CA1258836A - Fluid dispenser - Google Patents
Fluid dispenserInfo
- Publication number
- CA1258836A CA1258836A CA000452402A CA452402A CA1258836A CA 1258836 A CA1258836 A CA 1258836A CA 000452402 A CA000452402 A CA 000452402A CA 452402 A CA452402 A CA 452402A CA 1258836 A CA1258836 A CA 1258836A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- fluid dispenser
- fluid
- container
- dispenser
- flexible container
- 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.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47K—SANITARY EQUIPMENT NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; TOILET ACCESSORIES
- A47K5/00—Holders or dispensers for soap, toothpaste, or the like
- A47K5/06—Dispensers for soap
- A47K5/12—Dispensers for soap for liquid or pasty soap
- A47K5/1217—Electrical control means for the dispensing mechanism
Abstract
TITLE OF THE INVENTION
FLUID DISPENSER
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is directed to a fluid dispenser comprising:
(a) a flexible container for a fluid, integrally connected to valve means and outlet means:
(b) means for imparting a squeezing force to said flexible container;
(c) and proximity detector means connected to means for opening and closing said valve means.
FLUID DISPENSER
ABSTRACT OF THE INVENTION
The instant invention is directed to a fluid dispenser comprising:
(a) a flexible container for a fluid, integrally connected to valve means and outlet means:
(b) means for imparting a squeezing force to said flexible container;
(c) and proximity detector means connected to means for opening and closing said valve means.
Description
- ` ` it251 383~
TITLE OF THE IN~tENTION
FLUID DISPENSER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention realtes to automatic dispenser~, in particular for dispensing liquid detergents, soaps and germicides. A need has long existed for a~dispenser that would release a measured : quantity of soap or other material without the need ~or the user to depress a button, move a handle or tbe like. The handling o~ such actuators of conventional dispensers by a number o~ users spreads disease causing micro-organisms and creates an unsig~tly appearance around the dispenser actuator.
T~us~ a dispenser that would release a predetermined quantity o~ liquid soap or t~e like in response to : the presence of a hand or other receiving object placed under the dispenser outlet would eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional dispensers.
`` ~25~3~3~;
TITLE OF THE IN~tENTION
FLUID DISPENSER
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention realtes to automatic dispenser~, in particular for dispensing liquid detergents, soaps and germicides. A need has long existed for a~dispenser that would release a measured : quantity of soap or other material without the need ~or the user to depress a button, move a handle or tbe like. The handling o~ such actuators of conventional dispensers by a number o~ users spreads disease causing micro-organisms and creates an unsig~tly appearance around the dispenser actuator.
T~us~ a dispenser that would release a predetermined quantity o~ liquid soap or t~e like in response to : the presence of a hand or other receiving object placed under the dispenser outlet would eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional dispensers.
`` ~25~3~3~;
- 2 -Therefore it is an ob~ect o~ t~is invention to release soap, detergent, or other liquid or semi-solid materials (~ereina~ter termed fluid) in response to the mere placement of a ~and or other receiving object within the proximity of t~e dispenser outlet.
It is a furt~er object of t~is invention t~at a predetermined quantity of ~luid (~ereinafter termed a portion) be released from the dispenser upon eac~ instance of use.
Further, it is an object of this invention that t~e dispenser be adapted to the use of a disposable fluid container which can be placed within t~e dispenser, and that such a disposable container be integrally connected to disposable valve means and outlet means. In t~is manner, t~e entire wetted pathway from the container through t~e outlet means may be discarded after t~e emptying of the container, thereby minimizing t~e opportunities for a build-up of micro-organisms.
It is a furt~er object of t~is invention t~at tbe dispenser contain a proximity detector means of an electrical nature, and t~at said proximity detector means consumes a minimum of electric power, t~ereby allowing the use of disposable or recbargeable batteries.
.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. ~ _ Figure l is an overall view of an embodiment o~ the dispenser.
Figure 2 is a view from beneat~ the dispenser.
Figure 3 is a side view o~ the dispenser s~owing a sectional view of internal components.
:~ZS~t:33~;
Figure 5 is a perspective view s~owing t~e container pressure plate raised.
Figure 4 is a perspective view s~owing the pressure plate lowered in its position on t~e container bag.
