MXPA01006145A - Premix dispensing valve with integral pressure regulation - Google Patents

Abstract

A premix dispensing valve (5) includes a compensator (36) and a regulator (35) for applying a variable dampening effect high fluid pressures. Integrating the regulator (35) to the compensator (36) allows for premix fluid to maintain a constant pressure and avoid complications arising from loss of carbonation. The premix dispensing valve assembly (5) includes a premix delivery channel (30) that delivers fluid from the inlet to the regulator (35). The assembly (5) includes a back block assembly (20) within the housing (10) and in communication with the inlet to eliminate the need to depressurize the entire premix beverage dispenser (5) when disassembly of a particular valve (5) is required.

Description

V LVULA PREMIXER SUPPLY WITH INTEGRAL PRESSURE REGULATION BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to beverage dispensers and, more particularly, but not by way of limitation, to a beverage dispenser valve assembly with an improved component configuration which actively regulates the flow rate and the resulting pressure of the premix fluid flowing therethrough, to prevent loss of carbonation and excessive foaming of the assorted beverage.

Description of Related Art For more than sixty years, the drinking fountains that characterize the premix valves have maintained a strong presence in the market. The premix beverage dispensers allow the mixing of flavored beverage syrup with simple or carbonated water before the resulting premix fluid is distributed to a dispensing valve.

REF: 130307 In contrast, flavor syrup for drinking as well as plain water and carbonated water in post-mix beverage dispensers are separately introduced and ultimately mixed into a post-mix valve. Post-mix beverage dispensers require much of the beverage formation process to be "on site" as they require a desired beverage to be mixed by a post-mix valve that is typically inside a beverage dispenser. post-mix, stationary, large, and since they commonly require a connection to the public water supply as a source for simple and / or carbonated water. In contrast, pre-mix beverage dispensers produce a final beverage product where the desired beverage is not produced on site by the beverage dispenser but is, therefore, "premixed" before it is introduced to the beverage dispenser. premixed As such, premixed drink dispensers are well suited for sites where water is either unavailable or not satisfactory. This feature also makes premixes highly portable and relatively smaller than post-mixed drink dispensers, thus explaining their popularity in sports and other outdoor events. In the past, pre-mix dispenser valves were plagued by complications that arose from the large ends in fluid pressure throughout the entire assembly. Typically, premixed fluid enters the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly at high pressures, for example, (60-80 psi) (calibrator); and leaves the valve nozzle at approximately local atmospheric pressure, for example (0 psi) (calibrator). Such a drop in pressure occurs within a short distance within the assembly and in a short period of time. Changes in pressure over time frequently result in carbon dioxide escaping from the premixed carbonated fluid, typically through the foaming action, or results in carbon dioxide being absorbed by the premix fluid. . In particular, upon achieving such a large and rapid pressure drop, many pre-mix dispensing valves in the past experienced unwanted foaming and loss of carbonation due to several primary factors. One such factor results from changes in the ambient temperature throughout the day, which causes the pressure in the premixed fluid to vary as the room temperature heats and cools the premixed fluid. A second factor, commonly known as "shock" foaming, occurs when the dispensing valve opens initially and the internal pressure in the valve drops suddenly from a high static pressure to an almost atmospheric pressure, which causes the carbon dioxide gas leakage from the premix fluid and, thus, result in excessive and unwanted foaming. As such, the current premix valve dispenser assemblies characterize the compensators to prevent excessive foaming and carbonation loss due to fluctuations in pressure. Specifically, the fluid in the premix is subject to a pressure drop as it passes through the smooth and narrow internal surfaces of a compensator and, thereby, results in less foaming and little loss of carbon dioxide. However, foaming and loss of carbonation continue to be major complications with current premixing dispensing valves, because such valves lack the ability to interact with and adjust for large and / or rapid changes in pressure as Premix fluid enters the compensator. The compensators, in this way, fail to actively compensate for these changes in pressure, which frequently leads to periodic foaming and loss of carbonation.

It is equally disturbing that current dispensing valves can not be easily adjusted or readjusted when subjected to large and / or rapid changes in pressure. The adjustment for pressure involves maintaining the dispensing valve open with one hand while the other hand adjusts a screw that is placed within a threaded passageway. The threaded passageway, in turn, connects the internal passageways within the assembly, through which the premix fluid flows, with the outer surface of the dispensing valve housing. Specifically, turning the screw allows the position of the compensator within the interior passageways to be varied. The variation of the position of the compensator within the inner passageways in this way allows the adjustment of the pressure within a current pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. In summary, adjusting for significant changes in pressure or readjusting pressure after disassembly of the dispensing valve assembly is often time-consuming and laborious. In addition, because it is very difficult to adjust for changes in pressure, the ability for existing premix valve dispensers to actively control the effects of excessive foaming or loss of carbonation is non-existent.

