e.g., stainless steel) which are highly resistant to corrosion and can be cleaned.
- materials e.g., stainless steel
- a flexible container for delivery of metered quantities of fluent material therefrom generally comprises a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet at least partially in opposed relationship with the first sheet such that the first and second sheets define a volume capable of holding the fluent material.
- a manifold located between the first and second sheets includes passage elements comprising spaced apart, opposing walls extending between sides of the manifold. At least portions of the manifold at the sides between the opposing walls are open, and the walls include at least one region in which the walls diverge and converge with respect to each other to define a valve window in the passage element.
- the first and second flexible sheets are sealingly attached to the manifold over opposite ones of said open sides of the manifold thereby to define with the walls a passage for the fluent material within the manifold. At least one of the first and second flexible sheets are elastically deformable at the valve window to a position between the walls for occluding the passage at the valve window.
- a valve includes a valve head disposed for movement relative to the shell between an open position in which fluent material may flow within the flexible container past the location of the valve head and a closed position in which fluent material is blocked from flowing within the flexible container past the location of the valve head.
- the valve head includes a compliant tip adapted to resiliently deform for at least partially enveloping and sealing around particulate matter in the fluent material to inhibit leaking of fluent material past the valve head. The compliant tip of the valve head engages the container in the closed position to stop the flow of fluent material,
- a drink dispenser comprises a flexible bag comprising a first sheet and a second sheet and a manifold received between the first and second sheet.
- the first and second sheets are joined together to define plural cells capable of containing liquid.
- the plural cells include a reservoir cell containing a concentrated drink liquid, a first dosing cell for receiving a volume of concentrated drink liquid to be diluted, a second dosing cell for receiving a volume of a diluent for diluting the concentrated drink liquid for consumption, and first and second mixing cells for receiving the volumes of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to mix the concentrated drink liquid and the diluent.
- the flexible bag further comprises a manifold defining a passage connecting in fluid communication the reservoir cell and the first dosing cell.
- the manifold defines a passage for delivering concentrated drink liquid from the reservoir cell to the first dosing cell.
- the passage includes two branches for selectively delivering concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell and to the second mixing cell.
- a flow control apparatus at least partially receiving the flexible bag includes valves arranged for engaging the flexible bag for deforming at least one of the first and second sheets to selectively occlude portions of the passage.
- a controller is capable of operating the valves to alternately block the passage branch to the second mixing cell while leaving the branch to the first mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell, and block the passage branch to the first mixing cell while leaving the branch to the second mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the second mixing cell.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective of a juice dispenser constructed according to the principles of the present invention
- FIG. 2 is the perspective of FIG. 1, but with a front door of the dispenser housing removed to show internal flow control apparatus of the dispenser;
- FIG. 3 is the perspective of FIG. 2, but with the flow control apparatus moved out from the dispenser housing;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective similar to FIG. 3, but showing the dispenser from a right hand side vantage;
- FIG. 5 is an elevation of a disposable flexible bag as seen from the left side as the bag is oriented in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of the flexible bag
- FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a manifold of the flexible bag
- FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the manifold
- FIG. 9 is a perspective of the manifold
- FIG. 10 is a section taken in the plane including line 10 - 10 of FIG. 9 and showing a valve seat of the manifold;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic section similar to FIG. 10 illustrating a valve in an open position
- FIG. 12 is a schematic section like FIG. 11, but showing the valve in a closed position
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective of the valve including its solenoid driver
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective of a head of the valve with a valve tip exploded therefrom;
- FIG. 15 is a front elevation of a fixed shell of the flow control apparatus
- FIG. 16 is a rear elevation thereof
- FIG. 17 is a front elevation of a pivoting shell of the flow control apparatus
- FIG. 18 is a rear elevation thereof
- FIG. 19 is a vertical section of the flow control apparatus including the flexible bag
- FIG. 19A is a schematic section taken generally along line 19 A- 19 A of FIG. 19;
- FIG. 20 is a simplified electrical schematic of the flow control apparatus
- FIG. 21 is a simplified pneumatic circuit of the flow control apparatus
- FIG. 22 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus in a fixed volume dispensing mode
- FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus in a continuous flow dispensing mode
- FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a pneumatic circuit of a flow apparatus of a second embodiment including double acting cylinders;
- FIG. 25 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment
- FIG. 26 is another version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment
- FIG. 27 is still another version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment.
- FIG. 28 is a further version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment.
- a drink dispenser 1 is shown to comprise a rectangular housing or cabinet 3 defining a compartment 5 containing flow control apparatus 7 constructed according to the principles of the present invention for dispensing a drink from a flexible bag 9 acted upon by the flow control apparatus.
- a stand 11 (which may be formed integrally with the cabinet 3 ) supports the cabinet in an elevated position above the stand providing a space for placing a cup C or other suitable container below an output nozzle 13 to receive the beverage dispensed (e.g., orange juice).
- the cabinet 3 includes a front door 15 which is hinged to the remainder of the cabinet.
- the front door may be swung open to access the flow control apparatus 7 on the interior of the cabinet 3 .
- the front door 15 has been completely removed in FIGS. 2 - 4 .
- a button 17 on the front door 15 is connected to a controller (described hereinafter) for controlling the dispenser 1 to dispense the beverage into the cup C when the button is pressed.
- the drink dispenser 1 may operate to deliver a fixed volume of the beverage each time the button 17 is pressed, or to deliver beverage in a continuous flow so long as the button is held down.
- levers or other types of devices for activating the dispenser may be employed.
- the flow control apparatus 7 is mounted on an upper slide and a lower slide (indicated generally at 19 and 21 , respectively), both of which are fixed to the cabinet 3 within the compartment 5 .
- Each slide 19 , 21 includes telescoping sections ( 19 A, 19 B and 21 A, 21 B) which allow the flow control apparatus 7 to be moved out of the compartment 5 for servicing, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4.
- a rectangular frame, generally indicated at 23 is connected as by bolts to the outer slide sections 19 B, 21 B of both the upper and lower slides 19 , 21 and forms the basis for connection of the other components of the flow control apparatus 7 .
- a fixed shell member 25 is attached to the lower end of the frame 23 and a pivoting shell member 27 is attached by hinges (generally indicated at 29 , see FIG. 19) to the fixed shell member for pivoting between a closed operating position (FIG. 3) and an open position (FIG. 4).
- a pair of V-blocks 31 mounted on an upper end of the fixed shell member 25 extend outwardly from the fixed shell member in the direction of the pivoting shell member 27 .
- the V-blocks 31 locate the flexible bag 9 and mount respective latch bolt receptacles 33 for receiving latch bolts 35 of latching mechanisms, generally indicated at 37 , attached to the pivoting shell member 27 .
- the latching mechanisms 37 each include a base 39 , a lever 41 pivotally mounted on the base and connected to the latch bolt 35 for extending and retracting the latch bolt to lock the pivoting shell member 27 in the closed position (FIG. 3), and unlock the pivoting shell member for swinging down to the open position (FIG. 4).
- the fixed shell member 25 also mounts eight solenoid valves (designated generally by references V 1 -V 8 ) which operate to control flow of fluent material within the flexible bag 9 in operation of the drink dispenser 1 , and fluid pressure control valves (designated generally by references PV 1 -PV 4 ) used in the application of vacuum and positive pressures to the flexible bag.
- the operation of the solenoid valves V 1 -V 8 and control valves PV 1 -PV 4 will be explained more fully hereinafter.
- the solenoid valves V 1 -V 8 and control valves PV 1 -PV 4 are enclosed by a cover 47 releasably attached to the frame 23 .
- the cover is shown broken away in FIG. 3 so that the internal arrangement of the solenoid valves V 1 -V 8 and control valves PV 1 -PV 4 may be seen.
- the compartment 5 is refrigerated, and the cover 47 shields the solenoid valves V 1 -V 8 and control valves PV 1 -PV 4 from condensing moisture within the cold compartment.
- the upper corners of the frame 23 mount pins 49 which are received through openings 51 (see FIG. 5) in corresponding corners of the flexible bag 9 for hanging the bag on the frame.
- the pins 47 each have annular grooves 53 near their distal ends (see FIG. 19) which receive and locate the bag 9 axially of the pins.
- the flexible bag extends down from the pins 47 between the V-blocks 31 and into the space between the fixed shell member 25 and the pivoting shell member 27 when they are in the closed position.
- FIGS. 5 and 6 the flexible bag 9 is shown to comprise a first sheet 55 and a second sheet 57 .
- the flexible bag 9 is seen in FIG. 5 from the side facing the fixed shell member 25 .
- the first and second sheets 55 , 57 have the same generally rectangular size and shape, and are superposed with each other.
- the first and second sheets 55 , 57 are liquid impervious, limp sheet material, and are sealingly secured together in a peripheral seam 59 along their peripheral edge margins to form an envelope.
- the first and second sheets 55 , 57 may each be single-ply, but is more preferably a composition of multiple plies of sheet material.
- the first and second sheets 55 , 57 are also joined together internally of the peripheral seam 59 to form several distinct cells, each capable of containing its own volume of liquid.
- the distinct cells include a large reservoir cell 61 at the top of the flexible bag 9 which contains in the illustrated embodiment orange juice concentrate liquid.
- the reservoir cell 61 is defined in part by the peripheral seam 59 , but also by a transverse seam 63 .
- the flexible bag 9 further includes a pair of openings 83 extending through the entire bag which allow locators on the fixed and pivoting shell members 25 , 27 to engage each other when the shell members are closed.
- An oval passage 87 also extends through the bag 9 and allows for communication of vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 from the fixed shell member 25 .
- the flexible bag 9 is formed with a pair of notches 89 aligned on laterally opposite sides. These notches 89 are located to mate with the “V” of the V-block 31 .
- a second pair of notches 91 is located on the lower edge of the bag provide clearance for hinges 29 which connect the fixed and pivoting shell members 25 , 27 together.
- the first and second sheets 55 , 57 sandwich a rigid plastic manifold (generally indicated at 95 ) between them which defines, along with the first and second sheets, flow paths for liquid within the flexible bag 9 .
- the manifold 95 may be a molded piece, but other materials and methods of construction may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the rigidity of the manifold 95 is sufficient to keep the paths open under the pressure differentials experienced during relatively high speed flow of liquid through the paths.
- the rigid manifold 95 isolates the reservoir cell 61 from the dosing cells 65 , 69 and mixing cells 73 , 77 so that it is not influenced by the forces producing repeated expansion and contraction of these cells in operation. Referring to FIGS.
- the manifold 95 is a skeletal frame, essentially defining side walls of flow paths, but not the tops and bottoms which are defined by the first and second sheets 55 , 57 . More particularly, the manifold 95 includes a rectangular exterior frame element 97 supporting the remaining elements of the manifold.
- Triangular elements 99 having sloping sides project outwardly from the rectangular frame element 97 near its edges. These triangular elements 99 facilitate attachment of the first and second sheets 55 , 57 to the manifold 95 , avoiding a sharp edge where the first and second sheets encounter the manifold along their vertical side edges.
