WO2016051426A2

WO2016051426A2 - Liquid replenishing system

Info

Publication number: WO2016051426A2
Application number: PCT/IN2015/050127
Authority: WO
Inventors: Balkrishna MAHAJAN; Nishma PANDIT
Original assignee: Mahajan Balkrishna; Pandit Nishma
Priority date: 2014-10-01
Filing date: 2015-10-01
Publication date: 2016-04-07
Also published as: WO2016051426A3

Abstract

The present invention provides a liquid replenishing system that comprises a first container that is concentrically positioned with a cap. The cap includes a plurality 5 of openings defined thereon. The first container includes a predefined amount of first solution contained within an interior thereof. The liquid replenishing system comprises a liquid replenishing mechanism that is defined by a plurality of tubes optionally selected from a fixed tube, a mounting tube and a movable tube. The liquid replenishing mechanism facilitates adjustment of a relative distance and an 10 absolute distance of the tubes. In addition, the liquid replenishing mechanism facilitates adjustment of height of at least one tube from the plurality of tubes.

Description

LIQUID REPLENISHING SYSTEM

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to container refilling systems and more particularly to an automatic liquid replenishing system adapted for maintaining a constant level of liquid for optimum performance thereof.

Background of the invention:

Liquid containers, although having various shapes and sizes, specifically include predefined amount of liquid therein. Generally, the containers are manually refilled through the openings defined on the casing thereby removing the caps positioned thereon. However, manual refilling of container is substantially crude method which also amounts in spillage of the liquid, if gets overfilled. Moreover, manual refilling of the containers, such as battery cells, exposes the operating person to the dangers of battery acid such as inhalation of toxic fumes and the like. Moreover, manual filling process is costly and consumes lot of time in the refilling process. Many times containers lead to damage if not refilled on time.

Hence, automatic single point container refilling systems are widely used in the art to address the above-mentioned concerns. There are various automatic refilling systems known in the art that involve various assemblies to accomplish replenishment. However, these prior art systems need external elements such as a central water source and a plurality of valve members to automatically maintain the level of liquid in the containers. Moreover, these prior art systems, such as those used on fork-lift trucks, involve complex mechanisms such as mechanical level-controllers, mechanical level indicators, float valves and the like. In addition, currently known mechanical level indicators merely display the level of liquids using systems such as float valve or colour coded indicators. In practice, it is very rare that people actually check the level regularly which eventually amounts to overflow or damage to the containers.

Accordingly, there exists is a need of a liquid replenishing system that overcomes all the drawbacks of the prior art.

Summary of the Invention The present invention provides a liquid replenishing system that comprises a first container that is bilaterally disposed along a central vertical axis. The first container has a mouth portion concentrically positioned with a cap. The cap includes a plurality of openings defined thereon. The first container includes a predefined amount of first solution contained within an interior thereof. The liquid replenishing system comprises a liquid replenishing mechanism that is defined by a plurality of tubes. The tubes are optionally selected from a fixed tube, a movable tube and a mounting tube. The tubes are vertically positioned within the first container through the openings of the cap. The liquid replenishing mechanism facilitates adjustment of a relative distance and an absolute distance of the tubes. In addition, the liquid replenishing mechanism facilitates adjustment of a height of at least one tube from the tubes. The liquid replenishing system is preferably positioned on a second container that contains a second solution. The liquid replenishing system has a normal position and an actuated position such that the normal position prevents the first solution from entering into the second container and the actuated position causes the first solution to enter into the second container in order to achieve the normal position.

Brief Description of Drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a liquid replenishing system having a liquid replenishing mechanism constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2a shows a normal position of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1 after being placed over a second container;

FIG. 2b shows an actuated position of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1 after being placed over the second container;

FIG. 3a is a schematic representation of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1 shown in operation for a series of containers; FIG. 3b is a schematic representation of an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1 shown in operation for series of container.

FIG. 4a is an embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1; FIG. 4b is a cross-sectional view of the liquid replenishing mechanism of FIG. 4a taken along lines A-A;

FIG. 5a is an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5b is an enlarged view of a portion-B of the liquid replenishing mechanism of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6a is an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6b is an enlarged view of a portion-C of the liquid replenishing mechanism of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 6a; and

FIG. 7 is an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of the liquid replenishing system of FIG. 1.

Detailed Description of the invention:

The invention described herein is explained using specific exemplary details for better understanding. However, the invention disclosed can be worked on by a person skilled in the art without the use of these specific details.

References in the specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

References in the specification to "preferred embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, characteristic, or function described in detail thereby omitting known constructions and functions for clear description of the present invention.

The present invention provides a liquid replenishing system that includes a first container positioned with a liquid replenishing mechanism. The first container includes a predefined amount of a first liquid. The first container is positioned on a second container such that the liquid replenishing mechanism actuates to maintain a predefined level of a second liquid contained in the second container.

