Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US7410623
Timestamp: 2017-04-28 17:25:09
Document Index: 434594667

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 295', 'art.2', 'art.3', 'art.4', 'art.5', 'art.6', 'art.8', 'art.9', 'art.10', 'art.11', 'art.15', 'art.16', 'art.17', 'art.18', 'art.19', 'art.20', 'art.21', 'art.22', 'art.24']

Patent US7410623 - Method and apparatus for mass based dispensing - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsA dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate in a container (204) using a diluent to form a use solution. A dispenser includes a housing (201). A product holder (210) is positioned to support the container (204) with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder (210) carried...http://www.google.com/patents/US7410623?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US7410623 - Method and apparatus for mass based dispensingAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS7410623 B2Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 10/843,219Publication dateAug 12, 2008Filing dateMay 11, 2004Priority dateMay 12, 2003Fee statusPaidAlso published asCA2727608A1, CA2727608C, CA2727619A1, CA2727619C, CA2727629A1, CA2727629C, CA2727635A1, CA2727635C, CA2727868A1, CA2727868C, CN1787873A, CN1787873B, US7201290, US7891523, US7896198, US20040226961, US20040245284, US20050072793, US20070154370, WO2004101122A2, WO2004101122A3Publication number10843219, 843219, US 7410623 B2, US 7410623B2, US-B2-7410623, US7410623 B2, US7410623B2InventorsRichard J. Mehus, Royce D. JohnsonOriginal AssigneeEcolab Inc.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (119), Non-Patent Citations (24), Referenced by (18), Classifications (26), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod and apparatus for mass based dispensing
US 7410623 B2Abstract
A dispenser (200) dispenses an amount of concentrate in a container (204) using a diluent to form a use solution. A dispenser includes a housing (201). A product holder (210) is positioned to support the container (204) with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder (210) carried by a scale (240), wherein weight of the concentrate is concerned. A moveable container holder (215) is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container holder is positioned between the housing (201) and the container (204). A cover (216) is operatively connected to the container holder (215) at a connection. A cam surface is adjacent the housing (201). The cover (216) has a cam (216 d) for contacting the cam surface (201 a), wherein when the cover (216) is moved from a closed position to an open position, the connection moves upward, thereby carrying the container holder (215) and the container (204) which are moved upward lifting the container (204) off of the product holder (210).
an outer housing having a cam surface extending from a top edge therefrom;
a container holder that receives a product capsule containing a product concentrate to be dispensed and including a bottom surface having an opening through which a neck of the product capsule extends, the container holder slidably moveable within the outer housing to lift the product capsule from a first, lowered position to a second, raised position;
an inlet fluidly connected the outer housing through which diluent enters the outer housing and erodes the concentrate to create a use solution;
an outlet fluidly connected to the outer housing through which the use solution exits the outer housing;
a product holder that receives the neck of the product capsule such that the product holder fully supports the weight of the product capsule when the product capsule is in the first lowered position;
a cover pivotally mounted to the container holder and including a cam that rotates against the cam surface when the cover is opened to slidably lift the container holder within the outer housing to raise the product capsule from the first lowered position in which the weight of the product capsule is fully supported by the product holder to the second raised position in which the neck of the product capsule is raised off of the product holder and the weight of the product capsule is fully supported by the container holder; and
a scale that supports the product holder and that provides an output corresponding to the weight of the product capsule when the product capsule is in the first lowered position and is isolated from shock due to loading of the product capsule in the container holder when the product capsule is in the second raised position.
2. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the scale comprises at least one load cell.
3. The dispenser of claim 2 further comprising a controller that determines the weight of the product concentrate remaining in the product capsule based on the output provided by the at least one load cell.
4. The dispenser of claim 3, further comprising:
a mounting member operatively connected to the housing, the housing having a mounting bore;
an elastomeric member positioned in the mounting bore; and
a mounting screw positioned in the mounting bore for securing the mounting member to a mounting surface.
5. The dispenser of claim 4 further comprising a hard plastic insert having an insert bore, the insert positioned in the mounting bore.
6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the container holder includes a cylindrical wall portion forming a rim extending circumferentially around an inside bottom surface that contacts the product capsule when the container holder is slidably lifted to raise the product capsule to the second, raised position.
7. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the product holder further includes a funnel section sized to receive the neck of the product capsule.
8. The dispenser of claim 1 wherein the product holder further includes a cylindrical section forming a rim extending circumferentially around an inside bottom surface of the product holder that provides a surface on which the neck of the product capsule rests when the product capsule is in the first, lowered position. Description
In one embodiment, the invention is a dispenser for dispensing an amount of concentrate in a container using a diluent to form a use solution. The dispenser includes a housing having a cavity. The cavity is adapted to receive a concentrate. The housing has an inlet, whereby diluent enters the cavity and erodes the concentrate to create a use solution. The housing has an outlet, whereby the use solution exits the cavity. A product holder is positioned to support the container with the concentrate in the cavity of the housing. The product holder is carried by a scale, wherein weight of the concentrate is determined. The housing has a container entrance. A moveable container holder is moveable between a first position and a second position. The container holder is positioned between the housing and the container. A cover is utilized for the container entrance. The container holder is operatively connected to the cover at a connection, A cam surface is adjacent the housing. The cover has a cam for contacting the cam surface, wherein the cover is moved from a closed position to an open position, the connection moves upward, thereby carrying the container holder and the container which are moved upward lifting the container off of the product holder.
In another embodiment, the invention is a method of loading a container of concentrate to a dispenser. The dispenser has a housing having a cavity for receiving the container, a product holder is carried by a scale and a moveable container holder and a cover is operatively connected to the moveable container holder. The method includes raising the cover, wherein movement of the cover raises the container holder off of the product holder. Inserting the container into the moveable container holder and lowering the cover, wherein the container holder is lowered on to the product holder, whereby excessive shock to the scale is prevented during loading.
A support bracket 21 is operatively connected to the mounting panel 11 by suitable fastening means such as screws. The support bracket 21 is in a generally T-shape form and has three holes 21 a formed in its base 21 b. Only two of the holes 21 a are shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 clearly shows where three holes 11 e which are formed in the mounting panel 11. Appropriate fasteners, such as screws secure the bracket 21 to the panel 11 through three holes 21 a and 11 e. A support section 21 c extends from the base 21 b and provides for a support surface on which the load cell (or strain gauge) 22 is positioned. FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of the support bracket 21 and load cell 22. The support section 21 c has a top surface which is at two different heights. A first section 21 d is a generally planar surface which supports the load cell 22. A second section 21 e is a planar surface that is generally lower than the first section 21 d and therefore is spaced from the load cell 22. The distance between the second section 21 e and the load cell 22 is spaced at an appropriate distance, such as 150 percent of the maximum deflection of the load cell 22. The second section 21 e therefore allows the load cell 22 to deflect downward. However, if the load cell 22 receives too large of a force, the second section 21 e will limit the amount of deflection of the load cell 22.
Because the purpose of the load cell 22 is to determine the weight the product 20 a inside the capsule or container 20 that is dispensed, the weight of the capsule 20 must be supported by the load cell 22. One structure for doing this is the use of a mounting bracket assembly, generally designated as 40, and a product holder 50. The mounting bracket assembly 40 has a triangular base 41. Two mounting holes 41 a are formed therein and are used for fastening the base 41 to the load cell 22. Screws (not shown) are inserted through the holes 41 a and into the load cell 22 to secure the base 41 to the load cell 22. A support arm, generally designated at 42, extends upward from the base 41. The support arm, in the embodiment shown, has three arm sections 43-45. The arm sections 43-45 are of sufficient structural strengths to support the product holder 50 and capsule 20. The arm sections 43-45 are secured to the base 41 by suitable means such as a friction fit in bores 46-48. The arm sections 43-45 extend through the support openings 18 at the bottom of the housing 12. The upper ends, 43 a-45 a of the arm sections 43-45 support the product holder 50. It is preferred, but not necessary, that the arms 43-45 and product holder 50 are a one-piece construction. The exploded views, FIGS. 3-4, show the arms 43-45 as not being integral with the product bolder 50. This is for illustrative purposes only. Therefore, the actual construction is as shown in FIG. 9, wherein the arms 43-45 are integral with the product holder 50, however, it is understood that they may be made of a multiple piece-part construction. The product holder 50 has an upper, conically shaped member 51 in which three holes 51 a are formed. The holes 51 a are provided for making it easier to lift the product holder 50. The conical member 51 has a top rim 51 b. The conical member 51 is operatively connected to a generally cylindrical section 52. The cylindrical section 52 has a bore 52 a which is sized and configured to receive the neck portion 20 b of the capsule 20. Three cylindrical projections 53 depend downward from the sump section 12 c. Only two of the projections 53 are shown in FIG. 3, it being understood that the projections 53 are positioned to receive the arm sections 43-45. The cylindrical projections 53 have a bore 18 formed therein. Accordingly, the arms 43-45 of the product holder 50 are placed through the bores 18 and the arms 43-45 are secured, by suitable means, to the base 41. Then, when the capsule 20 is placed in the product holder 50, the weight of the capsule 20, the product inside of the capsule 20 a, the product holder 50 and mounting bracket assembly 40 are all supported on the load cell 22.