- Tubes formed as part of the manifold 95 provide fluid communication of the manifold with the cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 formed in the flexible bag 9 .
- the tubes include a water dosing cell tube 101 , a concentrate dosing cell tube 103 , a first mixing cell tube 105 , a second mixing cell tube 107 and an outlet tube 109 .
- These tubes are formed from the material of the manifold 95 and defining flow paths independently of the first and second sheets 55 , 57 .
- the outer ends of the tubes 101 , 103 , 105 , 107 , 109 open into their respective cells 69 , 65 , 73 and 77 , and the tubes extend through the rectangular frame element 97 into the interior of the manifold 95 .
- the reservoir cell 61 is serviced by an inlet channel 111 projecting outwardly from the rectangular frame element 97 and opening into the reservoir cell.
- the inlet channel 111 is open to one side of the manifold 95 and uses the first sheet 55 to enclose a flow path for liquid from the reservoir cell 61 for reasons which will be explained hereinafter.
- All of the tubes except the outlet tube 109 , and the inlet channel 111 have wings 101 A, 103 A, 105 A, 107 A, 111 A, which taper in a radial direction outward from the tube. These wings provide larger and smoother surfaces for joining the first and second sheets 55 , 57 to the tubes 101 , 103 , 105 , 107 and inlet channel 111 to facilitate a sealing connection which will not be broken under forces ordinarily experienced by the flexible bag 9 .
- the rigid manifold 95 provides many advantages. However, it is also possible to form the flow paths in other ways. For instance, flow paths may be formed entirely by making seals (not shown) within the flexible bag 9 to define passages. Moreover, instead of a single rigid manifold, individual rigid tubes or other support pieces (not shown, but similar to tubes 101 , 103 , 105 and 107 ) could be used independently of other rigid structure at critical locations (e.g., at the openings into the cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 ) in otherwise flexible passages to keep the passage open. As one further alternative, the passages could be formed by individual tubes (not shown) sealed between sheets 55 , 57 of the flexible bag 9 .
- Valve windows could be formed between adjacent tubes by forming small pockets in the bag 9 by sealing the sheets 55 , 57 of the bag together. Two (or more) aligned tubes would open into the valve window. Valve heads could then act to collapse (by pressing on) and release the windows to prevent or allow passage of liquid.
- Water inlet openings are defined by two generally circular frame elements 115 on the left hand side of the manifold 95 (as oriented in FIGS. 8 and 9).
- the circular frame elements 115 converge in part with the rectangular frame element 97 .
- Each circular frame element 115 is capable of receiving a water inlet line (not shown) for delivery of water, such as from a public drinking water line, into the manifold 95 .
- Two circular frame elements 115 are provided so that the water line can be attached on either side of the flexible bag 9 . Thus, the bag does not require a particular orientation to function.
- a passage (generally indicated at 117 ) of the manifold 95 is defined largely by first and second internal wall frame elements (designated 119 and 121 , respectively) extending lengthwise of the manifold within the rectangular frame element 97 .
- the internal wall frame elements 119 , 121 are opposed to each other and define sides of the passage 117 .
- the passage is enclosed by the securement of the first and second sheets 55 , 57 to the tops of the first and second internal wall frame elements 119 , 121 .
- the manifold 95 is formed with valve seats (generally indicated at 123 ) which are open on the side closed by the first sheet 55 , but closed on the side adjacent the second sheet 57 .
- the first wall frame element 119 has a break aligned with the reservoir inlet channel 111 for passage of liquid concentrate (i.e., orange juice concentrate) into the manifold 95 .
- the second internal wall frame element 121 includes four breaks where the second internal wall frame element extends to an intersection with the rectangular wall frame element 97 . These breaks are aligned with the locations where the tubes 101 , 103 , 107 and 109 pass through the rectangular frame element for passage of liquid into and/or out of the manifold 95 .
- the passage 117 has two branches 117 A, 117 B providing for separate flow to the first and second mixing cells 73 , 77 from the dosing cells 65 , 69 , and from the mixing cells to the outlet tube 109 .
- the branches extend from a break in the first internal wall frame element to the right end of the manifold 95 (as oriented in FIGS. 8 and 9).
- One branch ( 117 B) is defined by a continuation of the first and second internal wall frame elements 119 , 121 down the center of the manifold 95 .
- the other branch 117 A is defined by the first wall frame element 119 and the interior of the rectangular frame element 97 such that the branch extends along the top of the manifold 95 , parallel to branch 117 B.
- the branch 117 A opens to the first mixing cell 73 , but not the second mixing cell 77 .
- branch 117 B opens to the second mixing cell 77 , but not the first mixing cell 73 .
- the branch 117 B communicates with the second mixing cell 77 by one of the breaks in the second internal wall frame element 121 .
- the branch 117 A communicates with the first mixing cell 73 by way of a channel element (generally indicated at 125 ).
- the channel element 125 extends from the opening in the rectangular frame element 97 associated with the first mixing cell tube 105 , through branch 117 B and to a break in the first internal wall frame element 119 where it opens into the branch 117 A.
- the channel 125 is closed from branch 117 B by the presence of a bottom wall 127 and two lateral walls 129 of the channel.
- the channel 125 is split in two by an internal divider 131 .
- the divider 131 supports the sheet 55 against collapsing into the channel 125 .
- the channel is not as deep as the thickness of the manifold 95 or the height of the opposing walls 119 , 121 . Therefore, liquid in branch 117 B is able to continue past the channel 125 by passing behind it (as the manifold 95 is viewed in FIGS. 8 and 9).
- the two branches 117 A, 117 B join together again into a single passage 117 adjacent to the outlet tube 109 so that both the first and second mixing cells 73 , 77 deliver the mixed liquid to the same location.
- the valve seats 123 are used in the control of the direction of liquid flow inside the manifold 95 .
- the overall operation of the flow control apparatus 7 including the routing of liquid within the manifold 95 , will be described more completely below.
- the valve seats 123 are defined in part by opposed arcuate sections 135 which may be formed by the rectangular frame element 97 and first internal wall frame element 119 , the first and second internal wall frame elements 119 , 121 , or by opposed sections of the reservoir cell inlet channel 111 . Each pair of opposed arcuate sections defines a valve window. All of the valve seats 123 have substantially the same construction, and a representative one of the valve seats is shown in cross section in FIG. 10.
- the valve seat 123 joins together the internal wall frame element 119 and the rectangular frame 97 defining the passage branch 117 A on one side adjacent to the second sheet 57 .
- the valve seat 123 includes a sealing surface 137 in the shape of a segment of a sphere. Ramps 139 extend from the side of the manifold 95 adjacent to the second sheet 57 to the sealing surface 137 , facilitating flow of liquid to and from the region of the sealing surface. It will be appreciated that the sealing surface 137 of the valve seat 123 provides a hard, rigid surface against which to form a seal to close the passage 117 A at the location of the valve seat.
- FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate a valve stem 143 and valve head 145 of one of the solenoid valves (V 7 ) which is used to selectively close the passage branch 117 A at the valve seats 123 illustrated in FIG. 10.
- the valve head 145 includes a valve tip 147 attached to the valve head.
- a distal surface 149 of the valve tip 147 is shaped in correspondence with the shape of the sealing surface 137 of the valve seat 123 .
- the valve head 145 is spaced from the valve seat 123 in FIG.
- the valve stem 143 is extended by the solenoid valve V 7 so that the valve tip 147 engages the first sheet 55 and deforms it into the valve seat window 135 .
- the first sheet 55 is pressed tightly against the sealing surface 137 of the valve seat 123 and substantially conforms to the sealing surface over the surface area of the distal surface 149 of the valve tip 147 so that so that the passage is occluded by the deformed portion of the first sheet, as shown in FIG. 12.
- the valve tip 147 is preferably made of an elastomeric material which is capable of resilient deformation.
- a material is silicone rubber having a hardness of 25-30 Shor A. Generally speaking, the hardness of the material should not be above 35 Shor A.
- Other materials could be used, such as a soft polyurethane, natural rubber and a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer available from E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co. of Wilmington, Del.).
- the resiliently deformable valve tip 147 of the present invention is capable of deforming itself and the first sheet 55 about the pulp (or other particulate) in the liquid so that the first sheet is forced down against the sealing surface 137 around the pulp, at least partially enveloping the pulp and sealing around it. In this way, the passage 117 A is still blocked notwithstanding the presence of pulp or another particulate at the valve seat 123 .
- the solenoid valve V 7 When the solenoid valve V 7 is opened (i.e., moves the valve head 145 and tip 147 back to the position of FIG. 11), the first sheet 55 resiliently springs back to its original position above the sealing surface 137 , reopening the passage past the valve seat 123 .
- each solenoid valve including illustrated solenoid valve V 7 , includes a cylinder 153 having a flange 155 at one end for use in mounting on the frame 23 and fixed shell member 25 .
- the cylinder 153 receives the valve stem 143 which is biased outwardly from the cylinder by a coil spring 157 which engages the cylinder and the valve head 145 .
- the ordinary or unenergized position of the solenoid valve V 7 is to close the passage 117 A by force of the spring 157 .
- the cylinder 153 contains a suitable electromagnetic device which is operable upon energization to draw the valve stem 143 into the cylinder and to open the valve seat 123 for transfer of liquid through the passage 117 A.
- the solenoid valve V 7 may be configured differently than shown and other types of valves may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the valve tip 147 comprises a roughly half-moon shaped piece 159 of silicone rubber and a pair of attachment rods 161 .
- the attachment rods are received in holes (not shown) in the valve head 145 for securing the valve tip 147 to the head.
- the valve head 145 includes a transverse groove 163 which receives the inner end margin of the rubber piece 159 .
- Tongues 165 project longitudinally of the solenoid valve V 7 from the head 145 on opposite sides of the rubber piece 159 when received in the groove 163 .
- the tongues 165 have roughly arcuate shapes in correspondence to the shape of the distal surface 149 of the valve tip 147 to provide support against lateral movement of the valve tip in directions perpendicular to the major surfaces of the piece 159 .
- the solenoid valves V 1 -V 8 are mounted on the frame 23 and fixed shell member 25 by respective pairs of bolts 169 which extend through holes 171 in the flanges 155 of the cylinders 153 , through the frame and into the fixed shell member. It is noted with reference to FIG. 16 that one pair of solenoid valves (V 3 and V 4 ), because of their orientation and close proximity to each other share a flange 155 which receives three bolts 169 to mount the pair of valves.
- the valve stem 143 of each valve (V 1 -V 8 ) extends into the fixed shell member 25 and the valve head 145 is located in a respective one of openings 173 formed on the interior face of the fixed shell member (see FIG. 15).
- Each solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve V 7 ) is operable to move the valve tip 147 through the opening 173 to deform the first sheet 55 into engagement with a sealing surface 137 of the corresponding valve seat 123 of the flexible bag 9 to occlude the passage 117 at the location of that particular valve, and to retract into the opening to open the passage. It will be appreciated that in operation, these openings 173 are aligned with respective valve seats 123 of the manifold 95 .
