IL212134A - Beverage dispenser with a removable filter - Google Patents

Description

Beverage Dispenser with a Removable Filter STRAUSS WATER LTD.

C. 208822 Beverage Dispenser with a Removable Filter FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a dispenser for beverages such as a potable water dispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Devices for filtering and dispensing of beverages are known, and especially for filtering source water into potable water.

For example, US Patent Application No. US2010/163470 discloses a water dispenser comprising a water inlet to receive water from a water supply, a water filter assembly and a water outlet operative to provide filtered water received from said water filter assembly.

US Patent No. 5,111,966 describes a water dispenser, comprising an inverted water bottle, extending upwardly from the water dispenser, which refills a container within the water dispenser; the container provides a source of water to a tap. A water processing system may be housed within the water dispenser to purify the water inflowing from the source of water.

Further examples are given, at least in part, in patent publications W098/17582, WO2008/058613, US 6,841,067, US 5,823,007 and US 6,074550.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Provided herein is a beverage dispenser that includes a replaceable filter element. According to the invention, the device comprises a filter system with a filter replacement mechanism, typically user-actuated, that is configured to present a filter element to a user for either inspection or replacement. The filter system of the invention has thus two basic states: an operational state in which the filter element is within the device and is integrated into a flow system for filtration of the beverage, referred to herein as "first state"; and an operational state in which the filter is presented to a user for the aforesaid purpose, referred to herein as "second state".

Provided is a beverage dispenser that comprises a beverage supply source, a beverage dispensing outlet, a flow system leading from said source to said outlet and a receptacle for receiving a removable filter element and for functionally disposing it in the flow system. The dispenser further comprises a filter replacement mechanism for replacing the filter element. Said replacement mechanism has a first and a second state and is switchable between the two states. In the first state a filter received in said receptacle is operationally engaged with engagement elements of the flow system and in the second state said filter element is disengaged from said engagement elements and accessible to a user for removal or replacement. By one embodiment, the switching from one of said states to another is through a user-activated actuation mechanism.

The filter replacement mechanism in the dispenser is typically constituted within a filter mechanism frame that holds elements of the flow system and the filter replacement mechanism.

The beverage is preferably water. The dispenser according to this embodiment is thus used for filtering source water into potable water.

The dispenser may be configured for gravitational filtration of the beverage. In other words, the beverage in accordance with this embodiment, is propelled through the liquid flow system and thus through a filter element in a gravitational manner. Particularly, such a dispenser may include a source beverage tank that is accessible to a user so as to permit its filling. While it is possible to link the filter outlet directly to the dispensing outlet, the dispenser may also includes a filtered beverage storage tank, into which filtered beverage flows and stored therein. Thus, a dispenser of this embodiment includes more than one flow sub-systems, at least one first flow sub-system which leads from the source tank to the storage tank, with a filter element being functionally disposed therein to filter the beverage flowing therethrough, and at least one second each of which comprises at least one pump for propelling the beverage, leading from the storage tank to the outlet.

A beverage dispenser that comprises a beverage supply source, beverage dispensing outlet, filter element for filtering the beverage and at least two flow subsystems as described above, is also an independent aspect of the disclosure herein.

The dispenser may comprise one or both of a beverage cooling system and a beverage heating system for respective cooling or heating the beverage to be dispensed out of the outlet. Examples are cooling and heating elements of the kind disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT/IL2010/000740 and PCT Application No.

PCT/IL2011/000245, respectively, as well as some other elements such of the kind acknowledged in the background section of this disclosure.

In the following, the terms "filter" and "filter element" may be used interchangeably.

A filter element is typically received within a receptacle which is displaceable between a closed and open position, which positions correspond to the first and the second states, respectively. The receptacles are typically biased, by a spring or by other means, into the open position. The dispenser also includes a restraining mechanism that holds the receptacle in the closed position and is being configured to release the receptacle upon actuation of the actuation mechanism and permits its displacement to the open position. By one non-limiting example, the displacement of the receptacle from the open to the closed position is in a pivotal manner.

The dispenser typically comprises a flap that can be displaced between an open and a closed state serving as a kind of door to permit the presentation and replacement of the filter. In the closed state such a flap constitutes an element of the dispenser's external features, typically being part of external wall of the dispenser; and in the open state it permits extraction of the filter element. The flap is typically linked, directly or indirectly, to the displaceable receptacle, such that the displacement of the receptacle between its opened and closed positions corresponds to the movement of the flap between its closed and open states.

According to one embodiment, to be referred to herein as the "handle configuration", the dispenser comprises a user accessible handle element that is pivotally displaceable between a first orientation and second orientation to thereby actuate the filter element replacement mechanism between its first and second states. An engagement element, that is adapted for engagement with an upper end of the filter in a fluid-tight manner, is linked to the handle element, and through pivotal displacement of the latter the engagement element is substantially vertically displaced between an engaged and disengaged state.

The engagement element engages with the upper end of the filter element and is, by one embodiment, typically, albeit not exclusively, axisymmetrical, having an opening at its upper end, that is linked to a flexible conduit element; an open bottom end with a downward projecting circumferential wall; and a skirt portion peripheral thereto.

Said wall is dimensioned to fit into a depression that is formed in a top end of the filter element, the depression having a bottom wall with perforations so as to permit liquid ingress into the filter's interior. Said wall and said skirt portion, typically lined with an elastomer, are adapted for a fluid-tight engagement with the depression.

The dispenser according may comprise an opening at a top end of a filtered beverage storage tank which is situated below the filter element. The opening is configured for engagement with an engagement portion at the bottom end of the filter element, so as to form a fluid-tight engagement once the filter replacement mechanism is in said first stage. Thereby, liquid egressing out of the filter enters the storage tank. The opening is typically fitted with a valve element that can close the opening once the filter replacement mechanism removes the filter when it switches from its first state to its second state. An example of a valve is a membrane having one or more slits or arrangement with two slightly overlapping membranes, which become deformed upon engagement of the engagement portion to thereby permit liquid entry into said storage tank.

Upon displacement of the filter element, while the mechanism transitions from its first to its second state, some non-filtered beverage may still remain in the flow system above the filter and may otherwise drip into the filtered beverage storage tank. The valve element thus ensures that unfiltered beverage will not drain into the storage tank. Furthermore, the dispenser also typically includes a spill-directing, inclined surface element that surrounds the opening, which is downwardly inclined, e.g. being forwardly directed, for draining non-filtered beverage into a spill collector element.

The glass support and spill collector element may, by one embodiment, comprise a spill receptacle. Said element may comprise an upper grill member permitting drainage of spill into said receptacle. Said element may further comprise an indicator float for providing a visual indication of when said receptacle is full with spilled liquid and hence should be emptied by the user. By one embodiment said element includes a rear member adapted for engagement with an accommodating recess defined in the front the dispenser. For example the engagement is through snap-fitting with said recess. The rear end of said element may be adapted to collect liquid spilled internally within the dispenser. For example, it may have an opening at its rear end situated below the front end of a downwardly inclined spill-directing surface.