The present invention has applicability in many areas in addition to those already discussed. The following is a list of at least some of the areas in which the invention may be used. In the area of pest elimination dispensing equipment, a load cell could be utilized to measure a pre-set amount of ready-to-use insecticide which would enable the user to document proof of delivery for regulatory compliance, while ensuring a consistent dose was used for each application. Use in the vehicle cleaning market could encompass the use of a chemical measurement device for a vehicle care product dispenser. The product could be in a solid, liquid or gel form. Delivery would be by conventional means such as a recirculating system for solid products or pump systems for liquids or gels. The load cell would measure precise weight changes in the product being delivered from a concentrate to create a ready-to-use solution or an intermediate solution that can be diluted at a user's convenience. The prior art procedures require chemical or volumetric measurements by operators of product usage to ensure reproducible product delivery. As each product type varies greatly in chemical components for vehicle cleaning products, different chemical tests need to be developed and validated for each new product. Batch to batch variations in solid dissolution rates require very stringent quality control measures and greatly restrict new product development of solid systems. Large variations in product use temperature due to seasonal temperature variations in the vehicle cleaning market have negative effects on liquid product viscosities. Water pressure variations within vehicle cleaning sites result in wide changes in product delivery as many dilution systems are based on siphon technology. These variations often result in unacceptable differences in product delivery. All of the variations require human intervention to adjust the chemical delivery system. The use of the load cell technology would permit reproducible delivery of product regardless of chemical composition. This presents the possibilities of greater flexibility and product formulation. Concerns about variation in solid product solubility differences or liquid viscosity changes with temperature would be eliminated as only weight changes are measured. Simplicity of the dispenser design would also result as the same dispenser technology could be used for many product chemistries since chemical measurement systems do not need to be taken into account for each product.
As seen in FIG. 11, there is generally disclosed at 200 a dispenser. The dispenser 200 is another embodiment in accordance with the present invention. It has been found that by using multiple load beams, there is a means to average the outlet of the load beams and develop better resolution over a single load cell. The dispenser 200 includes a housing 201 that is designed to mount on a suitable mounting surface (not shown). The support surfaces typically a wall of a room, or a surface that is sturdy enough to support the dispenser 200. However, it is understood that the dispenser 200 may be mounted in various ways, well known in the art, including the free standing dispenser. The housing 201 includes a mounting section 202 and a cylindrical section 203. The sections 202 and 203 are preferably molded as a one-piece plastic member, although it is understood that the housing 201 could also be made out of other suitable materials, such as stainless steel, and formed out of multiple pieces. The mounting section 202 has two openings 202 a formed on one side and two similar openings formed on the other side (not shown in FIG. 13). The openings 202 a are utilized to mount the housing 201 to the support surface. The cylindrical section 203 has a cavity 203 a that is formed by the inner wall 203 b. The cavity is sized to accommodate the capsule 204 which holds the concentrate. The inner wall 203 b has a circular rim 203 c formed around its bottom. A sump section 205 is operatively connected to the bottom of the housing 201 and provides for a collection region for the use solution. The sump has an inlet, similar to the first embodiment. The inlet is formed in the bottom of the sump section 205 proximate the center and provides for an entrance for the inlet conduit 206 that provides for fluid communication of the diluent into the cavity 203 a. The sump section 205 has three indentations 205 b formed in the bottom of the sump section 205. Only two of the indentations are shown in FIG. 13, the third being hidden from view. However, the three indentations 205 b are spaced 120 degrees from each other and are sized and configured to receive and support the load cell housing 207, as will be described more fully hereafter. An outlet 260 provides for the flow out of the dispenser 200 of the use solution formed by the diluent and the concentrate.
