NZ755956B2 - Remote regulator pressure adjustment tool and method using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

Using prior art assemblies, a plurality of beer kegs receive pressurized CO2 gas from a single, high pressure source. A source regulator is often interconnected to the output end of the CO2 source, wherein that source regulator reduces the source pressure from hundreds/thousands of psi to a line pressure of about 35-50 psi. That same line pressure is utilized to dispense a plurality of differing beers from a corresponding plurality of individual beer kegs. An apparatus (100) for precisely adjusting an output pressure of a pressure regulator (200) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first housing (110) formed to include a first bore (142a) extending therethrough; an adjuster piston (114) moveably disposed within said first bore, wherein said adjuster piston comprises a plurality of alignment keys (160) for releasably engaging said pressure regulator, said plurality of alignment keys disposed on a distal end of said adjuster piston, and wherein said adjuster piston is formed to include a threaded aperture (115) extending inwardly from a proximal end thereof; and a rotatable adjustment knob (120) comprising a threaded shaft (122) extending outwardly therefrom; wherein: said threaded shaft mates with said threaded aperture so that said adjuster piston is attached to said rotatable adjustment knob; rotating said knob in a first direction causes said adjuster piston to move downwardly in said bore; and rotating said knob in a second and opposite direction causes said adjuster piston to move upwardly in said bore. ssure of about 35-50 psi. That same line pressure is utilized to dispense a plurality of differing beers from a corresponding plurality of individual beer kegs. An apparatus (100) for precisely adjusting an output pressure of a pressure regulator (200) is disclosed. The apparatus comprises: a first housing (110) formed to include a first bore (142a) extending therethrough; an adjuster piston (114) moveably disposed within said first bore, wherein said adjuster piston comprises a plurality of alignment keys (160) for releasably engaging said pressure regulator, said plurality of alignment keys disposed on a distal end of said adjuster piston, and wherein said adjuster piston is formed to include a threaded aperture (115) extending inwardly from a proximal end thereof; and a rotatable adjustment knob (120) comprising a threaded shaft (122) extending outwardly therefrom; wherein: said threaded shaft mates with said threaded aperture so that said adjuster piston is attached to said rotatable adjustment knob; rotating said knob in a first direction causes said adjuster piston to move downwardly in said bore; and rotating said knob in a second and opposite direction causes said adjuster piston to move upwardly in said bore.

Description

REMOTE REGULATOR PRESSURE NIENT TOOL AND NIETHOD USING SAME Technology Field Applicants’ disclosure relates to an apparatus for testing and ing a remote pressure regulator disclosed in the US. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. ,673 and a method to utilize that apparatus. ound When handled properly from brewery to bar to glass, draught beer delivers what many consider to be the freshest, most flavorful beer available to the customer. But the job does not end once the keg is tapped and the beer begins to flow. Good beer y depends on proper setting of a pour re, i.e. the pressure extant within the beer keg itself.

Using prior art assemblies, a plurality of beer kegs receive pressurized C02 gas from a single, high pressure source. A source regulator is often interconnected to the output end of the C02 source, wherein that source regulator reduces the source pressure from hundreds/thousands of psi to a line pressure of about 35 - 50 psi. That same line pressure is utilized to dispense a plurality of differing beers from a corresponding ity of dual beer kegs.

Summary The current disclosure is directed to a remote regulator adjustment tool that can be used to adjust an output pressure of a remote pressure regulator. In certain embodiments, that remote regulator is removeably attached to a keg coupler. In certain embodiments, the remote regulator pressure adjustment tool ses a housing formed to include a first bore extending therethrough, an adjustor piston movably disposed within the first bore, and an adjustment knob interconnected to the adjustor piston. Further, the adjustor piston contains a threaded aperture extending inwardly from a al end thereof. A plurality of alignments keys are disposed on a distal end of the adjustor piston. In addition, the adjustment knob is attached to a ed shaft extending outwardly from the adjustor piston, wherein the ing on the threaded shaft mates with the ing form in the threaded aperture. When the adjustment knob is rotated in a first direction, the adjustor piston moves downwardly in the bore. When the ment knob is rotated in a second, and opposite ion, the adjustor piston moves upwardly in the bore.

In certain embodiments, the remote regulator comprises an adjustor cap in contact with a spring. When that spring is compressed, the output pressure of an attached regulator increases. When the spring is elongated, the output pressure of an attached regulator decreases.