Figure 6 is a block diagram of t~e electronic circuits of the dispe~ser.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
T~e instant invention is directed to a fluid dispenser comprising:
(a) a flexible container for a fluid, integrally connected to valve means and outlet means:
(b) means for imparting a squeezing force to said flexible container;
(c) and proximity detector means connected to means for opening and closing said valve means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ûF THE INVENTION
T~is invention is particularly directed to a fluid dispenser whic~ contains an electric power source, an electronic proximity detector, a means for holding and supporting a ~lexible, disposable bag container, an actuator w~ic~ opens and closes a disposable valve w~ic~ is part of t~e container assembly, and a pressurizing means w~ic~ applies a ~orce to t~e top of t~e bag, moving fluid from t~e bag throug~ t~e valve when t~e valve is open.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention, t~e power source for t~e dispenser is a dry-cell battery, allowing location of t~e dispenser anyw~ere. T~e proximity detector employs very s~ort pulses of in~ra-red radiation w~ic~ are directed ` ~Z~i8~336 downward in a beam aimed toward the area under the dispenser outlet, and in association with a detector o~ lnfra-red radiation whic~ is designed to pick up reflected light from a hand or other receiving ob~ect placed below the outlet. When the detector picks up a light signal (it is energized continously in order to be in constant readiness), it~is converted to a timed pulse which is transmitted to the actuator, opening the valve. A predetermined interval later, another timed pulse is sent to the actuator, closing the valve. The fluid container is a flexible bag which lies in a horizontal postion on a shelf above the detector. T~e valve means and outlet means are also disposable and are attac~ed to t~e bag, hanging below it. In order to provide a substantially constant flow rate from t~e container, a spring-driven pressure plate presses gently on top of t~e bag and is arranged to press with gradually increasing force as t~e bag empties, compensating for t~e naturally slowing flow of t~e unassisted bag under this condition. This combination of constant flow rate and predetermined open time for the valve yields portions of uniform size.
~eferring now to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show two views of the dispenser, and in both of t~em the front side o~ t~e dispenser is on t~e le~t, and a wall mount is on the right. The dispenser may be mounted to a wall by means of bracket 3. Fluid is dispensed from outlet 4 which protrudes through dispenser bottom at 1. The proximity detector means uses two infra-red devices- emiter means 5 and detector means 7. Bot~ of these are aimed optically 2S8~
downward in t~e same direction so t~at any ob~ect near the dispenser and illuminated by the beam from 5 will reflect a portion of t~is illumination back to detector 7.
Figure 3 s~ows a sectional view o~ the side of the dispenser. Any flexible material may be employed to create a flexible con~tainer. The flexible container is supported by s~elt` 13.
Preferred materials for the container include rubber and ~eat-sealed plastic sheet material. Flexible outlet tube 4 is sealed to t~e flexible container and leads to the bottom area of the dispenser as s~own.
A simple and preferred valve and actuator mec~anism consists of a pinc~ing means coupled to a special solenoid actuator. In Figure 3 t~e pinc~ assembly is comprised of fixed pinc~ jaw 17 and movable p$nch jaw 16. One suitable solenoid mec~anism 15 is shown in Figure 3, and is based on the Model 589R bistable impulse relay manufactured by t~e Potter and Brumfield Division of AMF Corporation. In t~is mechanism, each pull stroke o~ the solenoid plunger causes pin 27 to travel toward the ~eel-end 28 of t~e solenoid. In t~e position shown in Figure 3 the pin thus moves within t~e upper leg of t~e vee-slot in cam 29. W~en t~e pin reaches t~e end of t~e slot (t~e position s~own in Figure 3) t~e cam 29 is rotated clockwise~ causing t~e pinc~ valve to close t~roug~ t~e action of link 32 and movable jaw 16.
