US2457531A - Measuring valve - Google Patents

Description

T. M. COSTAKOS MEASURING VALVE Dec. 28, 14948.

2l sheds-sheet 2 Filed Aug. 8, 1947 Ill Bln

Patented Dec. 28, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE MEASURING VALVE Theodore M. Costakos, Minneapolis, Minn.

Application August 8, 1947, Serial No. 767,483

17 Claims. l

My invention relates to .improvements in dispensera, an object thereof being to provide a simple, durable, sanitary and relatively inexpensive device for dispensing liquids, particularly cream, in measured amounts selectively variable in quantity.

More specically it is an object of my invention to provide a dispenser having a container for a supply of cream or other liquid and a valve mechanism in association therewith adapted to be operated by and to deliver a charge of the liquid into a cup or other liquid receiving receptacle.

Another object of the invention is to supply a dispenser of the present nature in which the valve mechanism is quickly and easily disassembled to enable the parts thereof to be readily cleansed, and in which such parts are quickly and easily reassembled for further use.

A further object of the invention is to provide a dispenser with valve mechanism, as above, the parts of which are capable of being assembled in manners selectively establishing different adjustments of said mechanism, each of which upon each operation of the device, results in the delivery of a charge of liquid in predetermined quantity peculiar in amount to the particular adjustment selected.

Other objects of the invention reside in the novel combination and arrangement of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter illustrated and/or described.

In the drawing, Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a cream dispenser constructed in accordance with my invention, a portion of the container for the supply of cream being broken away and showing in elevation a portion of the valve mechanism employed in delivering measured charges of cream from said container; Fig. 2 is a perspective view in detail of the valve mechanism shown in Fig. 1, said view being broken away to reveal the internal construction of said mechanism; Fig. 3 is a sectional view diagrammatically illustrating certain parts of said valve mechanism in their relative disposition at one stage in an operation of said mechanism under one of its adjustments; Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 3 with the valve mechanism under the same adjustment but with the parts diiferently relatively disposed at a subsequent stage in said operation of said mechanism; Figs. 5 and 6 are diagrammatical views similar to Figs. 3 and 4, respectively, but with the valve mechanism under an adjustment differing from said rst adjustment to deliver charges of cream of relatively greater quantity.

Referring to the accompanying drawingsyit will be seen that the embodiment of my invention illustrated therein includes a container A as for a supply of cream to be dispensed in measured quantities into receptacles such as a coffee cup I0 shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, or such as an individual cream pitcher II shown in dotted lines in Fig. 2. This container A consists of a double-walled cylindrical body I2 having a bracket I3 secured to one side thereof and formed with a depending stud I4 removably socketed in the upper end of a tubular leg I5 standing on a base member I6. Supported by the leg I5, the body I2 of said container A is held axially upright in a position elevated to accommodate the placement of a receptacle beneath the same. The container I2 has a lleropening at the top thereof. This ller opening admits the introduction of liquid into the supply chamber I'I within the container and it provides access to the interior of said container. A double-walled cover I8 normally closes said filler openingin said container. At its lower end, the container body I2 `has a neck I9` axiallydisposed vertically, the same being formed by incorporating between the container wallsil, 2| an upright nipple 22 having an outwardly extending flange 23 at its upper end to provide an annular seat.

Associated with the container A is a valve mechanism B having a valve body 24 of cup-like formation which ts into the nipple 22 from the top thereof, the upwardly opening cavity in the cupped valve` body 24 providing a sump chamber 25 for the supply chamber I'I in the container A. An outwardly extending annular ange 26 formed at the lip of the valve body 24 rests on the seat flange 23 at the upper end of the neck-nipple 22.

Depending axially from the valve body 24 is an externally threaded boss 21 which has an axial discharge bore 28 therein leading downwardly from the sump chamber 25. A wing-nut 29, threaded on said boss 21 andturned against the rim of the neck I9, secures the valve body 24 in place within said neck with the .iiange 26 on said valve body firmly held against the seat flange 23.

