Abstract:
The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices having discharge nozzles. The discharge nozzle has a flow control device. The flow control device includes a check valve and an outlet. The check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure cycle during closing. The outlet is formed from at least one perforated plate. The perforated plate has a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures include at least two differently sized sets of apertures. The at least two differently sized sets of apertures include a larger size set of apertures and a smaller size set of apertures. The larger size set of apertures are centrally located within the perforated plate. The present invention helps to concentrate the greatest vacuum pressure on a decaying portion of a stream of liquid right in the center of the outlet of the discharge nozzle.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to liquid dispensing devices having discharge nozzles and more particularly to a discharge nozzle having a flow control device. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Liquid filling machines are commonly used to fill containers, bottles and gable top cartons with a liquid or other fluid substance, such is as used in the beverage industry for filling bottles with, for example, milk, juice, soda, flavored and unflavored waters, and the like. With increasing product demands by consumers, beverage packagers have been seeking ways to increase the production line speed or rate at which the liquid filling machine can fill one container, index the container, and be ready to fill the next container. Some single-line liquid filling machines now run at rates, for 1 liter sized containers, approaching or exceeding about 150 containers per minute. The desire for faster line speeds has been an ongoing concern of many beverage packagers. 
   Typical liquid filling machines include a vertically positioned tubular filling nozzle and at least one perforated plate at the exit end of the nozzle, which the liquid passes through just prior to entering into the container. Messiness, spillage, and waste can occur if the liquid continues to flow through the perforated plate of the nozzle while one container is being moved from beneath the nozzle and an empty container is being moved into position below the nozzle. Some nozzles utilize the surface tension of the liquid at uniformly sized apertures in the perforated plate to assist in cessation of this unintended liquid flow. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention provides a fluid dispensing nozzle. The fluid dispensing nozzle has a housing. The housing has a fluid flow path therethrough. A perforated plate is supported by the housing within the fluid flow path. The perforated plate having a plurality of apertures therethrough wherein there are at least two differently sized apertures. The at least two differently sized apertures include a larger size aperture and a smaller size aperture. The larger size aperture is positioned radially inboard of the smaller size aperture. The larger size aperture can be centrally located within the perforated plate. A plurality of perforated plates within the fluid flow path can also be included. The housing includes a discharge check valve. The discharge check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure during closing. 
   In another embodiment, the fluid dispensing nozzle includes a housing having a fluid flow path therethrough. A discharge check valve is within the housing. The discharge check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure during closing. A perforated plate is supported by the housing within the fluid flow path. The perforated plate has a plurality of apertures therethrough. The plurality of apertures include at least two differently sized sets of apertures. The at least two differently sized sets of apertures include a larger size set of apertures and a smaller size set of apertures. The larger size set of apertures are centrally located within the perforated plate. A plurality of perforated plates can also be included. At least one of the perforated plates is formed of a wire mesh. There is at least one aperture having a shape that is different from another aperture. At least one aperture is substantially rectangular. A spacer can be included. The spacer is positioned to maintain separation between at least one perforated plate and another perforated plate. 