W~en t~e solenoid is de-energized, an internal spring (not shown) moves pin 27 back to a position at the apex of the vee slot in cam 290 T~e next time the solenoid is energized pin 27 traverse-~ the lower leg of t~e vee slot, at t~e end of w~ic~ cam 29 is caused to rotate counter-clockwise, opening t~e pinc~
valve. Thus, successive electrical ~ZS~3~36 actuations of t~e solenoid alternately open and close the pinch valve. This is important~ because any required quantity of fluid may be dispensed by only two very s~ort impulses -- one to open t~e valve and t~e other to close it. Using a Potter and Brumfield-type device, an electrical impulse lasting only 0.1 second is needed ~or eac~ transfer of the cam ~rom one position to t~e ot~er. Since a typlcal ; fluid-dispense event may require as muc~ time as several seconds, t~e use of an impulse solenoid of this nature saves a great deal o~ electrical energy from the battery.
T~e electronic circuit 18 of Figure 3, powered by battery 14, converts t~e signal picked up by detector 7 to a short -- e.g. O.l second --opening pulse. A pre-set interval later, t~e circuit sends an identical pulse to t~e solenoid, closing t~e valve. This pre-set interval is t~e primary control wit~in the dispenser for the amount of fluid 2~ dispensed. It is also an exact control, provided t~at the flow rate t~roug~ the valve is constant. If the bag container is simply resting on shelf 1~, with only gravity providing pressure on the fluid or its container, t~e flow rate will decrease from its maximum value w~en t~e cDntainer is full, to zero w~en the container is empty. Thus it is necessary to ; provide an additional means for gradually increasing pressure on t~e bag container as the container is gradually emptied during the any successive wit~drawals of fluid from the dispenser. In this way the naturally decreasing bydrostatic pressure caused by the ~eight of the fluid level in the bag can be compensated by the aforementioned increase in pressure applied to the bag.
B
-~ ~ Z S ~ ~ 3 ~
Figures 4 and 5 show t~e general arrangement of the dispenser parts. In particular, Figure 4 s~ows that the flexible bag 19 lies under a pressure plate 11 w~ic~ is attac~ed in a pivoting manner to axle 26. This axle, in turn, is solidly attac~ed to a straig~t lever 30 and a triangular lever 20. T~ese two levers are attac~ed together-by a shaft 31 w~ic~
is free to rotate in holes or bearings which are an integral part of t~e dispenser framework (not s~own). Extension spring 24 is attac~ed to t~e dispenser framework at 25 and to the triangular lever at 22. In t~e position shown in Figure 4 t~e spring is attempting to cause counterclockwise rotation of t~e triangular lever, and hence a downward motion on the pressure plate. Referring still to Figure 4, if one were to raise t~e pressure plate until t~e centerline of spring 24 passed directly over t~e centerline of shaft 21, t~en the spring would exert no torque on the triangular lever and t~ere would be no force exerted downward on t~e pressure plate.
T~us it can be seen that, as t~e pressure plate moves downward from a "dead-center" position, t~e centerline of t~e spring moves away ~rom its position directly over t~e centerline of s~aft 21 and this causes a progressively increasing torque to be applied to t~e triangular lever. The foregoing statement is strictly true only w~en t~e spring is long enoug~ to provide a decrease in force along its own axis, as the triangular lever moves counterclockwise, whic~ is less t~an t~e increasing torque effect caused by the increase in distance of the spring centerline from the centerline of shaft 21. In practice this is a very simple conditon to -~, ~ 2S~336 meet, since t~e total travel of t~e pressure plate issmall and the effect of s~ortening t~e spring as the ~luid leaves t~e container is very muc~ less than the effect of increasing the moment-arm in the mec~anism, or t~e distance from t~e spring centerline to the centerline of s~aft 21. As an essential feature of the present invention, it is only necessary to provide a means for increasing pressure-plate force whic~ is substantially equal to the decreasing effect of progressively-decreasing ~ydrostatic pressure occuring as t~e container is emptied.
Figure 3 reveals t~at the dispensed ~luid touches only the disposable flexible container 19 and tbe flexible outlet tube 4. T~us t~ere is no clean-up needed when an empty container is replaced by a full one, t~e entire fluid flow pat~ being replaced and renewed w~en the container, assembly is replaced. In order to permit easy replacement of the container ~ixed pinc~ jaw 17 may be adapted to be swung out of tbe way during container and outlet tube replacement. It is clear t~at alternative valve mec~anisms may be used, as long as t~ey are disposable and adapted to operate in association wit~
solenoid 15. A poppet or movable-~lap type o~ valve, ~or example, may be used. Also, a rotary valve may be employed, deriving its actuation from t~e angular motion n~ the cam 29. As an alternative valve mechanism, t~e resilient tube 4 may be bent to provide a kink seal. The minimum angle to provide a kink seal is defined for each resilient material and can be accomplis~ed by any mec~anism t~at bends t~e tube to t~e required angle.
