Measuring fluid dispenser

A measuring fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured quantities has a user input device for generating at least one user input signal. A flow regulator provides a known fluid output flow rate by regulating fluid flow between an input port and an output port of the regulator. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals, wherein a first electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow permissive state, and a second electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow restrictive (i.e. interrupting) state. The first electronic valve has a first valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and also has a first valve output in fluid communication with a fluid output port. A processing unit is communicable with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal, and is also in electronic communication with the first electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first electronic valve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to fluid dispensers and more particularly to an electronically controlled fluid dispenser for delivering preset volumes of a fluid.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

The process of food preparation often requires the use of measured quantities of water and other fluids. In many instances, precise measured amounts of water are required to properly prepare food items according to a specific recipe. These quantities are typically measured in cups and fractions of cups. However, when viewing international recipes, the fluid quantities are often measured according to the metric system of measurements, namely liters and fractions of liters. Water and other fluids, by their nature, are typically delivered to a food preparation location in bulk and not in convenient pre-measured volumes.

The method of measuring fluids has not changed over many decades of food preparation. In order to accurately measure these volumes of fluid, and water in particular, a food preparer utilizes a specific container designed for receiving fluids. This container may be a larger container incorporating various graduations marked thereon into which the fluid is poured from a bulk source until the level of fluid in the container reaches the marked graduation corresponding to the desired quantity. This method requires delivery of the bulk supply to be cut off at a precise moment. Otherwise, the measured quantity will be either insufficient, requiring the addition of minimal amounts to reach the desired quantity, or too great, requiring the removal of fluid from the graduated container. This iterative process can be time consuming and frustrating to the food preparer.

Alternatively, an individual container of a specific desired volume can be utilized such that the full volume of the container corresponds to the volume desired for use by the food preparer. In instances where a container of a specific quantity is not available, a combination of specific containers is often utilized to measure the desired fluid quantity. In any event, the need to pour or deliver fluid into a precise measuring vessel often results in accidental overflow of the measuring vessel with a resulting waste of food preparation ingredients and cleanup of any spillage that has occurred.

Thus what is desired is an accurate and convenient method of repetitively dispensing precise measured quantities of fluids to meet the needs of food preparation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One embodiment of the present invention is a measuring fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured quantities. The measuring fluid dispenser has a user input device for generating at least one user input signal. A flow regulator provides a known fluid output flow rate by regulating fluid flow between an input port and an output port of the regulator. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals, wherein a first electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow permissive state, and a second electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow restrictive (i.e. interrupting) state. The first electronic valve has a first valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and also has a first valve output in fluid communication a fluid output port. A processing unit is communicable with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal. The processing unit is also in electronic communication with the first electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first electronic valve.

Another aspect of the present invention is a measuring fluid dispenser for dispensing fluids in measured volumes. A user input device generates at least one user input signal to designate a desired fluid volume. A fluid reservoir receives a bulk quantity of fluid. A pump has a pump input in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and an output in fluid communication with flow regulator for providing a known fluid output flow rate. The flow regulator also has a regulator output. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals, wherein a first electronic signal positions the electronic valve in a flow permissive state and a second electronic signal positions the electronic valve in a flow restrictive state. The electronic valve has a valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and has a valve output in fluid communication with an output port. A processing unit communicates with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal. The processing unit is in electronic communication with the first electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first electronic valve in order to open and close the valve.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is a measuring fluid dispenser comprising a user input device for generating at least one user input signal. A flow regulator is connected to an input port and provides a known fluid output flow rate through a regulator output. A first electronic valve is responsive to electronic signals wherein a first electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow permissive state and a second electronic signal positions the first electronic valve in a flow restrictive state. The first electronic valve has a first valve input in fluid communication with the regulator output and also has a first valve output in fluid communication with a fluid output port. A second electronic valve is also responsive to electronic signals wherein a first electronic signal positions the second electronic valve in a flow permissive state and a second electronic signal positions the second electronic valve in a flow restrictive state. The second electronic valve has a second valve input in fluid communication with the fluid input port and a second valve output in fluid communication with the fluid output port. A processing unit is communicable with the user input device and is responsive to the user input signal. The processing unit is in electronic communication with the first electronic valve and the second electronic valve for transmitting the electronic signals to the first and second electronic valves.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 3. However, one will understand that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. While the present invention has been shown and described in accordance with preferred and practical embodiments thereof, it is recognized that departures from the instant disclosure are fully contemplated within the spirit and scope of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Turning to the drawings,FIG. 1shows a measuring fluid dispenser40which is one of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and illustrates its various components wherein the measuring fluid dispenser40is configured for dispensing water and is connected to a cold water supply line24with extendable tube48. Cold water supply line24is typically part of the installation of sink26and faucet22in counter20.