Accordingly, there is a long-felt need for a pre-mixed beverage dispenser valve assembly that, without manual adjustment, actively adjusts for significant changes in pressure and resulting changes in the flow rate of premix fluid flowing through the assembly. , to prevent foaming and loss of carbonation of the assorted beverage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the present invention, a pre-mix dispenser valve assembly for a beverage dispenser includes a housing that includes an inlet for dispensing the premix fluid, a compensator positioned within the housing, which includes an outlet communicating to the exterior of the housing , and a regulator placed inside the housing. The regulator is cooperatively connected to the housing input and communicates with the compensator. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly further includes a premix distribution channel within the housing for communicating the premix fluid from the housing inlet to the regulator. The regulator applies a damping effect against the high fluid pressures that characteristically accompany the premix fluid after entry to the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. Consequently, the integration of the regulator into the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly with the compensator allows the premix fluid to maintain a constant pressure optimally, thereby preventing complications arising from changes in pressure. The regulator, in particular, includes a housing that includes an inlet chamber, a contact member positioned within the inlet chamber, an anchor member equipment within and fixed to the regulator housing and at the end opposite the housing chamber. inlet, and an elastic member positioned within the housing of the regulator and fixed at one end to the anchoring member and at an end opposite the contact member. In particular, the resilient member provides resistance against the thrust of the premix fluid against the contact member, thereby allowing the regulator to regulate the flow rate and the pressure level of the premix fluid. The contact member also defines a hole substantially central to the contact member, to facilitate the flow of premix fluid therethrough. The regulator may further include a guide of the contact member positioned within the regulator housing, between the regulator housing and the contact member, to facilitate movement of the contact member therein., as fluid force is exerted against the contact member. An array of exit holes is formed around the guide of the contact member so that varying amounts of premix fluid flow therethrough with respect to the changing fluid pressure. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly may also include a rear block assembly positioned within the housing and in communication with the inlet. The rear block assembly includes an outlet and a shut-off valve assembly that is operatively coupled to the outlet. The shut-off valve assembly, in part, makes it possible for the premix fluid within the back block assembly to maintain a constant pressure and, thus, the rear block assembly eliminates the need to depressurize the entire pre-mixed drink dispenser when Disassembly of a premixing, particular dispenser valve assembly is required. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly includes a plunger within the compensator and is movable from a first position that seals the outlet from the compensator to a second position that exposes the outlet from the compensator. The compensator, in turn, includes a control valve assembly that is cooperatively coupled with the plunger to reduce the effects of static pressure developed through the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. The compensator, in effect, creates a controlled, gentle pressure drop to prevent loss of carbonation and foaming as the premix fluid exits the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly into a vessel underneath. At the end, the compensator and the control valve assembly act in combination to induce a controlled pressure drop within the premix fluid stream. The control valve assembly includes a control valve body, a lifting ring coupled to the piston, a chamber body of the control valve formed by the coupling of the lifting ring to the control valve body, and a control equipment. control valve inside the chamber body of the control valve. The control valve, in turn, includes a control drum coupled to the plunger, a sealing drum coupled to the plunger below the control drum, and a sealing head formed at the end of the sealing drum. Accordingly, the control valve assembly further includes a head seat formed by the lower inner surface of the control valve body where the sealing head of the sealing drum is adjusted above and removed from the head seat, by means of the action of raising the piston, to act against the constitution of static pressure within the premix valve assembly. The control valve assembly further includes a main seal positioned within the region formed by the lower central portion of the control valve body and a main seat formed by the inner, lower surface of the compensating housing. The main seal is fitted on top and is removed from the main seat, by means of the action of raising the plunger, whereby the volume of the premix fluid is allowed to exit the outlet of the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. The control valve assembly further includes a guide plate placed on the top of the control drum and coupled to the plunger, thereby allowing the control valve assembly to be lifted in tandem with the plunger, so that the seal The main one is raised from the upper part of the main seat to allow the volume of the premix fluid to exit the outlet of the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pre-mix dispenser valve assembly for a beverage dispenser, whereby the integration of a regulator with a compensator optimally allows the premix fluid to maintain a constant pressure and. , in this way, prevents complications arising from changes in pressure. Other objects, features and additional advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art in the light of the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view, partially in section, illustrating a beverage dispenser valve assembly. Figure 2 is a perspective view illustrating the components within the beverage dispensing valve through which the premix fluid flows. Figure 3 is a sectional view illustrating a regulator within the beverage dispensing valve. Figure 4 is a sectional view illustrating a control valve assembly in a closed configuration. Figure 5 is a sectional view illustrating the control valve assembly in an open configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY As required, the detailed embodiments of the present invention are described herein; however, it should be understood that the described embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention which can be exemplified in various ways. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated to show details of the particular components or steps. As illustrated in Figures 1-5, the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5 includes a housing 10, a nozzle 15, a back block assembly 20, a premix distribution channel 30, a regulator 35, and a compensator 36. The compensator 36, in this preferred embodiment, features a cylindrical housing 65 which, at one end, forms an outlet for the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5, for example, the nozzle 15; a pressure compensator 70 which is placed inside the housing 65; a compensating sleeve 75 which is positioned between the pressure compensator 70 and the housing 65; a control valve assembly 86; and a plunger 66 which is positioned within and along the center line of the pressure compensator 70, and acts to open and close the control valve assembly 86.