- An aperture 175 in the inner face of the fixed shell member 25 is provided for passing vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 .
- the aperture 175 is surrounded by an O-ring 177 for sealing engagement with the pivoting shell member 27 through the oval passage 87 in the flexible bag 9 .
- Two cavities 179 at the bottom of the fixed shell member 25 are provided for the hinge 29 connecting the pivoting shell member 27 to the fixed shell member. Hinge pins 181 used to make the connection may be seen in each cavity 179 .
- the interior face of the fixed shell member 25 is formed with two roughly oval (or egg-shaped) recesses indicated at 185 and 187 , which are sized and shaped to receive the first mixing cell 73 and the second mixing cell 77 , respectively, of the flexible bag 9 .
- a third recess 189 is sized to receive the concentrate dosing cell 65
- a fourth recess 191 is sized to receive the water dosing cell 69 .
- Each of the recesses ( 185 , 187 , 189 , 191 ) in the fixed shell member 25 has a grouping of four small ports (the grouping indicated generally at 195 ) in each recess is used for applying vacuum pressure to the recess and the cell ( 73 , 77 , 65 , 69 ) contained therein.
- An opening (not shown) in the fixed shell member 25 in each of the recesses 185 , 187 , 189 , 191 may be provided to sensors (not shown) to ascertain the state of the corresponding cell ( 65 , 69 , 73 and 77 ).
- the first two recesses 185 , 187 are surrounded by channels 197 which hold respective O-rings 198 for sealing with the flexible bag 9 adjacent to the portion of the mixing cells 73 , 77 received in the recesses.
- the third and fourth recesses 189 , 191 are both surrounded by a single channel 197 and O-ring 198 therein because the concentrate dosing cell 65 and the water dosing cell 69 are operated conjointly in the illustrated embodiment.
- each of the first two recesses 185 , 187 , and the third and fourth recesses 189 , 191 are isolated in their own regions from the other regions and from the ambient so that the fluid pressure applied in each region is entirely independent of that applied in any other region. Only fragments of the O-rings 198 are shown in FIG. 15, but they extend completely around the channels 197 .
- the fluid pressure control valves PV 1 -PV 4 are mounted on the outer face of the fixed shell member 25 through an opening 199 (FIG. 16) in the frame 23 .
- the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 are not shown in FIG. 16 for clarity.
- the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 are each connected to a high pressure input connector 201 , a low pressure input connector 203 and a vacuum pressure input connector 205 extending through the cover 47 on the top side thereof (see FIG. 3).
- the high pressure input connector 201 may for example deliver air pressurized to about 40 psi for use in driving the operation of the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 .
- the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 are also connected to a source of electrical power (not shown) for use in driving operation of the valves.
- the low pressure input connector 23 may for example deliver air pressurized to about 10 psi for use in apply pressure tending to collapse the cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 of the flexible bag 9 .
- the vacuum pressure connector 205 may for example deliver a vacuum pressure of about ⁇ 7 psi for expanding the cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 and also for holding the second sheet 57 of the flexible bag 9 against the pivoting shell member 27 , as will be more fully described. Other pressures may be applied without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also possible to apply pressure and vacuum to the side of the flexible bag 9 facing the pivoting shell member 27 within the scope of the present invention.
- control valves PV 1 -PV 4 operate so that positive or vacuum pressure is applied to the respective cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 through the ports 195 in the recesses of the fixed shell member 25 for collapsing or expanding the cells to selectively discharge or draw in liquid.
- Control valve PV 1 is connected to the fixed shell member 25 by a fitting 202
- control valve PV 2 is connected by fittings 204 A, 204 B
- control valve PV 3 is connected by a fitting 206
- control valve PV 4 is connected by a fitting 208 .
- the fittings 202 , 204 A, 204 B, 206 , 208 are connected by passaging in the fixed shell member 25 and (in the case of fitting 202 ) in the pivoting shell member 27 to respective ones of the recesses 185 , 187 , 189 , 191 , 211 , 213 , 215 , 217 for applying positive and vacuum pressure.
- a member 212 projecting from the cover 47 is provided for making electrical connection to the valves PV 1 -PV 4 and for venting air to ambient.
- the pivoting shell member 27 mounts on its outer face (FIG. 17) the previously described latching mechanisms 37 used to secure the pivoting shell member to the fixed shell member 25 in the closed position.
- a quick release connector 209 is capable of releasable, sealing attachment of a water line hose (not shown) thereto for supplying water (the diluent) to the flow control apparatus 7 .
- the water passes from the connector 209 through the inner face of the pivoting shell member 27 to a shuttle connector 210 .
- the shuttle connector punctures the second sheet 57 of the flexible bag 9 when the pivoting shell member 27 is closed, and seals with the circular frame element (inlet) 115 in the manifold 95 (e.g., as by engagement of an O-ring in the frame element).
- the inner face of the pivoting shell member 27 has recesses (designated 211 , 213 , respectively) to receive respective halves of the mixing cells 73 , 77 , a recess 215 to receive half of the concentrate dosing cell 65 and a recess 217 to receive essentially half of the water dosing cell 69 .
- the mixing cell recesses 211 , 213 are each surrounded by grooves 219 which contain respective O-rings 220 adapted for sealing engagement with the flexible bag 9 to isolate the recess from the other recess and from ambient.
- a single groove 219 and O-ring 220 surrounds a region including the recess 215 for the concentrate dosing cell 65 and the recess 217 for the water dosing cell 69 .
- the single O-ring 220 isolates these two recesses 215 , 217 from the other recesses 211 , 213 and from ambient. Only fragmentary portions of the O-rings 220 are shown in FIG. 18, but they extend the full length of the grooves 219 .
- a grouping of four small ports (the grouping indicated generally at 221 ) in each recess provides fluid communication for vacuum pressure to the half of the cells 73 , 77 , 65 , 69 in the recesses 211 , 213 , 215 , 217 .
- This vacuum pressure is communicated from the fixed shell member 25 through the opening 175 in the inner face of the fixed shell member which is sealingly engaged through the oval passage 87 in the flexible bag 9 with the inner face of the pivoting shell member 27 around an opening.
- the opening communicates with internal passages generally indicated at 225 in the pivoting shell member 27 (see FIG. 19) to communicate the vacuum pressure to each of the groupings of ports 221 .
- FIG. 19A schematically illustrates the advantageous construction of the tube wing 103 A of the tube 103 in the isolation of the regions around the recesses 185 , 187 and the two recesses 189 , 191 .
- the tapered shape of the wing 101 A allows the O-rings 198 , 220 to gradually transition over the tube 101 so that it maintains continuous contact with the respective one of the first and second sheets 55 , 57 of the bag.
- a sharp transition over a rigid tube could produce a gap in contact between the seals 198 , 220 and their corresponding sheet 55 , 57 resulting in leakage from the isolated region and loss of positive or vacuum pressure in the region.
- the rigid tubes 101 , 103 , 105 , 107 perform the important function of maintaining communication of the manifold 95 with the cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 , although the cells expand and collapse repeatedly during the cycle. Otherwise an inlet would have a tendency to collapse before the necessary liquid had passed through.
- Cavities 227 at the lower edge margin of the pivoting shell member 27 receive hinge blocks 229 fixedly attached to the pivoting shell member and projecting outwardly therefrom.
- the hinge blocks 229 extend into the cavities 179 at the lower edge margin of the fixed shell member 25 where they are pivotally mounted on the fixed shell member by the hinge pins 181 .
- FIG. 19 illustrates the fixed and pivoting shell members 25 , 27 in a closed position.
- the pivoting shell member 27 is capable of pivoting with respect to the fixed shell member 25 between the open and closed positions.
- Two circular slots 226 A, and an elongate slot 226 B (FIG.
- the a controller 233 e.g., a programmable logic controller
- the solenoid valves V 1 -V 8 (only two of which are illustrated) to activate and deactivate the valves according to a preset program of operation.
- the controller 233 is also connected to the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 shown in FIG. 21, although the connection is not specifically illustrated.
- the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 could be controlled by a separate controller (not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention.
- the pneumatic system of the flow control apparatus 7 includes a pump 235 for providing suitable fluid pressures above atmospheric.
- a line 237 from the pump 235 extends through a control valve 239 and past a pressure sensor 241 to a tank 243 .
- Another line 245 extending from the tank 243 breaks into two branches ( 245 A, 245 B), each having its own pressure regulator 247 .
- the branches 245 A, 245 B are then connected to the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 as previously stated.
- a vacuum pump 249 is also connected to the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 by a line 251 .
- the pump 235 is operated to maintain the pressure in the tank 243 at about 50 psi.
- the pressure sensor 241 detects that the pressure has reached 50 psi or above, it shuts down the pump and/or shuts off the valve 239 .
- the upper pressure regulator 247 in the schematic can be operated to control the pressure in the branch 245 A to about 40 psi and the lower pressure regulator can be operated to control the pressure in the branch 245 B to about 10 psi.
- the vacuum supplied to the control valve PV 1 -PV 4 by the vacuum pump 249 may be at about ⁇ 7 psi, as stated previously.
- the 40 psi pressure is used to drive the control valves PV 1 -PV 4 to change between the application of positive pressure to the recesses 185 , 187 , 189 , 191 in the fixed shell member 25 and the application of vacuum pressure.
- a constant vacuum pressure is applied to the parts of the cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 formed by the second sheet 57 of the flexible bag 9 .
- These parts of the cells 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 are received in respective ones of the recesses 215 , 217 , 211 , 213 in the pivoting shell member 27 .
- Orange juice concentrate may be packaged in the flexible bag 9 at one location under aseptic conditions (or sterilized after packaging) and shipped with other flexible bags to another location (e.g., a restaurant or cafeteria) where the drink dispenser 1 is located.
- one flexible bag 9 may be replaced with another by opening the pivoting shell member 27 (FIG. 4), lifting the one bag off of the pins 49 and hanging a new bag on the pins.
- the new flexible bag 9 is guided between the V-blocks 31 , and the notches 89 in the vertical sides of the bag are placed in registration with the V-blocks.
- the pivoting shell member 27 is swung up to the closed position and the latch bolts 35 lock in the receptacles 33 .
- the reservoir cell 61 is located above the fixed and pivoting shell members 25 , 27 .
- the concentrate dosing cell 65 , the water dosing cell 69 and the mixing cells 73 , 77 are received in the recesses 189 / 215 , 191 / 217 , 185 / 211 , 187 / 213 of the fixed and pivoting shell members 25 , 27 .
- a water line is attached to the quick release connector 209 on the outer face of the pivoting shell member 27 and an output line 253 (FIG. 2) is connected to the outlet tube 109 extending down from the manifold 95 .
- the entire flow control apparatus 7 may then be slid back into the cabinet 3 by collapsing the telescoping sections 19 A, 19 B, 21 A, 21 B of the slides 19 , 21 . Any connections which were removed to allow the flow control apparatus 7 to slide out of the cabinet compartment 5 are restored.