.~S13~36 g Use of the pressure plate 11, also gives rise to a simple indicator for t~e quantity o~ ~luid in t~e container. This is done, for example, by mounting a graduated dial (not s~own) on s~aft 31.
T~e angular position of the dial is a direct indication of the amount of fluid in t~e bag.
Alternatively, a switc~ or other electrical transducer may be mounted in cooperation with the levers 20 or 30 so t~at upon approaching a nearly empty condition of the container the position of the lever is sensed by the switch, lig~ting a lamp or the like.
A major objective of the present invention is to reduce the electrical energy required for continuous dispenser use. Two major components of electrical consumption are present; (1) the valve solenoid and (2) t~e light emitter portion of the proximity detector. Valve solenoid power consumption ~as been lowered appreciably by the use o~ a bistable device, as explained above. To reduce energy consumption of t~e other component, this invention employs a far lower pulse frequency and pulse duty cycle than are use~ in ot~er proximity detectors used ~or general industrial pu~poses. Pre~erred values are near 5-20 pulses per second and a duty cycle o~
near 0.007. Also, t~e lo~est effective emitter current is used. Figure 6 shows the block diagram of t~e electronic circuits of the dispenser. Reflected radiation is rece~ved by the p~ototransistor, w~ose signal is amplified and then separated from anbient light in a level clipper. The resulting signal is fed to the 0.1 second pulse generator which causes the solenoid to stroke and open t~e valve. An 5~836 auxiliary switch on the solenoid causes, through feedback path A, a variable timer to generate a "valve-open" interval, at the ~nd of which a signal is sent to the same 0.1 second pulse generator, stroking the solenoid again and closing t~e valve.
An additional circuit path B stops the interval timer if t~e hand is removed prematurely from below t~e dispenser and immediately causes a solenoid pulse which closes the valve before the normal open interval has transpired.
An additional means for lowering consumption of electrical energy may be employed as an addition to t~e preferred embodiment of this invention. T~is is an additional circuit, not shown in t~e Figures, which senses the presence or absence of general room illumination in the location of t~e dispenser. In operation, a simple power-transistor gate, actuated by a cadrnium-sulfide photoresistor located on or near the exterior o~ the dispenser, s~uts down the dispenser electronics until such time as the room lig~ts are turned on again. In, for example, an industrial situation wherein only a single-shift schedule is being worked, t~e battery life in the dispenser would be approximately tripled over that obtained without this feature.
It is a furt~er object of t~is invention t~at a predetermined quantity of ~luid (~ereinafter termed a portion) be released from the dispenser upon eac~ instance of use.
Further, it is an object of this invention that t~e dispenser be adapted to the use of a disposable fluid container which can be placed within t~e dispenser, and that such a disposable container be integrally connected to disposable valve means and outlet means. In t~is manner, t~e entire wetted pathway from the container through t~e outlet means may be discarded after t~e emptying of the container, thereby minimizing t~e opportunities for a build-up of micro-organisms.
It is a furt~er object of t~is invention t~at tbe dispenser contain a proximity detector means of an electrical nature, and t~at said proximity detector means consumes a minimum of electric power, t~ereby allowing the use of disposable or recbargeable batteries.
.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
. ~ _ Figure l is an overall view of an embodiment o~ the dispenser.
Figure 2 is a view from beneat~ the dispenser.
Figure 3 is a side view o~ the dispenser s~owing a sectional view of internal components.
:~ZS~t:33~;
Figure 5 is a perspective view s~owing t~e container pressure plate raised.
Figure 4 is a perspective view s~owing the pressure plate lowered in its position on t~e container bag.