   In still another embodiment, a fluid discharge nozzle is provided. The fluid discharge nozzle includes a nozzle body containing a flow control device within the nozzle body. The flow control device includes a check valve and an outlet. The check valve is capable of creating a vacuum pressure cycle during closing. The outlet is formed from a perforated plate. The perforated plate includes a plurality of apertures. At least one aperture is larger than at least one other aperture. At least one larger size aperture is positioned radially inboard of at least one smaller aperture. A larger size aperture is centrally located within the perforated plate. A plurality of perforated plates can be within the fluid flow path. A spacer can be at the outlet. The spacer can maintain separation between the perforated plates. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the present invention, it is believed that the present invention will be better understood from the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures, in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of an apparatus for dispensing liquid into containers; 
       FIG. 2   a  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid discharge nozzle of the present invention shown in the open position; 
       FIG. 2   b  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid discharge nozzle of the present invention shown in an intermediate position moving from an open position toward a closed position; 
       FIG. 2   c  is a cross-sectional view of the fluid discharge nozzle of the present invention shown in the closed position; 
       FIG. 3   a  is a partial sectional view of the outlet of  FIG. 1  shown in an embodiment having four perforated plates; 
       FIG. 3   b  is a partial sectional view of the outlet of  FIG. 1  shown in an alternative embodiment having two perforated plates; 
       FIG. 3   c  is a partial sectional view of the outlet of  FIG. 1  shown in an alternative embodiment having a single perforated plate; 
       FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a perforated plate of the present invention; 
       FIG. 5  is a partial cross-sectional view of the perforated plate of  FIG. 4 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a graphical illustration of the fluid pressure during the fill and refill cycle of the present invention; 
       FIG. 7  is an illustration of the decay in fluid flow as the liquid exists the fluid discharge nozzle when the discharge check valve moves toward the closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b;    
       FIG. 8  is a top plan view of a perforated plate according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 9  is a top plan view of an alternative embodiment of a perforated plate according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 10  is a top plan view of another alternative embodiment of a perforated plate according to the present invention; 
       FIG. 11  is a top plan view of yet another alternative embodiment of a perforated plate according to the present invention; and 
       FIG. 12  is a top plan view of further still another alternative embodiment of a perforated plate according to the present invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   In this detailed description of the present invention, any patent or non-patent literature referenced herein and the disclosure contained therein is intended to be and is hereby incorporated by reference. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , wherein a liquid dispensing apparatus  10  is illustrated having a dispensing nozzle  50  in accordance with the present invention. Liquid dispensing apparatus  10  includes an inlet tube  20  that connects that liquid dispensing apparatus  10  to a fluid reservoir (not shown). 
   Inlet tube  20  is connected to valve holder  28 , which contains an inlet check valve  25 . Inlet check valve  25  is biased such that cover  24  seals against an inlet ring  22  when inlet check valve  25  is in the closed position. Inlet check valve  25  is biased toward the closed position by first spring  26 . When inlet check valve  25  is closed, cover  24  seals entry port  23 . Valve holder  28  connects this inlet check valve  25  to upper end  38  of connector tube  37 . 
   Connector tube  37  is also attached to cylinder  33  at lower end  39  of connector tube  37 . Lower end  39  of connector tube  37  is connected to cylinder  33  by cap  35 . Within cylinder  33  is piston  30 . Piston  30  is moveable within cylinder  33 . Piston  30  can suck liquid from reservoir through inlet check value  25  and when the stroke is reversed Piston  30  can pressurize any liquid contained within cylinder  33  in order to expel such liquid from cylinder  33 . 
   Connector tube  37  is connected to proximate end  42  of discharge tube  40  at flange  46 . Dispensing nozzle  50  is connected to distal end  44  of discharge tube  40  opposite proximate end  42  where connector tube is attached. Upper portion  51  of housing  52  attaches to distal end  44  of discharge tube  40  thereby creating a fluid flow path  59 . Fluid flow path  59  passes from inlet tube  20  through inlet check valve  25  via entry port  23  into connector tube  37  and through discharge tube  40  and out through dispensing nozzle  50 . Piston  30  assists in moving the liquid from cylinder  33  and connector tube  37  through discharge tube  40  such that the liquid is intentionally expelled from liquid dispensing apparatus  10  through dispensing nozzle  50 . 
   Dispensing nozzle  50  includes a discharge check valve  54  biased by a second spring  56  against valve body  72  in the closed position. Housing  52  comprises an upper portion  51  and a lower portion  53  wherein lower portion  53  confines valve body  72  and positions discharge check valve  54 . Discharge check valve  54  is spaced away from outlet  60  by displacer  74 . 
   Now referring to  FIG. 2   a  in which is shown that dispensing nozzle  50  includes flow control device  58  which is made up of two major components, the first component being discharge check valve  54  and the second component being outlet  60 . Discharge check valve  54  is positioned within housing  52  adjacent upper portions  51  and outlet  60  spaced away from upper portion  51  by displacer  74  which is confined within lower portion  53  of housing  52 . Within valve body  72  is an annular wall  55  for mating with valve head  57  and adjacent to annular wall  55  in valve body  72 , opposite displacer  74 , is valve seat  75 . In this embodiment, valve seat  75  has a frusto-conical configuration. 