- the controller 233 may then automatically operate the cycle so that any air in the mixing cells 73 , 77 or dosing cells 65 , 69 is eliminated and the flow control apparatus 7 is primed.
- all of the mixing cells 73 , 77 and dosing cells 65 , 69 may first be collapsed to purge air, which is exhausted through the outlet tube.
- Both of the dosing cells 65 , 69 may be filled with water which is subsequently delivered to the first mixing cell 73 .
- the dosing cells 65 , 69 refill with water as the water in the mixing cell 73 is discharged through the outlet tube 109 .
- the second mixing cell 77 is filled with water from the dosing cells 65 , 69 .
- the concentrate dosing cell 65 is filled with orange juice concentrate from the reservoir cell 61
- the water dosing cell 69 is filled with water.
- the combined volume of the recesses 189 and 215 receiving the dosing cell 65 , and the combined volume of the recesses 191 and 217 receiving the water dosing cell 69 in the closed position of the fixed and pivoting shell members is selected so that the appropriate dilution of the orange juice concentrate is achieved.
- the dosing cells 65 , 69 themselves are sized sufficiently large to fill their respective containing volumes.
- the total combined volume of the recess 189 , 215 , 191 , 217 may be four ounces, and the volume of each pair of recesses 185 / 211 and 187 / 213 , holding mixing cells 73 and 77 , respectively, may be four ounces.
- the contents of the dosing cells 65 , 69 are pumped to the first mixing cell 73 . No agitation of the concentrate and water in the mixing cells 73 or 77 is done. The turbulence of the flow of orange juice concentrate and water when it enters the mixing cells 73 , 77 is sufficient for mixture.
- additional agitation could be used, such as by applying positive and vacuum pressure cyclically to the mixing cell 73 , 77 while holding the liquids in the mixing cell.
- the mixing cell 73 discharges the mixture through the outlet tube 109 as the concentrate dosing cell 65 and water dosing cell 69 refill with orange juice and water, respectively.
- the second mixing cell 77 is then filled with the contents of the dosing cells 65 , 69 .
- the dosing cells refill and the flow control apparatus 7 is ready for operation.
- FIG. 22 a chart indicating operation of the flow control apparatus 7 to dispense a fixed volume of liquid (e.g., eight ounces of orange juice diluted from concentrate) over a single six second cycle is shown.
- the exact amount of time is an example and may be other than six seconds.
- the plot for control valve PV 1 represents the pressure which is applied to the sides of the mixing cells 73 , 77 and dosing cells 65 , 69 which are received in the recesses 211 , 213 , 215 , 217 of the pivoting shell member 27 .
- Control valve PV 1 operates either to apply vacuum pressure ( ⁇ 7 psi) to the recesses 211 , 213 , 215 , 217 of the pivoting shell member 27 or to vent the recesses to atmosphere.
- the plot for control valve PV 2 illustrates the application of pressure to the recesses 189 , 191 of the fixed shell member 25 receiving the concentrate dosing cell 65 and the water dosing cell 69 by operation of the control valve.
- control valves PV 3 and PV 4 represent the expansion and collapse of the mixing cells 73 , 77 , as controlled by those control valves.
- a line at “+10 psi” indicates positive pressure is applied (i.e., the cell is collapsed) and a line a “ ⁇ 7 psi” indicates that a vacuum is applied (i.e., the cell is expanded).
- the exact pressures shown are illustrative and not limiting.
- a horizontal line at “1” means that the valve is open, allowing liquid to flow past the valve seat 123 , and a line at “0” means the valve is closed, blocking flow of liquid past the valve seat.
- the condition of the mixing cells 73 , 77 and dosing cells 65 , 69 and the positions of the solenoid valves V 1 -V 8 at any given instant can be seen by reading down along a vertical line in the chart.
- Operation begins by pressing the button 17 on the exterior of the drink dispenser 1 (FIG. 1) and the controller 233 (FIG. 20) initiates operation of the cycle. Positive pressure is applied through the control valve PV 4 and the mixing cell 77 is urged to collapse. Valve V 8 is open and valve V 7 is closed so that the mixture which was previously delivered to the mixing cell 77 during the purge and prime operation described above, is discharged to the cup C (FIG. 1). At the same time, positive pressure is applied through the control valve PV 2 to the dosing cells 65 , 69 discharging the contents of both cells (filled in the purge and prime operation) into the manifold passage 117 through their respective tubes 101 , 103 .
- Valve V 1 is closed so no additional water is added to the manifold 95 and there is no backflow into the water system.
- Valves V 2 , V 4 and V 5 are open, while valves V 6 and V 7 are closed and the mixing cell 73 is expanded by operation of PV 3 so that the contents of the dosing cells 65 , 69 are received in the mixing cell.
- V 3 is closed, shutting off the reservoir cell 61 from the manifold 95 . This condition is maintained for about 1.5 seconds.
- FIG. 24 A portion of a flow control apparatus 7 ′ of a second embodiment is schematically illustrated in FIG. 24.
- the construction of the flow control apparatus may be essentially identical to the flow control apparatus 7 of the first embodiment except that the pump 235 and control valves PV 1 -PV 4 of the first embodiment are replaced with three cylinders, designated 257 , 259 and 261 , respectively.
- the cylinders 257 , 259 , 261 have the advantage of being able to fit in a very small volume and to operate silently.
- Each of the cylinders 257 , 259 , 261 has a piston head 263 movable lengthwise of the cylinder.
- Pressure/vacuum lines 265 , 267 , 269 extend from each cylinder 257 , 259 , 261 to the fixed shell member 25 and acts on a respective one of the mixing cells 73 , 77 , or on both of the dosing cells 65 , 69 .
- the cylinders 257 , 259 , 261 are each an essentially closed pneumatic system. Movement of the piston head 263 toward the discharge end of the cylinder 257 , 259 , 261 applies a pressure to the cell 65 , 69 , 73 , 77 to collapse the cell, and movement of the head toward the opposite end applies a vacuum pressure to expand the cell. Regions within the cylinders where positive, atmospheric and vacuum pressures are applied have been delineated in the drawing. Preferably in when the piston head 263 is in the atmospheric region, there is an automatically opening valve (not shown) which vents the cylinder 257 , 259 , 261 to atmosphere to keep the position of the head at which a particular pressure is applied from drift
- FIG. 25 A cycle of operation of the pneumatic part of the operation of the flow control apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 25.
- the operation is not materially different from the continuous flow operation of the first embodiment.
- the cylinders 257 , 259 , 261 are used, the changeover from positive to vacuum pressure (and vice versa) is not substantially instantaneous. Accordingly the pressure changes along a steep, but discernable slope from one pressure to the other and back.
- a constant vacuum pressure is applied to the pivoting shell member 27 (and thence to the recesses 211 , 213 , 215 , 217 ) through control valve PV 1 by a line 264 (see FIG.
- the line 264 contains a check valve 266 which allows a vacuum to be drawn in the pivoting shell member 27 when a vacuum is drawn in the corresponding cylinder(s), but does not allow positive air pressure to enter. Ideally, once an initial vacuum is drawn on the pivoting shell member it would hold without further action by the cylinder 257 . However, if needed this cylinder 257 can restore a loss of vacuum.
- FIG. 26 A second version of the flow control apparatus 7 ′ of the second embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. 26.
- the construction is nearly the same as the first version, but the mixing cells 73 , 77 are now operated by one double acting cylinder 270 .
- the line and check valve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 is not illustrated in FIG. 26.
- pressure lines, designated 271 , 273 extend from both ends of the cylinder 270 .
- the cylinder is again a closed pneumatic system.
- pressure is applied through one of the lines 271 , while vacuum is applied through the other line 273 .
- Another cylinder 275 connected by line 277 operates to expand and compress dosing cells 65 , 69 .
- FIG. 27 A third version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment 7 ′ is schematically shown in FIG. 27.
- the separate cylinder for the dosing cells 65 , 69 is eliminated.
- additional control valves are required which operate in a rather more complicated manner because the dosing cells 65 , 69 must cycle (fill/discharge) twice as fast as the mixing cells 73 , 77 .
- the drawing shows the third version in an initial part of the cycle where a right hand cylinder 279 is used (by opening the appropriate valves) to apply pressure to the dosing cells 65 , 69 and vacuum to the mixing cell 73 .
- the other cylinder 281 applies positive pressure to the mixing cell 77 for dispensing its contents.
- a line 282 to the dosing cells 65 , 69 can remain in communication with the same cylinder 279 as its piston head 283 shifts to place positive pressure on the mixing cell 73 and vacuum pressure on the dosing cells 65 , 69 to discharge to the contents of the mixing cell 73 and refill the dosing cells.
- Piston head 293 moves to apply a vacuum to the mixing cell 77 .
- the dosing cells 65 , 69 will discharge again while the mixing cell 73 is still dispensing.
- a valve 285 to the cylinder 279 is closed, as is a valve 287 to the mixing cell 73 .
- a valve 289 to the other cylinder 281 is opened, allowing positive pressure to flow to compress the dosing cells 65 , 69 and discharge their contents to the mixing cell 77 .
- a valve 291 from the cylinder 281 to the mixing cell 77 is then opened and the piston head 293 is moved to discharge the contents of the mixing cell 77 .
- the cylinder 281 simultaneously applies a vacuum to the dosing cells 65 , 69 for refilling.
- the line and check valve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 is not illustrated in FIG. 27.
- a fourth version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment 7 ′ is schematically shown in FIG. 28 to comprise a single cylinder 297 and control valves to operate each mixing cell 73 , 77 and the dosing cell 65 , 69 combination.
- Lines are drawn within the cylinder 297 to illustrate the different pressures applied to two fluid lines (designated 299 , 301 , respectively) extending from opposite ends of the cylinder as a function of the position a piston head 303 .
- the cylinder 297 is not structurally bifurcated into two chambers. In the initial position illustrated in FIG.
- a valve 305 is open to place the line 301 in communication with the location of the dosing cells 65 , 69 to collapse them, while a valve 307 to the other line 299 from the dosing cells is shut.
- the piston head 303 will then move to the right to apply positive pressure to the mixing cell 73 .
- the valve 307 to the line 299 with the positive pressure will be closed and the valve 305 to the line 301 now experiencing vacuum pressure will be opened to refill the dosing cells 65 , 69 .
- the dosing cells must be discharged while neither of the mixing cells 73 , 77 changes state.
- a valve 309 to the mixing cell 73 and the valve 305 to the line from the dosing cells 65 , 69 are closed.
- a valve 311 to the mixing cell 77 is also closed, but the valve 307 from the dosing cells 65 , 69 to the line 299 is open, so that positive pressure is delivered to the dosing cells.
- the piston head 303 will then move back to the left in the cylinder 297 .
- the valves 309 , 311 to the mixing cells 73 , 77 are opened again as this movement occurs. The cycle of operation is then repeated.
- the line and check valve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivoting shell member 27 is not illustrated in FIG. 28.