Figure 6 is a block diagram of t~e electronic circuits of the dispe~ser.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
T~e instant invention is directed to a fluid dispenser comprising:
(a) a flexible container for a fluid, integrally connected to valve means and outlet means:
(b) means for imparting a squeezing force to said flexible container;
(c) and proximity detector means connected to means for opening and closing said valve means.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION ûF THE INVENTION
T~is invention is particularly directed to a fluid dispenser whic~ contains an electric power source, an electronic proximity detector, a means for holding and supporting a ~lexible, disposable bag container, an actuator w~ic~ opens and closes a disposable valve w~ic~ is part of t~e container assembly, and a pressurizing means w~ic~ applies a ~orce to t~e top of t~e bag, moving fluid from t~e bag throug~ t~e valve when t~e valve is open.
In a preferred embodiment of this invention, t~e power source for t~e dispenser is a dry-cell battery, allowing location of t~e dispenser anyw~ere. T~e proximity detector employs very s~ort pulses of in~ra-red radiation w~ic~ are directed ` ~Z~i8~336 downward in a beam aimed toward the area under the dispenser outlet, and in association with a detector o~ lnfra-red radiation whic~ is designed to pick up reflected light from a hand or other receiving ob~ect placed below the outlet. When the detector picks up a light signal (it is energized continously in order to be in constant readiness), it~is converted to a timed pulse which is transmitted to the actuator, opening the valve. A predetermined interval later, another timed pulse is sent to the actuator, closing the valve. The fluid container is a flexible bag which lies in a horizontal postion on a shelf above the detector. T~e valve means and outlet means are also disposable and are attac~ed to t~e bag, hanging below it. In order to provide a substantially constant flow rate from t~e container, a spring-driven pressure plate presses gently on top of t~e bag and is arranged to press with gradually increasing force as t~e bag empties, compensating for t~e naturally slowing flow of t~e unassisted bag under this condition. This combination of constant flow rate and predetermined open time for the valve yields portions of uniform size.
~eferring now to the drawings, Figures 1 and 2 show two views of the dispenser, and in both of t~em the front side o~ t~e dispenser is on t~e le~t, and a wall mount is on the right. The dispenser may be mounted to a wall by means of bracket 3. Fluid is dispensed from outlet 4 which protrudes through dispenser bottom at 1. The proximity detector means uses two infra-red devices- emiter means 5 and detector means 7. Bot~ of these are aimed optically 2S8~
downward in t~e same direction so t~at any ob~ect near the dispenser and illuminated by the beam from 5 will reflect a portion of t~is illumination back to detector 7.
Figure 3 s~ows a sectional view o~ the side of the dispenser. Any flexible material may be employed to create a flexible con~tainer. The flexible container is supported by s~elt` 13.
Preferred materials for the container include rubber and ~eat-sealed plastic sheet material. Flexible outlet tube 4 is sealed to t~e flexible container and leads to the bottom area of the dispenser as s~own.
A simple and preferred valve and actuator mec~anism consists of a pinc~ing means coupled to a special solenoid actuator. In Figure 3 t~e pinc~ assembly is comprised of fixed pinc~ jaw 17 and movable p$nch jaw 16. One suitable solenoid mec~anism 15 is shown in Figure 3, and is based on the Model 589R bistable impulse relay manufactured by t~e Potter and Brumfield Division of AMF Corporation. In t~is mechanism, each pull stroke o~ the solenoid plunger causes pin 27 to travel toward the ~eel-end 28 of t~e solenoid. In t~e position shown in Figure 3 the pin thus moves within t~e upper leg of t~e vee-slot in cam 29. W~en t~e pin reaches t~e end of t~e slot (t~e position s~own in Figure 3) t~e cam 29 is rotated clockwise~ causing t~e pinc~ valve to close t~roug~ t~e action of link 32 and movable jaw 16.
W~en t~e solenoid is de-energized, an internal spring (not shown) moves pin 27 back to a position at the apex of the vee slot in cam 290 T~e next time the solenoid is energized pin 27 traverse-~ the lower leg of t~e vee slot, at t~e end of w~ic~ cam 29 is caused to rotate counter-clockwise, opening t~e pinc~
valve. Thus, successive electrical ~ZS~3~36 actuations of t~e solenoid alternately open and close the pinch valve. This is important~ because any required quantity of fluid may be dispensed by only two very s~ort impulses -- one to open t~e valve and t~e other to close it. Using a Potter and Brumfield-type device, an electrical impulse lasting only 0.1 second is needed ~or eac~ transfer of the cam ~rom one position to t~e ot~er. Since a typlcal ; fluid-dispense event may require as muc~ time as several seconds, t~e use of an impulse solenoid of this nature saves a great deal o~ electrical energy from the battery.
