GB2128587A - Measuring and dispensing liquid from bottles - Google Patents
Measuring and dispensing liquid from bottles Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2128587A GB2128587A GB08327722A GB8327722A GB2128587A GB 2128587 A GB2128587 A GB 2128587A GB 08327722 A GB08327722 A GB 08327722A GB 8327722 A GB8327722 A GB 8327722A GB 2128587 A GB2128587 A GB 2128587A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- liquid
- counter
- dispensed
- support
- removal
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F13/00—Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups
- G01F13/008—Apparatus for measuring by volume and delivering fluids or fluent solid materials, not provided for in the preceding groups taps comprising counting- and recording means
-
- 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
- B67D3/00—Apparatus or devices for controlling flow of liquids under gravity from storage containers for dispensing purposes
- B67D3/02—Liquid-dispensing valves having operating members arranged to be pressed upwards, e.g. by the rims of receptacles held below the delivery orifice
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Apparatus for use in dispensing measures of liquid from bottles, comprising a device (1) for dispensing the measures of liquid and a support (20) to which the device is removably attachable, the device comprising a counter (15) for recording and displaying (at B) the number of bottles which have been fitted to the device and from which liquid has been dispensed, means (10, 11) for detecting removal of the device from the support and/or reattachment of the device on the support, and means which, in response to a predetermined measure of liquid being dispensed by the device subsequent to such removal and/or reattachment of the device, adds a unit to the number recorded by the counter. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
Apparatus for use in measuring and dispensing liquid from bottles
The present invention relates to a liquid measuring and dispensing apparatus, the apparatus may comprise a device of the type commonly known as a spirit measure.
A known liquid measuring and dispensing device comprises a mechanical counter (referred to below as the "dispense counter") for recording and displaying the number of measures of liquid dispensed. The device is used to dispense liquid, e.g. alcoholic beverages, from bottles.
The mechanical counters used with the known devices have proved unreliable and inaccurate.
It is also known to connect liquid measuring and dispensing devices to a computer to record and display the number of bottles of liquid from which liquid has been delivered and dispensed by means of the device.
However, when fitting a bottle to the known device some adjustment and repositioning of the bottle, or even removal and replacement of the bottle may be necessary to eliminate leaks at the connection of the bottle with the device. Where the device is connected to a computer to count the number of bottles from which liquid has been dispensed, the adjustment and repositioning or removal and replacement of the bottle may cause the computer to record an erroneously high reading.
The invention aims to overcome or mitigate the aforementioned disadvantages relating to the dispense counter and to provide a counter to detect and reliably and accurately the changing of bottles, the latter counter preferably being carried by or being conveniently close to the device itself.
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided apparatus for use in dispensing measures (measured amounts) of liquids from bottles, comprising a device for dispensing the measures of liquid and a mounting bracket, clip or other support to which the device is removably attachable, the device comprising a counter for recording and displaying the number of bottles which have been fitted to the device and from which liquid has been dispensed, means for detecting removal of the device from the support and/or replacement of the device on the support, and means which, in response to a predetermined measure of liquid being dispensed by the device subsequent to such removal and/or replacement of the device, adds a unit to the number displayed by the counter.
It is to be understood that the term "bottle" as used herein means a conventional bottle or other operable container used for holding liquid to be dispensed in measured amounts.
Preferably the predetermined measure of liquid is one of the first to fifth measures of liquid dispensed by the device subsequent to said removal or replacement.
More preferably the predetermined measure of liquid is the first measure of liquid dispensed by the device subsequent to said removal or replacement.
Preferably the counter is a digital counter and also preferably the counter is an electronic counter.
The device preferably comprises means, preferably electronic, for recording in a memory removal of the device from the support or replacement of the device on the support and means, preferably electronic, which in response to the predetermined measure of liquid being dispensed by the device either subsequent to said removal of the device or said replacement of the device, adds a unit to the number recorded by the counter.
The device may further comprise means, preferably electronic, for recording and displaying the number of measures of liquid dispensed by the device. Such means may comprise a second counter and means, preferably electronic, for adding a unit to the number displayed by the counter each time a measure of liquid is dispensed by the device.
The second counter is preferably a digital counter and it also is preferably an electronic counter.
The second counter may be operated by a Hall effect device, a reed switch or a microswitch associated with a part of the dispensing device which is moved whenever a measure of liquid is dispensed. The device may include a movable measuring bowl carrying means which actuates the Hall effect device, reed switch or microswitch.
Alternatively the device may comprise a static
measuring bowl and be provided with an air intake valve actuated by operation of the device to dispense a measure of liquid, the valve having a
movable part such that its movement resulting from such operation actuates the Hall effect device, reed switch or microswitch.