Abstract
Description
- This invention relates generally to pumps which act on flexible bags to dispense fluent material, and more particularly to a liquid dispenser employing a flexible bag suitable for higher flow rate operation.
- Pumps are often used in applications where the surfaces contacting a fluent material being pumped should be kept clean. Such fluent materials include food, beverages, and medicinal products in the form of liquids, powders, slurries, dispersions, particulate solids or other pressure transportable fluidizable material. For instance, where the fluent material is a food additive for a food product, it is imperative that surfaces contacting the material be maintained in an aseptic condition. Accordingly, the parts of the pump which contact the food are made of materials (e.g., stainless steel) which are highly resistant to corrosion and can be cleaned. However, it is also known to isolate the material by having the pump act on a flexible bag containing the fluent material, rather than on the fluent material itself. There are many examples in the context of delivery of medicines. Co-pending and co-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/909,422, filed Jul. 17, 2001, Ser. No. 09/978,649, filed Oct. 16, 2001 and Ser. No. 10/156,732, filed May 28, 2002 disclose pumps of this type and illustrate applications in the handling of food and products other than medicine. The disclosure of these applications is incorporated herein by reference.
- The application of pumps of the aforementioned type outside the field of medicine often requires higher flow rates. The flow rates may produce fluid flow effects which act on the flexible bag in ways which are detrimental to its operation. For instance, the bag material may tend to collapse under pressure drops caused by rapid fluid flow rates. It is desirable to be able to perform several manipulations of the fluent material in the flexible bag, such as mixing of two component materials. Handling of the fluent material in this manner requires valving which operates without direct contact with the fluent material. If the fluent material is liquid containing particulate matter, the particulate matter can block a valve from reaching a fulling closed position, allowing for leakage past the valve. One such example of fluent material containing particulate matter is orange juice which contains pulp. Still further, pumps of this general type use vacuum and pressure pumps for applying a vacuum and a positive pressure to the flexible bag to induce flow of fluent material. In many contexts, it is less desirable to employ vacuum pumps and pressure pumps because they require space and can generate undesirable noise.
- In one aspect of the present invention, a flexible container for delivery of metered quantities of fluent material therefrom generally comprises a first flexible sheet and a second flexible sheet at least partially in opposed relationship with the first sheet such that the first and second sheets define a volume capable of holding the fluent material. A manifold located between the first and second sheets includes passage elements comprising spaced apart, opposing walls extending between sides of the manifold. At least portions of the manifold at the sides between the opposing walls are open, and the walls include at least one region in which the walls diverge and converge with respect to each other to define a valve window in the passage element. The first and second flexible sheets are sealingly attached to the manifold over opposite ones of said open sides of the manifold thereby to define with the walls a passage for the fluent material within the manifold. At least one of the first and second flexible sheets are elastically deformable at the valve window to a position between the walls for occluding the passage at the valve window.
- In another aspect of the present invention, a flow control apparatus for controlling the flow of a fluent material from a flexible container by acting on the container generally comprises a shell sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the flexible container therein. A valve includes a valve head disposed for movement relative to the shell between an open position in which fluent material may flow within the flexible container past the location of the valve head and a closed position in which fluent material is blocked from flowing within the flexible container past the location of the valve head. The valve head includes a compliant tip adapted to resiliently deform for at least partially enveloping and sealing around particulate matter in the fluent material to inhibit leaking of fluent material past the valve head. The compliant tip of the valve head engages the container in the closed position to stop the flow of fluent material,
- In yet another aspect of the present invention, a drink dispenser comprises a flexible bag comprising a first sheet and a second sheet and a manifold received between the first and second sheet. The first and second sheets are joined together to define plural cells capable of containing liquid. The plural cells include a reservoir cell containing a concentrated drink liquid, a first dosing cell for receiving a volume of concentrated drink liquid to be diluted, a second dosing cell for receiving a volume of a diluent for diluting the concentrated drink liquid for consumption, and first and second mixing cells for receiving the volumes of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to mix the concentrated drink liquid and the diluent. The flexible bag further comprises a manifold defining a passage connecting in fluid communication the reservoir cell and the first dosing cell. The manifold defines a passage for delivering concentrated drink liquid from the reservoir cell to the first dosing cell. The passage includes two branches for selectively delivering concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell and to the second mixing cell. A flow control apparatus at least partially receiving the flexible bag includes valves arranged for engaging the flexible bag for deforming at least one of the first and second sheets to selectively occlude portions of the passage. A controller is capable of operating the valves to alternately block the passage branch to the second mixing cell while leaving the branch to the first mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the first mixing cell, and block the passage branch to the first mixing cell while leaving the branch to the second mixing cell open for delivery of concentrated drink liquid and diluent from the first and second dosing cells to the second mixing cell.
- Other objects and features of the present invention will be in part apparent and in part pointed out hereinafter.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective of a juice dispenser constructed according to the principles of the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is the perspective of FIG. 1, but with a front door of the dispenser housing removed to show internal flow control apparatus of the dispenser;
- FIG. 3 is the perspective of FIG. 2, but with the flow control apparatus moved out from the dispenser housing;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective similar to FIG. 3, but showing the dispenser from a right hand side vantage;
- FIG. 5 is an elevation of a disposable flexible bag as seen from the left side as the bag is oriented in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective of the flexible bag;
- FIG. 7 is a front elevation of a manifold of the flexible bag;
- FIG. 8 is a rear elevation of the manifold;
- FIG. 9 is a perspective of the manifold;
- FIG. 10 is a section taken in the plane including line10-10 of FIG. 9 and showing a valve seat of the manifold;
- FIG. 11 is a schematic section similar to FIG. 10 illustrating a valve in an open position;
- FIG. 12 is a schematic section like FIG. 11, but showing the valve in a closed position;
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective of the valve including its solenoid driver;
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective of a head of the valve with a valve tip exploded therefrom;
- FIG. 15 is a front elevation of a fixed shell of the flow control apparatus;
- FIG. 16 is a rear elevation thereof;
- FIG. 17 is a front elevation of a pivoting shell of the flow control apparatus;
- FIG. 18 is a rear elevation thereof;
- FIG. 19 is a vertical section of the flow control apparatus including the flexible bag;
- FIG. 19A is a schematic section taken generally along
line 19A-19A of FIG. 19; - FIG. 20 is a simplified electrical schematic of the flow control apparatus;
- FIG. 21 is a simplified pneumatic circuit of the flow control apparatus;
- FIG. 22 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus in a fixed volume dispensing mode;
- FIG. 23 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus in a continuous flow dispensing mode;
- FIG. 24 is a schematic illustration of a pneumatic circuit of a flow apparatus of a second embodiment including double acting cylinders;
- FIG. 25 is a chart illustrating operation of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 26 is another version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment;
- FIG. 27 is still another version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment; and
- FIG. 28 is a further version of the flow control apparatus of the second embodiment.
- Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.
- Referring now to the drawings and in particular FIGS.1-4, a
drink dispenser 1 is shown to comprise a rectangular housing orcabinet 3 defining acompartment 5 containingflow control apparatus 7 constructed according to the principles of the present invention for dispensing a drink from aflexible bag 9 acted upon by the flow control apparatus. The foregoing reference numerals designate their subject generally. A stand 11 (which may be formed integrally with the cabinet 3) supports the cabinet in an elevated position above the stand providing a space for placing a cup C or other suitable container below anoutput nozzle 13 to receive the beverage dispensed (e.g., orange juice). Although the illustrated embodiments show the invention in the context of a consumable liquid dispenser, the invention may be used to dispense other, non-consumable liquids as well as matter which is fluent, but not liquid. Thecabinet 3 includes afront door 15 which is hinged to the remainder of the cabinet. The front door may be swung open to access theflow control apparatus 7 on the interior of thecabinet 3. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, thefront door 15 has been completely removed in FIGS. 2-4. Abutton 17 on thefront door 15 is connected to a controller (described hereinafter) for controlling thedispenser 1 to dispense the beverage into the cup C when the button is pressed. Thedrink dispenser 1 may operate to deliver a fixed volume of the beverage each time thebutton 17 is pressed, or to deliver beverage in a continuous flow so long as the button is held down. Of course, levers or other types of devices (not shown) for activating the dispenser may be employed. - The
flow control apparatus 7 is mounted on an upper slide and a lower slide (indicated generally at 19 and 21, respectively), both of which are fixed to thecabinet 3 within thecompartment 5. Eachslide flow control apparatus 7 to be moved out of thecompartment 5 for servicing, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A rectangular frame, generally indicated at 23, is connected as by bolts to theouter slide sections lower slides flow control apparatus 7. A fixedshell member 25 is attached to the lower end of theframe 23 and a pivotingshell member 27 is attached by hinges (generally indicated at 29, see FIG. 19) to the fixed shell member for pivoting between a closed operating position (FIG. 3) and an open position (FIG. 4). A pair of V-blocks 31 mounted on an upper end of the fixedshell member 25 extend outwardly from the fixed shell member in the direction of the pivotingshell member 27. The V-blocks 31 locate theflexible bag 9 and mount respectivelatch bolt receptacles 33 for receivinglatch bolts 35 of latching mechanisms, generally indicated at 37, attached to the pivotingshell member 27. The latchingmechanisms 37 each include abase 39, alever 41 pivotally mounted on the base and connected to thelatch bolt 35 for extending and retracting the latch bolt to lock the pivotingshell member 27 in the closed position (FIG. 3), and unlock the pivoting shell member for swinging down to the open position (FIG. 4). The fixedshell member 25 also mounts eight solenoid valves (designated generally by references V1-V8) which operate to control flow of fluent material within theflexible bag 9 in operation of thedrink dispenser 1, and fluid pressure control valves (designated generally by references PV1-PV4) used in the application of vacuum and positive pressures to the flexible bag. The operation of the solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 will be explained more fully hereinafter. The solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 are enclosed by acover 47 releasably attached to theframe 23. The cover is shown broken away in FIG. 3 so that the internal arrangement of the solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 may be seen. Thecompartment 5 is refrigerated, and thecover 47 shields the solenoid valves V1-V8 and control valves PV1-PV4 from condensing moisture within the cold compartment. - The upper corners of the