In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, to be referred to herein as the "reciprocal tray configuration" the receptacle is configured to be reciprocal along a substantially horizontal linear path between a closed, retracted position, in which the receptacle is housed within the dispenser and an open, extended position in which the receptacle is exposed to permit replacement of the filter element. A receptacle is typically configured as an opening designed to receive the filter element, which opening is defined in a reciprocally displaceable tray element.

Said opening is typically configured in a front portion of the tray element, which front portion is pivotally linked to a rear portion of the tray element and rotatable about an axis normal to said linear path between a horizontal orientation, typically flush with the remainder of the tray element, and a forward tilted orientation to facilitate replacement of the filter element. The term "forward tilted orientation" refers to an orientation in which the rear end of the front portion rotates upward and in a forward direction. The front portion is biased into the forward tilted orientation and is restrained in the horizontal orientation. The restrain is released to permit rotation into the forward tilted orientation upon the tray element reaching the open position, namely when reaching the fully open position or during its movement slightly before that.

The restraining mechanism that holds said front portion in the horizontal orientation typically comprises a sideward projecting pin, that can reciprocate between a restraining position, in which the mechanism restrains the front portion in its horizontal orientation, and a releasing position in which the front portion is released to rotate into the forward tilted orientation, with the pin being biased into its restraining position. A pin guiding element is provided, configured to guide the pin to displace from its restraining position to its releasing position during the tray's forward displacement from the closed to the open position to thereby release the front portion to rotate into its forward tilted orientation. The guiding element is configured so as not to displace the pin during the tray's reciprocal displacement from the open to the closed position.

Such forward tilted orientation makes it easier for the user to view and replace the filter element. Following filter inspection or filter replacement if necessary, a user rotates said tilted front portion back into its horizontal orientation, which is then latched into that orientation by said restraining mechanism. Given the configuration of the pin guiding element as noted above, the pin is not displaced during the rearward movement, and thus front portion of the tray element remains in the horizontal orientation.

In order to permit its forward movement, said tray element of the reciprocating tray configuration, is typically biased into the open position by biasing arrangement.

The dispenser according to this embodiment comprises also a tray latching arrangement adapted for restraining the tray element in the closed position and for releasing the tray element to permit its displacement into the open position in the second state of the dispenser. The biasing arrangement is configured, according to one embodiment, to provide a substantially constant force throughout the movement of the tray element from the closed to the open position. Also provided according to an embodiment of the invention, is a tray element movement dampening arrangement which is intended to impart smooth movement of the tray element from its closed to its open position. An exemplary motion restraining arrangement is friction element cooperating with a cogged wheel that is coupled to a cogged track formed in the tray element. Thus, by this exemplary embodiment, during the linear displacement of the tray element the cogged wheel rotates to dampen rapid movement.

By one embodiment of the reciprocating tray configuration, the dispenser comprises a user actuatable element operable to actuate the filter replacement mechanism to switch from its first to its second state. The user-actuatable element may, for example, be driven by a solenoid which is activated by a user accessible electrical switch.

The dispenser in accordance with the embodiment of the reciprocating tray configuration may also comprise a flap that is movable between a closed state, in which it defines an element of the dispenser's external features, and an open state which corresponds to the replacement mechanism's first and second states, respectively serving as a door through which the filter can be presented for replacement. The flap typically moves between the closed and open state through a change in its orientation. By one embodiment, when in the open state the flap is in a substantially horizontal orientation in a plane below that defined by the tray element and its movement into that orientation is through a downward rotation about an axis below the plane defined by the tray element.

In accordance with one embodiment of the reciprocating tray configuration, the flap is associated with a biasing arrangement for biasing it into the open state. The flap is restrained in its closed state by a flap latching arrangement that has a stable state, in which it latches the flap, and restrains it in its closed state, and has a transient state for releasing the flap to permit its movement into the open state. The flap latching arranged is biased into said stable state. The dispenser of this embodiment includes an actuation element operable to switch said flap latching arrangement from its stable to the transient state. The actuation element is typically driven by a solenoid operable by a user activated electrical switch. The tray element of this embodiment is associated with a tray element latching arrangement that has a stable state in which it latches the tray element and restrains it in its closed position and has a transient state for releasing the tray element to permit its displacement into the open position. The tray element latching arrangement is biased into the stable state. Further, in accordance with this embodiment the flap is linked to an actuation element that is configured to switch said tray element latching arrangement from its stable to its transient state when the flap has moved at least partially towards its open state.

The switch back into the first state, in the reciprocating tray configuration, is typically by one or both of (i) pushing the tray element back into its closed position, and (ii) forcing the flap to move into its closed state.

A filter element which may be used in a dispenser of the invention is typically, although not exclusively, of a substantially cylindrical form. The term "substantially cylindrical form" is meant to denote having an overall cylindrical shape; it may also have some irregular features on its face, may have one or more portions not fully cylindrical, e.g. have an oval cross-section, etc. The top end of the filter element has a depression, again typically, although not exclusively, axisymmetrical, which is surrounded by walls that extend down from the upper face of the filter element. The depression has a bottom wall with perforations that permit liquid ingress into the filter's interior. The bottom end of such a filter element is formed with at least one opening, typically formed at the center, for liquid egress. It is to be noted, however, that the invention is not limited to a particular filter element and it may be implemented with a large variety of different filter elements.

One problem of gravitational filtration is initial wetting of a new filter element, as surface tension and other factors may inhibit proper flooding of the filter, which is necessary for continuous and unhindered operation of the dispenser. Thus, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a beverage dispenser with a mechanism for filter initiation in gravitationally-based filtration. The filter initiation mechanism comprises a pump which operates, either automatically upon detection of a new filter, or manually initiated by the user after filter replacement. The pump is activated and pumps sufficient quantity beverage in order to initially wet the filter. The beverage dispenser according to this embodiment, comprises, from top to bottom, a source beverage tank, a replaceable filter receptacle and a filtered beverage storage tank, and comprises a system for emitting the source beverage to be filtered through the filter and being collected into the filtered beverage storage tank, the beverage being gravitationally propelled; and comprising an initiating pump configured for propelling an amount of beverage through the filter so as to properly wet a newly replaced filter.

Also provided by the invention is a beverage dispenser for gravitational filtration having an initiation mechanism of the kind defined above.

It should be noted that some of the embodiments described in connection with the handle configuration are also applicable for use in the reciprocating tray configuration of the embodiment of the invention. In particular, an engagement element of the kind described in connection with the former configuration may also be used in the latter. Similarly, the provision of flow subsystems, of the kind described above, a filtered beverage storage tank below the filter element, the opening engaged with the bottom of the filter element, the one-way valve arrangement to void drainage of non-filtered beverage thereinto as well as the inclined surface embodiments may all be applied also in connection with the reciprocating tray embodiment.

In the description below the invention will be described in connection with two specific embodiments of the invention, one embodiment falling within the scope of the handle configuration of the invention and the other within the framework of the reciprocating configuration.