A premixed beverage dispenser (not shown) characterizes several dispensing valves, whereby each dispensing valve is typically assigned a beverage flavor, such as cola, root beer or punch. By placing a glass under a dispensing valve and activating its nozzle, the valve delivers the desired beverage flavor into a glass. As such, the premixed fluid for the desired beverage flavor is created before entering, under high pressure, the dispensing valve, and is supplied into the vessel at almost atmospheric pressure. The housing 10 for the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5, in this preferred embodiment, characterizes a base and a rear wall 11 which is understood to be permanently fixed, using any suitable connection means, to form an integral one-piece unit ( see Figure 1). Together with the base and the rear wall 11, the housing 10 features a removable cover 12, with upper and side walls, which can be removed from the base and rear wall 11, especially during cleaning or maintenance. The compensator 36, the rear block assembly 20, the premix distribution channel assembly 25, and the actuator 40 are components that are fixedly coupled to the housing 10 using any suitable connection means.

In particular, the rear block assembly 20 is coupled to the outer surface of the housing 10. The rear block assembly 20 characterizes an inner chamber wherein the pressure is kept constant through a series of seals and locks. In particular, the rear block assembly 20 includes an outlet 21 that allows the premix fluid to flow from the rear block assembly 20 to the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5. (See Figure 2). In addition, the rear block assembly 20 provides a shut-off valve assembly 22 that allows the flow of premixed fluid to be closed by selectively sealing and opening the outlet 21. In this way, because the premix fluid within its chamber interior conserves a constant pressure, the rear block assembly 20 eliminates the need to depressurize the entire pre-mixed beverage dispenser when the disassembly of a particular premix dispenser valve assembly is required, especially during cleaning or maintenance. In contrast, valve assemblies without back block components are subject to complete depressurization which results in wasted beverages. The premix distribution channel assembly 25 acts as a connector that allows the premix fluid to flow from the rear block assembly 20, through the housing 10, and into the premix distribution channel 30. The assembly 25 of the premix distribution channel is fixedly coupled, at one end, to the inner surface of the housing 10 and connected, using any suitable means, to the premix distribution channel 30 at the opposite end. Because it is mounted at one end to the housing 10, the pre-mix distribution channel assembly 25 provides the anchoring support for the premix distribution channel 30 as it continues its path within the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. In addition, the pre-mix distribution channel assembly 25 creates a seal that acts against unwanted spillage of the premix fluid in the connection between the pre-mix distribution channel 30 and the housing 10. The premix distribution channel 30 comprises any suitable conduit distributing the premix fluid from the rear block assembly 20 to the regulator 35. The regulator 35, in turn, is connected, using any suitable means, to the premix distribution channel 30. The regulator 35 is integrated into the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5 to eliminate significant pressure disparities that develop through the premix distribution channel 30 and that develop within the back block assembly 20 as the primary result of the formation of foam by shock, fluctuations in ambient temperature, and the frequency of use and the period between the use of the drinking fountain. The regulator 35 applies a damping effect against the high fluid pressures which characteristically accompany the premixed fluid after it enters the regulator 35 from the pre-mix distribution channel. Accordingly, the regulator 35 actively modulates the flow rate at a pre-set level, by interacting with and adjusting the pressure of the premix fluid entering before the premix fluid flows into the compensator 36 and, thus, It provides a constant flow rate, notwithstanding large and / or rapid fluctuations in pressure. Specifically, the regulator 35 includes a cylindrical housing 91, an inlet chamber 95 formed by the inner surface of the housing 91 at the site where the housing 91 connects to the premix distribution channel 30, a contact member 92 positioned within the input chamber 95, an anchoring member 94 which is fitted within and fixed to the housing 91, using any suitable securing means, at the end opposite the entrance chamber 95, an elastic member 93 which is placed inside the housing 91 and is fixed, using any suitable securing means, at one end to the anchoring member 94 and the contact member 92 at the opposite end. (See Figure 3). The regulator 35 further includes a guide 96 of the contact member, positioned within the housing 91 between the interior portion of the housing 91 and the contact member 92, to allow the contact member 92 to pass through the interior surface of the guide 96 of the member. of contact as fluid force is exerted against the contact member 92. In addition, an array of exit holes 97 are formed around the guide 96 of the contact member to allow the premix fluid to flow therethrough. In operation, the premix fluid flows into the inlet chamber 95, as indicated by the directional arrow 90. The premix fluid then flows to the contact member 92. The contact member 92 is supported by the elastic member 93, a spring helical in this preferred embodiment, and provides sufficient strength against the premix fluid entering the inlet chamber 95. The contact member 92 defines a substantially central bore 92a of the contact member 92 to allow the premix fluid to flow through. of this