frame 23 mount pins 49 which are received through openings 51 (see FIG. 5) in corresponding corners of theflexible bag 9 for hanging the bag on the frame. Thepins 47 each have annular grooves 53 near their distal ends (see FIG. 19) which receive and locate thebag 9 axially of the pins. The flexible bag extends down from thepins 47 between the V-blocks 31 and into the space between the fixedshell member 25 and the pivotingshell member 27 when they are in the closed position. Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6, theflexible bag 9 is shown to comprise afirst sheet 55 and asecond sheet 57. Theflexible bag 9 is seen in FIG. 5 from the side facing the fixedshell member 25. The first andsecond sheets second sheets peripheral seam 59 along their peripheral edge margins to form an envelope. The first andsecond sheets second sheets peripheral seam 59 to form several distinct cells, each capable of containing its own volume of liquid. The distinct cells include alarge reservoir cell 61 at the top of theflexible bag 9 which contains in the illustrated embodiment orange juice concentrate liquid. Thereservoir cell 61 is defined in part by theperipheral seam 59, but also by atransverse seam 63. There is also aconcentrate dosing cell 65 defined byseam 67, awater dosing cell 69 defined byseam 71, afirst mixing cell 73 defined by seam 75 and asecond mixing cell 77 defined by seam 79. It may be seen that theseams concentrate dosing cell 65 and thewater dosing cell 69 converge at one location, but still separate the cells. - The
flexible bag 9 further includes a pair ofopenings 83 extending through the entire bag which allow locators on the fixed and pivotingshell members oval passage 87 also extends through thebag 9 and allows for communication of vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member 27 from the fixedshell member 25. Theflexible bag 9 is formed with a pair ofnotches 89 aligned on laterally opposite sides. Thesenotches 89 are located to mate with the “V” of the V-block 31. A second pair ofnotches 91 is located on the lower edge of the bag provide clearance forhinges 29 which connect the fixed and pivotingshell members - The first and
second sheets flexible bag 9. The manifold 95 may be a molded piece, but other materials and methods of construction may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. The rigidity of the manifold 95 is sufficient to keep the paths open under the pressure differentials experienced during relatively high speed flow of liquid through the paths. Moreover, therigid manifold 95 isolates thereservoir cell 61 from thedosing cells cells second sheets exterior frame element 97 supporting the remaining elements of the manifold. -
Triangular elements 99 having sloping sides project outwardly from therectangular frame element 97 near its edges. Thesetriangular elements 99 facilitate attachment of the first andsecond sheets cells flexible bag 9. The tubes include a waterdosing cell tube 101, a concentratedosing cell tube 103, a firstmixing cell tube 105, a secondmixing cell tube 107 and anoutlet tube 109. These tubes are formed from the material of the manifold 95 and defining flow paths independently of the first andsecond sheets tubes respective cells rectangular frame element 97 into the interior of the manifold 95. Thereservoir cell 61 is serviced by aninlet channel 111 projecting outwardly from therectangular frame element 97 and opening into the reservoir cell. Unlike thetubes 101, etc., theinlet channel 111 is open to one side of the manifold 95 and uses thefirst sheet 55 to enclose a flow path for liquid from thereservoir cell 61 for reasons which will be explained hereinafter. All of the tubes except theoutlet tube 109, and theinlet channel 111 havewings second sheets tubes inlet channel 111 to facilitate a sealing connection which will not be broken under forces ordinarily experienced by theflexible bag 9. - The
rigid manifold 95 provides many advantages. However, it is also possible to form the flow paths in other ways. For instance, flow paths may be formed entirely by making seals (not shown) within theflexible bag 9 to define passages. Moreover, instead of a single rigid manifold, individual rigid tubes or other support pieces (not shown, but similar totubes cells sheets flexible bag 9. Valve windows could be formed between adjacent tubes by forming small pockets in thebag 9 by sealing thesheets - Water inlet openings are defined by two generally
circular frame elements 115 on the left hand side of the manifold 95 (as oriented in FIGS. 8 and 9). Thecircular frame elements 115 converge in part with therectangular frame element 97. Eachcircular frame element 115 is capable of receiving a water inlet line (not shown) for delivery of water, such as from a public drinking water line, into themanifold 95. Twocircular frame elements 115 are provided so that the water line can be attached on either side of theflexible bag 9. Thus, the bag does not require a particular orientation to function. A passage (generally indicated at 117) of the manifold 95 is defined largely by first and second internal wall frame elements (designated 119 and 121, respectively) extending lengthwise of the manifold within therectangular frame element 97. The internalwall frame elements passage 117. The passage is enclosed by the securement of the first andsecond sheets wall frame elements first sheet 55, but closed on the side adjacent thesecond sheet 57. The firstwall frame element 119 has a break aligned with thereservoir inlet channel 111 for passage of liquid concentrate (i.e., orange juice concentrate) into themanifold 95. The second internalwall frame element 121 includes four breaks where the second internal wall frame element extends to an intersection with the rectangularwall frame element 97. These breaks are aligned with the locations where thetubes - The
passage 117 has twobranches cells dosing cells outlet tube 109. The branches extend from a break in the first internal wall frame element to the right end of the manifold 95 (as oriented in FIGS. 8 and 9). One branch (117B) is defined by a continuation of the first and second internalwall frame elements other branch 117A is defined by the firstwall frame element 119 and the interior of therectangular frame element 97 such that the branch extends along the top of the manifold 95, parallel to branch 117B. Thebranch 117A opens to the first mixingcell 73, but not thesecond mixing cell 77. Similarly,branch 117B opens to thesecond mixing cell 77, but not the first mixingcell 73. Thebranch 117B communicates with thesecond mixing cell 77 by one of the breaks in the second internalwall frame element 121. Thebranch 117A communicates with the first mixingcell 73 by way of a channel element (generally indicated at 125). Thechannel element 125 extends from the opening in therectangular frame element 97 associated with the firstmixing cell tube 105, throughbranch 117B and to a break in the first internalwall frame element 119 where it opens into thebranch 117A. Thechannel 125 is closed frombranch 117B by the presence of abottom wall 127 and twolateral walls 129 of the channel. Thechannel 125 is split in two by an internal divider 131. The divider 131 supports thesheet 55 against collapsing into thechannel 125. The channel is not as deep as the thickness of the manifold 95 or the height of the opposingwalls branch 117B is able to continue past thechannel 125 by passing behind it (as the manifold 95 is viewed in FIGS. 8 and 9). The twobranches single passage 117 adjacent to theoutlet tube 109 so that both the first and second mixingcells - The valve seats123 are used in the control of the direction of liquid flow inside the
manifold 95. The overall operation of theflow control apparatus 7, including the routing of liquid within the manifold 95, will be described more completely below. The valve seats 123 are defined in part by opposedarcuate sections 135 which may be formed by therectangular frame element 97 and first internalwall frame element 119, the first and second internalwall frame elements cell inlet channel 111. Each pair of opposed arcuate sections defines a valve window. All of the valve seats 123 have substantially the same construction, and a representative one of the valve seats is shown in cross section in FIG. 10. Thevalve seat 123 joins together the internalwall frame element 119 and therectangular frame 97 defining thepassage branch 117A on one side adjacent to thesecond sheet 57. Thevalve seat 123 includes a sealingsurface 137 in the shape of a segment of a sphere.Ramps 139 extend from the side of the manifold 95 adjacent to thesecond sheet 57 to the sealingsurface 137, facilitating flow of liquid to and from the region of the sealing surface. It will be appreciated that the sealingsurface 137 of thevalve seat 123 provides a hard, rigid surface against which to form a seal to close thepassage 117A at the location of the valve seat. - FIGS. 11 and 12 schematically illustrate a
valve stem 143 andvalve head 145 of one of the solenoid valves (V7) which is used to selectively close thepassage branch 117A at the valve seats 123 illustrated in FIG. 10. There is one solenoid valve (V1-V8) for eachvalve seat 123, but other arrangements (not shown) could be used wherein a single solenoid valve services more than one valve seat. Thevalve head 145 includes avalve tip 147 attached to the valve head. Adistal surface 149 of thevalve tip 147 is shaped in correspondence with the shape of the sealingsurface 137 of thevalve seat 123. Thevalve head 145 is spaced from thevalve seat 123 in FIG. 11 so that thepassage branch 117A is unobstructed and liquid may flow unimpeded through the passage past the valve seat. To block the flow of liquid through the point of the passage coinciding with the location of thevalve seat 123, thevalve stem 143 is extended by the solenoid valve V7 so that thevalve tip 147 engages thefirst sheet 55 and deforms it into thevalve seat window 135. Thefirst sheet 55 is pressed tightly against the sealingsurface 137 of thevalve seat 123 and substantially conforms to the sealing surface over the surface area of thedistal surface 149 of thevalve tip 147 so that so that the passage is occluded by the deformed portion of the first sheet, as shown in FIG. 12. Thevalve tip 147 is preferably made of an elastomeric material which is capable of resilient deformation. An example of such a material is silicone rubber having a hardness of 25-30 Shor A. Generally speaking, the hardness of the material should not be above 35 Shor A. Other materials could be used, such as a soft polyurethane, natural rubber and a thermoplastic elastomer (e.g., Hytrel® thermoplastic elastomer available from E.I. Du Pont De Nemours & Co. of Wilmington, Del.). - It is not uncommon for the liquid flowing within the manifold95 to contain particulate matter, for example, orange juice may contain pulp. Should a piece of pulp become lodged between the
first sheet 55 and thevalve seat 123, it could cause separation of the first sheet from the sealingsurface 137, resulting in leakage past the valve seat. However, the resilientlydeformable valve tip 147 of the present invention is capable of deforming itself and thefirst sheet 55 about the pulp (or other particulate) in the liquid so that the first sheet is forced down against the sealingsurface 137 around the pulp, at least partially enveloping the pulp and sealing around it. In this way, thepassage 117A is still blocked notwithstanding the presence of pulp or another particulate at thevalve seat 123. When the solenoid valve V7 is opened (i.e., moves thevalve head 145 andtip 147 back to the position of FIG. 11), thefirst sheet 55 resiliently springs back to its original position above the sealingsurface 137, reopening the passage past thevalve seat 123. - Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, each solenoid valve, including illustrated solenoid valve V7, includes a
cylinder 153 having aflange 155 at one end for use in mounting on theframe 23 and fixedshell member 25. Thecylinder 153 receives thevalve stem 143 which is biased outwardly from the cylinder by acoil spring 157 which engages the cylinder and thevalve head 145. Thus, the ordinary or unenergized position of the solenoid valve V7 is to close thepassage 117A by force of thespring 157. Thecylinder 153 contains a suitable electromagnetic device which is operable upon energization to draw thevalve stem 143 into the cylinder and to open thevalve seat 123 for transfer of liquid through thepassage 117A. The solenoid valve V7 may be configured differently than shown and other types of valves may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 14, thevalve tip 147 comprises a roughly half-moon shapedpiece 159 of silicone rubber and a pair ofattachment rods 161. The attachment rods are received in holes (not shown) in thevalve head 145 for securing thevalve tip 147 to the head. Thevalve head 145 includes atransverse groove 163 which receives the inner end margin of therubber piece 159.Tongues 165 project longitudinally of the solenoid valve V7 from thehead 145 on opposite sides of therubber piece 159 when received in thegroove 163. Thetongues 165 have roughly arcuate shapes in correspondence to the shape of thedistal surface 149 of thevalve tip 147 to provide support against lateral movement of the valve tip in directions perpendicular to the major surfaces of thepiece 159. - The solenoid valves V1-V8 are mounted on the