While the embodiments specifically described herein show dispensers with a user-actuated replacement mechanism, it should be noted that automatic actuation is not excluded. Reference is made to PCT application No. PCT/IL2010/000741 disclosing a filter element comprising a usage indicator. The use of filter elements with a usage or life span indicator of the kind disclosed in said PCT application, as a basis for automatic filter status monitoring is also envisaged in accordance with the invention, whereby the actuation of the filter replacement mechanism may be automatic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the handle configuration, with the cover of the source water tank being opened.

Fig. 2 shows the filter mechanism frame of the dispenser of Fig. 1 with some of its components, being in the closed state (without a filter for ease of illustration) and the filtered water storage tank.

Fig. 3 shows the frame and the tank of Fig. 2 in bottom perspective view with a filter receptacle having been removed to permit viewing the latch of the filter receptacle.

Fig. 4 shows the filter replacement mechanism in the open state with the receptacle linked to a flap which forms part of the dispenser's external features.

Fig. 5 shows the filter elements in the same configuration as Fig. 2 with a filter element in place.

Fig. 6A shows the device with the walls and other elements being removed in order to illustrate the flow system.

Fig. 6B is a perspective view of the filtered water storage tank.

Fig. 6C is a schematic illustration of the valving arrangement at the entry port of the filtered water storage tank.

Fig. 7 A shows a drinking glass/cup support tray and spill collector of the dispenser; Fig. 7B shows an exploded view of the drinking glass/cup support and spill collector Fig. 8A shows a perspective view of a water dispenser according to an embodiment of the reciprocating tray configuration.

Fig. 8B shows the dispenser of Fig. 8A with the displaceable flap that serves as a door having been removed in order to reveal the filter and the filter receptacle and being in the closed state.

Fig. 9 shows a dispenser of Figs. 8A and 8B in the open state with the front portion of the tray element being forward tilted.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the filter mechanism frame, the source water tank and the associated filtered water storage tank.

Fig. 11A shows the filter mechanism frame of the dispenser of Figs. 8 A- 10 in its first state.

Fig. 1 IB is a side view of filter mechanism frame in the state of Fig. 11 A.

Fig. llC is a bottom perspective view of the filter mechanism frame of Fig. 11 A, with the door being removed for the purpose of illustration : of the latching arrangement of the displaceable flap.

Figs. 12A, 12B and 12C show the filter mechanism frame in the open state prior to the forward tilt of the front portion of the reciprocating tray in respective side elevational, front perspective and front elevational views..

Fig. 12D is a close-up to perspective view of a portion of the frame in the state of Fig. 12 A.

Fig. 13 shows the filter replacement mechanism in the open state with some of the frame elements being removed so as to be able to view some otherwise hidden components.

Fig. 14 shows the filter frame of Fig. 12A in the open state with the front element of the reciprocating tray being forward tilted.

Figs. 16A, 16B and 16C show, respectively, a filter element of an embodiment of the invention in a top perspective, side and bottom perspective view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The embodiments illustrated in the drawings and that will be described below are concerned with water dispensers, namely where the beverage is source water which is filtered into potable dispensable water. It is, however, understood that there is no intention by this description to limit the invention to the case where the beverage is water.

Referring first to Fig. 1, shown is a water dispenser 100 having a source water tank 102 which is covered by a tank flap 104 which may be opened by a user to fill the tank. The dispenser has a control consul 106 situated above the water dispensing outlet 108. The device also has a drinking glass/cup support and spill collection element 110 with a sieved upper part 112 permitting collection of spilled water into the spilled water storage element 114.

The device has external walls 116 and a displaceable flap 118 which is opened for filter replacement in a manner to be described below.

Source water tank 102 is provided with a rotatable handle 120 to permit removal of the tank. Removal may be for cleaning but it is also required for the purpose of filter replacement which is carried out as described below. Tank 102 has an opening at its bottom (not shown) which is engaged with the flow system which has an associated valve which automatically shuts this opening upon removal of the tank.

Reference is now being made to Figs. 2-4. Figs. 2 and 3 show a frame 204 with the associated filtered water storage tank 202, the filter frame housing the filter system 200. The filter system housed in frame 204 has a first state, in which the filter receptacle is in a closed position, shown in Fig. 2, and a second state where the filter receptacle 206 is in the open position, shown in Fig. 4. Filter receptacle 206 is pivotally engaged to the frame through hinge 210 and is outwardly biased into the open position by a bising spring 212. Receptacle 206 is linked to flap 214 by screw engagement via openings 216.

A latching mechanism that includes a latch 218, particularly seen in Fig. 3 cooperating with an ear 220 seen in Fig. 4, latches and hence restrains the receptacle in the closed position.

In operation, the outlet of the source water tank 102 is in direct communication with liquid inlet 222 of a first flow subsystem that comprises a bellows type flexible conduit 224 linked to engagement element 226 that has downwardly projecting walls 228 and a skirt portion 230 and is associated with an elastomeric element 232 which is thereby configured for fluid tight engagement with the depression 1610 at a top end of filter element 1600 (shown in Fig. 16A). The filter replacement mechanism includes also a handle which is pivotally rotatable about hinge 236 to switch the filter replacement mechanism from its first to its second state. The first state is the state in which the filter is in position for gravitational filtration of source water and in this state the handle is in a more horizontal orientation (relative to its other extreme orientation) and housed below portion 122 of source tank 102. For switching into the second state, the handle is rotated upwards into a more vertical orientation and as long as it in this position the storage tank cannot be placed back into the position shown in Fig. 1. This is one of the safety mechanisms to ensure that water will not flow in the system when the filter element is not in place.

Handle 234 is integrally formed with a coupling portion 238 with two flaps each one defining an S-shaped channel 240 accommodating rod 242 which is linked to vertically displaceable struts 244. Thereby struts 244 are vertically displaceable vis-avis handle frame 246 through the rotational displacement of handle 234. Thus, when handle 234 is displaced into its more vertical orientation, beam 242 is pulled along channels 240 and is thereby upwardly displaced, causing disengagement of the engagement element 226 from the upper end of filter element 1600.

The upward displacement of engagement element 226 also upwardly displaces latch 218, shown in Fig. 3, which is downwardly biased by a biasing spring (not shown). Once upwardly displaced, latch 218 disengages from ear 220 permitting displacement of the receptacle into the open position shown in Fig. 4. The coupling between the engagement element 226 and latch 218 is such that once engagement element 226 is displaced upwardly above a threshold level, latch 218 returns to its original position by the action of its associated biasing spring. Thus, for switching back into the first state, typically after replacement of the filter, the user angularly displaces flap 118 towards the closed position as shown in Fig. 5 and is then engaged in the closed position by latch 218. Then, the handle 234 can be rotated back to its substantially horizontal orientation so as to bring the engagement element into engagement with the upper end of filter element 1600, as can be seen in Fig. 5. Once in this state, the source water tank 102 can be placed back into position and the dispenser is again operational for source water filtration.

Reference is being made again to Fig. 2. As can be seen, storage tank 202 has an entry port 610, which projects upwardly through opening 250 formed at the bottom surface 252 of frame 204. This upwardly projecting port is fitted for fluid-tight engagement with an engagement element at the bottom of filter 1600. Surface 252 has slightly downwardly inclined slope towards outer edge 254. This downward sloped surface ends above opening 710 formed in drinking glass support and spill collecting element 110, shown in Fig. 7A, which collects water which may leak from the flow system above the filter element during filter replacement. A valving arrangement, to be described below, ensures that such spilled water will not be collected in storage tank 202.