Referring to FIG. 1, an embodiment of a liquid replenishing system 100 constructed in accordance with the present invention is shown. In this one embodiment, the liquid replenishing system 100 includes a first container 110 bilaterally disposed along a central vertical axis X-X. The container 110 has a mouth portion 120 that is positioned with a cap 130. The cap 130 is concentrically positioned along the central vertical axis X-X. The cap 130 includes a plurality of openings (not shown). The first container 110 has a total height H such that a predefined amount of first solution 140 is contained within an interior up to height HI. It is understood here that, the heights H and HI may vary in other alternative embodiments per size and intended application of the first container 110. In this one embodiment, the liquid replenishing system 100 includes a first tube 150 and a second tube 160. It is understood however that the number of tubes may vary in other alternative embodiments of the present invention. The first tube 150 and the second tube 160 preferably vertically positioned within the first container 110. The first tube 150 has a length LI and the second tube has a length L2. In this one embodiment, the length L2 is relatively smaller than the length LI. However, it is understood here that the lengths LI, L2 may substantially vary in other alternative embodiments of the first container 110. The first and second tubes 150, 160 preferably have predefined diameters. However, the diameters of the first and second tubes 150, 160 may substantially vary per intended application of the first container 110 in other alternative embodiments of the present invention.

In this one embodiment, the liquid replenishing system 100 includes a liquid replenishing mechanism that facilitates adjustment of a relative distance and an absolute distance between first and second tubes 150, 160 in order to accommodate multiple types of containers and to achieve various levels to be targeted. The liquid replenishing mechanism also facilitates adjustment height/ length of first and second tubes 150, 160 respectively in order to allow the single liquid replenishing system 100 to be advantageously used on different sized containers.

Referring to FIG. 2a, a normal position of the liquid replenishing system 100 is shown after being positioned over a second container 200. The second container 200 contains a second solution 210. However, it is understood here that the type of second container 200 and second solution 210 may vary in other alternative embodiments of the present invention as per intended application of liquid replenishing system 100. In the normal position, a top end 220 of the first tube 150 remains immersed within the second solution 210 and a bottom end 230 of the first tube 150 remains suspended within an empty space of the first container 110. In this position, a top end 240 of the second tube 160 remains suspended within an empty space of the second container 200 and a bottom end 250 of the second tube 160 remains immersed within the first solution 140. The normal position of the liquid replenishing mechanism is maintained until the level of the second solution 210 is above the top end 220 of the first tube 150. In the normal position, the liquid replenishing mechanism prevents the first solution 140 from entering into the second container 200 from the first container 110. Referring to FIG. 2b, an actuated position of liquid replenishing system 100 is shown wherein the level of the second solution 210 goes down below the top end 220 of the first tube 150. In the actuated position, the top and bottom ends 220, 230 of the first tube 150 remain suspended within the empty space of the first and second containers 110, 200 respectively such that an air in the empty space of the second container 200 flows through the top end 220 of the first tube 150 to enter into the empty space of the first container 110 as indicated by arrow-A. This increases the air pressure in the first container 110 and reduces the air pressure in the second container 200 thereby causing the first solution 140 to forcefully enter into the second tube 160 via the bottom end 250 thereof. This further causes the first solution 140 to flow through the second tube 160 thereby entering in the second container 200 as indicated by arrow- B. The actuated position of the liquid replenishing mechanism is maintained until the level of the second solution 210 reaches above the top end 220 of the first tube 150. The actuated position of the liquid replenishing mechanism switches to the normal position once the liquid level of the second solution 210 reaches above the top end 220.

Referring to FIG. 3a, an embodiment of the liquid replenishing system 100 is shown wherein a plurality of first containers 110 having a respective plurality of liquid replenishing mechanisms may be implemented in series on a respective plurality of second containers 200. In this one embodiment, the liquid replenishing mechanisms of each first container 110 independently operates in the normal and actuated positions to accomplish liquid replenishment for respective second container 200.

Referring to FIG. 3b, an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing system 100 is shown wherein a single first container 110 having a plurality of liquid replenishing mechanisms may be implemented on a plurality of second containers 200. In this one embodiment, the liquid replenishing mechanisms of the single first container 110 independently operate in the normal and actuated positions to accomplish liquid replenishment for the plurality of second containers 200. Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of liquid replenishing system 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the liquid replenishing mechanism includes a fixed tube 410, a mounting tube 430 and a movable tube 420. The movable tube 420 is positioned within the mounting tube 430. The movable tube 420 has a plurality of cogs 440 defined on an outer surface thereof. In this embodiment, the liquid replenishing mechanism includes a knob 450 that has a plurality of projections 460 defined thereon. The plurality of cogs 440 is spaced lengthwise along the outer surface of the mounting tube 420 in order to receive the projections 460 of the knob 450. The projections 460 engage with the cogs 440 during an upward and downward movement of the movable tube 430 through the knob 450. The movable tube 420 moves in a downward direction, when the knob 450 is rotated in a clockwise direction. The movable tube 420 moves in an upward direction, when the knob 450 is rotated in a counter clockwise direction. The upward and downward movement of the knob 450 facilitates size wise adjustment of the movable tube 420.