frame 23 and fixedshell member 25 by respective pairs ofbolts 169 which extend throughholes 171 in theflanges 155 of thecylinders 153, through the frame and into the fixed shell member. It is noted with reference to FIG. 16 that one pair of solenoid valves (V3 and V4), because of their orientation and close proximity to each other share aflange 155 which receives threebolts 169 to mount the pair of valves. The valve stem 143 of each valve (V1-V8) extends into the fixedshell member 25 and thevalve head 145 is located in a respective one ofopenings 173 formed on the interior face of the fixed shell member (see FIG. 15). Each solenoid valve (e.g., solenoid valve V7) is operable to move thevalve tip 147 through theopening 173 to deform thefirst sheet 55 into engagement with a sealingsurface 137 of thecorresponding valve seat 123 of theflexible bag 9 to occlude thepassage 117 at the location of that particular valve, and to retract into the opening to open the passage. It will be appreciated that in operation, theseopenings 173 are aligned withrespective valve seats 123 of the manifold 95. Anaperture 175 in the inner face of the fixedshell member 25 is provided for passing vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member 27. Theaperture 175 is surrounded by an O-ring 177 for sealing engagement with the pivotingshell member 27 through theoval passage 87 in theflexible bag 9. Twocavities 179 at the bottom of the fixedshell member 25 are provided for thehinge 29 connecting the pivotingshell member 27 to the fixed shell member. Hinge pins 181 used to make the connection may be seen in eachcavity 179. - As shown in FIG. 15, the interior face of the fixed
shell member 25 is formed with two roughly oval (or egg-shaped) recesses indicated at 185 and 187, which are sized and shaped to receive the first mixingcell 73 and thesecond mixing cell 77, respectively, of theflexible bag 9. Athird recess 189 is sized to receive theconcentrate dosing cell 65, and afourth recess 191 is sized to receive thewater dosing cell 69. Each of the recesses (185, 187, 189, 191) in the fixedshell member 25 has a grouping of four small ports (the grouping indicated generally at 195) in each recess is used for applying vacuum pressure to the recess and the cell (73, 77, 65, 69) contained therein. An opening (not shown) in the fixedshell member 25 in each of therecesses recesses channels 197 which hold respective O-rings 198 for sealing with theflexible bag 9 adjacent to the portion of the mixingcells fourth recesses single channel 197 and O-ring 198 therein because theconcentrate dosing cell 65 and thewater dosing cell 69 are operated conjointly in the illustrated embodiment. Thus, each of the first tworecesses fourth recesses rings 198 are shown in FIG. 15, but they extend completely around thechannels 197. - The fluid pressure control valves PV1-PV4 (see FIG. 3) are mounted on the outer face of the fixed
shell member 25 through an opening 199 (FIG. 16) in theframe 23. The control valves PV1-PV4 are not shown in FIG. 16 for clarity. There is one control valve (PV2-PV4) for each of the aforementioned isolated regions in the fixed shell member inner face, and one control valve PV1 for the application of vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member 27. The control valves PV1-PV4 are each connected to a highpressure input connector 201, a lowpressure input connector 203 and a vacuumpressure input connector 205 extending through thecover 47 on the top side thereof (see FIG. 3). The highpressure input connector 201 may for example deliver air pressurized to about 40 psi for use in driving the operation of the control valves PV1-PV4. The control valves PV1-PV4 are also connected to a source of electrical power (not shown) for use in driving operation of the valves. - The low
pressure input connector 23 may for example deliver air pressurized to about 10 psi for use in apply pressure tending to collapse thecells flexible bag 9. Thevacuum pressure connector 205 may for example deliver a vacuum pressure of about −7 psi for expanding thecells second sheet 57 of theflexible bag 9 against the pivotingshell member 27, as will be more fully described. Other pressures may be applied without departing from the scope of the present invention. It is also possible to apply pressure and vacuum to the side of theflexible bag 9 facing the pivotingshell member 27 within the scope of the present invention. The control valves PV1-PV4 operate so that positive or vacuum pressure is applied to therespective cells ports 195 in the recesses of the fixedshell member 25 for collapsing or expanding the cells to selectively discharge or draw in liquid. Control valve PV1 is connected to the fixedshell member 25 by a fitting 202, control valve PV2 is connected byfittings fittings shell member 25 and (in the case of fitting 202) in the pivotingshell member 27 to respective ones of therecesses member 212 projecting from thecover 47 is provided for making electrical connection to the valves PV1-PV4 and for venting air to ambient. - Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, the pivoting
shell member 27 mounts on its outer face (FIG. 17) the previously described latchingmechanisms 37 used to secure the pivoting shell member to the fixedshell member 25 in the closed position. Aquick release connector 209 is capable of releasable, sealing attachment of a water line hose (not shown) thereto for supplying water (the diluent) to theflow control apparatus 7. The water passes from theconnector 209 through the inner face of the pivotingshell member 27 to ashuttle connector 210. The shuttle connector punctures thesecond sheet 57 of theflexible bag 9 when the pivotingshell member 27 is closed, and seals with the circular frame element (inlet) 115 in the manifold 95 (e.g., as by engagement of an O-ring in the frame element). However, other structures for making the water connection, including a strictly manual connection, are contemplated. The inner face of the pivotingshell member 27 has recesses (designated 211, 213, respectively) to receive respective halves of the mixingcells recess 215 to receive half of theconcentrate dosing cell 65 and arecess 217 to receive essentially half of thewater dosing cell 69. - The mixing cell recesses211, 213 are each surrounded by
grooves 219 which contain respective O-rings 220 adapted for sealing engagement with theflexible bag 9 to isolate the recess from the other recess and from ambient. Asingle groove 219 and O-ring 220 surrounds a region including therecess 215 for theconcentrate dosing cell 65 and therecess 217 for thewater dosing cell 69. The single O-ring 220 isolates these tworecesses other recesses rings 220 are shown in FIG. 18, but they extend the full length of thegrooves 219. A grouping of four small ports (the grouping indicated generally at 221) in each recess provides fluid communication for vacuum pressure to the half of thecells recesses shell member 25 through theopening 175 in the inner face of the fixed shell member which is sealingly engaged through theoval passage 87 in theflexible bag 9 with the inner face of the pivotingshell member 27 around an opening. The opening communicates with internal passages generally indicated at 225 in the pivoting shell member 27 (see FIG. 19) to communicate the vacuum pressure to each of the groupings ofports 221. - FIG. 19A schematically illustrates the advantageous construction of the
tube wing 103A of thetube 103 in the isolation of the regions around therecesses recesses rings tube 101 so that it maintains continuous contact with the respective one of the first andsecond sheets seals corresponding sheet rigid tubes cells - Cavities227 at the lower edge margin of the pivoting
shell member 27 receivehinge blocks 229 fixedly attached to the pivoting shell member and projecting outwardly therefrom. The hinge blocks 229 extend into thecavities 179 at the lower edge margin of the fixedshell member 25 where they are pivotally mounted on the fixed shell member by the hinge pins 181. This arrangement is best seen in FIG. 19, which illustrates the fixed and pivotingshell members shell member 27 is capable of pivoting with respect to the fixedshell member 25 between the open and closed positions. Twocircular slots 226A, and anelongate slot 226B (FIG. 18) are adapted to receive conical locator pins 228A and elongate, taperedtab 228B (FIG. 15) to align the fixed and pivotingshell members pins 228A andtab 228B allow mating with the corresponding slots even though the pivotingshell member 27 moves along a circular arc into engagement with the fixedshell member 25. - Before describing another embodiment, the general operation of the first embodiment will be described. Referring first to FIG. 20, the a controller233 (e.g., a programmable logic controller) is connected to the solenoid valves V1-V8 (only two of which are illustrated) to activate and deactivate the valves according to a preset program of operation. The
controller 233 is also connected to the control valves PV1-PV4 shown in FIG. 21, although the connection is not specifically illustrated. The control valves PV1-PV4 could be controlled by a separate controller (not shown) without departing from the scope of the present invention. The pneumatic system of theflow control apparatus 7 includes apump 235 for providing suitable fluid pressures above atmospheric. Aline 237 from thepump 235 extends through a control valve 239 and past apressure sensor 241 to atank 243. Anotherline 245 extending from thetank 243 breaks into two branches (245A, 245B), each having itsown pressure regulator 247. Thebranches vacuum pump 249 is also connected to the control valves PV1-PV4 by a line 251. In one example, thepump 235 is operated to maintain the pressure in thetank 243 at about 50 psi. When thepressure sensor 241 detects that the pressure has reached 50 psi or above, it shuts down the pump and/or shuts off the valve 239. Theupper pressure regulator 247 in the schematic can be operated to control the pressure in thebranch 245A to about 40 psi and the lower pressure regulator can be operated to control the pressure in thebranch 245B to about 10 psi. The vacuum supplied to the control valve PV1-PV4 by thevacuum pump 249 may be at about −7 psi, as stated previously. The 40 psi pressure is used to drive the control valves PV1-PV4 to change between the application of positive pressure to therecesses shell member 25 and the application of vacuum pressure. In this embodiment, a constant vacuum pressure is applied to the parts of thecells second sheet 57 of theflexible bag 9. These parts of thecells recesses shell member 27. - Orange juice concentrate may be packaged in the
flexible bag 9 at one location under aseptic conditions (or sterilized after packaging) and shipped with other flexible bags to another location (e.g., a restaurant or cafeteria) where thedrink dispenser 1 is located. It will be readily appreciated that oneflexible bag 9 may be replaced with another by opening the pivoting shell member 27 (FIG. 4), lifting the one bag off of thepins 49 and hanging a new bag on the pins. The newflexible bag 9 is guided between the V-blocks 31, and thenotches 89 in the vertical sides of the bag are placed in registration with the V-blocks. The pivotingshell member 27 is swung up to the closed position and thelatch bolts 35 lock in thereceptacles 33. Thereservoir cell 61 is located above the fixed and pivotingshell members concentrate dosing cell 65, thewater dosing cell 69 and the mixingcells recesses 189/215, 191/217, 185/211, 187/213 of the fixed and pivotingshell members quick release connector 209 on the outer face of the pivotingshell member 27 and an output line 253 (FIG. 2) is connected to theoutlet tube 109 extending down from the manifold 95. The entireflow control apparatus 7 may then be slid back into thecabinet 3 by collapsing thetelescoping sections slides flow control apparatus 7 to slide out of thecabinet compartment 5 are restored. - The