Fig. 7B shows an exploded view of the drinking glass support and spill collector element 110, comprising a grill 712 and a spill receptacle 714, whereupon spill passing through the grill 712 collects in receptacle 714. Provided within receptacle 714 is a float 716 the upper end of which is accommodated within aperture 718 defined in the grill. It should be noted that while the float of this example has circular cross-section and is at the center of the spill collector element, this is but a non-limiting example and other configurations, for example floats with a non-circular and even non-rounded cross-section or floats situated off-center or at one end or one corner of the receptacle are also contemplated within the scope of this disclosure. The float, which in this example is fitted on top of a stem 732 and is guided thereby, by the walls of said aperture and by guiding member 734 to displace in a vertical direction, is so displaced with a change in the level of water in said receptacle, whereby upon filling of the receptacle the upper face of the float is elevated toward the upper surface of the grill within aperture 718 providing a visual indication that the receptacle is full and should be emptied. Here again, the exemplified configuration of the float and the manner of its vertical displacement is but a non-limiting example and many other configurations are envisaged by the disclosure herein.

Spill collector element 110 has a rear abutment 730 adapted for snap-fit engagement with an accommodating recess (not shown) in the front face of the dispenser, whereby the user can draw the spill collector element 110 from the dispenser in order to drain water collected therein. Formed at the rear end of the grill member 712 is an opening 710 that when element 110 is in its engaged position as shown in Fig. 1 is fitted slightly below the front end 254 of the forwardly inclined drainage surface 252 to thereby drain water spilled internally.

Reference is now being made to Fig. 6A showing flow system elements of the dispenser of Fig. 1. Source tank 102 with its handle 120, its outlet 130 and portion 122 which overlays handle 234 can clearly be seen. In this position struts 244 are in their fully downward position whereby engagement element 226 is engaged with filter element 1600. Outlet port 130 communicates, through a tubing system (not shown) with inlet port 222 and also, through a manifold system, with valve 620. Valve 620 has an associated initiation pump 622 which has an outlet port 624 which communicates via tubing (not shown) with second inlet port 626 to the flow system. Upon replacement of a filter, either automatically or by a user initiation, valve 620 opens, pump 622 is activated to pump an initiation quantity of water into the filter so as to fully wet its interior.

Storage tank 202, as can best be seen in Fig. 6B, has an outlet port 612 linked to a pump 630 which pumps liquid into pipe 632. Pipe 632 is linked to a vertical manifold pipe 634 which feeds pumped water into valves 636, 638 and 640. Through the control of these valves, the proper liquid temperature can be fed to the dispensing outlet (not shown in Fig. 6) as will be now explained.

The dispenser includes also a water heating system 642 which may be of the kind disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT/IL2011/000245, being incorporated herein by reference. The dispenser also includes a cooling system, including a heat exchange element 644 and a cooling fluid system 646, which may be of the kind disclosed in PCT Application No. PCT/IL2010/000740, being incorporated herein by reference. One of the valves 636, 638 and 640, directs filtered water through heating system 642, the other through cooling system 644, for respective propelling of heated or cooled water to the dispensing outlet 108 and the third directs filtered water at ambient temperature directly to said outlet. Thus, through proper mixing of water with different temperatures, filtered water at any desired temperature at the outlet can be dispensed.

With reference made now to Figs. 6B and 6C, as can be seen inlet port 610 is fitted with an elastomeric element 650 which ensures fluid-tight seal with the bottom outlet of the filter element. Provided also is a fluid level gauge 652 which may be of the kind disclosed in US Provisional Application No. 61/431,146 which is appended hereto as Annex A the content of which being incorporated herein by reference. The tank also includes a temperature gauge 654 for measurement of the temperature of the water inside tank 202 which is one of the inputs into the control system (not described herein) for achieving a desired dispensed water temperature.

As can be seen in Fig. 6C, port 610 is fitted with a membrane 660 which has slits 662. When deformed upon engagement with the bottom opening of filter element 1600, the slits open permitting water entry into the tank.

An embodiment of the reciprocating tray configuration will now be described with reference to Figs. 8A-15. This embodiment will be described with emphasis made on its filter replacement mechanism. As can be appreciated the water dispenser may include heating and cooling systems, temperature control systems and^ other elements described in connection with the embodiment of rotating handle configuration described above.

Reference is now being made to Figs. 8A and 8B, showing a water dispenser 800 which is an embodiment of the reciprocating tray configuration, wherein Fig. 8A shows the device with the displaceable flap 820 in a closed state while in Fig. 8B this flap has been removed so as to illustrate internal elements. As can be seen in Fig. 8A, in the closed state, flap 820 is an element in the dispenser's external features. The removal of flap 820 reveals a filter replacement mechanism 810 with a filter receptacle 812, to be described below, holding a filter element 1600. The water dispenser includes a control consul 814, with a display 816 overlaying a dispensing outlet 818. The water dispenser also includes a drinking glass/cup holding and spill collecting element 822 which is similar in its function and structure to element 110 of the dispenser 100 described above and the reader is referred to its description, among others with reference to Fig. 7, above, for understanding of its structure and function.

In Figs. 8A and 8B the water dispenser is shown in its first, operative state, while Fig. 9 shows a dispenser in its second state that permits inspection and replacement of filter 1600. Unlike the case in the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, the activation of the filter replacement mechanism to switch into its second state shown in Fig. 9 is done by pressing an electric switch or through pressing of a touch screen, so as to actuate a solenoid which then induces a transition between the states in the manner to be explained below.

Fig. 10 shows some of the dispenser's operational elements in isolation. Shown are a source water storage tank 1010, a filtered water storage tank 1012 and a filter system 810 housed in a frame 1016. A first flow subsystem is defined by water conduit 1018 leading to engagement element 1014 engaged with the upper end of filter element 1600 the bottom outlet of which is fitted in a fluid-tight manner with an inlet to tank 1012. Engagement element 1014 is substantially similar to engagement element 226 and the manner of its engagement is also similar. Thus, the reader is referred to the above description of element 226 for explanation of the function and structure of engagement element 1014. Similarly, the mode of engagement of the outlet from filter element 1600 and the valving arrangement of the tank inlet is similar to that described in connection with the embodiment of Figs. 1-7, in particular with reference to Figs. 6B and 6C, and the reader is referred to the above description for understanding the structure and function thereof.