The or cap is formed to include a plurality of key slots, wherein the alignment keys on the adjuster piston releaseably insert into those key slots formed in the adjuster cap. When the adjustment knob disposed in the pressure adjustment tool is d in a first direction, an adjustment spring in the remote regulator is compressed, and the output pressure of the remote regulator increases. When the adjustment knob disposed in the pressure adjustment tool is rotated in a second and opposite direction, an adjustment spring in the remote regulator is elongated, and the output pressure of the remote regulator decreases.

In certain embodiments, the remote regulator adjustment tool comprises a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge is in fluid communication with the first bore. Therefore, the pressure gauge can measure the dispense pressure of a remote tor. For es of this application, the output re of the remote regulator may be referred to as a “dispense pressure” and/or a “pour pressure.” Further, in n embodiments, the remote regulator adjustment tool comprises a pressure release assembly, which includes a second housing formed to include a threaded end and a second bore extending therethrough, a spring disposed within the second bore, a gasket disposed over a distal end of the second bore, a push rod extending through said gasket and in physical contact with the spring, and a button ed to a distal end of the push rod. This pressure release assembly maintains pressure within the adjustment tool when the button is disposed in a first position, and releases pressure from the adjustment tool when the button is disposed in a second Brief Description of the gs The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed ption taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference designators are used to designate like elements, and in which: illustrates a side View of a remote regulator adjustment tool 100, is a cross-sectional View illustrating components comprising the remote regulator adjustment tool 100 in , shows a remote regulator 200 in combination with a heX nut 310, is a cross-sectional View rating ents comprising the remote regulator adjustment tool 100 and a remote regulator 200, illustrates one embodiment of the disposition of a pressure relief assembly 140, is a cross-sectional View illustrating ents comprising the embodiment ofthe remote regulator adjustment tool 100 in , is an exploded view of one embodiment of the remote regulator ment tool 100; is an exploded view of another embodiment of the remote regulator adjustment tool 100; rates one embodiment of Applicants’ remote regulator 200; is a cross-sectional view illustrating components comprising Applicants’ remote tor 200; is an exploded view of the remote regulator 200; illustrates a top view of a adjustor cap 500 of the remote regulator 200; is a top view of the adjustor cap 500; illustrates a prior art keg coupler 300; illustrates the components comprising keg r 300; illustrates keg coupler 300 releaseably attached to a beer keg 400; rates a heX nut and tail piece components of keg coupler 300; illustrates heX nut 310 separately; illustrates tail piece 320 separately; illustrates Applicants’ keg coupler 1000; illustrates Applicants' remote regulator in combination with ants' ment tool comprising an integral controller 1200; illustrates controller 1200; illustrates Applicants' remote regulator in combination with Applicants' adjustment tool comprising a Schrader valve attachment stage; and illustrates Applicants' regulator 1400 which comprises a Schrader valve in fluid communication with a regulator output stage.

W0 91417 Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments Applicants’ disclosure is described in preferred embodiments in the following description with reference to the Figures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements. nce throughout this specification to “one embodiment,77 (4 an ment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic bed in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the t invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The described features, ures, or teristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, us specific details are recited to provide a thorough tanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring s of the invention.

As a l matter, C02 gas is supplied in a variety of cylinder sizes ranging from about 30 pounds to about 150 pounds and containing about 10 to about 60 pounds of gas, respectively. The pressure in such cylinders ranges from about 750 PSIG at 72F to about 1800 PSIG at about 122F. A source regulator attached to the C02 cylinder reduces the output pressure to an intermediate pressure of about 20 PSIG to about 35 PSIG. Applicants’ remote regulator described herein receives C02 gas having a pressure of about 20-35 PSIG from a primary regulator, and reduces that pressure to about 5-18 PSIG. Individual dispense pressures are recommended for W0 2018/191417 various brands / types of draught beer plus altitude, temperature, and system length require additional push pressure.

Referring now to gas flows in and beer flows out of a keg through a coupler 300. While this device has many casual names in beer cellars around the country, the industry adopted the term “coupler” as the standard term for the device.

Most U.S. breweries use a Sankey “D” r. illustrates a Sankey “D” coupler. illustrates a ay view of a Sankey “D” coupler thereby rating the components therein. rates a Sankey “D” coupler releaseably mounted on a beer keg.

Kegs are pressurized vessels. Nearly all modern kegs use some form of Sankey valve and stem. There are two main types of Sankey valves and corresponding keg necks: “drop- in,” and threaded. Drop-in Sankey valves are held in place by a lock ring or circlip. The lock ring and valve should never be removed in the field. Very rarely a lock ring can fail, possibly loosening the valve, creating a potentially dangerous situation. Threaded Sankey valves screw into the neck of the keg.