Turning now toFIGS. 2-3, a preferred embodiment of measuring fluid dispenser40is illustrated with its various components. Measuring fluid dispenser40comprises a housing42, here configured as a handheld fluid dispenser gun. Housing42has a fluid input port46for receiving water through extendable tube48and in turn dispenses fluid through fluid output port44. Fluid input port46is fluidly connected to a regulator input72for routing through flow regulator70. Flow regulator70operates to regulate the flow of fluid therethrough at a known constant or fixed flow rate and is subsequently output through regulator output74at the known constant flow rate.

Regulator output74is fluidly connected to valve input78of first electronic valve76. First electronic valve76responds to electronic signals from processing unit58through valve signal connection64and operates between a flow permissive state and a flow restrictive state. When a flow permissive signal is received by first electronic valve76, the fluid output from regulator70is permitted to pass through first electronic valve76to first valve output80and then to fluid passageway82to be dispensed from fluid output port44. When the desired quantity of fluid has been dispensed a flow restrictive signal is received by first electronic valve76which then closes and stops the flow of fluid.

The flow permissive and flow restrictive signals received by first electronic valve76across first valve signal connection64are generated by processing unit58which is powered by battery66and connected thereto with power connection68. Processing unit58includes a circuit board59on which are electronically integrated various electronic components62and programmable microprocessor60for controlling the time interval during which fluid flow through regulator70is permitted to deliver a desired fluid volume from fluid dispensing gun40.

A user input device50, here shown as a keypad, is affixed to an exterior surface of the housing42and is electrically connected to processing unit58by interface signal connection56. User input device50has a plurality of user interface keys52each of which has identified thereon a specific fluid volume (i.e. ½ cup, ⅓ cup, ⅔ cup, etc.). Each of the user interface keys52, when activated by the user, generates a unique user input signal which is received by microprocessor60on processing unit58. The microprocessor60associates the unique user input signal with the fluid volume identified on the activated key52producing the unique user input signal. The microprocessor60then sends a flow permissive signal to first electronic flow valve76, determines the time interval required to dispense the fluid volume desired, and then when that time interval has elapsed sends a flow restrictive signal to first electronic flow valve76stopping the fluid flow from fluid output port44.

In addition to the plurality of user interface keys52that are pre-programmed for specific fluid volumes, an additional user interface key54can be programmed by the user through a designated key sequence to microprocessor60for a custom fluid volume to be dispenses automatically whenever custom user interface key54is activated. Yet another key, such as a flow key55will, upon a first activation by the user, cause the microprocessor60to send a flow permissive signal to first electronic valve76. The fluid flow continues until a second activation of flow key55whereupon microprocessor60sends a flow restrictive signal to first electronic valve76and stopping the fluid flow.