T~e electronic circuit 18 of Figure 3, powered by battery 14, converts t~e signal picked up by detector 7 to a short -- e.g. O.l second --opening pulse. A pre-set interval later, t~e circuit sends an identical pulse to t~e solenoid, closing t~e valve. This pre-set interval is t~e primary control wit~in the dispenser for the amount of fluid 2~ dispensed. It is also an exact control, provided t~at the flow rate t~roug~ the valve is constant. If the bag container is simply resting on shelf 1~, with only gravity providing pressure on the fluid or its container, t~e flow rate will decrease from its maximum value w~en t~e cDntainer is full, to zero w~en the container is empty. Thus it is necessary to ; provide an additional means for gradually increasing pressure on t~e bag container as the container is gradually emptied during the any successive wit~drawals of fluid from the dispenser. In this way the naturally decreasing bydrostatic pressure caused by the ~eight of the fluid level in the bag can be compensated by the aforementioned increase in pressure applied to the bag.
B
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Figures 4 and 5 show t~e general arrangement of the dispenser parts. In particular, Figure 4 s~ows that the flexible bag 19 lies under a pressure plate 11 w~ic~ is attac~ed in a pivoting manner to axle 26. This axle, in turn, is solidly attac~ed to a straig~t lever 30 and a triangular lever 20. T~ese two levers are attac~ed together-by a shaft 31 w~ic~
is free to rotate in holes or bearings which are an integral part of t~e dispenser framework (not s~own). Extension spring 24 is attac~ed to t~e dispenser framework at 25 and to the triangular lever at 22. In t~e position shown in Figure 4 t~e spring is attempting to cause counterclockwise rotation of t~e triangular lever, and hence a downward motion on the pressure plate. Referring still to Figure 4, if one were to raise t~e pressure plate until t~e centerline of spring 24 passed directly over t~e centerline of shaft 21, t~en the spring would exert no torque on the triangular lever and t~ere would be no force exerted downward on t~e pressure plate.
T~us it can be seen that, as t~e pressure plate moves downward from a "dead-center" position, t~e centerline of t~e spring moves away ~rom its position directly over t~e centerline of s~aft 21 and this causes a progressively increasing torque to be applied to t~e triangular lever. The foregoing statement is strictly true only w~en t~e spring is long enoug~ to provide a decrease in force along its own axis, as the triangular lever moves counterclockwise, whic~ is less t~an t~e increasing torque effect caused by the increase in distance of the spring centerline from the centerline of shaft 21. In practice this is a very simple conditon to -~, ~ 2S~336 meet, since t~e total travel of t~e pressure plate issmall and the effect of s~ortening t~e spring as the ~luid leaves t~e container is very muc~ less than the effect of increasing the moment-arm in the mec~anism, or t~e distance from t~e spring centerline to the centerline of s~aft 21. As an essential feature of the present invention, it is only necessary to provide a means for increasing pressure-plate force whic~ is substantially equal to the decreasing effect of progressively-decreasing ~ydrostatic pressure occuring as t~e container is emptied.
Figure 3 reveals t~at the dispensed ~luid touches only the disposable flexible container 19 and tbe flexible outlet tube 4. T~us t~ere is no clean-up needed when an empty container is replaced by a full one, t~e entire fluid flow pat~ being replaced and renewed w~en the container, assembly is replaced. In order to permit easy replacement of the container ~ixed pinc~ jaw 17 may be adapted to be swung out of tbe way during container and outlet tube replacement. It is clear t~at alternative valve mec~anisms may be used, as long as t~ey are disposable and adapted to operate in association wit~
solenoid 15. A poppet or movable-~lap type o~ valve, ~or example, may be used. Also, a rotary valve may be employed, deriving its actuation from t~e angular motion n~ the cam 29. As an alternative valve mechanism, t~e resilient tube 4 may be bent to provide a kink seal. The minimum angle to provide a kink seal is defined for each resilient material and can be accomplis~ed by any mec~anism t~at bends t~e tube to t~e required angle.