When a coupler is attached to a keg to tap it, a probe on the bottom depresses a ball or poppet in the key valve, allowing C02 or mixed gas to enter the keg thereby ng pressure to the beer. This forces the beer to travel up the down tube (spear) and drive the beer to the .

The coupler is attached to a jumper or a beer line 310 (.

Couplers include one oftwo types of one-way , namely a Thomas valve and/or a check valve. A Thomas valve allows C02 to flow into the keg but prevents the beer from backing up into the gas line if gas pressure drops. This protects the gas regulators from damage.

When the coupler is disconnected from the keg, a check valve prevents beer from the beer line flowing out through the coupler. This prevents beer spillage in keg tapping areas.

In certain embodiments, keg coupler 300 further comprises an integral pressure relief valve. If excessive gas pressure were d to a keg, this valve would open to prevent damage to the keg and r. The valve can also be opened manually, and this should be done periodically to test the safety relief valve. The manual release usually looks like a small metal pin fitted with a wire ring. To test the valve, pull on the ring to slide the pin a short distance out of the coupler and release a small amount of gas. illustrates Sankey “D” coupler 300 sing a tail piece 320 and a hex nut 310. illustrates hex nut 310. Hex nut 310 is formed to include a threaded aperture 316 extending therethrough. Hex nut 310 further comprises an annular lip 3 12 extending inwardly into threaded aperture 316. The hex nut aperture comprises a diameter 3 14 at the annular lips 3 12. illustrates tail piece 320. Tail piece 320 comprises an annular base 322.

Annular base comprises a diameter 324. Diameter 324 is greater than diameter 314 of r lip 3 12 on hex nut 310 (). illustrates one ment of Applicants’ remote regulator 200. In the illustrated ment of remote regulator 200 comprises a cylindrical body 410 and an integral tail piece 430.

In the illustrated embodiment of , Applicants’ remote regulator 200 further comprises an annular lip 420 on a proximal end and an al tail piece 430 on a distal end. In certain embodiments, annular lip 420 comprises a diameter 440, wherein diameter 440 is greater than diameter 3 14 of annular lip 3 12 on hex nut 310 (). illustrates Applicants’ keg coupler 1000 which es Applicants’ remote regulator 200 releaseably attached to Sankey “D” keg r. Referring now to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 9A, 9B, 9C, and 10, hex nut 310 is removed from prior art Sankey keg coupler 300, and tail piece 320 is removed from hex nut 310. The distal end of Applicants' remote regulator is inserted into and through hex nut 310 until annular lip 420 is in contact with annular lip 312. Hex nut 310 is then releaseably attached to Sankey keg coupler 300 to give Applicants’ keg coupler 1000 (). illustrates one embodiment of ants’ remote regulator 200. tor 200 comprises distal portion 412 which includes integral tail piece 432. Distal portion 412 comprises an input section for Applicants’ remote regulator 200. Portion 434 comprises a high pressure area in tor 200.

Compression spring 414 determines the regulated output pressure in portion 424.

This regulated output re corresponds to the “pour pressure” set for that remote regulator.

When spring 414 is compressed, the regulated output pressure in portion 424 increases; when ssion spring 414 is elongated, the regulated output pressure in portion 424 decreases.

FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, and 3B illustrate embodiments of Applicants remote regulator adjustment tool 100, which is used to test and adjust the pour pressure of remote regulator 200. illustrates assembly 600 which comprises Applicants’ remote regulator 200 releaseably attached to Applicants’ remote regulator adjustment tool 100.

The remote regulator adjustment tool 100 ses an or piston 114, a housing 110, the adjustor piston 114 moveably disposed within the housing 110, a pressure relief ly 140, and a pressure gauge 130. Additionally, a distal end 190 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) of housing 110 comprises a threaded connector 150 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) to attach to Applicants’ remote regulator. To ensure an air-tight attachment between the remote regulator ment tool and the remote regulator, a gasket 180 (FIGS. 2C and 3A) is disposed at distal end 190 of the housing. rates remote regulator ment tool 100 releaseably attached to Applicants’ remote regulator 200. Hex nut 310 (FIGS. 2A, 9B) is used to attach remote regulator 200 to remote regulator adjustment tool 100. Referring now to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 9B, distal end of Applicants’ remote regulator 200 is inserted into and through hex nut 310 until annular lip 420 is in contact with annular lip 312. Hex nut 310 is then releaseably attached to threading 150 formed on distal end 190 of remote regulator adjustment tool 100, such that threaded portion 150 of Applicants’ remote regulator adjustment tool 100 meshes with the threaded aperture 316 () defining the aperture ing through hex nut 310.