In operating dispenser40, a user selects a desired fluid volume by activating a user interface key52,54,55on user interface device50associated with the desired fluid volume. The activated user interface key52,54,55generates a user input signal associated with the desired fluid volume which is received by microprocessor60on processing unit58. Microprocessor60typically contains a unique program for calculating the time interval (T) between the flow permissive and flow restrictive signals transmitted to electronic valve76. Since the fluid flow rate at output74of fluid regulator70is a known constant and the desired fluid volume to be delivered is known from the received user signal, the time interval during which the fluid is allowed to flow through electronic valve76can be readily calculated by microprocessor60. This operation is based on the relationship T=V/R (Where T is the time interval, V is the volume of fluid to be dispensed and R is the rate of fluid flow through the regulator70).

Referring now toFIG. 4, In lieu of interconnecting the handheld measuring fluid dispenser40with the water supply associated with a sink26, the handheld measuring fluid dispenser140can be utilized in a self-contained countertop fluid dispenser100. Dispenser100comprises a container102within which is disposed a fluid reservoir104. Reservoir104can be filled through fill port106with the fluid desired to be dispensed. A first supply tube108extends from reservoir104to a fluid pump110. Fluid pump110is powered by normal household current through power cord112and operates to draw fluid from reservoir104and supply the fluid through extendable tube148to hand held fluid dispenser gun140. Hand held fluid dispenser gun140is identical to handheld measuring fluid dispenser40with the addition that microprocessor60can also send a start signal to fluid pump110concurrent with or immediately prior to sending a flow permissive signal to first electronic valve76. Extendable tube148has a considerable length such that fluid dispenser gun40can be extended from container202to reach the container in which the measured fluid is desired to be measured.

Referring now toFIG. 5, an alternate self-contained measuring fluid dispenser200is similar to dispenser100as described above; however, dispenser200incorporates the flow regulation components within container202instead of within a fluid dispenser gun. Like numbered features preceded by the numeral “2” function in like manner to the features preceded by the numeral “1” identified inFIG. 4, or by the features described above with respect toFIGS. 2-3.

Container202of dispenser200has disposed therein fluid reservoir204which can be filled through fill port206with a fluid to be dispensed. The various electrical components of dispenser200are powered by normal household electrical current through power cord212. A first supply tube208extends from reservoir204to a fluid pump210. Fluid pump210provides the energy necessary for the circulation of the fluid through dispenser210. Second supply tube214delivers the circulated fluid from fluid pump210to flow regulator270, the output of which is a fluid flow stream of a known volumetric rate. The volumetric fluid rate from regulator output274is directed to first electronic valve276which is operable between a flow permissive state and a flow restrictive state by the microprocessor260and electronic components262of processing unit258.

A pump signal connection290provides the electrical connection from processing unit258to fluid pump210for transmitting ON and OFF signals to fluid pump210from processing unit258. Pump signal connection290can also include a power conductor (not shown) running therewith for delivering low voltage electrical power transformed from input household current to electrically power processing unit258.

In its flow permissive state, first electronic valve276outputs the fluid flow to extendable tube248. Fluid dispenser gun230is connected to extendable tube248and can be removed from container202to extend to the container receiving the desired measured fluid. Fluid dispenser gun230has a fluid output port244for discharging the fluid into the receiving container. Alternatively, fluid dispenser gun230can be configured such that it is not removable from container202and fluid output port244is oriented such that the container for receiving the fluid may be placed therebelow to receive the measured fluid.

A user interface device250is mounted on an exterior surface of container202or (as shown) on an access panel292. User interface device250is electrically connected to processing unit258with interface signal connection256. User interface device250includes a plurality of user interface keys252, each interface key252is associated with a unique fluid volume. Also, a programmable key254can be configured to signal the delivery of a user determined fluid volume and a flow key255can provide a continuous non-measured fluid flow. User input device250and keys252,254,255function in identical manner to input device50and keys52,54,55as described above with respect toFIGS. 2-3.

Referring now toFIGS. 6-7, an integrated measuring fluid dispenser340is shown mounted below a kitchen sink326in a counter320. Like numbered features preceded by the numeral “3” function in like manner to the features described above with respect toFIGS. 1-3. Dispenser340has a power cord312connected to a receptacle313for delivering household electrical power to dispenser340. Cold water supply line324supplies water to dispenser340and tube348delivers the water output from dispenser340to faucet322. User interface remote control396has a plurality of user interface keys352, a user programmable key354, and a flow key355which function in like manner to user interface device50as described above.

As shown in greater detail inFIG. 7, dispenser340has disposed in case302a transformer316for converting household electrical power to a lower voltage power delivered on power connection390to power processing unit358. Regulator input372and second electronic valve input379of second electronic valve377are both connected to cold water supply line324. Second electronic valve377has a second electronic valve output381connected to dispenser output348for delivering unregulated water flow to faucet322. Second electronic valve377is also controlled by processing unit358in response to flow permissive and flow restrictive signals delivered via second valve signal connection365. Second electronic valve is normally open such that activation of the cold water portion of faucet322will result in unregulated water flow through second electronic valve377of dispenser340.

As described above regulator370is connected via its regulator input372for providing a known fluid flow rate to first electronic valve376which is normally closed and is responsive to flow permissive and flow restrictive signals from processing unit358via first electronic valve signal connection364. First electronic valve output380from first electronic valve376is also connected to dispenser output348.

Processing unit358includes a programmable microprocessor360and electronic components362in like manner as processing unit50. Processing unit358further includes a receiver394which receives radiated signals from user interface remote control396and supplies the remote user signals to microprocessor360.

In operation, when a user desires to obtain a measured quantity of water, the user activates cold water portion of faucet322which initiates a stream of cold water through normally open second electronic valve377. The user activates one of user keys352,354,356on remote control396for the desired measured volume of water which in turn radiates the signal to receiver394. Upon receiving the signal, receiver394transmits the signal to microprocessor360. Microprocessor360delivers a flow restrictive signal to second electronic valve377via connection365whereupon second electronic valve377closes and stops the flow of water therethrough. After a preset time delay to allow the user to place the receiving container under faucet322, microprocessor360sends a flow permissive signal to first electronic valve376restarting the flow of water from faucet322through flow regulator370for a time period corresponding to the volume of water desired by the user. Upon expiration of the time period corresponding to the desired water volume, a flow restrictive signal is transmitted to first electronic valve376stopping the flow of water from faucet322. After a preset time delay to permit the user to remove the receiving container from the faucet, microprocessor360sends a flow permissive signal to second electronic valve377again starting unrestricted flow of water from faucet322.

Referring now toFIG. 8, remote control396comprises a remote user interface unit350which includes a plurality of user interface keys352,354,355which function as described above. Remote control396also includes an overlay membrane398having printed thereon a plurality of unique fluid volume nomenclatures399. A plurality of interchangeable overlay membranes can be supplied with remote control396wherein each overlay membrane has printed thereon a different set of fluid volume nomenclatures399for designating different volumes from one membrane398to the next membrane398. When a different set of volumes is desired (such as fractions of a cup versus fractions of a liter) a corresponding membrane398is affixed to user interface unit350, and after entry of a unique key sequence via user keys352,354,355dispenser unit340is configured to deliver the fluid volumes designated on the new membrane398. The use of interchangeable membranes398is also applicable in like manner for use on the measuring fluid dispensers40,200and300described above.

As an alternative to the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-8, the measuring fluid dispenser device may be manufactured as an attachment to the outlet of a standard plumbing fixture such as a faucet at a sink. In this instance, the device can be made to screw onto the threaded end of the spout opening on the faucet in a manner similar to water filters that are available on the market. In this variation of the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-8, the device that attaches to the end of the faucet spout would contain the components shown inFIG. 7, with the exception of the power transformer and power cord, as the device would be battery powered. The manner of operation is similar to that described in connection with the embodiment ofFIGS. 6-8.

In the foregoing description those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modifications are to be considered as included in the following claims, unless these claims expressly state otherwise.