Patent GB-191217329-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in Refreshment Fountains, and Liquid Measuring and Delivering Machines.
Inventor: LINK ROLLS PERCIVAL
IPC: B67D1/00
Filed: 1913-01-25
Granted: 1913-11-20
Abstract: 17,329. Link, R. P. Jan. 25, 1913. Dispensing liquids.- The desired one of a number of beverages may be automatically prepared in and delivered from a machine which may be coinfreed and is provided with means whereby the mixing - chamber is rinsed out prior to each mixing and delivering operation. In the form shown, a main operating-frame, freed by the action of a coin, is moved by a hand-lever and at the end of its forward stroke a secondary frame is moved by the energy stored by the travel of the main frame; the return strokes of the two frames follow each other similarly. The frames operate valves controlling the supply of water for rinsing and for making the beverage, a waste valve, and valves controlling the supply of gas for aeration &c. The kind of flavouring desired is selected by the user, and is supplied to the mixing-chamber by one of a number of pumps actuated by the main frame. A tumbler attached by a cord to the machine is automatically returned to place after use and means for washing out the tumbler are also provided. The mixing- chamber c is surmounted by a saucer - shaped vessel d into which extend a water rose h<2> and a number of flavouring - supplying pipes u. These pipes communicate with a corresponding number of pump cylinders v supplied through pipes x under the control of a rotary plug valve w. Water is supplied to the mixing chamber c and the vessel d through a valve j controlled by a cam 53 on the secondary frame 38, and passes through pipes g, h<1>, a check valve g<2> being provided on the pipe g. A float valve f is adapted to close the communication between chambers c, d if raised sufficiently by accumulation of liquid in the chamber c and venting of this chamber is obtained by apertures e<3> leading from the annular space between the tubes e<1>, e<2> forming a double seal for the valve f. The waste outlet from the chamber c is controlled by a valve o actuated by a bellcrank lever p. The aerating-gas is led to the base of the mixing-chamber c through a pipe 60 from a chamber 57 having supply and exit valves controlled by the operating-mechanism. When the beverage is prepared, it may be discharged through a nozzle t controlled by a hand-operated valve t<2>. When the machine is coin-freed, the coin is inserted and passes down a shoot 68 into a pocket on a lever 61, Fig. 6, this pocket being formed by a pair of pivoted members 65 held up by a spring 66. The weight of the coin causes the lever to descend, thus removing obstruction from the path of the main frame 2. This frame is slidable in horizontal guides, and is operated by a hand-lever 6 provided with a pivoted handle y having a pa.ir of chisel edges z adapted to catch against the adjacent wall of the casing should the lever be operated too rapidly. The secondary frame 38 slidably mounted above the main frame is prevented from moving until the main frame reaches the end of its forward stroke, by means of a catch 42 raised by cam surfaces 44, The frame 38 is moved by a cord 35 secured to a stationary spring drum 36, the spring being wound up by the movement of the main frame. The latter frame carries a cam slot 8 adapted to reciprocate a rod 11 which can be connected to any one of a number of vertical rods 15 for actuating the pistons of the pump cylinders v. The selection of the desired flavouring is effected by setting an indicator 28 attached to a rotatable ring capable of turning a fork 13 connecting the selected rod with the rod 11. The actuated rod 15 in its descent first moves the valve w to shut off the cylinder from the pipe u and to open communication with the supply, and then moves the piston-rod 19 to fill the cylinder. The secondary frame 38 in its forward movement turns on the water supply to rinse out the chambers c, d, the waste valve o meanwhile having been opened by the movement of the main frame, and kept open, until the return stroke, by a detent lever 32 cooperating with a notch in the rod 30. The secondary frame in its forward stroke also operates the aerating-gas valves to cause the chamber 57 to fill. While the secondary frame is moving, the main frame is locked by a catch 48 adapted to engage recesses in the framing and released by cam surfaces 49, 50 on the frame 38. The secondary frame is controlled in its movements by a dash-pot 39, the effectiveness of which is adjustable by means of a needle valve 41 so as to vary the rate of travel and therefore the time during which the water inlet valve is open. The frame 2 is provided with a full-stroke device comprising a rack and a gravity pawl. The drinking-tumbler may be rinsed out by pressing it down on a perforated piston 73, spring-mounted and having a valve seat 77 co-operating with a stationary valve 78, the stem of which passes through the water-supply conduit 76. The descent of the piston prior to insertion of the coin is prevented by an arm 82 connected with the coin-lever 61 and co-operating with a rod 81 secured to the piston 73. The tumbler 83 is normally held within a recess in the casing, and is pushed out by a rod 92 carried by the main frame 2. A cord 86 secured to the glass passes round a spring drum 88 provided with a ratchet and pawl control. When the glass has been used, its weight on the cord 86 depresses a hinged portion 95 of the wall of the recess, thus releasing the ratchet mechanism and so enabling the spring to retract the glass into its recess. If desired, the apparatus may be used for filling bottles, the valve t being replaced by a bottlefilling valve, and the supply of water for rinsing being omitted. Means for heating the water may be provided to enable hot drinks to be delivered. According to the Provisional Specification, the aerating gas supplied to the mixing chamber is measured by means of two chambers, one within the other and communicating with each other and with the mixing chamber by valves operated in succession by the frames. The outlet valve t is opened by a finger slide connected also with the lever which trips the waste valve o, and there is an interlocking- device between the slide and the main frame 2. Slightly different arrangements of vent holes between the chambers c, d and the valve at the lower end of chamber c are also described.