one Those skilled in the art will recognize other suitable configurations for an orifice or for a series of holes formed around the contact member, to facilitate the flow of premix fluid therethrough. The premix fluid thus flows through the orifice 92a and through the arrangement of outlet holes 97 around the guide 96 of the contact member. As such, any changes in the amount of force exerted on the contact member 92 by the premix fluid are proportional to the change in the inlet pressure of the premix fluid. In particular, in response to changes in force, the contact member 92 moves along the interior surface of the guide 96 of the contact member until the force of the fluid is balanced by the opposing spring force of the member. elastic 93. A varying amount of the area of the holes from the outlet hole arrangement 97 is covered or uncovered as the contact member 92 moves along the guide 96 of the contact member, until it is swung with the force of the elastic member 93, to allow varying amounts of premix fluid to flow therethrough with respect to the changing fluid pressure and, thereby, regulate the pressure and speed at which the fluid leaves the regulator. As indicated by the directional arrow 99, the premix fluid exits at the end of the regulator 35 through an orifice 98 located in the lower portion of the regulator 35 and formed by the housing 91. The premix fluid then flows from the regulator 35 to the upper portion of the compensator 36. The stream of premix fluid initially enters an elongated chamber 61 formed by the inner surface of the housing 65. A compensating sleeve 75 is fitted within and aligned with the center line of the housing 65, just after the elongated chamber 61, to provide a liner around the pressure compensator 70, which is also inside the housing 65. Accordingly, the pre-mix fluid stream continues to flow from the elongated chamber 61 towards a free space created between the pressure compensator 70 and the compensating sleeve 75. It is critical that such free space retain close tolerance and extend over an optimum preset distance, d, whereby such a flat, extended area further reduces the pressure by inducing a pressure drop, controlled. As such, the integration of a compensator within a pre-mix dispenser valve assembly significantly reduces the frequency of foaming and carbonation loss. In this preferred embodiment, the pressure compensator 70 and the compensating sleeve 75 are composed of ceramic material because the physical properties of the ceramic best preserve a narrow tolerance. At the end, the stream of the premix fluid flows through the lower portion of the housing 65, where the housing 65 cuts through the housing 10 of the dispensing valve. It should also be emphasized that the housing 10 provides the anchoring support for the housing 65, and the housing 65 is secured to the housing 10 using any suitable connection means. The nozzle 15 is defined by the region of the housing 65 just below the "dispensing valve 10 and includes a nozzle passage 64 of the nozzle., formed by the internal surface of the housing 65. In this way, the premix fluid flows from the lower portion of the housing 65, through the passageway 64 of the nozzle, and exits the premixing valve assembly 5 towards the glass underneath. However, to accommodate the flow from the free space outside through the nozzle 15, a relatively large opening is needed to prevent foaming. In addition, because the static pressure of the premix fluid (while the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5 is closed) is greater than the pre-mix fluid flow pressure (while the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5 is open) ), such initial static pressure exerts a significant amount of resistance against the forces required to open any type of valve assembly to expose the large opening. This initial resistance decays when the fluid begins to flow through the opening and, thus, the pressure in the opening is balanced by the pressure of the fluid flowing through it. To compensate for this initial resistance, the control valve assembly 86 is integrated into the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5. The control valve assembly 86 is fitted within the lower portion of the pressure compensator 70 and includes the plunger 66. The control valve assembly 86 includes the control valve 78-80 which is wrapped around and secured to the plunger 66 using any suitable connection means. The control valve 78-80, in this preferred embodiment, features a cylindrical control drum 78, a cylindrical sealing drum 79, and a conical sealing head 80, which is formed at one end of the sealing drum 79. The assembly 86 of the control valve includes the guide plate 77 which is fixed to the upper end of the control drum 78, whereby it is wrapped around and secured to the plunger 66. In this way, as the plunger 66 moves in an upward direction , the guide plate 77 and the control drum 78 travel in the upward direction, in tandem with the plunger 66, through the distance provided by the empty space between the guide plate 77 and a lifting ring 76 which is placed justly above the guide plate 77. The control valve assembly 86 further includes a control valve chamber body which is defined by the lifting ring 76 from above; a control valve body 81 defining the central and lower portions of the control valve chamber body whereby the upper surface of the control valve body 81 is secured to the lower surface of the lifting ring 76 using any suitable securing means; and a control channel 83, through which the premix fluid flows on its path from a control valve chamber 90 to the passageway 64 of the nozzle. As such, the chamber 90 of the control valve is thus formed by the inner surface of the body of the control valve chamber and is especially defined as the volumetric space enclosed by the inner surface of the lifting ring 76 from above , and enclosed by the inner surface of the body 81 of the control valve from below.