Figs. 11A-11C show the filter replacement mechanism 810, housed in frame 1016, in the closed position, while flap 820 having been removed from Fig. 11C to show its latching arrangement. Flap 820 is hinged to the frame by hinge 1020 and can be pivotally displaced about the hinge into the open position as shown in Figs. 12A-12D. Flap 820 has a lever portion 1022 which is linked in a pivotal manner at 1024 with beam 1026 which is hinged at 1028 with activation element 1030. Activation element is biased by biasing spring 1032 in the direction of arrow 1034 (clockwise in the side elevation shown in Fig. 11B). The lever portion 1022, the beam 1026, the activation element 1030 and the other elements associated therewith, to be described further below, have symmetrical counterparts at the other side of the frame. As can be seen in Fig. llC protruding out of the front face of frame 1016 are a pair of latching teeth 1040 each of which can reciprocate in a groove 1042 between the shown latching state and a releasing state in which the teeth are in the other extreme end of groove 1042. Teeth 1040 are linked to and being displaceable by sliding element 1044 which is fitted in a flanking manner over strut 1046 and is slidable along the strut's axis between two extreme positions limited by the displacement of teeth 1040 within grooves 1042. Sliding element has integral projecting member 1048 and is biased into the latching state (the rightmost position in Fig. 11C) by a biasing spring (not shown). Solenoid 1050 is provided and is configured to push member 1048 so as to transiently displace sliding element 1044 into the releasing state to thereby permit opening of lap 820 into the open position shown in Figs. 12A-12D, where the flap lies in a substantially horizontal orientation.

Upon release of the flap and its opening, which is propelled by the biasing force of biasing spring 1032, activation element 1030 rotates in the direction of arrow 1034, whereupon tooth 1036 causes the angular displacement of tray restraining mechanism by engaging with its tip 1038 which then enables forward sliding movement of tray element 1200, in a manner to be described below.

As can be seen, activation element 1030, which rotates about axis 1060, has a cogged wheel portion 1062 which is engaged with a restraining cogged wheel 1064, which is fitted with a friction element to thereby dampen rapid displacement and provide for smooth displacement of the flap from its closed to its open state.

Tray element 1200 as can best be seen in Fig. 13, has a front portion 1210 with an opening 1212 adapted to receive a filter element 1600. Tray element 1200 is restrained into a rear position by tray latching arrangement 1070 which includes a beam 1072 and is pivotally linked to frame 1016 at 1074 and is downwardly biased by biasing spring 1076. When tooth 1036 hits the tip 1038 of latching arrangement 1070, it is transiently pivotally displaced about 1074 whereupon beam 1072 is slightly elevated. Beam 1072 is configured with a groove (not shown) which cooperates with a matching projection at the rear end of tray element 1200 to thereby restrain tray element 1200 in that position against the a forward bias by a constant-force biasing element (not shown) to the open position shown in Figs. 12A-12D. Thus, upon elevation of beam 1072, following opening of flap 820, tray element 1200 is released to move forward into the open position.

As can be seen in Figs. 11 A through Fig. 13, tray element 1200 is provided with a cogged track 1080 at its bottom which is engaged with a restraining cogged wheel 1310, shown in Fig. 13, which dampens the movement and provides a smooth forward movement of the tray element 1200.

Laterally projecting at the front end of the rear portion 1214 of the tray element, is a pin 1220, as shown in Figs. 12C and 12D. Pin 1220 is accommodated in channel 1232 and can vertically move within this channel. Pin 1220 is coupled to a latching element that latches the front portion 1210 of tray element 1200 in the horizontal orientation in which it is flush with the remainder of the tray element, which is the orientation that can be seen in Figs. 12A-12D. Front portion 1210 is, however, biased by a biasing spring (not shown) into a forward orientation shown in Figs. 14 and 15. Downward displacement of the pin thus releases the forward portion 1210 to change its orientation to a forwardly tilted one.

Guiding element 1230 abuts internally from frame 1016 and thus defines, by its bottom face, a guiding track 1232 for pin 1220. When the tray element moves in the forward direction, pin 120 hits bottom end 1230 and consequently is pushed downward during said forward movement between points A and B defined by element 1230 to thereby release the forward portion 1210 to forwardly tilt. The abutment defined by element 1230 is only between points A and B and between points B and C there is a gradual inward bend such that forward to point C element 1230 is flush with the surrounding portions of the internal face of the frame 1016.

Pin 1220 has also some lateral slack and when hitting element 1230 at point C in its return, rearward direction it is pushed inward by the sloping surface between points C and B and is not downwardly displaced as in the case of the forward movement.

In the fully open position where the front portion 1210 is forwardly tilted, as can be seen in Fig. 14 and Fig. 15, and also in Fig. 9, the filter element can be inspected or replaced.

Fig. 16Ato Fig. 16C show a filter element of the kind used in the above illustrated embodiments of the water dispenser. Filter element 1600, has an overall cylindrical shape with abutments 1614 and 1616 on its side which guide its proper placement into the filter receptacle. Formed at its top end 1620, is a depression 1610 having a perforated bottom end 1622 that permits water entry into the filter's interior. Provided at the bottom is a central filtered water outlet 1630 surrounded by engaging members 1632 for engagement with a filtered tank inlet.

Shown at the center of the filter's top end depression is a lifespan indicator 1640. Such a lifespan indicator is disclosed in PCT Application ,No. PCT/IL2010/000741, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Annex A Text of US Provisional Application No. 61/431,146 FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention is generally in the field of fluid level measurements and relates to a measurement device and system utilizing the same for precise measuring the fluid level in a container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Fluid or liquid level monitoring is critical to a wide variety of applications. In general, fluid level applications include those requiring detection of the presence or absence of fluid at a selected point, and those requiring measurement of actual fluid level (depth or height) in a container. These techniques are based on the use of fluid level sensors to indicate the level of fluid within a tank or container. Fluid level sensors utilize mechanisms of various types, including inter alia acoustic, optical, electro-optical, resistance, capacitative mechanisms. Optical, electro-optical and acoustic type sensors are too expensive for some applications.

The most commonly used fluid level sensors are the variable resistor sensor (utilizing a float to produce a resistance change in the variable resistor) and capacitive liquid level sensor (including a reference capacitor adapted to be fully submerged in the liquid and a measuring capacitor). These sensors however are too sensitive to environmental changes.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION The present invention provides a novel technique enabling precise measurement of a fluid level in a container using relatively simple and inexpensive equipment that can be easily used with various types of containers and environmental conditions.

The invention is based on the general principles of capacitive sensors, namely a change in capacitance caused by a change in the medium in the vicinity of the capacitor plates. A change in the level of the fluid changes the medium in Annex A the capacitor's vicinity and hence causes a change in capacitance. However, contrary to the conventional approach for capacitive sensors, rather than measuring direct changes in capacitance, two or more functional capacitors are used, where each of which is differently affected by a change in the fluid level, and the fluid level is then determined by determining the differential change in capacitance between the two or more capacitors.

A measurement device of the present invention includes a capacitance-based fluid level sensor with at least one pair of capacitors with a predetermined profile of a ratio of capacitance between one and the other along the sensor. If such a sensor is exposed (located in the vicinity of) a fluid containing environment, the only factor affecting a change in said ratio is a change in the fluid level along the sensor's axis.

A fluid level measurement system of the invention includes the measurement device and a control unit. The latter is actually an electronic circuit (chip) having inter alia a memory utility for storing certain reference data (calibration data), and processor utility which is preprogrammed for analyzing measured data from the measurement device (using the calibration data) and providing output data indicative of the actual fluid level.

