EP0343059B1 - Method and device for ingesting a liquid such as spring water - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for ingesting a liquid, such as spring water. This ingesting method is characterised in that it consists in introducing a distribution nozzle (14) of a discharging means (1) into a corresponding supply channel (17) which opens into a sealed filling chamber (18) of a glass receptacle (2), in actuating the opening of the discharging means (1), in displacing, simultaneously with the arrival of the liquid and under the action thereof, a float (19) capable of moving translationally inside the glass receptacle (2) to vary the useful volume of its filling chamber (18), the float (19) initially preferably resting freely on the bottom of the glass receptacle (2) or on the surface of a volume of liquid contained initially therein, in detaching the distribution nozzle (14) and the supply channel (17), then in ingesting the liquid contained in the receptacle via an ingesting pipe (22, 23). This method and device are applied in particular to cures of a medical nature undertaken at a hydropathic establishment. <IMAGE>

Description

The present invention essentially relates to a method of ingestion of a liquid, such as spring water.

It also relates to an ingestion device which allows in particular the implementation of this process and which is intended to be installed in spas.

The distribution of mineral water in treatment establishments is currently carried out by means of fountains or taps which deliver the water to be absorbed in the open air, each patient being additionally provided with a glass allowing more accurate measurement. or less precise as well as the transport of a predetermined volume of water.

However, this conventional ingestion method has a major drawback.

Indeed, water by being discharged from the fountain or the tap in the open air then by being transported and contained in the glass of the curist in direct contact with the ambient air undergoes a deterioration of its original qualities in particular because of oxygenation, flocculation or precipitation phenomena.

Thus, the object of the present invention is to remedy this drawback by proposing a method and a device allowing the distribution and transport by a spa visitor of a predetermined volume of mineral water without it being subject to alteration leading to a decrease in its therapeutic properties.

• à introduire un embout de distribution d'un moyen débiteur dans un canal d'alimentation correspondant qui débouche dans une chambre de remplissage étanche d'un récipient formant verre ;
• à commander l'ouverture du moyen débiteur ;
• à déplacer simultanément à l'arrivée du liquide et sous l'action de celui-ci, un flotteur susceptible de se translater à l'intérieur du récipient formant verre pour former et remplir la chambre de remplissage en faisant varier son volume utile, ledit flotteur reposant initialement de préférence librement sur le fond du récipient ou sur la surface d'un volume de liquide contenu dans celui-ci ;
• à désolidariser l'embout de distribution et le canal d'alimentation ; et
• à ingérer le liquide contenu dans le récipient par l'intermédiaire d'un conduit d'ingestion relié à la chambre de remplissage tout en redéplaçant simultanément le flotteur reposant de préférence librement sur la surface du liquide transporté.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a method of ingestion of a liquid, such as spring water, characterized in that it consists:

• inserting a dispensing tip of a debtor means into a corresponding supply channel which opens into a sealed filling chamber of a glass container;
• to command the opening of the debtor means;
• to move simultaneously with the arrival of the liquid and under the action of the latter, a float capable of translating inside the glass container to form and fill the filling chamber by varying its useful volume, said float preferably initially resting freely on the bottom of the container or on the surface of a volume of liquid contained therein;
• to separate the dispensing nozzle and the supply channel; and
• ingesting the liquid contained in the container via an ingestion conduit connected to the filling chamber while simultaneously re-displacing the float preferably resting freely on the surface of the transported liquid.

Furthermore, the introduction of the dispensing nozzle into the supply channel and the opening of the debtor means are carried out simultaneously by means of the single actuation means.

It will also be specified that simultaneously with filling the glass which is carried out for a predetermined time, the level of a water column hydraulically connected to the dispensing nozzle is controlled to ensure the distribution of a predetermined volume of liquid to inside the filling chamber.

On the other hand, the supply to the filling chamber is controlled by actuating a timer which controls either an electromagnetic valve ensuring the opening or closing of the water column, or a relay electrically connected to a volumetric pump which flows directly into the dispensing nozzle.

Likewise, the subject of the invention is a device for the ingestion of a liquid such as spring water, and which comprises a debtor means capable of supplying a container with liquid and which is characterized in that said debtor means comprises a dispensing nozzle capable of being introduced in a sealed manner into a supply channel opening into a sealed filling chamber with variable volume of a glass container, the useful volume of this filling chamber being formed and delimited , in addition, by a float which is movable inside said glass container under the action of the liquid delivered therein and which preferably rests freely on the bottom of this container or on the surface d 'A volume of liquid contained therein, said glass container being provided with a liquid ingestion conduit into which opens said filling chamber.

According to another characteristic, the supply channel is provided inside the glass substantially over its entire height and coaxially therewith, while it comprises at one of its ends a flange coming from material and which forms cover by fitting onto the free end of the wall of the glass container, the float being also mounted free in translation between the supply channel and the glass wall.