A bore 112 extends therethrough housing 110 and adjustor piston 114 is movably disposed within bore 1 12. Further, adjustor piston 114 is formed to include a threaded aperture ing inwardly from a proximal end thereof and an adjustment knob 120 is attached to a distal end of threaded shaft 122 (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Threaded shaft 122 () meshes with a threaded aperture 115 (FIGS. 2B and 3A) formed within the adjustor piston. Alignment keys 160 and 162 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 3A, and 3B) are ed on distal end of adjustor piston 114.

In certain embodiments, the pressure relief assembly 140 is located on an opposite side of the pressure gauge 130 (FIGS. 2C, 2D and 3A). In other embodiments, the re relief assembly 140 is d on the same side of the pressure gauge 130 (FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2B and 3B).

Now, referring to , the pressure relief assembly 140a, d on the opposite side of the pressure gauge 130, comprises a housing 141a formed to include a threaded end and a bore 142a () therethrough. Gasket 146a is disposed over a distal end ofbore 142a. Push rod 148a extends though gasket 146a, and physically contacts a spring 144a. Button 149a is attached to push rod 148a. Pushing button 149a releases pressure within the remote tor adjustment tool.

Pressure gauge 130 measures pressure when the remote regulator adjustment tool alone, or when the remote regulator ment tool in combination with Applicants’ remote regulator is connected to a source of pressurized gas.

Further, referring to , the pressure relief assembly 140, located on the same side of the pressure gauge 130, comprises a g 141b () formed to include a threaded end and a bore 142b () hrough. Gasket 146b is disposed over a distal end of bore 142b. Pushing button 14% releases pressure within the remote regulator adjustment tool.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, Applicants’ remote regulator 200 comprises an adjustor cap 500, which is formed to include key slots 510 and 512. Further, key slots 510 and 512 are configured so that alignment keys 160 and 162 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) can be removeably inserted therein. In the illustrated embodiment of , when remote regulator 200 is releaseably attached to remote regulator adjustment tool 100, alignment keys 160 and 162 are removeably inserted into key slots 510 and 512. After the ent keys are disposed in the key slots, the pour pressure can be ed by rotating the adjustment knob 120. Rather, a distal end of threaded shaft 122 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) is attached to motor 1120. Assembly 1100 further comprises ller 1200. Controller 1200 es motor 1120.

After adjusting the pour pressure, buttons 149a and 14% can be depressed to release the pressure within adjustment tool 100. After closing the pressure relief assemblies 140 and 140a by allowing button 149a and 14% to return to its initial configuration, the adjusted pressure can be read from pressure gauge 130. If the adjusted pressure differs from a desired pressure, adjustment knob 120 can be rotated clock-wise or counter clock-wise in small increments until the d pour pressure is reached. In certain embodiments, rotating the adjustment knob 120 in small increments allows finite and gradual adjustment of the desired pour pressure. This feature is suitable for pouring many different beverages, which have different desired pour pressures. For example, an ideal range of pour pressure for wine is about 4 to 5 psi; an ideal range of pour pressure for beer is about 10-15 psi; an ideal range of pour pressure for beer (low draw) is about 20 to 25 psi; and an ideal range of pour pressure for nitro is about 30 to 35 psi. The examples are not limiting and a user is able to rotate the adjustment knob 120 to reach any desired pour re.

Referring now to ; ly 1100 comprises regulator 200 in combination with a modified adjustment tool 1101. Adjustment tool 1100 differs from adjustment tool 100 in that pressure relief assembly 140 is replaced by output n 1105. Pressurized gas from a primary tor enters assembly 1100 at input end 1107. That one-time reduced-pressure gas first travels through regulator 200; where gas pressure is again reduced.

Assembly 1100 further comprises a housing 1110. Assembly 1101 does not comprise adjustment knob 120 (FIGS. 3A and 3B). Rather; a distal end of threaded shaft 122 is attached to motor 1120. ly 1100 further comprises controller 1200. Controller 1200 operates motor 1120.

When motor 1120 causes threaded shaft 122 to rotate in a first direction; the adjustment spring 414 (FIGS. 2A and 4B) in the ed regulator 200 is compressed; and the output pressure in output portion 1105 of assembly 1100 increases. When motor 1120 causes ed shaft 122 to rotate in a second and te direction; the adjustment spring 414 (FIGS. 2A and 4B) in the attached regulator 200 is elongated; and the output pressure in output portion 1105 of assembly 1100 decreases.