The measurement device of the present invention is configured for attaching or placing close to the outer surface of a container, and electrical output of the device is connectable to the control unit via wires or wireless signal transmission (IR, RF, acoustic, etc.) as the case may be. The measurement device may actually be implemented as a label, flexible or rigid, to be glued/attached to the outer surface of the container's wall. Preferably, the measurement device and the control unit are implemented as an integral structure.

The measurement device of the present invention includes or is configured as an elongated ruler-like structure, which when placed on the container's wall extends along an axis of a general change of the fluid level in the container. The ruler structure carrier an electrodes' arrangement formed by at least one electrode Annex A cell (capacitive cell) extending along said axis and an additional electrode, which define together the at least one pair of capacitors. The additional electrode extends along said at least one cell, e.g. defining two portions extending at opposite sides of said at least one cell. Preferably, an array of such capacitive cells is provided being arranged along said axis, and said additional electrode is common for all the cells. This additional electrode may be configured as a closed-loop frame surrounding the array of capacitive cells or as a two-strip element enclosing the array of cells between the two strips. Generally speaking, scaling a position along the measurement device (elongated structure) may be implemented by providing an array of cells and/or segmenting the additional electrode. The configuration is such that a relation between said additional electrode and the cell is equal for all the cells. More specifically, the cells have identical configurations, are equally distanced from the common electrode.

According to the invention, each electrode cell includes first and second electrode plates. The first and second plates of the cell form respectively first and second capacitors with the first and second segments of said additional electrode with which the cell is aligned. Moreover, the first and second electrode plates of the cell have different geometries, such that a surface area of the first plate increases while a surface area of the second plate decreases in a direction along said axis of the ruler. For example, the first and second plates of the cell may be two triangle-like parts of a rectangle at opposite sides of the rectangle's diagonal. A ratio between the surface areas of the first and second plates of the cell varies according to a certain known profile.

With such asymmetric geometry of the first and second plates of the cell, for a given plane across the cell (constituting a fluid level in a container), a first area of overlap between the first plate and the corresponding segment of the additional electrode and a second area of overlap between the second plate and its corresponding segment of the additional electrode are different. When moving said plane through the cell (i.e. corresponding to a change in the liquid level) in a Annex A direction along the axis of the ruler, the first and second areas change positively and negatively respectively or vice versa, thus creating a profile of a ratio between the capacitance values varying along said axis due to the different geometries of the first and second plates of the cell. A reference profile (i.e. when the ruler is screened from fluid medium in the container) describing a change in the ratio between the first and second areas during such movement along the cell is known. Considering the use of an array of identical cells, the reference profile repeats from cell to cell, and all the cells are exposed to the same environmental conditions outside the container.

When the measurement device is put in operation, i.e. is placed on the container's wall, the only factor that can affect a change in the ratio profile is that associated with a change in the fluid level in the container: a dielectric constant of a medium between the plates of a capacitor changes. Thus, the technique of the present invention advantageously allows for eliminating a need for determination of the fluid level from actual measurement of a capacitance value (which by itself is sensitive to changes in environmental conditions other than a change in the fluid level), bur rather allows for utilizing a change in the ratio between the capacitance values for the first and second capacitors, while the ratio is sensitive only to the change in the liquid level.

According to one broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a measurement device for measuring a fluid level in a vicinity of the device, the measurement device comprising a capacitance-based fluid level sensor with at least one pair of capacitors with a predetermined profile of a ratio of capacitance between one and the other along the sensor.

According to another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a measurement device for measuring a fluid level in a vicinity of the device, the measurement device comprising an elongated structure having a longitudinal axis which when said structure is put in operation extends along a general direction of change of the fluid level, the measurement device comprising: an electrodes' Annex A arrangement formed by at least one electrode cell, and an additional electrode , the electrode cell comprising first and second electrodes having different geometries such that a surface area of one of the first and second electrodes increases in a direction along said longitudinal axis while a surface area of the other of said first and second electrodes decreases in said direction, forming a certain profile of a ratio between said first and second surface areas, the first and second electrodes of the cell forming first and second capacitors with said additional electrode, a position of change in a ratio between capacitance values of the first and second capacitance along said axis being indicative of the fluid level The measurement device is configured and operable for providing measured data indicative of a change in the ratio between the first and second capacitance of said first and second capacitors in a direction along said axis, said change in the ratio being indicative of a change in the fluid level in the container.

Preferably, the measurement device comprises an array of said cells arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along said longitudinal axis, said first and second portions of the additional electrode extending along the opposite sides of the array.

According to yet another broad aspect of the invention, there is provided a measurement system comprising the above-described measurement device and a control unit comprising an electronic circuit configured and operable for analyzing said measured data and generating output data indicative of the fluid level in the container.

Preferably the measurement system is an integral substantially flat structure carrying the measurement device (electrodes printed on a substrate) and a chip-like control unit.

Annex A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a fluid container equipped with a measurement system of the invention; Fig. 2 illustrates more specifically an example of the configuration of the measurement unit of the invention; and Fig. 3 shows more specifically an example of the electrode cell configured according to the invention for use in measurement unit.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Referring to Fig. 1, there is illustrated an example of a measurement system 10 of the invention for measuring a liquid level in a container 12. The measurement system 10 is configured as a flat elongated structure (e.g. label) attachable to an outer surface of the container's wall 12A. The flat structure 10 carries a measurement device 14 and a control unit (electronic circuit) which is not shown here.

The measurement device 14 extends along the structure 10 defining a longitudinal axis 16. When the structure 10 is attached to the container's wall 12A, the axis 16 is substantially parallel to a general direction of change in the liquid level in the container 12. The measurement device 14 includes at least one electrode cell C, and preferably an array of a certain number of cells, four such cells Q-C4 being shown in the present example, and an additional segmented electrode 18. The cells C are arranged in a spaced-apart relationship along the axis 16. This arrangement, with one or more cells C, actually presents a ruler extending along the axis of change of the liquid level in the container. The segmented electrode 18 may be in the form of a frame surrounding the cells' Annex A array or in the form of two-strip element enclosing the array of cells between the two parallel strips extending along the axis 16.

Reference is made to Fig. 2 showing more specifically an example of the measurement system 10 of the present invention. To facilitate understanding, the same reference numerals are used for identifying common components in all the figures. The system 10 is an integral flat structure carrying the measurement device 14 and an electronic circuit 20. In the present example, the measurement device 14 includes an array of six electrode cells Ci-Ce and a common electrode 18 defining two electrode parts 18A and 18B at opposite sides of the cells' array. The cells C1-C6 have identical configurations and are equally distanced from the electrode 18. Thus, a relation between the electrode 18 and the cell C is equal for all the cells. As shown, each cell is aligned with corresponding first and second segments of the first and second electrodes 18A and 18B at opposite sides of the cell. Hence, each cell forms first and second capacitors with the corresponding first and second segments of the electrodes 18A and 18B respectively.

Fig. 3 illustrates more specifically the configuration of the electrode cell C. The cell C includes first and second electrically conductive plates Pi and P2 which have different geometries, designed such that a surface area Si of the first plate Pi increases while a surface area S2 of the second plate P2 decreases in a direction D along the axis 16 of the ruler, or vice versa. As shown in this example, the first and second plates Pi and P2 of the cell C are two triangle-like elements of a rectangle-like cell C at opposite sides of the rectangle's diagonal 22.

This asymmetric arrangement of the first and second plates Pi and P2 of the cell provides that for a certain plane L across the cell, a first area of overlap between the first plate Pi and a corresponding segment of the electrode 18A and a second area of overlap between the second plate P2 and the corresponding segment of the electrode 18B are different. Accordingly, capacitance values for the first and second capacitors formed by respectively the plate Pi and electrode Annex A 18A and the plate P2 and electrode 18B are different. As a result, a ratio between the corresponding first and second capacitance values changes according to a certain profile. A reference profile, corresponding to the steady state of the ruler (screened from fluid medium in the container), i.e. corresponding to a profile of the ratio between the surface areas of the plates Pi and P2, is known. As the cells are identical and their relation with the common electrode 18 is the same for all the cells, the reference profile is also the same for all the cells. The reference profile repeats from cell to cell.

When a liquid level in the container moves from position L to L' through the cell in direction D, the ratio between the first and second areas changes according to the known profile. Thus, the factor that affects a change in a ratio between the first and second capacitance values for one position of the plane L (liquid level) and the first and second capacitance values for another position of the plane L' is associated with a change in the liquid level in the container, i.e. a change in the dielectric constant of the medium between the capacitor elements. Hence, a position corresponding to a detected change in the ratio corresponds to the liquid level in the container.

The reference profile is stored in a memory utility of the electronic circuit 20, together with data corresponding to the arrangement of the cells and segmented electrode. The measurement device continuously or periodically measures voltages on all the electrodes and generates measured data indicative thereof. This data is received and analyzed by a processor utility of the electronic circuit 20 and the liquid level is calculated. The calculation may be as follows: LeftCap = LeftCap Val - LeftAmbientCap RightCap = RightCapVal - RightAmbientCap LeftCap LeftLevel = 1 - LeftCap + RightCap RightCap RightLevel = LeftCap + RightCap Level f/] = (RightLevel + LeftLevel) · 100 Annex A Here, LeftCap is the measured capacitance of the first capacitor formed by the plate Pi and corresponding segment of electrode 18 A, LeftCapVal is the actual value of the corresponding capacitance, LeftAnbientCap is the effect of environment. Similarly, RightCap is the measured capacitance of the second capacitor formed by the plate P2 and corresponding segment of electrode 18B, RightCapVal is the actual value of the corresponding capacitance, RightAnbientCap is the effect of environment.

As indicated above, the measurement device may be in the form of a flat structure such as a label, flexible or not. The electrical circuit formed by one or more electrode cells C and additional electrode 18 may be printed on the label. Thus, the system is simple and can be easily used with any container, irrespective of the environment where the container might be used.

Claims (53)

1. CLAIMS: A beverage dispenser, comprising: beverage supply source; beverage dispensing outlet; flow system leading from said source to said outlet; receptacle for receiving a removable filter element and for functionally disposing it in the flow system; and filter replacement mechanism for replacement of the filter element, the mechanism having a first and a second state and switchable between the two states; in the first state a filter received in said receptacle is operationally engaged with engagement elements of the flow system and in the second state said filter element is disengaged from said engagement elements and accessible to a user for removal or replacement; the switching from one of said states to another being through a user- activated actuation mechanism.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the beverage is water.

3. The dispenser of claim 1 or 2, wherein the beverage is gravitationally propelled through the filter element.

4. The dispenser of claim 3, comprising: a source beverage tank; a filtered beverage storage tank; a first flow sub-system leading from said source tank to said storage tank, a filter element being functionally disposed in said first flow-subsystem; a second flow sub-system comprising at least one pump for propelling filtered beverage from said storage tank to said outlet.

5. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, comprising one or both of a beverage cooling system and a beverage heating system for respective cooling or heating the beverage to be dispensed out of said outlet.

6. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, comprising: a displaceable filter element receptacle, displaceable between a closed and an open position corresponding to the first and second states, respectively, and being biased into the open position; and a restraining mechanism for holding said receptacle in the closed position; said restraining mechanism being configured to release said receptacle upon actuation of said actuation mechanism, whereupon the receptacle is displaced to the open position.

7. The dispenser of claims 6, wherein said receptacle is pivotally displaceable between the open and closed positions.

8. The dispenser of claim 6 or 7, wherein said receptacle is linked to a flap that is displaced therewith between a closed state in which the flap constitutes an element of the dispenser's external features and an open state corresponding to said closed and open positions of said receptacle, respectively.

9. The dispenser of any one of claims 6 to 8, comprising: a user-accessible handle element pivotally displaceable between a first orientation and a second orientation to actuate the filter element replacement system between its first and second states, respectively; and an engagement element adapted for engagement with an upper end of the filter element in a fluid-tight manner that is substantially vertically displaceable between an engaged and disengaged state and being so displaceable by the respective displacement of the handle element between the respective first orientation and second orientation.

10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the engagement element has an opening at its upper end linked to a flexible liquid conduit element and an open bottom end with a downward projecting circumferential wall and a skirt portion peripheral thereto; said wall dimensioned to fit into a depression formed in a top end of a filter element with perforations at a bottom wall thereof for liquid ingress into the filter's interior and to form, jointly with the skirt portion a fluid-tight engagement with said depression.

11. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the engagement element comprises one or more elastomeric members for forming said fluid-tight engagement.

12. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter element received in said receptacle has a substantially cylindrical form with top and bottom ends; the top end comprises a depression surrounded by walls extending down from an upper face of said filter element, the depression having a bottom wall with perforations for liquid ingress into the filter's interior; the bottom end of said filter has at least one opening for liquid egress.

13. The dispenser of claim 12, comprising an inlet port at a top end of filtered beverage storage tank situated below the filter receptacle, said opening configured for engagement with an engagement portion at the bottom end of the filter element, once said filter replacement mechanism is in said first state such that liquid egressing from the filter enters the tank.

14. The dispenser of claim 13, wherein said opening is fitted with a valve element for closing the opening upon switching said filter replacement mechanism from said first state to said second state.

15. The dispenser of claim 14, wherein said opening is surrounded by a downwardly-inclined surface element for draining non-filtered beverage.

16. The dispenser of any one of the preceding claims comprising a frame that holds said receptacle and said replacement mechanism.

17. ) A beverage dispenser, comprising: beverage supply source; beverage dispensing outlet; filter element for filtering the beverage; a source beverage tank, a filtered beverage storage tank and a first flow subsystem leading from said source tank to said outlet through the filter element which is disposed is said first flow sub-system; and a second flow sub-system comprising at least one pump for propelling the filtered beverage from said storage tank to said outlet.

18. The dispenser of claim 17, wherein the filter element is replaceable.

19. The dispenser of claim 18, comprising a filter element replacement mechanism as defined in any one of claims 1-16.

20. The dispenser of claim 6 or 7, wherein the displacement of the receptacle is reciprocal along a substantially horizontal linear path between a closed, retracted position in which the receptacle is housed in the dispenser and an open, extended position in which the receptacle is exposed to permit replacement of the filter element.

21. The dispenser of claim 20, wherein the receptacle has an opening defined in a tray element configured to receive the filter element.

22. The dispenser of claim 21, wherein said opening is configured in a front portion of the tray element, said front portion being pivotally linked to a rear portion of the tray element and rotatable about an axis normal to said linear path between a horizontal orientation and a forward titled orientation and biased into the latter orientation; said front portion being restrained in the horizontal orientation and being released to rotate into the forwarded tilted orientation upon the tray element reaching the open position.

23. The dispenser of claim 22, comprising: a restraining mechanism for holding said front portion in said horizontal orientation; said mechanism comprising a sideward projecting pin that can reciprocate between a restraining position in which said mechanism restrains said front portion in the horizontal orientation and a releasing position in which said front portion is released to rotate into the forwarded tilted orientation, the pin being biased into its restraining position; and a pin guiding element that is configured to guide the pin to displace from its restraining to its releasing position during the tray's forward displacement from the closed to the open position to thereby release said front portion to rotate into its forward tilted orientation, said guiding element being configured not to displace the pin during the tray's reciprocal displacement from the open to the closed position.

24. The dispenser of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the tray element is biased into the open position by a tray element biasing arrangement.

25. The dispenser of claim 24, comprising a tray latching arrangement for restraining the tray element in a closed position and for releasing the tray element to permit its displacement into the open position in the second state of the dispenser.

26. The dispenser of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the tray element biasing arrangement is configured to provide substantially equal force throughout the movement of the tray element from the closed to the open position.

27. The dispenser of any one of claims 21 to 26, comprising a tray element movement dampening arrangement to impart smooth movement of tray element from its closed to its open position.

28. The dispenser of any one of claims 20 to 27, comprising a user-actuatable mechanical element operable to actuate the filter element replacement mechanism to switch from its first to its second state.

29. The dispenser of any of claims 20 to 28, comprising a flap moveable between a closed state in which it defines an element of the dispenser's external features, and an open state corresponding to said first and second states, respectively.

30. The dispenser of claim 29, wherein the move between the closed and the open states is through a change in orientation.

31. The dispenser of claim 30, wherein in the open state said flap is in a substantially horizontal orientation in a plane below that defined by the tray element and the move into that orientation is through a downward rotation about an axis below the plane defined by the tray element.

32. The dispenser of claim 31 , comprising: a biasing arrangement for biasing said flap into the open state; a flap latching arrangement having a stable state in which it latches the flap and restrains it in its closed state and having a transient state for releasing the flap to permit its movement into the open state; the flap latching being biased into said stable state; an actuation element operable to switch said flap latching arrangement from its stable to the transient state; a tray element latching arrangement having a stable state in which it latches the tray element and restrains it in its closed position and having a transient state for releasing the tray element to permit its displacement into the open position; the tray element latching arrangement being biased into the table state; and a flap-linked actuation element configured to switch said tray element latching arrangement from its stable to its transient state when the flap has moved at least partially towards its open state.

33. The dispenser of claim 32, wherein the switch back into the first state is by one or both of (i) pushing the tray element back into its closed position, and (ii) forcing the flap to move into its closed state.

34. The dispenser of claim 32 or 33, comprising an engagement element adapted for engagement with an upper end of the filter element in a fluid-tight manner that is induced to substantially vertically displace between an engaged and disengaged state by the movement of the flap between its closed and open states.

35. The dispenser of any one of claims 20 to 31, comprising an engagement element adapted for engagement with an upper end of the filter element in a fluid-tight manner that is substantially vertically displaceable between an engaged and disengaged state in the respective said first and said second state.

36. The dispenser of claim 35, wherein the engagement element is generally axisymmetrical with an opening at its upper end linked to a flexible liquid conduit element and an open bottom end with a downward projecting cylindrical wall and a skirt portion peripheral thereto; said cylindrical wall dimensioned to fit into an axisymmetrical depression formed in a top end of a filter element with perforations at a bottom wall thereof for liquid ingress into the filter's interior and to form, jointly with the skirt portion a fluid-tight engagement with said depression.

37. The dispenser of claim 36, wherein the engagement element comprises one or more elastomeric members for forming said fluid-tight engagement.

38. The dispenser of any of claims 34 to 37, comprising a flexible liquid conduit segment linking said engagement element with the flow system.

39. The dispenser of any one of claims 20 to 37, wherein the filter element received in said receptacle has a substantially cylindrical form with top and bottom ends; the top end comprising an axisymmetrical depression surrounded by walls extending down from an upper face of the filter element, the depression having a bottom wall with perforations for liquid ingress into the filter's interior; the bottom end of said filter has at least one opening for liquid egress.

40. The dispenser of claim 39, comprising an opening at a top end of filtered beverage storage tank situated below the filter receptacle, said opening configured for engagement with an engagement portion at the bottom end of the filter element, once said filter replacement mechanism is in said first state such that liquid egressing from the filter enters the tank.

41. The dispenser of claim 40, wherein said opening is fitted with a valve element for closing the opening upon switching said filter replacement mechanism from said first state to said second state.

42. The dispenser of claim 41, wherein said opening is surrounded by a downwardly-inclined surface element for draining non-filtered beverage.

43. The dispenser of any one of claims 20 to 42, comprising a filter mechanism frame that holds said receptacle and said replacement mechanism.

44. The dispenser of any one of claims 7 to 19 further comprising an initiation pump that pumps beverage into the filter for initial wetting of said filter after its replacement.

45. The device of any one of claims 20 to 42 further comprising an initiation pump that pumps beverage into the filter for initial wetting of said filter after its replacement.

46. ^) A beverage dispenser, comprising: beverage supply source; beverage dispensing outlet; filter element for filtering the beverage; a source beverage tank, a filtered beverage storage tank and a first flow subsystem leading from said source tank to said outlet through the filter element which is disposed is said first flow sub-system; a second flow sub-system comprising at least one pump for propelling the filtered beverage from said storage tank to said outlet; and an initiation pump that pumps beverage into the filter element for initial wetting of said filter after its replacement.

47. A beverage dispenser having a glass support and spill collector element that comprises a spill receptacle.

48. The beverage dispenser of claim 47, comprising an upper grill member permitting drainage of spill into said receptacle.

49. The beverage dispenser of claim 47 or 48, comprising an indicator float for providing a visual indication of when said receptacle is full.

50. The beverage dispenser of any one of claims 47-49, having a rear member adapted for engagement with an accommodating recess defined in the front the dispenser.

51. The beverage dispenser of claim 50, wherein said rear member snap-fits into said recess.

52. The beverage dispenser of any one of claims 47-51, wherein the rear end of the collector element is adapted for collecting liquid spilled internally within the dispenser.

53. The beverage dispenser of claim 52, wherein said rear end has an opening situated below the front end of a downwardly inclined spill-directing surface formed within the dispenser. For the Applicant,