A product holder 210 has a funnel section 211 that is sized and configured to match the outer shape of the neck of the capsule 204. The product holder 210 then has a cylindrical section 212 that has a lip or rim 212 a formed therein. The rim 212 a provides a surface on which the neck 204 a of the capsule 204 rests when the dispenser 200 is operational. A second funnel section 213 is operatively connected to the cylindrical section 212. It is the funnel section 213 that rests on the load cell housing 207, as will be described more fully hereafter. A second cylindrical section 214 is operatively connected to the second funnel section 213 and extends down around the pipe 209.
During operation, the capsule 204 is positioned on the product holder 210, which is in turn carried by the load cell housing 207. Therefore, the weight of the capsule 204 and the product holder 210 is weighed by the load cell. However, to protect the load cell housing 207 from extreme shock by the dropping in of the capsule 204 directly on the load cell housing 207, the present invention utilizes a moveable capsule or container holder 215. The container holder 215 includes a cylindrical wall portion 215 a to which a circular rim 215 b is connected at the bottom. Then, a tapered section 215 c extends down from the rim 215 b. The cylindrical wall portion 215 a is sized and configured to fit inside of the cavity 203 a so that it may be moved up and down. At the top and back of the wall portion 215 a is formed a cover mounting member 215 d. The cover mounting member 215 d terminates in a cylindrical portion 215 e that is utilized to pivotally connect a cover 216. The cover 216 has a lid portion 216 a that is sized and configured to cover the cavity 203 a. A slot 216 b is sized and configured to receive the cylindrical portion 215 e of the container holder to make a snap fit between the cover 216 and the holder 215. The cover has an extension 216 c on which a cam 216 d is formed. The cam 216 d acts on a cam surface 201 a which is the top of the mounting section 202.
When the cover 216 is raised, as shown in FIG. 12, the cover mounting member 215 d is carried to the upper position, which necessarily raises the entire container holder 215. When the container holder 215 is raised, it raises up the capsule 204 also as the capsule 204 is resting on rim 215 b. This provides a distance X as shown in FIG. 12, between the rim 212 a and the neck 204 a. Therefore, if a capsule was loaded by simply dropping or forcing it into the dispenser 200, the force would not be absorbed by the product holder 210, but would instead be absorbed by the container holder 215, the tapered section 215 c and the rim 215 b. When lowered, the cam 216 d, along with a pivoting section of the cover 216 will cause the cover mounting member 215 d to be lowered as the distance the slot 216 b is above the cam surface 216 d is less, which in turn will allow the capsule 204 to be supported on the product holder 210. This will be further described with respect to the dispenser 300. This therefore allows the concentrate inside of the capsule 204 to be weighed, as discussed with the previous embodiment. A magnetic switch has a first portion 295 a and a second part 295 b to indicate if the cover is closed.