   Discharge check valve  54  is illustrated as being in the open position. The open position of dispensing check valve  54  is illustrated with fluid flow path  59  passing between valve head  57  and valve body  72 . When valve head  57  is displaced away from inner annular wall  55  of valve body  72 , an opening is formed creating this fluid flow path  59  through dispensing nozzle  50 . In the open position of discharge check valve  54 , second spring  56  is compressed. Additionally, in the open position, valve head  57  of discharge check valve  54  is in close proximity to displacer  74 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2   b , in which is illustrated dispensing nozzle  50  having discharge check valve  54 , in an intermediate position moving toward the closed position in which valve head  57  is adjacent annular wall  55  and is closely matched to the inside diameter of annular wall  55  so that there is minimal clearance (no contact). As discharge check valve  54  moves toward the closed position, second spring  56  expands. In this intermediate state, fluid flow path  59  that passed between valve body  72  and valve head  57  has been minimized. As valve head  57  with  0 -ring  61  travels along annular wall  55  toward valve seat  75 , a vacuum is created and suction is applied to fluid that was passing through outlet  60 . In this manner, discharge check valve  54  creates a vacuum pressure cycle within dispensing nozzle  50 . This suction continues to be applied as O-ring  61  is compressed and slides across annular wall  55  toward valve seat  75 . It can be seen that annular wall  55  can have an axial length that is longer or shorter dependent on the duration of time this vacuum pressure cycle or suction is desired as O-ring  61  slides against annular wall  55 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2   c  in which is illustrated dispensing nozzle  50  having a flow control device  58  including outlet  60  and discharge check valve  54  wherein discharge check valve  54  is in the closed position. Second spring  56  is fully extended and flow path  59  is closed as O-ring  61  on valve head  57  has passed over annular wall  55  and O-ring  61  is seated and sealed against valve seat  75  within valve body  72 . In the closed configuration, valve head  57  is displaced as far as it is permitted to travel away from displacer  74  and intentional flow through outlet  60  has ceased. Valve seat  75  is sized to sealingly engage against O-ring  61  in this closed position. 
   Such a liquid dispensing apparatus  10  having dispensing nozzle  50  with flow control device  58  is often used in beverage packaging to fill various items with liquid including, for example, bins, bottles, bowls, boxes, buckets, cans, cartons, containers, cups, jars, jugs, pouches, and the like. In one embodiment, a gable top filler can be utilized, including, for example, an EPE Q-16 high-speed filler available from International Paper Company, of Stamford, Connecticut. In another embodiment, a commercially available liquid dispensing apparatus  10  can be utilized, such as, for example, a Pure-Pak® P-S90 standard cross-section filling machine available from Elopak a.s., of Spikkestad, Norway. One liquid dispensing apparatus  10  that may be used with the present invention is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,958,669 entitled “Device for Filling Specified Amount of Liquid.” 
   Turning now to  FIG. 3   a  in which is shown a partial sectional view of outlet  60  of dispensing nozzle  50 . In the embodiment shown, outlet  60  is formed from four overlying perforated plates  62 . Perforated plates  62  are each spaced apart from one another by use of outer spacer  64 , which forms an air gap between each perforated plate  62 . Alternatively, outer spacers  64  can be omitted and all perforated plates  62  can ride directly upon each other eliminating the air gap. In the present embodiment, perforated plate  62  is confined in outlet  60  and positioned across fluid flow path  59  while being supported by lower portion  53  of housing  52 . These perforated plates  62  are captured between the radially inwardly extending lip  76  on the end of lower portion  53  and are maintained in position by displacer  74 . Each perforated plate  62  has a plurality of apertures  65  that extend through perforated plate  62 . Apertures  65  extend from topside  66  of perforated plate  62  through to bottom side  68 . Perforated plate  62  is comprised of filter material  82 . As used herein, filter material  82  can be any plate, mesh, screen, sheet, panel, flap, partition, shield, plug, substrate, or the like whether impermeable or permeable being made of metal, plastic, glass, cloth, paper, and the like whether woven, non-woven, or otherwise, and whether porous or not. Perforated plate  62  includes plurality of apertures  65  formed in filter material  82  such that the liquid passing through perforated plate  62  primarily passes through apertures  65 . 
   An alternative embodiment of outlet  60  is shown in  FIG. 3   b . This embodiment includes two perforated plates  62  extending across fluid flow path  59 . Perforated plates  62  are supported by being confined between radially inwardly extending lip  76  and displacer  74  within lower portion  53  of housing  52 . Outer spacers  64  are placed between first and second perforated plates  62  as well as between second perforated plate  62  and displacer  74 . Outer spacer  64  creates an air gap between the two perforated plates  62 . Topside  66  of lower perforated plate  62  is adjacent bottom side  68  of upper perforated plate  62 . A plurality of apertures  65  extend through from topside  66  to bottom side  68  of both perforated plates  62 . The plurality of apertures  65  in perforated plate  62  can be aligned with each other as illustrated in  FIG. 3   b  or alternatively apertures  65  in each overlying perforated plate  62  can be misaligned as illustrated in  FIG. 3   a . The air gap between adjacent perforated plates  62  can be changed by increasing or decreasing height “T” of outer spacer  64 . 