controller 233 may then automatically operate the cycle so that any air in the mixingcells dosing cells flow control apparatus 7 is primed. For example all of the mixingcells dosing cells dosing cells cell 73. Then thedosing cells cell 73 is discharged through theoutlet tube 109. Thesecond mixing cell 77 is filled with water from thedosing cells second mixing cell 77 is discharging the water through theoutlet tube 109, theconcentrate dosing cell 65 is filled with orange juice concentrate from thereservoir cell 61, and thewater dosing cell 69 is filled with water. The combined volume of therecesses dosing cell 65, and the combined volume of therecesses water dosing cell 69 in the closed position of the fixed and pivoting shell members is selected so that the appropriate dilution of the orange juice concentrate is achieved. Thedosing cells recess recesses 185/211 and 187/213, holding mixingcells dosing cells cell 73. No agitation of the concentrate and water in the mixingcells cells cell cell 73 discharges the mixture through theoutlet tube 109 as theconcentrate dosing cell 65 andwater dosing cell 69 refill with orange juice and water, respectively. Thesecond mixing cell 77 is then filled with the contents of thedosing cells flow control apparatus 7 is ready for operation. - Referring now to FIG. 22, a chart indicating operation of the
flow control apparatus 7 to dispense a fixed volume of liquid (e.g., eight ounces of orange juice diluted from concentrate) over a single six second cycle is shown. The exact amount of time is an example and may be other than six seconds. The plot for control valve PV1 represents the pressure which is applied to the sides of the mixingcells dosing cells recesses shell member 27. As stated previously, a constant vacuum pressure is applied throughout the cycle so that these halves of thecells shell member 27 in theirrespective recesses recesses shell member 27 or to vent the recesses to atmosphere. The plot for control valve PV2 illustrates the application of pressure to therecesses shell member 25 receiving theconcentrate dosing cell 65 and thewater dosing cell 69 by operation of the control valve. It will be readily appreciated that thesecells flow control apparatus 7. The plots for control valves PV3 and PV4 represent the expansion and collapse of the mixingcells valve seat 123, and a line at “0” means the valve is closed, blocking flow of liquid past the valve seat. The condition of the mixingcells dosing cells - Operation begins by pressing the
button 17 on the exterior of the drink dispenser 1 (FIG. 1) and the controller 233 (FIG. 20) initiates operation of the cycle. Positive pressure is applied through the control valve PV4 and the mixingcell 77 is urged to collapse. Valve V8 is open and valve V7 is closed so that the mixture which was previously delivered to the mixingcell 77 during the purge and prime operation described above, is discharged to the cup C (FIG. 1). At the same time, positive pressure is applied through the control valve PV2 to thedosing cells manifold passage 117 through theirrespective tubes cell 73 is expanded by operation of PV3 so that the contents of thedosing cells reservoir cell 61 from the manifold 95. This condition is maintained for about 1.5 seconds. - It is now time for the mixing
cell 73 to discharge and thedosing cells reservoir cell 61 and water from thewater inlet 115, respectively. Thus, positive pressure is applied through control valve PV3 to the mixing cell, valve V6 is opened and valve V5 is closed so that the orange juice mix is discharged through theoutlet tube 109. Positive pressure remains on the mixingcell 77 and valve V8 remains open to discharge any remaining liquid from the mixing cell. Vacuum pressure is applied via PV2 to expand thedosing cells reservoir cell 61 are opened, while valves V4 and V2 are closed so that theconcentrate dosing cell 65 is filled with concentrated orange juice from the reservoir cell and thewater dosing cell 69 is filled with water. - In the next 1.5 second period, pressure is again applied through PV2 to the
dosing cells top branch 117A of the passage to mixingcell 77 on which a vacuum pressure is applied by PV4. Positive pressure continues to be applied through PV3 to the mixingcell 73 and valve V6 remains open so that remaining contents of the mixing cell can be discharged. In the last 1.5 second period, thedosing cells dosing cells cell 77 by control valve PV4. Theflow control apparatus 7 is then prepared to repeat the cycle the next time thisbutton 17 is pressed. - Continuous flow operation of the
flow control apparatus 7 is illustrated by the chart in FIG. 23, and follows the same initial purge and prime operation described. The operation is illustrated as a four second repeating cycle. Thedosing cells cells flow control apparatus 7 operates to dispense orange juice continuously so long as thebutton 17 continues to be depressed. - A portion of a
flow control apparatus 7′ of a second embodiment is schematically illustrated in FIG. 24. The construction of the flow control apparatus may be essentially identical to theflow control apparatus 7 of the first embodiment except that thepump 235 and control valves PV1-PV4 of the first embodiment are replaced with three cylinders, designated 257, 259 and 261, respectively. Thecylinders cylinders piston head 263 movable lengthwise of the cylinder. Pressure/vacuum lines cylinder shell member 25 and acts on a respective one of the mixingcells dosing cells cylinders piston head 263 toward the discharge end of thecylinder cell piston head 263 is in the atmospheric region, there is an automatically opening valve (not shown) which vents thecylinder - A cycle of operation of the pneumatic part of the operation of the flow control apparatus is illustrated in FIG. 25. The operation is not materially different from the continuous flow operation of the first embodiment. However, because the
cylinders recesses cylinders cylinder 257 in the drawing). Theline 264 contains acheck valve 266 which allows a vacuum to be drawn in the pivotingshell member 27 when a vacuum is drawn in the corresponding cylinder(s), but does not allow positive air pressure to enter. Ideally, once an initial vacuum is drawn on the pivoting shell member it would hold without further action by thecylinder 257. However, if needed thiscylinder 257 can restore a loss of vacuum. - A second version of the
flow control apparatus 7′ of the second embodiment is schematically shown in FIG. 26. The construction is nearly the same as the first version, but the mixingcells double acting cylinder 270. The line and check valve for applying vacuum pressure to the pivotingshell member 27 is not illustrated in FIG. 26. As may be seen, pressure lines, designated 271, 273 extend from both ends of thecylinder 270. The cylinder is again a closed pneumatic system. Thus, as a piston head 272 moves toward one end of thecylinder 270, pressure is applied through one of thelines 271, while vacuum is applied through theother line 273. Because the mixingcells cylinder 275 connected byline 277 operates to expand and compressdosing cells - A third version of the flow control apparatus of the
second embodiment 7′ is schematically shown in FIG. 27. In this version, the separate cylinder for thedosing cells dosing cells cells right hand cylinder 279 is used (by opening the appropriate valves) to apply pressure to thedosing cells cell 73. Theother cylinder 281 applies positive pressure to the mixingcell 77 for dispensing its contents. Aline 282 to thedosing cells same cylinder 279 as itspiston head 283 shifts to place positive pressure on the mixingcell 73 and vacuum pressure on thedosing cells cell 73 and refill the dosing cells.Piston head 293 moves to apply a vacuum to the mixingcell 77. Thedosing cells cell 73 is still dispensing. In order to discharge liquid from thedosing cells valve 285 to thecylinder 279 is closed, as is avalve 287 to the mixingcell 73. Avalve 289 to theother cylinder 281 is opened, allowing positive pressure to flow to compress thedosing cells cell 77. A valve 291 from thecylinder 281 to the mixingcell 77 is then opened and thepiston head 293 is moved to discharge the contents of the mixingcell 77. Thecylinder 281 simultaneously applies a vacuum to thedosing cells shell member 27 is not illustrated in FIG. 27. - A fourth version of the flow control apparatus of the
second embodiment 7′ is schematically shown in FIG. 28 to comprise asingle cylinder 297 and control valves to operate each mixingcell dosing cell cylinder 297 to illustrate the different pressures applied to two fluid lines (designated 299, 301, respectively) extending from opposite ends of the cylinder as a function of the position apiston head 303. Thecylinder 297 is not structurally bifurcated into two chambers. In the initial position illustrated in FIG. 28, avalve 305 is open to place theline 301 in communication with the location of thedosing cells valve 307 to theother line 299 from the dosing cells is shut. Thepiston head 303 will then move to the right to apply positive pressure to the mixingcell 73. Thevalve 307 to theline 299 with the positive pressure will be closed and thevalve 305 to theline 301 now experiencing vacuum pressure will be opened to refill thedosing cells cells valve 309 to the mixingcell 73 and thevalve 305 to the line from thedosing cells valve 311 to the mixingcell 77 is also closed, but thevalve 307 from thedosing cells line 299 is open, so that positive pressure is delivered to the dosing cells. Thepiston head 303 will then move back to the left in thecylinder 297. Thevalves cells shell member 27 is not illustrated in FIG. 28. - In view of the above, it will be seen that the several objects of the invention are achieved and other advantageous results attained.
- When introducing elements of the present invention or the preferred embodiment(s) thereof, the articles “a”, “an”, “the” and “said” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising”, “including” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements.
- As various changes could be made in the above without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description and shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
Claims (38)
Priority Applications (7)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/351,006 US20040144799A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-01-24 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
US10/640,935 US7007824B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-08-14 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
TW092134678A TW200416192A (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-12-09 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
PCT/US2003/039243 WO2004067439A2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-12-10 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
AU2003293486A AU2003293486A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-12-10 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
ARP040100212A AR042925A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2004-01-23 | LIQUID DISPENSER AND FLEXIBLE BAG FOR THE SAME |
US11/311,601 US7237691B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2005-12-19 | Flexible bag for fluent material dispenser |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US10/351,006 US20040144799A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-01-24 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/640,935 Continuation-In-Part US7007824B2 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-08-14 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20040144799A1 true US20040144799A1 (en) | 2004-07-29 |
Family
ID=32735699
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/351,006 Abandoned US20040144799A1 (en) | 2003-01-24 | 2003-01-24 | Liquid dispenser and flexible bag therefor |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20040144799A1 (en) |
AR (1) | AR042925A1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003293486A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW200416192A (en) |
WO (1) | WO2004067439A2 (en) |
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US20070209960A1 (en) * | 2006-03-09 | 2007-09-13 | Nalge Nunc International | Flexible Container Handling System |
US20100072216A1 (en) * | 2008-09-24 | 2010-03-25 | Sartorius Stedim Systems, Inc. | Systems and methods for freezing, storing and thawing biopharmaceutical materials |
US20120018450A1 (en) * | 2010-07-22 | 2012-01-26 | Vinocopia, Inc. | Wine storage and dispensing apparatus |
US20130043274A1 (en) * | 2010-04-30 | 2013-02-21 | Nestec S.A. | Package for storing and dosing a fluid and dispenser for docking the package |
US8622246B2 (en) | 2012-02-13 | 2014-01-07 | Ecolab Usa Inc. | Fluid reservoir docking station |
KR101404508B1 (en) * | 2006-08-30 | 2014-06-20 | 리치 프러덕츠 코포레이션 | Chilled topping dispenser |
US20150274375A1 (en) * | 2012-10-25 | 2015-10-01 | Sca Hygiene Products Ab | Dispensing system with the means for detecting liquid level and a collapsible container for such a system |
US9161527B2 (en) | 2007-12-21 | 2015-10-20 | Sartorius Stedim North America Inc. | Systems and methods for freezing, storing and thawing biopharmaceutical materials |
CN109178664A (en) * | 2018-09-30 | 2019-01-11 | 黄昕 | A kind of intelligent glucose wine storage machine |
USD869604S1 (en) * | 2018-04-11 | 2019-12-10 | Ronald B. Roth | Fluid dispensing system |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AR042925A1 (en) | 2005-07-06 |
WO2004067439A2 (en) | 2004-08-12 |
WO2004067439A3 (en) | 2004-12-09 |
AU2003293486A8 (en) | 2004-08-23 |
TW200416192A (en) | 2004-09-01 |
AU2003293486A1 (en) | 2004-08-23 |
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