Assembly 1100 further comprises a first pressure sensor 1201 in input potion 1107.

Communication link 1202 interconnects first pressure sensor 1201 and controller 1200. Assembly 1100 further comprises a second pressure sensor 1203 in output potion 1105. Communication link 1204 interconnects second pressure sensor 1203 and controller 1200.

Referring now to , controller 1200 comprises processor 1210, memory 1220 interconnected with processor 1210 via communication link 1225, optional Blue Tooth module 1230 interconnected with processor 1210 via communication link 1235, optional RFID module 1240 interconnected with processor 1210 via communication link 1245, and optional “WI-F1” module 1250 interconnected with processor 1210 via communication link 1255.

In the rated embodiment of , microcode 1222, instructions 1224, and database 1226, are encoded in memory 1220. In certain embodiments, memory 1220 comprises non- volatile memory. In certain embodiments, memory 1220 comprises battery backed up RAM, a magnetic hard disk assembly, an l disk assembly, and/or electronic . By ronic ,” Applicants mean a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SMARTMEDIA, FLASHMEDIA, and the like.

Processor 1210 uses microcode 1222 to operate controller 1230. Processor 1210 uses microcode 1222, instructions 1224, and database 1226, to operate Blue Tooth module 123 0, RFID module 1240, WI—FI module 1250, motor 1120, and pressure s 1201 and 1203.

A desired output pressure in output stage 1105 () is encoded in database 1226. ller 1200 continuously monitors the ng pressure using pressure sensor 1201, and output pressure using sensor 1203. If a measured output pressure is greater than the encoded desired output pressure, then controller 1200 causes motor 1120 to cause threaded shaft 122 to move dly, while continuously monitoring the output pressure. If a measured output pressure is less than the encoded desired output pressure, then controller 1200 causes motor 1120 to cause threaded shaft to move inwardly, while continuously ring the output pressure. When the measured output re equals the desired output pressure, then controller does not cause motor 1110 to rotate threaded shaft 122 in either direction.

Referring now to , assembly 1300 is a ation of adjustment tool 100 (). In assembly 1300, the pressure relief assembly 140a of adjustment tool 100 is replaced with assembly 1310. Assembly 1310 comprises a threaded coupler 1312 which can be releaseably attached to housing 110 after removing pressure relief assembly 140a. ly 1310 further comprises a flexible tube 1314 and a Schrader valve ment 1316.

By removing pressure relief assembly 140a, and ing that assembly 140a with an assembly 1310, assembly 1300 can be used as a pressure gauge to check the air pressure within any device sing a Schrader valve, including without limitation, bicycle tires, automobile tires, and the like.

Referring now to , regulator 1400 comprises the es of regulator 200 () in combination with Schrader valve assembly 1410 which is in fluid ication with low pressure, output stage 740. Assembly 1400 comprises a tubular member 1412 and threaded end 1414. A pressure gauge can be releaseably attached to threaded end 1414 to monitor the pressure within regulator 1400 which regulator 1400 remains in place and in operation.

While the preferred embodiments of the t invention have been illustrated in detail, it should be apparent that modifications and adaptations to those embodiments may occur to one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims (4)

We claim:

1. An apparatus for adjusting an output pressure of a pressure regulator, comprising: a first housing formed to e a first bore extending therethrough; 5 an er piston moveably disposed within said first bore, wherein said adjuster piston comprises a plurality of ent keys for releasably ng said pressure regulator, said plurality of alignment keys disposed on a distal end of said adjuster piston, and wherein said adjuster piston is formed to include a ed aperture extending inwardly from a proximal end thereof; and 10 a rotatable adjustment knob comprising a threaded shaft extending dly therefrom; said threaded shaft mates with said threaded aperture so that said adjuster piston is attached to said rotatable adjustment knob; 15 rotating said knob in a first direction causes said adjuster piston to move downwardly in said bore; and rotating said knob in a second and opposite direction causes said adjuster piston to move upwardly in said bore.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pressure gauge, wherein said 20 pressure gauge is in fluid communication with said first bore.

3. The tus of claim 2, further comprising a pressure relief assembly having a first orientation wherein pressure is maintained within said apparatus and a second orientation wherein pressure is released from said apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 3, n said pressure relief assembly further comprises: a second housing formed to include a threaded end and a second bore therethrough; a spring disposed within said second bore; 5 a gasket ed over a distal end of said second bore; a push rod extending through said gasket and in physical contact with said spring; and a button attached to a distal end of said push rod; wherein said button can be moved inwardly to release pressure from said apparatus. WO 91417