   In another embodiment of outlet  60 , a single perforated plate  62  can be utilized as shown in  FIG. 3   c . Perforated plate  62  is captured between lip  76  and displacer  74  at lower portion  53  of housing  52 . Perforated plate  62  is positioned such that it extends across fluid flow path  59  in order for the liquid to pass through the plurality of apertures  65  in perforated plate  62 . As illustrated, outer spacer  64  confines perforated plate  62  against lip  76  of lower portion  53 . It should be understood that outer spacer  64  could be positioned such that perforated plate  62  directly contacts displacer  74  and outer spacer  64  is placed such that it directly contacts lip  76  thereby positioning perforated plate  62  to form a recessed outlet  60  within lower portion  53 . In this manner, bottom side  68  of perforated plate  62  would be spaced away from lip  76  and topside  66  would be in contact with displacer  74 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 4  wherein a perspective view of outlet  60  formed by a single perforated plate  62  having an outer spacer  64  around the periphery of perforated plate  62  is illustrated. In this view, top side  66  of filter material  82  forming perforated plate  62  is visible whereas bottom side  68  cannot be seen. Outer spacer  64  is shown having a height or thickness T. A plurality of apertures  65  are shown. Apertures  65  located in the center portion or centrally located within perforated plate  62  are larger than apertures  65  that are located radially outward from the center of perforated plate  62 . 
   A partial cross-sectional view of filter material  82  having a plurality of apertures  65  across the center portion of perforated plate  62  is shown in  FIG. 5 , which is a sectional view taken at section line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 . In this illustration, topside  66  of perforated plate  62  and bottom side  68  along with the plurality of apertures  65  are shown. Each aperture  65  passes through filter material  82  of perforated plate  62 . At topside  66  each aperture  65  has an entrance  67  and correspondingly at bottom side  68  each aperture  65  has an exit  69 . In one embodiment of aperture  65 , entrance  67  and exit  69  are circular and aperture  65  can form a right cylinder. In such an embodiment, smaller aperture  65  has an exit  69  of diameter d and an entrance  67  of diameter D, wherein larger aperture  65  has a corresponding diameter D at entrance  67  and diameter d at exit  69 . It is understood in this illustration that the entrance  67  and exit  69  area associated with larger apertures  65  is greater than the entrance  67  and exit  69  area associated with smaller apertures  65 . In an alternative embodiment entrance  67  diameter D need not be the same size as exit  69  diameter d, and there could also be an intermediate diameter spaced between diameter D and diameter d which can be the same or a different size. Such an alternative embodiment can be utilized to increase the surface tension in order to help prevent unintended dripping of liquid by increasing the fluid resistance through apertures  65  as is disclosed in European Patent Application EP0 784010 B1 entitled “Liquid Charging Nozzle Plate.” 
   Turning now to  FIG. 6 , which is a theoretical graphical illustration of the pressure of the fluid while flowing through the present invention. During the fill cycle, which is when piston  30  moves toward inlet check valve  25  within cylinder  33 , piston  30  causes any liquid contained within cylinder  33  to be pushed out of cylinder  33 . As fluid is pushed out of cylinder  33  it enters connector tube  37  and is blocked from back flowing through inlet tube  20  by inlet check valve  25  so that the liquid is pressurized and forced through discharge tube  40  toward discharge check valve  54  within dispensing nozzle  50 . This fluid flow path  59  guides the liquid toward flow control device  58  and discharge check valve  54  is opened allowing liquid to flow though outlet  60  passing through perforated plate  62  and out through apertures  65 . 
   During the fill cycle of a typical liquid dispensing apparatus  10 , there may be three distinct stages. First is the acceleration stage during which the liquid is pushed by piston  30  out of cylinder  33 , through discharge tube  40  into dispensing nozzle  50 . The slope of the curve exhibited in the graph of  FIG. 6  represents an increase in pressure as the liquid is started in motion. Next, optionally, is a constant velocity stage during which the liquid is being pushed out dispensing nozzle  50  through apertures  65  in perforated plate  62  by piston  30 . Finally there is a deceleration stage when piston  30  has stopped pushing the liquid and the liquid pressure is decaying. 