Furthermore, the ingestion conduit is, according to a first embodiment, integral with said glass by being permanently connected to the filling chamber, or, according to a second embodiment, removable and shaped to be introduced into the feed channel.

On the other hand, the device according to the invention comprises an actuating means mechanically connected, on the one hand the dispensing end piece to move it axially and introduce it into said supply channel, and on the other hand to a contact electrically linked to a timer, this activating timer, either an electromagnetic valve provided on a water column at constant height of liquid and controlled by a regulation system, or a relay controlling a positive displacement pump hydraulically connected to the nozzle of distribution.

According to yet another characteristic, said regulation system is constituted either by a float which is provided in the water column and which rests freely on the surface of the liquid contained therein, this float being capable of actuating, during of its movement, a contactor controlling the admission of the liquid into the water column, either by an overflow provided at a predetermined level of the water column in which a positive displacement pump or the pressurized liquid is discharged permanently coming directly from a natural underground source.

• La figure 1 est une vue schématique d'un dispositif d'ingestion et dans laquelle est représenté en coupe longitudinale un premier mode de réalisation d'un récipient formant verre ; et
• La figure 2 est une vue en coupe longitudinale d'un deuxième mode de réalisation de ce récipient.

However, other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear better in the detailed description which follows and refers to the appended drawings, given solely by way of example, and in which:

• Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device ingestion and in which is shown in longitudinal section a first embodiment of a glass container; and
• Figure 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of a second embodiment of this container.

A device for the ingestion of a liquid, such as spring water, according to the invention and represented in FIGS. 1 and 2, comprises a debtor means 1 which allows the supply of liquid to a container forming glass 2.

The debtor means 1 comprises an actuating means 3 constituted by a pivoting lever which is articulated on a frame or structure 4 intended to be fixed on a vertical wall or to be placed on the ground by means of holding feet, not represented.

The actuating means 3 comprises at a first end, an operating handle 5 while it is provided, at a second end disposed in the frame or structure 4, with a counterweight 6 or a return spring not shown.

Furthermore, it will be noted that the actuating means 3 is mechanically connected by means of a first connecting means 16a to a contact 7 electrically linked to a timer 8 capable of actuating, in a first embodiment, a electromagnetic valve 9 provided on a water column 10 at constant height of liquid, the level of which is controlled by a regulation system 11.

On the other hand, the water column 10 delivers, via the electromagnetic valve 9, into a pipe 12 formed of two flexible sections 12a and 12b interconnected via a connector 13, for example secured to the frame or structure 4.

The flexible section 12a of the pipe 12 is provided at its free end with a distribution nozzle 14 housed in a guide element 15 of essentially tubular shape, fixed to the frame or structure 4 by means of a support 15a welded to that -this.

The flexible section 12a of the pipe 12 is mechanically connected to the actuating means 3 by means of a second connecting element 16b.

Thus, the dispensing nozzle 14 can be moved axially by the actuating means 3 and the connecting element 16 while being guided by the guide element 15, which allows the introduction of the dispensing nozzle 14 in a supply channel 17 opening into a filling chamber 18 of the glass container 2.

To this end, the dispensing end piece 14 is provided at its free end with a substantially frustoconical part 14a cooperating in leaktight manner with a corresponding flared opening 17a formed in the supply channel 17.

Furthermore, during the introduction of the dispensing end piece 14 into the supply channel 17, the glass container 2 can be held by the patient or can rest on a support 4a secured to the frame or structure 4.

The filling chamber 18 has a useful volume formed and delimited, on the one hand by a float 19 movable inside the glass container 2 under the action of the fluid received from the supplying means 1, and on the other hand by a bottom 20 of substantially frustoconical shape and by a essentially tubular wall 21 of the glass container 2.

Consequently, it will be noted that the filling chamber 18 is sealed and that it is characterized by a useful volume which is variable as a function of the position of the float 19 inside the glass container 2.

In fact, the float 19 has an end face 19a of essentially frustoconical shape which can rest on the bottom 20 of the glass or on the surface of the liquid contained in it, so that the liquid which is introduced inside the container forming glass 2 is in no way in contact with the ambient air.

Likewise, the glass container 2 is provided, according to a first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, with an ingestion conduit 22 integral with the latter and which opens out permanently into the filling chamber 18.

Referring to FIG. 2, it will be noted that according to a second embodiment, the glass container 2 comprises an ingestion means 23 constituted by a removable pipe and shaped to be introduced into the supply channel preferably up to 'at the end of it.