A lift valve b fitted to the valve body 24 comprises an axially upright valve sleeve 30 slidable vertically in the sump chamber 25, an axially upright valve plug 3| slidable downwardly into and upwardly out of the discharge bore 27, and a valve stem 32 co-axially fixed relative to the valve plug 3I. Radial arms 33 fast at their outer ends to the valve sleeve 30 and fast at their inner ends to the valve 'plug 3I` connect said valve sleeve 30 and valve plug 3l together leaving an annular space The lift valve b is self-movable downwardly by gravity to effect the retraction of the valve sleeve 30 into the sump .chamber 25 along with .the lowering of the valveplugiSl into the dischargebore 28, said lift valve vb being lifted', as will later appear, to eiect the upward projection of said valve sleeve 33 from the sump chamber 25 along with the upward withdrawal of said valve 'plug 3|.'

from said discharge bore 28. i

Removably socketed for its footing in the sump chamber 25 of the valve body24 is a stand .34 .of tubular formation, the socketed portion of said stand serving as a liner for said sump chamber 25 within which said valve sleeve 30 slides. This tubular stand 34 hasapertures 35, therein Lintermediately thereof bringing the interior of the con,-` tainer proper vinto communication with the sump chamber '25, and the upper edge .of .said stand 34 is notched to form a number of stepped .shoulder-s. A high shoulder 36 and a lower shoulder 31 are shown in the drawing, it being understood, that intervening shoulders may be additionally employed, if desired. Removably applied to the upper -endroi' the stand 34 is a tubular mounting 38 having a 1ug 39 intermediately `thereof vextending radially therefrom, said lug being in the form yoi a pin or of other suitable form.

The mounting 38 slipped into and out -of the upper end of the tubular stand 34 and turns therein to enable said mounting 38 to be' vertically adusted relative to the ystand 34 to bring the lug- 39 to rest on one or the other of the shoulders 36, 31, thereby holding the mounting 33 at `a higher or lower elevation relative to the stand as may be selected. The lower portion of the mounting-"38 is externally reduced in diameter to provide a guide 4B. vSlidably mounted on this-guide --40 is a closure cap 4| for the valve slee-ve 30, said closure cap 4| being of cylindrical formation having an axial` bore receiving said guide portion 40 of said mounting 38. VVLimiting the gravitating descent ofthe closure cap 4| on the guide portion 43 of. the mounting 38 is a stop nut4'2, the 4same being screwed on the lower threaded end of said guide portion 40 beneath said closure cap 4|.. The upper portion of said mounting -38, extends above the extreme 'high level of the liquid introduced into the supply chamber I1 ofthe container A.

'In either of the high `or low adjustments of the vmounting 38 on the stand .34, the closure cap 43| is engaged by the upper edge of the valve sleeve .31| andlifted by said sleeve during the lifting of the lift valve b, such .engagement of said valve sleeve .30 with said closure cap 4| occurring before the upwardwithdrawal of the valve plug V3| from the discharge bore 28 in the valve body 24. Thus, all of theliquid contained in the sump chamber 25 and in the valve sleeve 3|)` upwardly projected therefrom to point of contact with the closure cap .41 becomes a trapped charge of liquid in quantity of accurate .measurement ready to iiow out of the .discharge bore 28 as soon Yas said bore is .cleared bythe valve plug 3|. Stated otherwise, the sump chamber 25 and the upthe closure .cap 4| engaged by .said valve sleeve provide a measuring .chamber C trapping a defl- Said valve stem 32` 4 vice upon the clearing of the discharge bore 28 by the valve plug 3|. For a charge of liquid of minimum quantity, the lug 33 of the mounting 38 will be placed to bearvupon the lower shoulder 31 ofthe stand 3d, and for a charge of liquid of maximum quantity the said lug 39 will be set to bear upon the upper shoulder 33 of said stand 34. The head section of the valve stem 32 is formed.. With an upper enlarged stopper po-rtion 31'0 which plays up and down in the bore 43 of the `mounting 38, and said bore 43 has a lower .restricted portion 44 into and out of which said stopper portion 32c slides to obstruct and to clear said bore 43. The obstruction of said restricted wardly projected valve sleeve 33 together with Y portion Y44 of said mounting-bore 43 by said stopper portion 32 of the valve stem 32 takes l place during those stages of operation of the lift valve b, wherein the valve sleeve 33 is out of engagement with the closure cap 4|. Thus, at such times, said mounting-bore 43 is obstructed by said stopper portion .32C against the ascent of liquidin said bore, which if permitted to rise therein would add .more .or less to the amount oi liquid measured out .in the measuring compartment C.. Theclearing of the restricted portion 44 of the mounting-bore 43 by the stopper portion 32cm the lvalve stem 32 takes place during those stages ofv operation of the lift valve b. wherein the valve sleeve 3D .is in engagement with the closure .cap di.. Hence, at such times.,jsaid mounting-bore #i3 serves as an air passageway leading downwardly from avoe. the level of liquid in the container A to the measuring compartment C to vent said compartment andfacilitate the emptying therefrom of the charge of liquid trapped therein.` Fig.. .3 of the drawing shows themounting L33 initsllow adjustment on the stand 34 to .effect the trapping of a charge -fof liquid of .minimum quantity in the measuring compartment C. and Fig. 5 shows said mounting 38 in its` ,high adjustment on said stand 34 to eiect the Atrapping of a charge of liquid of maximum'quantity in the` .measuring compartmentC;l Inboth instances, the valvezsleeveS is illustrated .asjust .having ascended into engagement with the. eiosure cap 41. From these views or the drawingfit will .be understood y.that vthe restricted portion 44 of the mounting-bore 613 `is obstructed by the. stopper portionv 32C of the valve stem 32. atv ail times until the valve sleeve 30 comes .into engagement with the closure cap 4|. Fig. 4 illustrates the mounting 33 in its said low adjustment and Fig. .6` illustrates said mounting 38 in its said high adjustment. And, in bothv instances., it is seen that the bore 43 of the mounting 3.8 is cleared by :the .stopper portionv 32c oi' thevalve sternl 32 after the valve sleeve 33 engages the closure cap A4| .and proceeds to -liit the same upwardly on the guide prtion dil of said mounting. Thus, underyeach .adjustment of the mounting 38 on ther stand 34 a venting ofthe measuring compartment C occurs vafter the trap- .pingY of a charge of liquid in said compartment is completed and before the valve plug 3| ascends from the discharge` bore 28r to free the 'trapped `charge of the liquid therefrom.

To limit vthe gravitating descent of the lift valve band to prevent any dripping of liquid from the discharge. bore28 when said lift valve b is in its lowermost positiomthe lower portionl of the valve p1ug3l is externally beveled as at 31s,and said discharge boreu28 is formed with acarrespondingiy beveled reduction ,28s, the same constituting; a seat yfor, said beveled ,portion 3| of said valve plug 3l Insuring the gravitating descent of the lift valve b to its lowermost limit and the accompanying seating of the beveled portion 3| a of the valve plug 3| against the beveled reduction 28El of the discharge bore 28, I employ a weight having a sleeve-like body 4B which is slipped over the upper end of the head section of the valve stem 32, as best seen in Fig. 2. At the upper end of said sleeve-like body 4-6 is .a crown mem- 'ber 4l which overhangs the annular space 48 remaining in the upper portion of the mountingbore 43 between the mounting 38 and the body 46 of said weight 45, said space 48 being guarded by said crown member 4l against the entry thereinto of liquid as a supply thereof is being poured into the container A through the filler opening at the top thereof.

The lift valve b is elevated through the medium of a receptacle into which a charge of liquid is to be dispensed from the discharge bore 28 of Ithe valve body 24. To this end, I provide means associated with the lower end of the lower valve stem section 32a which is engaged by the rim of a receptacle and lifted to elevate said lift valve b. Said means includes a breast member 49, such member, as shown, consisting of a seatforming annulus 50, Fig. 1, having abutment bars 5| extending horizontally outward therefrom in diametrically opposed relation. Guide stems 52 extending upwardly from the abutment bars 5| are slidably guided at their upper portions in .vertical ways 53 formed in the wings 54 of the nut 29. Removably socketed within the annulus 49, is a funnel member 55 having a shoulder 56 which bears upon said annulus 49, said funnel member 55 also has a depending flange 51 which fits loosely within the annulus to enable said funnel member to move slightly in any direction laterally of said annulus 50. Generally, the axis of the funnel member 55 will coincidewith the axis of the valve stem section 32e, the lower terminus of which is pointed conically, as at 58. This conically pointed terminus 58 of the valve stem section 32a is removably socketed in a conical depression 59 in a web-bar :60 formed on the funnel member 55 diametrically thereof at its lower portion. Bowed rearwardly toward the leg l5 of the device and extending horizontally from one abutment bar 5| to the other is an 4arcuate stop 6| the lower marginal portion of which hangs beneath the level of the funnel member 55. A user of the dispenser engages with this stop 6| the rim of a receptacle, such as a cup l0 or pitcher to assist in bringing the receptacle directly beneath the funnel member 55. A receptacle thus disposed relative to the funnel member 55 is lifted to bring its rim against the abutment bars 5| and elevate the breast member 49. Such elevation of said breast member V49 results in the elevation of the lift valve b and the consequent delivery of a charge of liquid from the measuring chamber C' through the discharge bore 28. Issuing from said discharge bore 28, the liquid flows into the funnel member 55 and from said funnel member into the receptacle by which the breast member 49 is lifted. It will be noted that the lower section 32a of the valve stem 32 and the web-bar 6|) in vthe funnel member 55 are of relatively small cross-sectional area. This provision minimizes accumulations of the discharged liquid and the consequent dripping thereof from said stem portion and web-bar between dispensing operations, The limited lateral play of the funnel member 55V in the annulus 59 provides tolerance between parts avoiding the binding thereof which otherwise might occur. ,The upper ends 53?- of the ways 53 provide stops for the upper ends'of the guide stems 52 limiting the upward thrust of'th lift valve b by said breastmember 49. ,I

YIn preparing theidispen'ser for use, the mount- .ing 38 will be adjusted on the stand -34 from the inside of the container A to accord with the particular quantity of liquid desired to be discharged each time the lift valve b is elevated. In making this adjustment, the lug 39 on said mounting l38 will be brought to bear Vupon one orthe other of the shoulders 36, 31 on said stand 34. Thereafter, the supply of liquid to be dispensedwill be introduced into the container A and the cover I8 put in place thereon. l

The parts of my dispenser required v.to be cleansed for sanitary purposes .may be readily treated. Ordinarily the valve body 24 and the wing nut 29 therefor will be left on the container A, and the breast member 49 will be left in place on said nut 29.` However, all of the remaining parts of the valve mechanism B willbe removed from the container A. The weight 45'may be taken first by lifting it from thevalve stem 32. Then, the mounting 38 may be lifted from the stand34 together with the closure cap 4| on said mounting. Then, the stand 34 will be lifted from the Valve body 24 and, thereafter, the valve stem 32 with its attached valve sleeve 38 and valve plug 3| will be removed. From the outside of the container A, the funnel member 55 will be removed from its supporting annulus50. With these various parts disassembled, as indicated, they may be easily and thoroughly cleaned in convenient manner, and may be reassembled in operative relationship with the same ease with which they are disassembled. x l

Changes in the specic form of my invention, as herein described, may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from the spirit of my invention.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to protect by Letters Patent is:

l. In a dispenser, a container having an opening in the bottom thereof providing a chamber for asupply liquid to be dispensed, valve mechanism adapted to dispense from the container successive charges of liquid in measured quantities, said valve mechanism comprising a cupped valve body received in said opening in the bottom of the container and providing a sump chamber therefor, said valve body being formed with a discharge bore therein opening downwardly from said sump chamber, a lift valve movable vdownwardly by gravity and including an axially upright valve sleeve slidable in the sump` chamber for downward retraction thereinto and for upward projection therefrom, and a valve stem connected with said valve sleeve and extending downwardly through said discharge bore, means associated with the valve stem beneath the container for elevating the lift valve, said lift valve r further including a valve plug on said valve stemdownwardly movable linto said bore to obstruct the same upon the descent of the lift valve and upwardly movable out of said bore to clear the same upon the elevation of the lift valve, `a olosure cap for the upper end of the valve sleeve, supporting means guiding the closure cap for vertical movement and limiting its gravitating descent to a level spaced above the retracted valve sleeve, said closure cap being engaged and lifted bythe valve sleeve .during the elevation-ofl the vlift valve, saidsumpvchamber together withthe .aannam valve sleeve and closure .cap constituting a (oompartment which, upon engagement y,of said valve sleeve with said closure cap, traps therenza measuredy charge fof liquid yfrom the containenpthe "2, VAdispenser, .as donned in claim .lyinoluding Imeans associated with the lift valveior. admittingventing air into the measuringcompantment upon completion ofthe trapping .of xa charge oi liquid therein` .3. A dispenser, `.as deined in claim .1, in which said supporting means consists oi astandwithin the container, an upright tubular mounting thereon for said closure cap, the borein -said mounting providing a ventor 4the measuring compartment, .said .bore having a restricted portion, .said valvestem including a head section extending into the venting bore end having an enlarged stopper portion to obstruct said restrict :ed portion of said bore and prevent the rising of liquid in said bore, said stopper portion loi said stem being adapted to clear'said restricted portion of 4said venting bore after :the trapping of a charge of liquid in the 'measuring compartment.

l 4. A dispenser, as defined in claim Linv/hich the said container has a .ller opening therein, and .in `which said supporting means 'consists'.oic a stand within the container, an upright tubular mounting on 'the stand for said closure cap, said vstand and .mounting being removable *fromv the container through ysaid .ller opening and :said 'mounting being removable fromsaidstand, lthe bore in said mounting providing avent for the measuring compartment, said bore, lhaving-a restricted portion, said valve stem includingla .head section extending into the venting bore and hav.- ing an enlarged stopper portion to obstruotsaid restricted portion of said bore` and prevent the rising of .liquidin said bore, said stopper. portion of said stembeing adapted toclearsaid restricted portion of said ventingbore after the' trapping otva charge of liquid in themeasuringcompartment.

.A dispenser,` as defined in claim l, in which the .means-r :for lelevat-irn; the lift valve .-:consists of a breast member caI-redby lthe valve ,body for vertical movement, `aV funnel @member ont said breast memberl to receive the liquid flowing ,from said discharge bore,- `said funnel member having la web member formed witha socket therein for the lower end of the. valve stem-said breast .member beingadapted'to be engaged. and lifted by a receptacle jdisposed to receive from the iunnel member the liquid discharged thereinto from the discharge bore. .l

(i.1 A dispenser, as deiined in claim 3., iin-which the vmeans for elevating .the lift valve consists of a vertically movable breast member, V:a funnel .member mounted orlimited lateral play on said said discharge bore, the lower end oi said valve stemA being pointed conically, said funnel A member ynut threaded on lthe .valve i bcdyand bearing breast member to receive the liquid flowing from against the bottom of Vthe container., saldmeans for elevating the lift valve consisting of a, breast member slidably mounted yon said nuttor. vertical movemennsaid ,breast member providing a rest for the valve stem and adapted to -be. engaged and lifted by a receptacle disposedto receive ai charge of liquid from saidldischarge. bor-e.

8., A dispenser, :as` defined-in claimv 1, inwhieh the means 4for elevating .the lift-valve consists of Ia vertically .movable breast member, providing a restfor the'valve stem and adapted tobegengaged .and rlifted by, a receptacle -Idisposed to re cevea charge of liquid from said discharge 9. ,A dispenser, `as defined in claima, including a stop member onsaid breast member adapted to .be engaged by a receptacle to aid inv locatingit for the reception of liquid discharged .from-said bore.

l0.y aA dispenser, a v container providing e. chamber forja supply of liquid to be dispensed, valve mechanism adapted to dispense from fthe container :successive charges oi liquid :in selectively variable quantities, sai-d valve mechanism comprising a cupped valve body incorporated. in the bottom of the container to provide gagsump chamber therefor, :said valve body being, iorlned withA a discharge bore therein -openingdown- Wardly from said sump chamber, a'iiit valve movable 4downwardly by gravity and. including -an'laxially 'upright valve sleeve slidableinthe sump :chamber for downward retraction ,there- .into and for upward projection therefrom, and avalve stem connected with said valve sleeve and extending downwardly through `said .discharge bore, means associated, with thevalvefstem .beneath vthe container for velevating the iliftyalve, .said lift valve iurther including a valve plugon said valve vstem downwardly movable intofsaid bore to obstruct the same upon thev descent of the .lift valve and upwardly movable out or said bore to clear the same upon the elevation .of said valve, a closure cap for the upper endof the valve sleeve, supporting :means guiding the closurecap forv vertical :movementand variably limiting vits gravitating descent to selectedjlevels spaced `above Athe retracted v-alvef'sleeve, said closure cap being engagedand lifted by the valve sleeve during the elevation of thev lift valve, said sump chamber together with the valve sleeve and closure lcap constituting a compartment which, uponthe engagement of said sleeve with said closure cap, traps therein a measured charge of liquid 'from the .container in quantity determined by the selected 'limit of descent of saidk closure cap, the clearing of said discharge bore by said plug following the 'engagement of said valve sleeve with said closure cap to release from the dispenser the charge of liquid trapped in said measuring compartment. l

11.. .A dispenser, as dened in claim 1Y0, in which, said supporting means -consists of a stand within the container, a mounting slidably supporting the closure cap, a limit stop for the closure cap on said mounting beneath said cap, said-mounting being vertically adjustable on said stand.

12. `A dispenser, as-denedin claim '10, in which, said supporting means consists of a'stand Within the container having stepped shoulders thereon, a mounting' slidably supporting said closure cap, a limit stop for the closure cap on said mounting beneath said cap, a lug on said mounting engageable selectively with the shoulders onV said stand selectively to dispose said mounting .vertically within the container. f

1s. A dispenser, as defined in claim 10, in which,

said supporting means consists of a tubular stand removably iitted at its lower end in the sump chamber and providing a lining therefor, the upper end of said stand having stepped shoulders thereon, an upright mounting slidably supporting said closure cap, a limit stop for the closure cap on said mounting beneath said cap, said mounting being removably slidably iitted in said stand and angularly shiftable therein, a lug on the mounting adapted in different angular positions of said mounting to rest on different shoulders of said stand, thereby selectively to dispose said mounting at di'erent elevations Within the container.

14. A dispenser, as defined in claim 10, including' means associated with the lift valve for admitting venting air to the measuring compartment upon completion of the trapping of a charge of liquid therein.

l5. A dispenser, as defined in claim 10, in which said supporting means consists of a stand within the container, an upright tubular mounting Vertically adjustable on said stand, said mounting slidably supporting said closure cap, a limit stop for said closure cap on said mounting beneath said cap, the bore in said mounting providing a vent for the measuring compartment, said bore having a lower restricted portion, said valve stem including a head section extending into the venting bore and having an enlarged stopper portion ladapted to obstruct said restricted portion of said bore and preventing the rising of liquid therein, said stopper portion of said stem being adapted to clear said restricted portion of said venting bore after the trapping of a charge of liquid in the measuring compartment.

16. A dispenser, as defined in claim 15, inc1uding a weight removably mounted on the upper end of the head section of the valve stem Within the Venting bore in said mounting and spaced from the Wall of said bore.

17. A dispenser, as defined in claim 15, in Which the container has a iiller opening in the upper portion thereof, and in which a Weight is removably mounted on the upper end of the head section of the Valve stem within the venting bore in said mounting in spaced relation relative to the Wall of said bore, said weight having :a crown member shielding said bore against the entry thereinto of liquid introduced into the Container through said ller opening therein.

THEODORE M. COSTAKOS.

No references cited.

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