The means for detecting removal of the device from the support and/or replacement of the device on the support may comprise means carried by the support and means carried by the device, the latter
means being actuated either on removal of the
device from the support or replacement of the
device on the support. The means carried by the
support may be a magnet and the means carried
by the device may be a Hall effect device, reed
switch or other means actuated on being brought
into proximity with the magnet.
The invention is further described below by way
of example with reference to the accompanying
drawings. in which:
Figure 1 is a side view of a device and its
support bracket according to the invention;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view, partly in
section, of the device and its support bracket,
showing some internal parts of the device and its
support bracket; and
Figure 3 is a front view of the device.
Referring to the drawings, a liquid measuring
and dispensing device 1 comprises a casing 2, a
liquid measuring bowl 3 movable relative to the
casing, arms 4 carried by the bowl 3 and a tube 5 for entering a bottle from which liquid is to be dispensed.
The casing 2 is provided with a lug or
protection 6 by means of which the device may be attached to a support bracket or clip 20 fixed, e.g.
to a wall or shelf in a bar. The bowl 3 is movable
upwardly and downwardly.
The bracket 20 incorporates a pivoted lever 21
resiliently biased for releasably engaging with the
projection 6 and locating the device 1 in position
relative to the casing 2. The bowl 3 and the casing 2 together with other parts not shown in the drawings comprise a mechanism or arrangement such as described in my British patent no.
2040879 for dispensing measuring volumes of liquid. Thus when a bottle has been fitted to the device, each time the bowl 3 is pushed upwardly to the limit of its travel and released there is dispensed through an outlet valve and an outlet opening 3' a measured volume of liquid from the bottle. The arms 4 are provided so that a glass into which a measure of liquid is to be dispensed can be engaged with them and used to push the bowl 3 up. When the glass is taken away the bowl 3 descends and is refilled with liquid from the bottle through an inlet valve (not shown) in the device.
The tube 5 is fitted with a cork 6 for sealingly engaging within the neck 7 of a bottle from which liquid is to be dispensed. To fit the first bottle to the device 1 or to change the bottle on the device, the device is temporarily removed from the support bracket 20 while the bottle is fitted.
The bowl 3 carries adjacent its rim a member 8 (see Figure 2) which actuates a reed switch or Hall effect device 9, which is fixedly mounted in the casing 2, when the bowl passes a selected point in its travel, preferably its upward travel. The member 8 is a permanent magnet if 9 is a Hall effect device. As described below the switch or device 9 is subsequently reset after being actuated. At the front of the casing 2 (see Figure 3) is provided an electric digital counter unit 1 5 for displaying at A the number of measures of liquid which have been dispensed by the device and at B the number of bottles of liquid which have been fitted to the device and from which liquid has been dispensed.
The casing 2 houses electronic circuitry, including an electronic memory. The operation of this electronic circuitry is described below.
When the bowl 3 is pushed upwardly for the purpose of dispensing a measure of liquid, the member 8 actuates the switch or device 9 to cause a unit to be added to the reading at A.
The member 8 and the reed switch or Hall effect device 9 should be positioned so that the switch or device 9 is not actuated (and hence the count at A on the display unit 1 5 remains unchanged) if accidental movement of the bowl 3
insufficient to dispense any liquid occurs but if
the movement is larger and sufficient to dispense
any liquid, even less than a full measure, then the
switch or device 9 is actuated and a unit is added to the count at A. Preferably if the movement is
almost but not quite sufficient to cause any liquid to be dispensed then the switch or device 9 is actuated but if movement is any less then the switch or device 9 is not actuated.
The downward movement of the bowl 3 from the fully dispensed position (i.e. its uppermost position) with the bowl empty will cause the Hall effect device or reed switch 9 to be reset upon the opening of the inlet valve from the bottle so that no possibility of bleeding the bowl without adding to the count at A resulting from the previous dispense operation exists.
There is provided within the upper rear part of the top cover of the casing 2 a reed switch or Hall effect device 10. Mounted in the support bracket 20 is a device 11 for actuating the switch or device 10, the device 11 being a permanent magnet if 10 is a Hall effect device. Following a fresh bottle being fitted to the device 1, when the device is replaced on the support bracket 20, the switch or device 10 is actuated by the device 11 and the actuation causes a signal to be passed to and stored in the memory.
Whilst no liquid is dispensed by the device the signal remains stored in the memory but the memory stores no further signals even if the bottle is repositioned and adjusted or removed and replaced or the device 1 is temporarily removed from the support bracket 20 any number of times.
When, however, the first measure of liquid is dispensed by the device following fitting of the bottle on the device 1 and replacement of the device 1 on the bracket 20 the signal is transmitted from the memory to cause a unit to be added to the reading at B.