Accordingly, the control valve 78-80 travels in tandem with the plunger 66, independently of the body 81 of the control valve, until the guide plate 77 makes contact with the lifting ring 76, at which time the assembly The complete control valve 86 starts to move in tandem with the plunger 66. Specifically, the control valve 78-80 continues to travel up to the distance of the clearance created between the guide plate 77 and the lifting ring 76 until the plate guide 77 above the control drum 78 contacts and lifts the lifting ring 76. The distance of that free space, in turn, is preset to allow sufficient time for the pressure of the premix fluid to be reduced by the exhaust of the premix fluid from chamber 90 of the control valve. The control valve assembly 86 further includes a main seal 85 which is wrapped around the lower central portion of the control valve body 81. Further, the main seal 85 is adjusted within the region formed by the lower outer surface of the body 81 of the control valve and the lower internal surface of the pressure compensator 70. Accordingly, when the control valve assembly 86 is in a closed position, the main seal 85 and the sealing head 80 act, cooperatively, to stop the flow of the premix fluid stream from the free space, created between the pressure compensator 70 and the compensating sleeve 75, towards the track step 64 of the nozzle (see Figure 4). In particular, while in a closed position, the main seal 85 is coupled to a corresponding main seat 67 formed by the upper internal surface of the nozzle portion of the housing 65, thereby creating a seal for the large opening. which is necessary to prevent the formation of foam. In the same way, while in the closed position, the sealing head 80 is coupled to a corresponding head seat 87 formed by the lower inner surface of the control valve body 81, thereby creating a seal, relatively smaller than that of the main seal 85, for control channel 86. Thus, in effect, by first opening the seal between the sealing head 80 and the head seat 87, the initial static pressure of the premix fluid is aided to decrease to allow the plunger 66 to exert less force, at least one order of magnitude smaller, for raising the main seal 85 of the control valve assembly 86 from its corresponding main seat 67 to thereby open the large opening. As such, while in this closed state, the pressure of the premix fluid within the chamber 90 of the control valve and within the adjacent region above the main seat 85 rises rapidly to the total static pressure of the pre-mix dispenser valve, which is typically of, but not limited to, 4.38-5.84 kg / cm2 (60-80 psi) (calibrator). Therefore, as mentioned previously, the force required to open the main seal 85 against static pressure could be very large. The control valve assembly 86 provides a reducing effect since this lowers this force requirement by allowing a much smaller seal, created by the sealing head 80 and the head seat 87, to be opened first, thereby causing that the static pressure of the premix fluid eventually falls to that of the much lower flow pressure, which is typically close to atmospheric pressure. Once the pressure of the premix fluid is reduced in this manner, the larger main seal 85 can be lifted with relative ease, as compared to the force required to raise the main seal 85, to overcome the effects from the pressure static without such a reducing effect, providing an outlet, in the large opening, for the volume of premix fluid that is necessary to fill the vessel below.