.~S13~36 g Use of the pressure plate 11, also gives rise to a simple indicator for t~e quantity o~ ~luid in t~e container. This is done, for example, by mounting a graduated dial (not s~own) on s~aft 31.
T~e angular position of the dial is a direct indication of the amount of fluid in t~e bag.
Alternatively, a switc~ or other electrical transducer may be mounted in cooperation with the levers 20 or 30 so t~at upon approaching a nearly empty condition of the container the position of the lever is sensed by the switch, lig~ting a lamp or the like.
A major objective of the present invention is to reduce the electrical energy required for continuous dispenser use. Two major components of electrical consumption are present; (1) the valve solenoid and (2) t~e light emitter portion of the proximity detector. Valve solenoid power consumption ~as been lowered appreciably by the use o~ a bistable device, as explained above. To reduce energy consumption of t~e other component, this invention employs a far lower pulse frequency and pulse duty cycle than are use~ in ot~er proximity detectors used ~or general industrial pu~poses. Pre~erred values are near 5-20 pulses per second and a duty cycle o~
near 0.007. Also, t~e lo~est effective emitter current is used. Figure 6 shows the block diagram of t~e electronic circuits of the dispenser. Reflected radiation is rece~ved by the p~ototransistor, w~ose signal is amplified and then separated from anbient light in a level clipper. The resulting signal is fed to the 0.1 second pulse generator which causes the solenoid to stroke and open t~e valve. An 5~836 auxiliary switch on the solenoid causes, through feedback path A, a variable timer to generate a "valve-open" interval, at the ~nd of which a signal is sent to the same 0.1 second pulse generator, stroking the solenoid again and closing t~e valve.
An additional circuit path B stops the interval timer if t~e hand is removed prematurely from below t~e dispenser and immediately causes a solenoid pulse which closes the valve before the normal open interval has transpired.
An additional means for lowering consumption of electrical energy may be employed as an addition to t~e preferred embodiment of this invention. T~is is an additional circuit, not shown in t~e Figures, which senses the presence or absence of general room illumination in the location of t~e dispenser. In operation, a simple power-transistor gate, actuated by a cadrnium-sulfide photoresistor located on or near the exterior o~ the dispenser, s~uts down the dispenser electronics until such time as the room lig~ts are turned on again. In, for example, an industrial situation wherein only a single-shift schedule is being worked, t~e battery life in the dispenser would be approximately tripled over that obtained without this feature.
Claims (10)
1. A fluid dispenser comprising:
(a) a flexible container for fluid integrally connected to a valve means and an outlet means;
(b) a means for imparting a squeezing force to said flexible container; and (c) a proximity detector means connected to a means for opening and closing said valve means; wherein said means for imparting a squeezing force is a pressure plate which is connected to a spring-driven lever which comprises:
(i) an extension spring whose axis is near the central pivot point of a first-class lever when said flexible container is full, said spring axis moving away from said pivot point of said lever as said flexible container is emptied;
(ii) said first-class level having extremities that comprise the attachment point of said extension spring to the lever and the attachment point of an axle attached to the pressure plate, respectfully; and (iii) said spring having a sufficient length so that the torque increase caused by the increasing distance of the spring center line from the central pivot point as said container empties is more than the torque decrease caused by the lessening extension of the spring caused by movement of the lever as said flexible container empties.
(a) a flexible container for fluid integrally connected to a valve means and an outlet means;
(b) a means for imparting a squeezing force to said flexible container; and (c) a proximity detector means connected to a means for opening and closing said valve means; wherein said means for imparting a squeezing force is a pressure plate which is connected to a spring-driven lever which comprises:
(i) an extension spring whose axis is near the central pivot point of a first-class lever when said flexible container is full, said spring axis moving away from said pivot point of said lever as said flexible container is emptied;
(ii) said first-class level having extremities that comprise the attachment point of said extension spring to the lever and the attachment point of an axle attached to the pressure plate, respectfully; and (iii) said spring having a sufficient length so that the torque increase caused by the increasing distance of the spring center line from the central pivot point as said container empties is more than the torque decrease caused by the lessening extension of the spring caused by movement of the lever as said flexible container empties.
2. The fluid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said flexible container is formed of at least two thermoplastic sheets which are fastened together by heat sealing or ultrasonic welding.