For this purpose, it will be specified here that the supply channel 17 is provided inside the glass container 2, substantially over its entire height and coaxially with it, and that it has at one of its ends provided with the flared part 17a of a flange 24 preferably made of material and which forms a cover by fitting onto the free end of the wall 21 of the glass container 2.

Thus, the float 19 is mounted free in translation between the supply channel 17 and the wall 21 of the glass container 2.

The regulation system 11 is constituted, according to an exemplary embodiment, by a float 25 which is provided in the water column 10 and which rests freely on the surface of the liquid contained therein, this float 25 being moreover susceptible actuate during its downward movement a contactor 26 which controls the admission of the liquid into the water column when the liquid leaves a predetermined minimum level making it possible to ensure a constant flow in the pipe 12, and consequently in the filling chamber 18 via the dispensing nozzle 14.

The contactor 26 can be electrically connected to a pump, for example a positive displacement pump 27, the exhaust port 27a of which communicates with the inlet port 10a of the water column 10, while the inlet port 27b communicates with a natural source, for example underground.

Similarly, the contactor 26 can control a solenoid valve, not shown, provided on the inlet orifice 10a of the water column 10 if the mineral water to be ingested comes from and is supplied from a source under pressure sufficient.

The contactor 26, which operates like the contact 7 and which can be of the same structure as the latter, is connected to the float 28 by means of a rod 25a.

Thus, when the float 25 descends under the action of the liquid below a predetermined level, it actuates the contactor 26 which switches to its active position and which controls the actuation of the element with which it is electrically connected.

Conversely, when the float 25 rises under the action of the liquid at said predetermined position, it actuates the contactor 26 which switches to its rest position and stops the operation of the aforementioned element.

Furthermore, it will be specified that in place of the float 25 and of the contactor 26 or in combination with these, the regulation system 11 may be provided with an overflow 28 comprising a tap 28a and provided at the upper part of the water column 10 under the float 25 at a determined height making it possible to ensure at the outlet of this water column 10 a constant pressure.

Thus, when the tap 28a is open, the positive displacement pump 27 can flow into the water column 10 constantly, the liquid escaping from the overflow 28, while if the thermal establishment had an inlet for mineral water flowing under sufficient pressure, the water column 10 could be supplied by being connected directly to this source.

This arrangement allows a continuous circulation of the liquid in the water column 10 to ensure a conservation of the temperature of this liquid by increasing its flow speed and therefore reducing its transfer time between the source and the glass container 2 Furthermore, this arrangement makes it possible to purge the debtor means 1, for example before it is put into service.

It will also be specified that in another embodiment the timer 8 can be directly connected to the positive displacement pump 27, the water column 10 then no longer being used.

The ingestion device according to the invention which has just been described allows the implementation of a method of ingestion of a liquid, such as spring water, which consists first of all in introducing, by maneuvering the actuating means 3 downwards, the dispensing end piece 14 of the debtor means 1 in the corresponding supply channel 17 which opens into the sealed filling chamber 18 of the glass container 2, then to control the opening of the debtor means 1 preferably simultaneously with the introduction of the dispensing nozzle 14, and this by means of the actuation means 3.

Then, at the arrival of the liquid and under the action of the latter, the float 19 is displaced simultaneously, which translates inside the glass container 2 to constitute and delimit the filling chamber 18 by varying its volume. useful, the float 19 preferably initially resting freely on the bottom 20 of the glass container 2 or on the surface of a volume of liquid initially contained therein.

Subsequently, the dispensing nozzle 14 and the supply channel 17 are separated, then taking possession of the glass container 2 the liquid contained in it is ingested via the ingestion conduit 22 or 23 which opens into the filling chamber 18 while simultaneously re-displacing the float 19 which rests freely on the surface of the transported liquid.

It will be specified here that during the use of the glass container 2 according to the second embodiment and before ingestion of the liquid contained therein, the ingestion conduit 23 is introduced into the supply channel 17.

Similarly and simultaneously with the filling of the glass which is carried out for a predetermined time, the level of the water column 10 which is hydraulically connected to the nozzle 14 is controlled to ensure the distribution of a volume of the predetermined liquid to inside the filling chamber 18.

In addition, the supply to the filling chamber 18 is controlled by the timer 8 which is connected either to the electromagnetic valve 9 which controls the opening or closing of the water column 10, or to the positive displacement pump 27 by means of a relay 27c electrically linked thereto, this positive displacement pump 27 delivering directly into the dispensing nozzle 14.

Furthermore, it will be observed, with reference to FIG. 2, that the end of the ingestion conduit 23 which is introduced into the supply channel 17, in order to be able to rest at the bottom 20 of the glass container 2, can include a notch 23a allowing the passage of the liquid contained in the filling chamber 18.

The float 19 may have on its outer periphery longitudinal grooves 19c allowing the evacuation of the air bubbles expelled during the supply of liquid to the filling chamber 18.