In operation, the control valve 77-80 travels upwards with the plunger 66, whereby the control valve 77-80 is secured to the plunger 66, through -the distance provided by the clearance between the plate guide 77 and lifting ring 76. This clearance allows the sealing drum 78 and the sealing head 80 to rise from the coupling surface on the head seat 87. After raising the sealing head 80 from the head 87, the premix fluid within the chamber 90 of the control valve starts to flow down through the control channel 83 and towards the main outlet, for example the passageway 64 of the nozzle. It should also be emphasized that, initially, when the control valve assembly 86 is closed the premix fluid flows from the free space, created between the pressure compensator 70 and the compensating sleeve 75, and is collected within the chamber 90 the control valve until the sealing head 80 is raised. As such, this initial leakage of the premix fluid from the chamber 90 of the control valve reduces the surrounding pressure of the premix fluid which is still combined within the chamber 90 of the control valve and the pressure of the premix fluid within the such free space, whereby such free space is communicatively connected to the chamber 90 of the control valve through a network of small fissures provided within the body 81 of the control valve. Next, in a manner similar to the elevation of the control valve 78-80, the complete assembly 86 of the control valve begins to travel upwards in tandem with the plunger 66, after the guide plate 77 makes contact with the lifting ring 76, through the distance of a clearance 68 created between the lower surface of the compensator 70 from above and the upper surface of the lifting ring 76 from below. (See Figures 4-5). In particular, the continuous upward movement of the plunger 66 pulls the lifting ring 76 upwards because the lifting ring 76 is then coupled to the plunger 66 by the guide plate 77. The upward movement of the lifting ring 76 , in turn, is coupled to the rest of the body of the control valve chamber, especially the main seal 85 which is partially fitted within the body of the control valve chamber, to also rise. In this way, the main seal 85 is lifted from the main seat 67 until at the end the large opening is completely exposed (see Figure 5). Therefore, with the complete control valve assembly 86, in the open position, the remaining volume of pre-mix fluid is allowed to travel from the clearance created between the compensator 70 and the compensating sleeve 75, down to the inner surface of housing 65, beyond the open main seal 85, to the passageway 64 of the nozzle, outside the nozzle 15 and to the vessel below. A specific example regarding the reducing effect of a control valve assembly is as follows. The controlled flow is established by allowing the premix fluid to flow through a clearance of 152.4 μm (0.006 inches) between a compensator and a compensating sleeve. As such, a relatively large opening, approximately 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) In diameter, is necessary to prevent the premix fluid from foaming out of free space. Without the reducing effect, a 6.8 kg (15 lb.) force is required in the 12.7 mm (0.5 in.) Opening to act against the static pressure of the premix fluid, to raise a valve assembly that seals the opening. On the one hand, when using the reducing effect, less than 0.45 kg (one pound) of force is necessary to first raise a sealing head component within a control valve from a corresponding head seat. In consecuense, once the effects from the initial static pressure resistance begin to decay within a control valve chamber, a force of approximately less than 0.45 kg (one pound) is necessary to raise a main seal from a main seat and allow the remainder of the control valve assembly to be kept open to allow the volume of the premix fluid to flow down through the 12.7 mm (0.5 inch) opening. In addition, the plunger 66, which is positioned within and along the centerline of the pressure compensator 70, is provided with an upward force by the actuator 40 fitted within the premixing valve assembly 5. In particular, the actuator 40, a solenoid in this preferred embodiment, is secured to a side wall formed by the inner surface within the housing 10 using any suitable connection means (see Figure 1). It should be emphasized that those skilled in the art will readily recognize other suitable and equivalent actuator modes, either mechanically, electrically, or otherwise, with respect to and in an alternative to the solenoid described herein. As the actuator 40 is activated, an actuator arm 45 is raised upward and pushes against one end of a first lever arm 50, whereby the actuator arm 45 is coupled to that end by a connector pin 100. The upward movement at one end of the first lever arm 50, in turn, provides a downward thrust at its opposite end, against one end of the second lever arm 55. The opposite end of the second lever arm 55 is coupled to a plunger head 67, located in the upper portion of the plunger 66, using any suitable coupling means. In this way, a downward force, exerted by the first lever arm 50, against one end of the second lever arm 55 causes a tandem elevation, the opposite end and the plunger head, which in the end allows the plunger 66 lift control valve 78-80. The lever arm assembly 60 is secured to the upper portion of the compensator 36 and is provided to support the first and second lever arms 50, 55 during operation. Particularly, in this preferred embodiment, the lever arm assembly 60 is a contiguous piece having a channel portion, for supporting the first and second lever arms 50, 55 and a disk portion, to secure the arm assembly 60. of lever to the upper portion of the compensator 36. The first lever arm 50 is coupled to the channel portion, between the flanges, by the hinge shaft 101. Specifically, as the actuator arm 45 is raised upward and pushes against a end of the first lever arm 50, the first lever arm 50 pivots about the hinge axis 101 which is coupled to the flanges of the lever arm assembly 60 and, thereby, a downward force is provided by the first lever arm 50 on the second lever arm 55. In the same way, a second articulation point (not shown) that is inside the lever arm assembly body 60 converts a movement down at one end of the second lever arm 55 at an upward elevation at the opposite end, which is coupled to the plunger head 67. In addition, the lower surface of the disk portion of the lever arm assembly 60 is and is fixed to the upper surface of the compensator 36 using any suitable connection means. In this way, the channel portion of the arm 60 assembly of the lever arm is thus anchored to the compensator 36 via the disk portion. Contrary to the premix set-up valve assembly 5, the pressure across the pre-mix valve assemblies of today must be readjusted for each significant pressure fluctuation. The readjustment of these premixing valve assemblies, in turn, involves the tedious and laborious method of manually adjusting a screw and repeatedly checking the effects of each adjustment.

In contrast, the compensator 36, when optimally integrated with the regulator 35 and the rear block assembly 20, acts as a primary flow rate control for the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5. More critically, the integration of the regulator 35 within the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5 just before the compensator 36 allows the premix fluid to maintain a constant pressure and, thereby, prevents loss of carbonation and excessive foaming. In the end, this unique combination of the regulator 35 and the compensator 36 acts to reduce the high pressures generated through assembly 5 at near atmospheric pressure and, consequently, actively controls the flow velocity through the valve, thereby eliminates the need to constantly readjust the pressure and flow velocity. More specifically, the dispenser valve assembly 5 features an integrated electrical switch within the assembly design (not shown), such as a push button. Such switch makes it possible for a customer to initially activate the actuator 40 and, finally, the control valve assembly 36 to regulate, in combination with the regulator 35, the high pressures accumulated during the period between the use of the beverage dispenser or accumulated as the room temperature heats and cools the premix fluid. On the one hand, many of today's premix valve assemblies characterize only one compensator. Such a compensator typically requires activation by the manual operation of a lever and does not characterize an automatic actuator. In addition, because they lack integration and cooperation with a regulator, the compensators within today's premix valve assemblies encounter high pressures, up to 9.49 kg / cm2 (130 psi) (calibrator) but typically between not limited to 4.38-5.84 kg / cm2 (60-80 psi) (calibrator). The high pressures, in turn, lead to periodic formation of foam and loss of carbonation. Alternatively, the compensator 36 no longer has to compensate for a wide range of resulting flow rates and pressures because the range is significantly narrowed by the interactive damping and modulation capabilities of the regulator 35 in advance. The premix fluid thus exits the regulator 35 and enters the compensator 36 under a constant flow rate with resultant pressures as low as 0.73 to 1.46 kg / cm2 (10 to 20 psi) (calibrator). Accordingly, the pressure drop across the compensator 36 is significantly smaller and in general remains constant. Any variations in the pressure drop across the compensator 36 depend on the interactive capabilities of the regulator 36 as well as whether the clearance between the compensator 70 and the compensating sleeve 75 characterizes disparities in tolerance or characterizes surface defects due to the quality of the material of the compensator 70 and the compensating sleeve 75. However, such variations in pressure are negligible in comparison with the extreme pressure fluctuations found by the current premix valve assemblies that characterize only a compensator without integrated means for the control of active flow The compensator 36 acts to reduce the remaining pressure of 0.73-1.46 kg / cm2 (10-20 psi) (calibrator), as the premix fluid enters the compensator 36, at atmospheric pressure, as the premix fluid exits the compensator 36 to the passageway 64 of the nozzle. The compensator 36, in effect, creates a controlled, gentle pressure drop through its free space to prevent loss of carbonation and foaming. In addition, the reducing effect of the control valve assembly 86 acts to eliminate the complications arising from the high static pressure, thereby preventing the occurrence of shock foaming. The reducing effect of the control valve assembly 86 also makes it possible for the actuator 40 to apply less work to lift the plunger 66 away from the large opening which is necessary to prevent foaming. further, the back block assembly 20 is implemented within the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5, to eliminate the need to depressurize the entire premix beverage dispenser during maintenance or cleaning. In particular, because the premix fluid within its inner chamber retains a constant pressure, the rear block assembly 20 allows the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly 5 to become quickly operational when disassembly is required, so that the Controlled flow is easily induced within assembly 5 without foaming or loss of carbonation. Illustratively, once the actuator 40 is activated, the premix fluid flows from the rear block assembly 20 to the premix distribution channel 30. The premix fluid flows through the pre-mix distribution channel 30 and enters the regulator at approximately 4.38 kg / cm2 (60 psi) (calibrator). The damping and interactive modulating effect by the regulator 35 on the flowing stream of the premix fluid, however, acts to significantly reduce the pressure after the exit, as such, the premix fluid flows from the regulator 35 to the compensator 36 approximately 1.46 kg / cm2 (20 psi) (calibrator). The compensator 36 and the control valve assembly 86 which is integrated in the lower portion of the compensator 36 act in combination to drive a controlled pressure drop within the pre-mix fluid stream and, thereby, reduce the remaining pressure almost to the atmospheric pressure as the premix fluid leaves the compensator 36 towards the passageway 64 of the nozzle. The pre-mix fluid exits after the assembly 5 of premixing dispensing valve from the passageway 64 of the nozzle and is stocked towards the vessel below. Although the present invention has been described in terms of the above embodiment, such description has been for exemplary purposes only and, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, many alternatives, equivalents and variations of various degrees will fall within the scope of this invention. That scope, accordingly, is not to be limited in any way by the foregoing description, rather, it is defined solely by the following claims.