3. The fluid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said valve means and outlet means comprises a flexible tube and a pinch means for pinching the flexible tube to stop the flow of fluid from the container to enable fluid flow.
4. The fluid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said means for opening said valve means comprises an electromagnetic actuator.
5. The fluid dispenser of claim 4 wherein said actuator is powered by batteries.
6. The fluid dispenser of claim 4 wherein said actuator is controlled by said proximity detector means and an electric circuit connected therebetween whereby, the actuator is responsive to the presence of an object placed near the proximity detector means.
7. The fluid dispenser of claim 4 wherein said electromagnetic actuator is a solenoid.
8. The fluid dispenser of claim 1 wherein said flexible container is a plastic or rubber bag which has a thickness when filled with fluid, no greater than 20%
of its length and its width being less than its length.
of its length and its width being less than its length.
9. The fluid dispenser of claim 8 wherein said container, valve means and outlet means are disposable.
10. The fluid dispenser of claim 8 wherein said flexible container lies flat upon a substantially horizontal shelf.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US48886783A | 1983-04-26 | 1983-04-26 | |
| US488,867 | 1990-03-05 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1258836A true CA1258836A (en) | 1989-08-29 |
Family
ID=23941443
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000452402A Expired CA1258836A (en) | 1983-04-26 | 1984-04-19 | Fluid dispenser |
Country Status (5)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0127497B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH0645397B2 (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE27895T1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1258836A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3464320D1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (13)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4722372A (en) * | 1985-08-02 | 1988-02-02 | Louis Hoffman Associates Inc. | Electrically operated dispensing apparatus and disposable container useable therewith |
| US4666099A (en) * | 1985-11-15 | 1987-05-19 | Scott Paper Company | Apparatus for dispensing sheet material |
| US5782382A (en) * | 1995-12-27 | 1998-07-21 | International Sanitary Ware Manufacturing Cy | Dispenser for personal hygiene liquids |
| FR2802792B1 (en) * | 1999-12-24 | 2002-05-03 | Genie Et Environnement | IMPROVED HAND CLEANING DEVICE |
| JP2008296132A (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-11 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Electrostatic atomizer |
| JP2008296143A (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-11 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Fluid conveyance device and electrostatic atomizer |
| JP2008296138A (en) * | 2007-05-31 | 2008-12-11 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Electrostatic atomizer |
| JP2009011958A (en) * | 2007-07-06 | 2009-01-22 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Electrostatic spraying apparatus |
| JP2009022891A (en) * | 2007-07-20 | 2009-02-05 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Electrostatic atomizer |
| JP2009172488A (en) * | 2008-01-22 | 2009-08-06 | Daikin Ind Ltd | Electrostatic atomizer |
| BE1019327A3 (en) | 2010-05-07 | 2012-06-05 | Tatjana Yazgheche | A MODULAR DOSING DEVICE AND A DIVIDING DEVICE, INCLUDING SUCH DOSING DEVICE. |
| CN108309117B (en) * | 2018-02-12 | 2020-12-01 | 深圳市坪地奥力奇卫浴制品有限公司 | Toilet soap storage box for bathroom |
| WO2023102618A1 (en) * | 2021-12-09 | 2023-06-15 | Marek Szymanski | Dispenser device for liquids in container bag |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3327901A (en) * | 1963-12-13 | 1967-06-27 | Jet Dispenser Corp | Dispenser |
| FR1410288A (en) * | 1964-07-27 | 1965-09-10 | Various drinks dispenser in sealed sachets | |
| NL6913085A (en) * | 1968-09-03 | 1970-03-05 |
-
1984
- 1984-04-19 DE DE8484400793T patent/DE3464320D1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-04-19 AT AT84400793T patent/ATE27895T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1984-04-19 EP EP84400793A patent/EP0127497B1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-04-19 CA CA000452402A patent/CA1258836A/en not_active Expired
- 1984-04-26 JP JP59083090A patent/JPH0645397B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| JPH0645397B2 (en) | 1994-06-15 |
| JPS59209570A (en) | 1984-11-28 |
| EP0127497A1 (en) | 1984-12-05 |
| EP0127497B1 (en) | 1987-06-24 |
| ATE27895T1 (en) | 1987-07-15 |
| DE3464320D1 (en) | 1987-07-30 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |