US3608778A

US3608778A - Automatic fluid-dispensing and foam control apparatus

Info

Publication number: US3608778A
Authority: US
Inventors: Archie V Paranto; Thomas J Mathews
Original assignee: Draft Meter Corp
Current assignee: Draft Meter Corp
Priority date: 1968-12-16
Filing date: 1968-12-16
Publication date: 1971-09-28
Anticipated expiration: 1988-09-28
Also published as: JPS5014129B1; FR2026269A1; DE1963059A1

Abstract

An automatic fluid-dispensing apparatus for measuring and dispensing preselected quantities of fluids. Upon selection of the desired dispensing quantity the apparatus is triggered and automatically fills the container with substantially the exact required amount of fluid thus substantially eliminating overpouring of the fluid to reduce loss through spillage. The quantity of fluid dispensed is accurately counted whereby an inventory of the fluid may be maintained at all times. Where the fluid is a gas-charged liquid, a foam control means is provided.

Description

United States Patent [72] lnventors Archie V. Paranto;

Thomas J. Mathews, both of Dallas, Tex. [21] Appl. No. 784,070 [22] Filed Dec.16,1968 [45] Patented Sept. 28, 1971 [73] Assignee Drat't Meter Corporation Dallas, Tex.

[54] AUTOMATIC FLUID-DISPENSING AND FOAM CONTROL APPARATUS 9 Claims, 9 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 222/30, 222/70, 222/564, 137/170.1 [51] lnt.Cl B67d 5/54= [50] Field of Search 222/30, 76, 70, 464, 564,144.5,57, 394, 30, 566; 25 1/9, 10; 137/1701, 170.2,170.3,170.4 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 985,757 2/1911 Haws 222/57 UX 2,187,793 1/1940 Rice 222/464 UX ufi 74 l////i/ 3,335,753 8/1967 Kiser 251/9 X 3,464,591 9/1969 Nicola.... 222/144.5 X 2,423,155 7/1947 Phillips... 222/394 UX 3,054,425 9/1962 Pribonic. 251/9 X 3,252,633 5/1966 Clarke 222/564 X 3,380,629 4/1968 Kontra et al. 222/70 X 3,408,036 10/1968 Smith et al 222/70 X 3,465,915 9/1969 Dc Harde 222/70 X Primary Examiner-Samuel F. Coleman Assistant Examiner- H. Lhane Att0rneyWilliam S. Dorman ABSTRACT: An automatic fluid-dispensing apparatus for PATENTED SEP28 l97| SHEET 1 [IF 3 ARCHIE V. PARANTO THOMAS J. MATHEWS ATTORNEY PATENIEflsmann I 3508.778

' snmzora' INVENTORSI ARCHIE V. PARANTO THOMAS J. MATHEWS E f ToRNEY PATENIED SEP28 [an SHEET 3 0F 3 m \w w O E 1 j w m m H H I24A l 1 INVENTORS:

ARCHIE V. PARANTO THOMAS J. MATHEWS ATTORNEY AUTOMATIC FLUID-DISPENSING AND FOAM CONTROL APPARATUS This invention relates to improvements in a fluid-dispensing apparatus and more particularly but not by way of limitation to an automatic measuring and dispensing apparatus for liquids.

Dispensing devices for filling containers with a fluid are in widespread use today and normally comprise a dispensing nozzle which may be opened and closed by means of a manually operable dispensing valve. The container to be filled or into which the fluid is to be discharged is normally positioned in the proximity of the nozzle for receiving the fluid therefrom and the dispensing valve is opened by the operator until such a time as the desired quantity has been delivered to the vessel or container. This procedure has many disadvantages in that the vessel or container is frequently either overfilled or underfilled. In addition, some fluids are particularly difficult to dispense and the manual operation of the dispensing valve often results in a very inefficient manner of delivering these hard-to-handle fluids. For example, the dispensing of a glass, pitcher, or the like of draft beer, or beer from a keg, creates many problems because of the inherent qualities and the nature of the beer. Beer is normally maintained under pressure and at relatively low temperatures to produce a desirable beverage for the clientele. In a manually operated dispensing valve apparatus the beer is frequently delivered to the container in such a manner that too much head" is produced whereby the beverage appears to be an ins'ufficient quantity by the time the container is served to the purchaser. Conversely in the hand operated device the container is frequently overfilled which results in spillage and loss of the beer. Another disadvantage of the hand operated dispensing valves is that there is no means provided for maintaining a control or measurement of the quantity of the beer being dispensed, thus rendering it substantially impossible to maintain an inventory record of the draft beer.

The present invention contemplates a novel automatic dispensing head for fluids and is particularly designed and constructed for automatically dispensing beer in a manner overcoming the aforementioned disadvantages. The novel device comprises a valve assembly connected with the usual beer shank and provided with an orifice or passageway for channeling or directing the beer to the dispensing nozzle. A cutoff valve is provided in the valve assembly for automatically interrupting the flow of the beer or other fluid upon the dispensing of a desired quantity from the apparatus. The nozzle is provided with an adjustable flow stabilizer which provides control of the quantity of beer or fluid being dispensed therefrom. In addition, an explosion chamber is built into the nozzle and is particularly designed and constructed for providing the most desirable expansion of the beer or fluid during the dispensing thereof. Furthermore, the orifice for directing the beer from the shank to the nozzle provides a flow passageway of the optimum cross-sectional dimension for efficient delivery of the pressurized beer to the nozzle.

The shutoff valve is automatically actuated by means of a solenoid which in turn is energized by a switch engageable by the container to be filled. Immediately subsequent to engagement of the switch the container is placed in the proximity of the open end of the nozzle for receiving the beer therein. The solenoid permits the shutoff valve to open the orifice passage whereby the beer flows into the explosion or expansion chamber and out through the nozzle into the container. Immediately upon the dispensing of the preselected amount into the container, the solenoid permits closing of the shutoff valve to interrupt the flow of the fluid. The shutoff valve is so ositioned in the orifice passageway as to trap a minimum quantity of beer in the passageway behind the closed valve, thus reducing temperature loss in the cool beer. Of course, whereas the particular embodiment of the invention disclosed herein related to an automatic beer-dispensing device, it is noted that the invention may be used for dispensing substantially any fluid, such as carbonated or other beverages or the like.

It is an important object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus particularly designed and constructed for automatically dispensing a preselected quantity of fluid.

It is another object of this invention to provide a novel apparatus for automatically dispensing draft beer in preselected quantities in a manner resulting in an optimum quality for the dispensed beer.

Another object of this invention is to provide a novel fluiddispensing device for automatically delivering the fluid under optimum conditions therefor.

A further object of this invention is to provide a novel automatic fluid-dispensing apparatus wherein an accurate measurement of the quantity of fluid dispensed is maintained for facilitating inventory recording of the fluid.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a novel automatic fluid-dispensing apparatus wherein an accurate control is maintained for delivery of a predetermined quantity of fluid in a minimum of time.

Other and further objects and advantageous features of the present invention will hereinafter more fully appear in connection with a detailed description of the drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an automatic fluid dispensing head embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an elevational view of the interior side of the door of the dispensing head cabinet.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a valve assembly embodying the invention.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken on line 55 of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of a basic power supply unit utilized in the invention.

FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of a modified power supply unit utilized in the invention.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of an electrical circuit of a modification of the invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail, reference character 10 generally indicates a fluid-dispensing head comprising an outer housing 12 having a door 14 hingedly secured to one open side thereof in any suitable manner such as the hinges 16. The door 14 is normally in a closed position during use or operation of the dispensing head 10, and a suitable overriding switch 18 may be provided for permitting cleaning of the dispensing apparatus 10 or manual operation thereof as will be hereinafter set forth. The switch 18 herein is of the type operablc by a key (not shown) and is preferably mounted on one sidewall of the cabinet 12 in such a manner that the key lock portion 19 thereof is accessible from the exterior of the cabinet 12, and the switch 18 is interiorly disposed in the cabinet 12. Of course, there is no limitation intended for the particular type switch device, nor for the particular arrangement for the installation thereof.

A suitable on-off switch 20 is mounted on the cabinet 12 and as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is preferably of the toggle type with the toggle member 21 being disposed exteriorly of the cabinet 12 and the switch 20 being disposed interiorly thereof. It is preferable to mount the switch 20 on the upper side 22 of the cabinet 12 for facilitating access thereto, but is not limited to this particular installation arrangement. A signal lamp or light 23 is also mounted on the cabinet 12 and as shown herein the lamp 23 is secured to the upper side 22 in such a manner that the bulb portion 24 is disposed exteriorly of the cabinet whereby a visual indication is provided for determining the operating condition of the device 10. In addition, an upstanding threaded shank member 25 is suitably mounted on the cabinet 12 for receiving and supporting the usual advertising or insignia device (not shown) normally required by law on dispensers of this type for identification of the goods being dispensed thereby. The holder 25 may be secured to the cabinet 12 in any well-known manner, and as shown herein extends upwardly from the upper side 22 for purposes of convenience and overall attractiveness for the unit 10.

A plurality of selector switches or

buttons

26 and 27 are mounted on the cabinet for selection of a variety of fluid quantities to be dispensed by the device, and as shown herein are mounted on the door 14 for facilitating access to the

switches

26 and 27. An actuating switch lever 28 extends through an aperture 30 provided in the door 14 for operation of a selector switch 32 which is preferably suitably mounted on the rear surface 32 of the door 14. Of course, the overriding switch 18, the on-off switch 20, the pilot light 23,

selector switches

26 and 27, and selector switch 32 are operably connected in the electrical circuit of the apparatus in a manner and for a purpose as will be hereinafter set forth.

A valve assembly generally indicated at 36 is disposed within the cabinet or housing 12 and comprises a body or outer sleeve 38 having one end thereof externally threaded as shown at 40 in FIGS. 4 and 5 for direct connection with the usual beer shank (not shown) of the usual draft beer keg (not shown). A suitable lock nut 42 is threadedly secured on the threaded portion 40 for facilitating securing of the sleeve 38 on the beer shank. The sleeve is further provided with a central bore 44 extending longitudinally therethrough for receiving an orifice member 46 therein. The orifice member 46 is of substantially tubular configuration having a central passageway 48 extending therethrough to provide a channel for the flow of the beer. The cross-sectional dimension of the passageway 48 is preselected to provide the optimum dimension for the travel of the beer, as is well known. One end of the orifice member 46 is provided with an outwardly extending circumferential flange 50 adapted for disposition adjacent an annular shoulder 52 provided in the bore 44. In addition, a sealing gasket 54 is disposed between the flange 50 and the beer shank (not shown) for precluding leakage of fluid therebetween.

The orifice member 46 is inserted within a flexible sleeve 56 and is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced serrations 52, or the like, for resisting withdrawal of the device from the sleeve 56. An orifice insert sleeve 47 is slidably disposed within the orifice 46 and is provided with an outwardly extending circumferential flange 49 for limiting the length of insertion of the insert 47 within the bore 48. An 0- ring 51, or the like, may be interposed between the head member or flange 49 and the flange 50, or a plurality of the rings 51 may be so provided for varying the insertable length of the member 47 in the bore 48. The outer end 53 of the insert member 47 is adapted for connection with or disposition within the usual explosion chamber (not shown) of the standard beer shank (not shown), and the adjustable feature of the sleeve 47 facilitates the installation of the valve 36 on the beer shank. The orifice insert sleeve functions to effectively eliminate the normal explosion chamber of the beer shank, and direct the beer or fluid from the supply source directly to the passageway 48.

Of course, the sleeve 47 may be eliminated, but if the sleeve 47 is not provided, it becomes important to provide a yieldable yet firm structure for the washer 54 in order to achieve efficient results. It has been found that a synthetic rubber material sold under the trade name Bunna-N provides excellent results for the washer or gasket 54.

The orifice 46 extends longitudinally within the sleeve 56 into engagement with a suitable shutoff valve 58 which is also disposed within the sleeve 56. The shutoff valve 58 may be of any suitable type for permitting intermittent flow of the fluid or beer therethrough for a purpose and in a manner as will be hereinafter set forth.

The shutoff valve 58 is retained within the sleeve 56 and adjacent the end of the orifice 46 by an outwardly extending boss member 60 provided on the outer periphery of a dispensing nozzle generally indicated at 62. The nozzle 62 is preferably substantially cylindrical and is provided with an internal central bore 64 having one end 66 open for dispensing the fluid therethrough and the opposite end 68 closed as particularly shown in FIG. 5. The boss 60 is provided with a central bore 70 providing communication between the shutoff valve 58 and the bore 64 ofthe nozzle 62. Of course, it is preferable that the cross-sectional dimension of the bore 70 be at least as small as the cross-sectional dimension of the bore 48, and substantially smaller than the cross-sectional area of the bore 64. That portion of the bore 64 in the proximity of or conterminous with the bore 70 provides an expansion or explosion chamber 72 for the nozzle 62 as will be hereinafter in detail.

A fluid stabilizer 74 is centrally disposed within the bore 70 and extends longitudinally therein through the explosion chamber 72. The stabilizer 74 is adjustably disposed within the chamber 72 and comprises a rod member 76 of a smaller diameter than the diameter or cross-sectional dimension of the chamber 62 and is provided with an enlarged head portion 78 on the outer end thereof. The opposite end of the rod 76 is threaded at 80 and extends through a threaded bore 82 provided in the closed end 68 of the nozzle 62 into connection with a cap nut 84. Removal of the cap nut 84 permits access to the threaded end 80 whereby manual rotation of the end 80 in one direction will move the head member 78 upwardly in the chamber 72, as viewed in FIG. 5, and rotation of the end 80 in an opposite direction will move the head member 78 downwardly in the chamber 72 to provide for variation of the volumetric size of the chamber 72 and stabilization of the flow of the fluid therethrough in accordance with the requirements for the optimum dispensing of the beer. It appears that as the beer passes from the passageway it passes into the chamber 72 at a reduced rate. As the beer descends downwardly and passes the enlargement 74 the cross-sectional area of the passageway is lessened thereby causing acceleration of the fluid and drop in pressure to cause the gases to come out of solution. The size of the passageway is carefully selected to produce the correct bubbles for customer satisfaction. The greater the distance between the head 74 and the discharged end of the bore 64 the greater the size of the bubbles, and the smaller the the distance between the head 74 and the discharge end of the bore 64, the smaller the size of the bubbles.

A slot 86 is provided in the wall of the body 38 as particularly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, and is disposed in substantial alignment with the shutoff valve 58. A spring member 88 is mounted within the housing 12 by a suitable mounting bracket 90 (FIG. 2). As shown herein the spring 88 comprises a central coil portion 92 wound around a pin 94 suitably secured to the bracket 90, and a spring first arm 96 extends upwardly from the coil portion 92 as shown in the drawings, and a second spring arm 98 extends outwardly from the coil portion 92 and through the slot 86 as particularly shown in FIG. 4 and 5. The spring arm 98 is disposed on the shut off valve 58 and maintains the valve 58 in a normally closed position.

The outer end 100 of the spring arm 98 is connected with the reciprocal element 102 of a suitable solenoid 104 by a suitable link member 106. When the solenoid 104 is in the normal inactive position thereof, the spring 98 rests against the valve 58 for maintaining the valve in a normal closed position therefor. When the solenoid 104 is energized, as will be hereinafter set forth, the element 102 is moved upwardly, as viewed in FIG. 4, and lifts the spring arm 98 from engagement with the shut off valve 58, thus opening the valve for permitting the flow of fluid therethrough. Of course, the solenoid 104 may be mounted within the housing 12 in any suitable manner such as by the mounting bracket 107 and screws 108, or the like. In addition, a guide bracket 110 (FIG. 2) may be secured within the housing 12 for cooperation with the link 106 to guide the reciprocal movement of the link 106 upon alternate activation and deactivation of the solenoid 104.

Electrical power or current for operation of the dispensing head 10 is supplied by a control device generally indicated at 112 (FIG. 6). The control device 112 may be remotely disposed with respect to the dispensing head 10, and the basic unit 112 is of a modular type construction comprising a housing 114 having an on-off switch 116 suitably mounted thereon, and provided with means for receiving a plurality of cells or modules 118. The basic unit 112 depicted in FIG. 6 includes a single module 118 for operation of one dispensing head 10, whereas the control unit 112A includes four modules, 118A,

118B, 118C, 118D. It will be apparent that substantially any 1 desired number of the modules 118 may be provided, with each module 118 being electrically connected to its respective dispensing head in any suitable manner, such as by as extension cord, or the like, (not shown).

Each of the modules 118 is substantially identical and comprises an outer housing 120 adapted to be readily inserted in and secured to the housing 112. The electrical components of each module 118 are mounted within the respective housing 120, with each electrical arrangement being substantially the same. The off-on switch 116 is preferably of the key operated type and is suitably electrically connected with each module 118 to supply electrical current thereto. Of course, the off-on switch 116 is suitably connected with a source of electrical current, such as the usual house power, as is well known, and suitable electrical connections (128) are interposed between the switch 116 and the modules 118 for converting the normal AC house power to DC power. Each module 118 is provided with an on-off switch 122 whereby selective operation of each module 118 may be provided and a suitable pilot light 123 for indicating the operating status thereof. In addition, each module 118 is provided with a suitable adjustable timecounter device 124 which is preferably of the type commonly known as a triac. Each module 118 is electrically connected with one selector switch of one dispensing device 10, such as either or any one of the

switches

26, 27, or 28. A separate or independent module unit 118 is required for each

selector switch

26, 27, or 28, or each dispenser head 10.

Referring now to FIG. 8, an electrical schematic is depicted therein particularly illustrating the electrical circuit for a control unit 112 as shown in FIG. 6, with the said control unit 112 being arranged for operation of the selector switch 32 of a dispensing apparatus 10. The selector switch 32 is preferably a normally open switch of the spring-urged or spring-loaded type. The switch is preferably of a gang or toggle-actuated type, as hereinbefore set forth, and under the normal operating conditions for the apparatus 10, the switch 20 is in the closed position shown in FIG. 6. As long as the switch 20 is in the closed position, and the selector switch 28 is in the open position, current flows through the pilot light 24 for lighting thereof, thus providing a visual indication that the dispenser head 10 is in condition for delivering fluid, such as beer, through the nozzle 62.

The off-on switch 122 of the module 118 may be of any suitable type and as shown herein is of the slide button type. When the switch 122 is in the closed position, electrical current is supplied from the switch 116 to the triac 124. As hereinbefore set forth, whereas the switch 116 is electrically connected with the usual alternating current of the house power, suitable electrical connectors (128) are interposed between the switch 116 and the triac 123 whereby the electric power supplied thereto will be direct current, and in addition, other suitable electrical connectors (not shown) are provided between the switch 116 and the triac 124 to operably connect the triac 124 with the required electrical power. Of course, the triac 124 is normally provided with a normally open switch 126, as is well known, and current does not flow through the triac until the switch 126 is closed.

Upon the closing of the selector switch 32, such as by engaging the actuating lever 28 by a glass or other container (not shown), the triac is activated in the usual manner for the closing of the switch 126 whereby electrical current is supplied to the solenoid 104. It is preferable to provide a slight time delay between the closing of the switch 32 and the energizing of the solenoid 104 in order to permit sufficient time for placing of the container or glass beneath the nozzle 62 for receiving the fluid to be dispensed. When the solenoid 104 is energized, the spring arm 98 is raised from the engagement with the shutoff valve 58 and the fluid flows through the valve into the explosion chamber 72 and through the nozzle 62 for discharge into the prepositioned glass, The triac 124 is preset for remaining activated during a preselected time interval as required for the dispensing of the proper quantity of the fluid as required for the most desirable filling level for the glass. As soon as the time interval has elapsed, the switch 126 is opened for deactivation of the triac, as is well know. This interrupts the flow'of current to the solenoid 104, and the solenoid releases the spring arm 98 for closing of the shutoff valve.

During the time interval when fluid is being delivered through the nozzle 62, the pilot light 24 is shut off, but as soon as the delivery of the fluid is stopped, the pilot light is lighted whereby visual indication is provided showing that the dispensing head 10 is in condition for delivering a quantity of the fluid. As shown herein, the light 24 is of a type having a built-in resistance whereby the resistance of the light 24 is sufficiently greater than the resistance of the solenoid that the light will cease to glow, or at least emit only a very faint glow, when the solenoid is energized. Of course, it will be apparent that the light 24 may be shut off upon energization of the solenoid in substantially any suitable manner, as is well known, and is not limited to the particular electrical connection shown herein.

When the fluid being dispensed by the apparatus 10 is beer, cleaning of the flow passageway and nozzle is frequently required to reduce any accumulation of algae, or the like. In order to open the flow passageway for a continual flow of fluid therethrough, the overriding switch 18 may be closed by manual actuation of the operation key (not shown) as is well known. When the switch 18 is closed, electrical current is directed to the solenoid 104 for pulling the spring arm 98 out of engagement with the shutoff valve 58. Thus, the flow of fluid through the passageways 48 and through the nozzle 62 will remain constant until the switch 18 is opened. This permits cleaning of the flow lines, as required.

In addition, it will be apparent that suitable mechanical linkage (not shown) may be provided for manual operation of the spring arm 98 and shutoff valve 58 in order that the dispenser apparatus 10 may be utilized in the conventional manner in the event of electric power failure, or for any other reason.

Referring to FIG. 9, an electrical schematic is shown such as may be utilized in connection with a dispensing head 10 having three selector switches, such as the particular dispensing head shown in FIG. 1. In this instance, the control unit 112 will be provided with three modules 118, with a module 118 being provided for each of the selector switches 26, 27, and 32. The triac 124 of the first module 118 is electrically connected with the switch 26; the triac 124A of the second module 118 is electrically connected with the switch 27; and the triac 1248 of the third module 118 is electrically connected with the switch 32. Each of the triacs is preset at a timing of actuation corresponding with the time interval required for delivery of fluid through the shutoff valve to achieve the desired quantity. For example, the switch 26 is selected in order to deliver a quantity of beer equal to a small glass; the switch 27 is selected in order to deliver a quantity of beer equal to a pitcher; and the switch 32 is selected in order to deliver a quantity of beer equal to a large glass.

Of course, each triac also counts each delivery operation it makes. The counter portion of the triac is preferably of the nonresetting type and is activated each time the triac is energized, thus permitting a counting of the number of dispensing operations actuated thereby. In addition, the triac is particularly arranged to provide for one and only one action for the counting for each delivery operation regardless of any accidental closing of a selector switch during a delivery or dispensing operation. Thus, an accurate record may be maintained of the fluid being dispensed by the dispensing device or devices being controlled by the control apparatus 112.

In the event a selector switch has been closed by mistake, or an erroneous selector switch has been closed, the kill" switch 20 may be opened by manual operation of the toggle member 21. This opens the electrical circuit, and deenergizes the solenoid104 for immediately closing the valve 58. This prevents or greatly reduces accidental spilling or wastage of fluid.

By way of summary, a plurality of the dispensing heads 10 may be installed in direct communication with the fluid to be dispensed thereby. The dispensing heads 10 may each be provided with a single selector switch, or may each be provided with a plurality of selector switches, as desired. In any event, an independent module 118 must be provided in the control unit 112 for connection with each selector switch. When a selector switch is closed, the triac connected therewith is activated for energizing the respective solenoid. Energization of the solenoid opens the respective shutoff valve for permitting the flow of fluid therethrough, and for discharge of the fluid into the expansion chamber 72 and through the nozzle 62 into the container disposed therebelow. The shutoff valve is held open during the time period of activation of the triac for delivery of a predetermined quantity of the fluid as required for filling the particular container. The triac then is deactivated, thus deenerg'izing the solenoid, and releasing the spring arm 98 for immediate closing of the valve 58.

When it is desirable to shut off any of the selector valves from operation, the respective module 118 may be shut off by closing the respective switch 122 thereof. This may be desirable in the event one of the fluid supply sources is emptied, and the entire dispenser head 10 should be placed temporarily out of service to prevent activation of the triacs during a nondelivery operation. The triac will provide a counting upon each activation thereof, and any time the triac is activated without delivery of fluid will result in an overcounting of delivered fluid, thus providing inaccurate inventory record.

In the event it is necessary to interrupt the flow of the fluid at any time during a dispensing operation, the kill switch may be actuated by the toggle 21 which stops the flow of fluid. After a time interval of sufficient length to permit the particular triad to become deactivated, the toggle 21 may be utilized for closing the switch 20 and restoring the dispenser to the normal operating condition therefor. Of course, the pilot light 24 will be lighted at all times when the dispensing head 10 is in condition for delivery of fluid through the nozzle 62. Similarly, the pilot light 123 of each module will be lighted when the module is in an operating condition.

When it is necessary to clean out the flow line and nozzle, the override switch 18 may be closed by operation of the key lock 19. This energizes the solenoid 104 for opening the valve 58 to permit an uninterrupted flow of fluid therethrough for as long a time period as the switch 18 remains closed. When the cleaning operation has been completed, the switch 18 may be opened, thus restoring the system to normal operating condition therefor.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that the present invention provides a novel dispensing apparatus for fluids wherein a preselected quantity of the fluid is automatically dispensed. A selector switch arranged for the particular quantity desired may be closed for energizing the dispensing system for an automatic delivery of the said quantity. in addition, a counting means is provided for maintaining accurate record of the quantity of the fluid dispensed, thus permitting an accurate inventory of the delivery fluid. Substantially any number of dispensing heads may be utilized in the system, with each dispensing head being provided with either a single selector switch, or a plurality of selector switches. The novel apparatus substantially eliminates oversupplying of the fluid being dispensed, and delivers the most desirable or optimum quantity of the fluid according to the particular requirements.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications, apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the spirit and scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:

l. A gas-charged liquid dispensing device comprising a head including a dispensing nozzle, valve means leading to the head and communicating with the nozzle and movable from a closed position to an open position to interrupt or permit flow of fluid to the nozzle, said dispensing nozzle includingan elongated tube, discharging directly to a receiver, a body member constituting a foam-controlling means disposed within said tube, and having a smaller stem and a longitudinally extending enlarged portion thereon, said enlarged portion having smooth gradually changing flow-conducting surfaces at each end thereof, and said enlarged portion being spaced from the outer end of said tube whereby a liquid of the desired quality of foam is produced as the gasified liquid passes said enlarged portion.

2. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve means is quick opening to fully open and quick closing to full) closed.

3. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 2 wherein said valve means is disposed adjacent the source of said gas charged liquid under pressure.

4. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 and including a solenoid actuated operator for opening and closing of said valve means.

5. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 and including actuating means operably connected with said valve for opening and closing thereof, timing means operably connected with said actuating means for controlling the opening of said valve means to provide for flow of a predetermined quantity of the liquid to the dispensing nozzle during the open position of the valve.

6. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 5 and including selector switch means operably connected with said timing means for selective actuation thereof to deliver said predetermined quantities of liquid to the dispensing nozzle.

7. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 6 wherein said selector switch means comprises a plurality of independent selector switches operably connected to provide variable timing operation of the valve means whereby a variety of preselected quantities of the liquid are independently dispensed through the nozzle.

8. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 5 and including counting means operably connected with the timing means and operable upon opening of the valve for recording the quantity of liquid dispensed by the dispensing device.

9. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stem and body member is adjustably secured with in said tube.

Claims

1. A gas-charged liquid dispensing device comprising a head including a dispensing nozzle, valve means leading to the head and communicating with the nozzle and movable from a closed position to an open position to interrupt or permit flow of fluid to the nozzle, said dispensing nozzle including an elongated tube discharging directly to a receiver, a body member constituting a foam-controlling means disposed within said tube, and having a smaller stem and a longitudinally extending enlarged portion thereon, said enlarged portion having smooth gradually changing flow-conducting surfaces at each end thereof, and said enlarged portion being spaced from the outer end of said tube whereby a liquid of the desired quality of foam is produced as the gasiFied liquid passes said enlarged portion.

2. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said valve means is quick opening to fully open and quick closing to fully closed.

9. A gas-charged liquid-dispensing device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stem and body member is adjustably secured within said tube.