It will be specified here that the respective internal diameters of the dispensing nozzle 14, of the supply channel 17, and of the ingestion conduit 22, 23 are not greater than 5mm. Thus, and thanks to the phenomena of surface tensions, it occurs inside these organs as in the upper part of the longitudinal grooves 19c, a natural seal due to the liquid which prevents the penetration of the air molecules therein. On the other hand, the float 19 is provided preferably an annular recess 19b allowing its reduction, the cover 24 being provided with one or more orifices 24a which allow the exhaust or the introduction of air between the cover 24 and the float 19.

All the constituent elements of the glass container 2 can be made of a plastic material of the food plastic type, for example, by a thermoplastic injection process.

It will therefore be observed that the device and the ingestion method according to the invention allow a flow and a transport of a liquid protected from the ambient air by means, inter alia, of the float 19 which gives the glass container a adequate seal and / or float 25 provided in the water column 10.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated and which have been given only by way of example.

Claims (9)

1. Method of ingesting a liquid such as spring water, characterized in that it consists :

   - in inserting a distribution nozzle (14) of a dispensing means (1) into a corresponding feed channel (17) which opens into a fluid-tight chamber (18) for filling a glass-like container (2) ;

   - in operating the opening of the dispensing means (1) ;

   - in simultaneously displacing upon the arrival of the liquid and under the action of the latter, a float (19) susceptible of translatory motion inside of the glass-like container (2) to constitute and to define the filling chamber (18) while varying its useful volume, the said float (19) initially resting preferably freely upon the bottom (20) of the glass-like container (2) or upon the surface of a volume of liquid initially contained therein ;

   - in disconnecting the distribution nozzle (14) and the feed channel (17) ; and

   - in ingesting the liquid contained in the glass-like container (2) through the medium of an ingestion duct (22, 23) connected to the filling chamber (18) while simultaneously displacing again the float (19) resting preferably freely upon the surface of the conveyed liquid.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that one simultaneously effects the insertion of the distribution duct (14) into the feed channel (17) and the opening of the dispensing means (1) through the medium of a single actuating means (3).
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at the same time as the filling of the glass-like container (2) which one effects for a predetermined time, one controls the level of a water column (10) hydraulically connected to the distribution nozzle (14) to ensure the distribution of a predetermined volume of liquid inside of the filling chamber (18).
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that one controls the feeding of the filling chamber by actuating a time-delay member (8) which operates either an electromagnetic valve (9) ensuring the opening or the closing of the water column (10) or a relay electrically connected to a volumetric pump (27) which discharges directly into the distribution nozzle (14).
5. Device for the ingestion of a liquid such as spring water and of the type comprising a dispensing means (1) susceptible of supplying a container with liquid, characterized in that the said dispensing means (1) comprises a distribution nozzle (14) susceptible of being inserted in a fluid-tight manner into a feed channel (17) opening into a chamber (18) for filling a glass-like container (2), the useful volume of this filling chamber (18) being formed and defined among others by a float (19) which is displaceable inside of the glass-like container (2) under the action of the liquid discharged inside of the latter and which rests preferably freely upon the bottom of the glass-like container (2) or upon the surface of a volume of liquid contained therein, the said glass-like container being provided with an ingestion duct (22, 23) into which opens the said filling chamber (18).
6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the feed channel (17) is provided inside of the glass-like container (2) substantially throughout its height and in coaxial relation thereto, whereas it comprises at one of its ends a flange (24) integral therewith and which forms a cover by fitting onto the free end of the wall (21) of the glass-like container, the float (19) being mounted for free translatory motion between the feed channel (17) and the wall (21) of the glass-like container (2).
7. Device according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the ingestion duct is either made fast to the said glass-like container (2) by being connected in a permanent manner to its filling chamber (18) or is removable and shaped to be inserted into the feed channel (17).
8. Device according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that it comprises actuating means (3) mechanically connected on the one hand to the distribution nozzle (14) for displacing it axially and inserting it into the said feed channel (17) and on the other hand to a contact (7) electrically connected to a time-delay member (8), the time-delay member (8) actuating either an electromagnetic valve (9) provided on a water column (10) with a constant height of liquid controlled by a regulation system (11) or a relay operating a volumetric pump (27) hydraulically controlled at the distribution nozzle (14).
9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the said regulation system (11) is constituted either by a float (25) which is provided within the water column (10) and which rests freely upon the free surface of the liquid contained therein, this float (25) being likely to actuate upon its displacement a contact-maker (26) operating the intake of the liquid into the water column (10) either through an overflow pipe (28) provided at a predetermined level of the water column (10) into which is permanently discharging a for example volumetric pump (27) or the liquid under pressure coming directly from a natural for example underground source.

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