Referring to FIGS. 5a and 5b, an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of liquid replenishing system 100 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the liquid replenishing mechanism includes a fixed tube 510, a mounting tube 520 and a movable tube 530. The movable tube 530 is positioned within the mounting tube 520. In this embodiment, the mounting tube 520 has a teeth portion 540 defined along an inner surface thereof. In this embodiment, the movable tube 530 includes at least a pair of angular stubs 550 defined on outer surface thereof. The stubs 550 engage with the teeth portion 540 during an upward and downward movement of the movable tube 530. The upward and downward movement of the movable tube 530 is actuated by manual pressing/ pulling action that facilitates size wise adjustment of the movable tube 530.

Referring to FIGS. 6a and 6b, an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of liquid replenishing system 100 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the liquid replenishing mechanism includes a fixed tube 610, a mounting tube 620 and a movable tube 630. The movable tube 630 is positioned within the mounting tube 620. In this embodiment, the movable tube 620 has a notched portion 640 defined along an outer surface thereof. In this embodiment, the movable tube 620 can be broken off at the notched portion 640 to facilitate height adjustment.

Referring to FIG. 7, an alternative embodiment of the liquid replenishing mechanism of liquid replenishing system 100 is shown. In this alternative embodiment, the liquid replenishing system includes a fixed tube 710, a mounting tube 720 and a movable tube 730. The movable tube 730 is positioned within the mounting tube 720. In this embodiment, the mounting tube 720 has a plurality of circular grooves defined along an inner surface thereof. In this embodiment, the movable tube 730 has a plurality of circular threads 740 defined along an outer surface thereof. The movable tube 730 threadably engages/ disengages with the mounting tube 720 during an upward/ downward rotational movement thereof. The upward/ downward rotational movement of the movable tube 730 facilitates height adjustment.

Referring to FIGS. 1-7, in operation, the liquid replenishing mechanism 100 of the present invention facilitates accurate maintenance and prevention of depletion of the liquid level in the second container during regular usage thereof. The liquid replenishing system 100 advantageously facilitates a self replenishing or automatic refilling mechanism which warranties benefit in terms of performance of the second containers. The liquid replenishing system 100 is compact, handy and can be advantageously used without requiring continuous monitoring. The first container 110 of the present invention has clear/transparent visibility of the first solution 140, hence need of separator indicator is advantageously eliminated. The liquid replenishing system 100 of the present invention retains a predefined amount of liquid in the first container 110 which is sufficient enough for being used for a long time period. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first container 110 is a battery refilling container and a second container 200 is a battery cell. In this embodiment, the first solution 140 is a solvent and second solution 210 is an electrolyte solution. In this embodiment, the liquid replenishing system fits on at least one battery cell thereby ensuring that the level of electrolyte in the battery cell is always maintained at a predefined level. The first container 110 contains a predefined solvent volume. The container 110 is adapted to be fitted atop an opening defined on a casing of the battery cell 200. The liquid replenishing mechanism maintains accurate level of the electrolyte in the battery cell 200. However, it is understood here that the nature of first and second solutions 140, 210 may vary per intended application of the present invention. Further, it is understood that the liquid replenishing system may be applied to any kind of container for maintaining an appropriate level of any kind of liquid contained therein without prejudice to the scope of the present invention.

The foregoing description of specific embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching.

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others, skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omission and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS :

1. A liquid replenishing system comprising: at least one first container concentrically positioned with a cap, the cap having a plurality of openings defined thereon, the first container having a predefined amount of first solution contained therein; and at least one liquid replenishing mechanism defined by a plurality of tubes selected from a fixed tube, a mounting tube and a movable tube, the tubes being vertically positioned within the first container through the openings of the cap, the tubes respectively having a predefined length, the liquid replenishing mechanism facilitating adjustment of absolute and relative distance of the tubes and the predefined length thereof, wherein, said liquid replenishing system positioning on a second container having a second solution contained therein, the liquid replenishing system having a normal position and an actuated position, the normal position preventing the first solution from entering into the second container, the actuated position facilitating the first solution from forcefully entering into the second container thereby achieving the normal position.

2. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable tube is positioned within the mounting tube.

3. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid replenishing mechanism includes a knob that has a plurality of projections adapted to engage with a plurality of cogs defined on the mounting tube in order to facilitate size wise adjustment of the movable tube.

4. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable tube includes at least a pair of angular stubs adapted to engage with a teeth portion defined within the mounting tube in order to facilitate size wise adjustment of said movable tube.

5. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable tube has a notched portion such that said movable tube is broken off at the notched portion to facilitate height adjustment of said movable tube.

6. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movable tube has a plurality of circular threads adapted to engage with a respective plurality of circular grooves defined along the mounting tube in order to facilitate height adjustment of said movable tube.

7. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first solution is solvent.

8. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second solution is an electrolyte solution.

9. The liquid replenishing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second container is a battery cell.