When the device 1 is removed from the bracket 20 the device 10 is reset.
If desired, means may be provided, to prevent the reading at A and B being visible until an authorised person inspects the device 1.
No means to zero the readings are required because when the number recorded at either of positions A and B reaches its maximum it will return to zero when the next unit is added.
Claims (13)
1. Apparatus for use in dispensing measures (measured amounts) of liquid from bottles, comprising a device for dispensing the measures of liquid, and a support to which the device is removably attachable, the device comprising a counter for recording and displaying the number of bottles which have been fitted to the device and from which liquid has been dispensed, means for detecting removal of the device from the support and/or reattachment of the device on the support, and means which, in response to a predetermined measure of liquid being dispensed by the device subsequent to such removal and/or reattachment of the device, adds a unit to the number recorded by the counter.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said predetermined measure of liquid is one of the first to fifth measures of liquid dispensed by the device subsequent to said removal or reattachment.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said predetermined measure of liquid is the first measure of liquid dispensed by the device subsequent to said removal or reattachment.
4. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the counter is a digital counter.
5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises means for recording in a memory removal of the device from the support and/or reattachemtn of the device and means which in response to the predetermined measure of liquid being dispensed by the device either subsequent to said removal of the device or said reattachment of the device, adds a unit to the number recorded by the counter.
6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the device further comprises means for recording and displaying the number of measures of liquid dispensed by the device.
7. Apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the means referred to in claim 6 includes a second counter having a read-out display and means for adding a unit to the number recorded by the counter each time a measure of liquid is dispensed by the device.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the second counter is operated by a Hall effect device, a reed switch or a microswitch associated with a part of the dispensing device which is moved whenever a measure of liquid is dispensed.
9. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the device includes a movable measuring bowl carrying means which actuates the Hall effect device, reed switch or microswitch.
10. Apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the device comprises static measuring bowl and provided with an air intake valve actuated by operation of the device to dispense a measure of liquid, the valve having a movable part such that its movement resulting from such operation actuates the Hall effect device, reed switch or microswitch.
11. Apparatus according to to any preceding claim, wherein the means for detecting removal of the device from the support and/or reattachment of the device to the support comprises means carried by the support and means carried by the device, the latter means being actuated either on removal of the device from the support or replacement of the device on the support.
12. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the means carried by the support is a magnet and the means carried by the device is a Hall effect device, reed switch or other means actuated on being brought into proximity with the magnet.
13. A liquid measuring and dispensing device comprising a counter for recording and displaying the number of measures of liquid dispensed by the device, the counter being a counter having a readout display for adding a unit to the number recorded by the counter each time a measure of liquid is dispensed by the device.
1 4. Apparatus for use in dispensing measures of liquid, substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings.
1 5. A liquid measuring and dispensing device substantially as described herein with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB08327722A GB2128587A (en) | 1982-10-14 | 1983-10-17 | Measuring and dispensing liquid from bottles |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB8229348 | 1982-10-14 | ||
GB08327722A GB2128587A (en) | 1982-10-14 | 1983-10-17 | Measuring and dispensing liquid from bottles |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB8327722D0 GB8327722D0 (en) | 1983-11-16 |
GB2128587A true GB2128587A (en) | 1984-05-02 |
Family
ID=26284128
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB08327722A Withdrawn GB2128587A (en) | 1982-10-14 | 1983-10-17 | Measuring and dispensing liquid from bottles |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2128587A (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2170780A (en) * | 1985-02-09 | 1986-08-13 | Trumeter Company Limited | Dispensing device having counting mechanism |
GB2175280A (en) * | 1985-05-17 | 1986-11-26 | Charles Peter Lilley | Counting arrangement for drinks dispenser |
Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2067518A (en) * | 1980-01-22 | 1981-07-30 | Sandiacre Electrics Ltd | Device for dispensing pre-determined measure of a beverage and apparatus for monitoring dispensing of pre-determined measures of beverages |
-
1983
- 1983-10-17 GB GB08327722A patent/GB2128587A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2067518A (en) * | 1980-01-22 | 1981-07-30 | Sandiacre Electrics Ltd | Device for dispensing pre-determined measure of a beverage and apparatus for monitoring dispensing of pre-determined measures of beverages |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2170780A (en) * | 1985-02-09 | 1986-08-13 | Trumeter Company Limited | Dispensing device having counting mechanism |
GB2175280A (en) * | 1985-05-17 | 1986-11-26 | Charles Peter Lilley | Counting arrangement for drinks dispenser |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB8327722D0 (en) | 1983-11-16 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) | ||
708B | Proceeding under section 8(1) patents act 1977 |