It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the contents of the following claims are claimed as property: 1. A pre-mix dispenser valve assembly for a beverage dispenser, characterized in that it comprises: a housing having an inlet thereto; a compensator inside the housing, the compensator includes an outlet communicating the exterior to the housing; a regulator within the housing, wherein the regulator is coupled to the housing inlet and communicates with the compensator; a sealing member, comprising a plunger that resides inside the compensator and a plunger driver that moves the plunger from a first position sealing the outlet of the compensator to a second position that exposes the outlet from the compensator; and a control valve assembly, comprising a control valve body and a lifting ring coupled to the plunger.
2. 2. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a premix distribution channel inside the housing, for communicating the premix fluid from the housing inlet to the regulator.
3. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the compensator comprises: a compensator housing; a compensating sleeve inside the compensator housing; and a pressure compensator inside the compensating sleeve to induce a controlled pressure drop within the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly.
4. 4. The premixing valve assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that the compensator and the compensating sleeve are composed of ceramic material.
5. The premixing valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the control valve assembly further comprises a control valve chamber body by coupling the lifting ring to the control valve body.
6. 6. The premixing valve assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that the control valve chamber assembly further comprises a control valve fitted within the body of the control valve chamber.
7. 7. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the control valve comprises a control drum coupled to the plunger.
8. The premixing valve assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the control valve further comprises a sealing drum coupled to the piston below the control drum.
9. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the sealing drum further comprises a sealing head formed at the end of the sealing drum.
10. 10- The premixing valve assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the control valve assembly further comprises a head seat formed by the lower internal surface of the control valve body.
11. 11. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 10, characterized in that the sealing head of the sealing drum is adjusted above and is removed from the head seat, by means of the lifting action of the plunger, to act against the static pressure constituted within the premix valve assembly.
12. 12. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the control valve assembly further comprises a master seal fitted within the region formed by the lower central portion of the control valve body. The premixing valve assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the control valve assembly further comprises a main seat formed by the lower internal surface of the compensator housing. 14. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the main seal is adjusted above and is removed from the main seat, by means of the action of raising the plunger, whereby a large volume of premix fluid is allowed to exit the outlet of the valve assembly assortment of Premix The premixing valve assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the control valve assembly further comprises a guide plate placed above the control drum and coupled to the piston, thereby allowing the valve assembly of control is raised in tandem with the plunger, so that the main seal is lifted from above the main seat, to allow a large volume of the premix fluid to exit the outlet of the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. 16. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the regulator comprises: a regulator housing that includes an input chamber; a contact member placed inside the entry chamber; an anchor member fitted inside and fixed to the regulator housing at the opposite end of the inlet chamber; and an elastic member positioned within the housing of the regulator and fixed at one end to the anchoring member and at an end opposite the contact member, wherein the elastic member provides resistance against the thrust of the premix fluid against the contact member, with which allows the regulator to regulate the flow rate and the pressure level of the premix fluid. 17. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 16, characterized in that the contact member defines an orifice to allow the premix fluid to flow therethrough. communication with the inlet of the housing, whereby the pre-mix fluid is held under constant pressure and such pressure is retained even after the disassembly of the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. 21. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 20, further characterized in that it further comprises a premix distribution channel within the housing for communicating the premix fluid from the rear block assembly to the regulator. 22. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 21, characterized in that the rear block assembly further comprises an outlet in communication with the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly. 23. The pre-mix dispenser valve assembly according to claim 22, characterized in that the rear block assembly further comprises a shut-off valve assembly that resides within the rear block assembly in operative coupling with the output of the rear block assembly and is movable from a first position sealing the outlet from the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly, and a second position exposing the outlet from the pre-mix dispenser valve assembly, thereby allowing the rear block assembly to close the pre-mix fluid flow.