   After this fill cycle is completed, the refill cycle begins as piston  30  reverses direction and moves away from inlet check valve  25  within cylinder  33 . This movement of piston  30  generates a vacuum pressure or suction reflected in  FIG. 6  as a negative flow rate in gallons per minute. As the vacuum pressure is generated, discharge check valve  54  moves from an open position toward a closed position as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b.    
   This refill cycle can also be referred to as a vacuum pressure cycle or “suck-back” cycle which is further illustrated in  FIG. 7  wherein arrows  92  and  94  illustrate the vacuum pressure or suction. Arrow  94  illustrate the vacuum pressure effect at the central portion of perforated plate  62 . The centrally positioned vacuum pressure arrows  94  are concentrated and are a result of larger sized apertures  65  being centrally positioned in perforated plate  62 . This vacuum pressure  92 ,  94  applies a suction force to stream of liquid  80 , which is passing through perforated plate  62 , in a direction opposed to the gravitational force illustrated by arrows  96 . 
   Ordinarily the stream of liquid  80  coming out of outlet  60  through perforated plate  62  is shaped as an inverted cone being larger on bottom side  68  of perforated plate  62  and growing smaller as gravity  96  accelerates the liquid away from perforated plate  62 . As the fill cycle ends the inverted cone shape stream of liquid  80  grows smaller and thinner until finally all flow is cut off. 
   Since the intentional liquid flow is cut off when discharge check valve  54  moves into its intermediate position toward closing (as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b ), there is no additional liquid added to stream of liquid  80 . Vacuum pressure  92 ,  94  is counteracting the force of gravity  96  upon stream of liquid  80 . Therein, stream of liquid  80  is a decaying flow and this stream of liquid  80  diminishes while it is still in contact with bottom side  68  of perforated plate  62 . The vacuum suction applied to topside  66  of perforated plate  62  and especially at larger apertures  65  that are centrally located in perforated plate  62  enables the greatest amount of vacuum pressure  94  to be applied to the center portion of stream of liquid  80 . When this suction is initiated by piston  30  reversing direction within cylinder  33 , this vacuum pressure  94  increases the rate at which stream of liquid  80  decays causing stream of liquid  80  to disconnect faster from bottom side  68  of perforated plate  62  in the form of a droplet of liquid. The shorter the decay time, the faster a filled container can be moved from beneath dispensing nozzle  50  and the quicker an empty container can be moved into position for filling by liquid dispensing apparatus  10 . This vacuum pressure cycle along with large apertures  65  located in the center of perforated plate  62  enables significantly increased rates of speed at which containers can be changed or moved during the filling operation without inadvertently spilling any of the liquid outside of the container. Capillary action in apertures  65  of perforated plate  62  allows outlet  60  of dispensing nozzle  50  to hold the liquid without any flow or drips occurring after the fluid flow has been shut off. 
   The present invention helps to concentrate the greatest vacuum force on the decaying portion of stream of liquid  80  right in the center of perforated plate  62 . By adding larger apertures  65  or a coarser mesh section in the center of perforated plate  62  where stream of liquid  80  below dispensing nozzle  50  is decaying, the vacuum pressure  94  will have greatest effect. When the liquid is no longer being pushed out discharge check valve  54  and discharge check valve  54  begins to close is when the vacuum pressure cycle begins. During this vacuum pressure cycle, liquid can also be sucked, by the vacuum pressure  94 , from between perforated plates  62  when there are multiple perforated plates  62  utilized at outlet  60  and from below the discharge check valve  54  since a backflow is caused by the vacuum pressure  94  through perforated plates  62 . There may still be an inverted cone of stream of liquid  80  hanging below perforated plate  62  but this vacuum pressure  94  helps to draw some of this liquid back up into dispensing nozzle  50  speeding the decay of stream of liquid  80 . 
   Various perforated plates  62  can be utilized in the present invention having a plurality of apertures  65  extending there through including the embodiment of a perforated plate  62  as shown in  FIG. 8 . This top plan view of perforated plate  62  has a periphery that is circular wherein apertures  65  extend through filter material  82  and apertures  65  are somewhat rectangular in shape. In a central portion of perforated plate  62  are located larger apertures  65  surrounded by a plurality of smaller apertures  65 . A representative perforated plate  62  of this nature could be constructed from filter material  82  in the form of a wire mesh. 
   An alternative embodiment of a perforated plate  62  is shown in  FIG. 9 . Perforated plate  62  having larger apertures  65  located in the central portion with smaller apertures  65  surrounding that central portion and extending through filter material  82  is illustrated having an outer spacer  64  at the perimeter of perforated plate  62  and inner spacer  63  is located at the perimeter of larger apertures  65  located in the center of perforated plate  62 . In this embodiment the thickness or height of outer spacer  64  may be the same as inner spacer  63  to provide a central supporting structure when perforated plates  62  are stacked together in a multiple perforated plate  62  configuration at outlet  60 . An air gap formed between the multiple perforated plates  62  is maintained by outer spacer  64  and inner spacer  63 . Such a configuration is helpful when there are thick or high viscosity liquids being dispensed through dispensing nozzle  50  and passing through outlet  60  through plurality of apertures  65  in perforated plate  62 . 
   Another embodiment of perforated plate  62  is shown in  FIG. 10 . In this embodiment, perforated plate  62  has a single large aperture  65  in the center of perforated plate  62 . This large aperture  65  extends through filter material  82  and is surrounded by a plurality of smaller apertures  65  in perforated plate  62 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 11 , yet another embodiment of perforated plate  62  is illustrated. Perforated plate  62  is shown as being constructed from filter material  82  in the form of a generally circular plate with apertures  65  extending through filter material  82 . Apertures  65  are generally circular in shape and there are larger apertures  65  in the center of perforated plate  62  surrounding by a plurality of smaller circular apertures  65 . While perforated plate  62  is shown being substantially circular, a variety of other shapes whether regular or irregular can be utilized in the construction and arrangement of fluid flow path  59  and outlet  60 . 
   The embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 12  has three different sizes of apertures  65  in three different regions of filter material  82  in perforated plate  62 . In particular, this embodiment of perforated plate  62  has large hexagonal apertures  87  located in the center region of perforated plate  62  with a plurality of medium sized circular apertures  86  surrounding the large hexagonal apertures  87 . Surrounding medium size aperture  86  there is a plurality of smaller apertures  85  that extend through perforated plate  62 . Moreover, such apertures  65  could also be rectangular, triangular, octagonal, or any other desirable shape. The shape of apertures  65  may be selected for desirable fluid flow characteristics for the particular dispensing nozzle  50  as the liquid passes through perforated plate  62 . All of these and more alternative configurations of perforated plate  62  can be utilized as a portion of flow control device  58  to modify flow control device  58  at outlet  60 . 
   Many other alternative embodiments and configurations may be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, dispensing nozzle  50  could be constructed with a flapper-type discharge check valve  54 . In addition to beverages and other flowable food substances, liquid dispensing apparatus  10  of the present invention can be used for non-food grade flowable substances and liquids such as beauty care products, healthcare products, pharmaceuticals, lubricants, fuels, additives, solvents, pesticides, herbicides and any other liquid or fluid substances. Additionally, various sizes and shapes of apertures can be utilized to obtain an appropriate vacuum pressure cycle to counteract the force of gravity on stream of liquid  80  in order to modify the intended flow of liquid or to shut off the unintended flow of liquid and avoid spillage as filled containers are moved away from outlet  60  of dispensing nozzle  50  in order for liquid dispensing apparatus  10  to charge or fill other containers. The various aperture  65  shapes can be formed using commonly known methods and processes such as through the use of laser, water jet, and conventional drilling or through the use of punch press, weaving, or other processes. 
   Whether there are multiple perforated plates  62  with various sized apertures  65 , or multiple perforated plates  62  with variations in mesh sizing in certain areas, or a combination of both. Perforated plates  62  with a plurality of apertures  65  having larger apertures  65  in the center portion can be intermixed with mesh screens and perforate plates having uniform aperture  65  sizes therein. The size and shape of apertures  65  can be varied as a function of the liquid viscosity, fluid surface tension, flow speed of the liquid being discharged, the capillary action of perforated plates  62 , and the ability of the liquid to resist air being drawn back up into outlet  60 . 
   While a number of particular embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various additional changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, it is intended to cover, in the appended claims all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this invention.