The housing 207 includes a base member 218 and a top member 228. Three protrusions 219 extend from the bottom 218 a of the base member 218. The protrusions 219 are spaced 120 degrees from each other and are sized and configured to rest in the indentations 205 b. The housing 207 is in the general shape of a ring. The base member 218 includes a circular wall 220 that defines a ledge 220 a. The wall 220 and ledge 220 a form a structure for receiving the top member 278. An inner wall 221 is spaced from the wall 220 and forms a ring in which the three load cells 240 are positioned. Three sets of dividing members 222, 223 define three receiving areas 224 in which the load cells 240 are positioned. The load cells or strain gauges 240 are suitably mounted on a load beam or base member 240 a that is generally rectangular. The base member 240 a has a first mounting opening 240 b and a second opening 240 c. The opening 240 b is above a bore 218 b. A bolt 241 secures the first end of the base member 240 a to the base member 218. The second bore 218 c is formed in each receiving area 224 underneath the second, free end of the load cell base member 240 a. The receiving area 224 is sized and configured so that the length of the base member 240 a is substantially the same. This will prevent torsion from affecting the load cell by not allowing the base member 240 a to twist. The first end of the load cell that is proximate the wall 223 has a very minimal clearance such as 0.003 inches. The other end, proximate the wall 222 has a clearance of approximately 0.005 inches. The clearance is slightly more to allow for the movement up and down of the free end of the load cell 240. Also, with the first end secured to the base member, the first end is the dominate end for protection from twisting of the load cell 240. However, the receiving area 224 is sized to limit the amount of torsion that may be applied to the load cell 240 via the base member 240 a. Three standoffs 225, with openings 225 a, are also operatively connected to the base member 218 and spaced at 120 degree intervals. The load cells 240 are connected to the printed circuit board 242 by wires (not shown). The wires from the load cell 240 would pass through the rectangular opening 242 a. Additional mounting holes 242 b, 242 c are also formed above each of the receiving areas 224. The printed circuit board 242 is of known construction.
The top member 228 has a generally planar top surface 228 a with a cylindrical side wall 228 b. The side wall 228 b is sized and configured to fit around the wall 220 and on top of the ledge 220 a. The top surface has three protrusions 229 that extend upward. The protrusions have a sloped surface 229 a that is adapted and configured to receive the underneath of the cylindrical section 212 of the product holder 210. Three bosses 230 are formed on the underneath side of the housing 228 and have bores 230 a formed therein.
As previously discussed, the base member 240 a or load beam has its first end secured to the base member 218 by a bolt 241. The other end of the base member 240 a is secured by bolt 251 through opening 240 c to the protrusion 230, thereby securing the moveable end of the base member 240 a to the top member 228. The PC board 242 is secured to the base member 218 by screw 243. An electrical cord 290 is generally shown in FIG. 12.
Referring to FIGS. 18 and 22, it can be seen that two stop members 280 are formed around the bore 218 c. The stop members 280 are in the general shape of an arc. The stops 280 extend above the inner surface of the base member 218. As can be seen in FIG. 22 more easily, the stop members 280 will limit the deflection of the load beam 240 a. There is typically a maximum deflection that manufacturers provide for a rated weight. Typically this is 150 percent of the rated load. The strain response is linear to weight. If the deflection is established for 100 percent of the load, by multiplying the deflection value by 1.5 yields a maximum deflection before there is potential damage to the strain gauge 240. A stop, such as stop 280 at this deflection point provides a means to prevent deflection beyond the maximum rated deflection. The stops 280 protect the strain gauge 240 from being overloaded.
As can be seen in FIG. 19, the moveable container holder 317 is generally circular in shape and slidably fits within the housing 318. The moveable container holder 317 includes the cylindrical wall portion 317 a operatively connected to a rim 317 b, which in turn has a tapered section 317 c connected thereto. When the capsule 316 is placed initially into the dispenser 300, the capsule sits on the rim 317 b and is also supported by the tapered sections 317 c. This spaces the neck 316 a of capsule 316 away from the product holder 310. The cover 320 includes a lid 320 a that has a slot 320 b formed therein. The moveable container holder 317 has a cover mounting member 317 d with a cylindrical portion 317 e that is snap fitted into the slot 320 b. The cover 320 has an extension 320 c with a cam 320 d at one end. The cam operates on a cam surface 318 a of housing 318.
FIG. 20 shows the cover in a down position after the cover has been pivoted. As can be seen, the distance Z is less in FIG. 20 than in FIG. 19. In comparing FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, it can be seen that the cam action raises and lowers member 317 d and therefore the moveable container 17, which supports the capsule, until when in the closed position, the capsule 316 is supported on product holder 310 which is carried by the load cell. Since the cylindrical wall portion 317 a is rigid, the rim 317 b necessarily is lowered by the same amount. As can be seen in FIG. 20, the rim 317 b is now below the capsule 316 and the entire weight of the capsule is carried by the product holder 310. As shown in FIG. 19, the product holder 310 is isolated from any jarring that would occur by the capsule 316 being dropped into the dispenser 300.
Referring now to FIG. 21, there is shown in greater detail a method of mounting the dispenser 300 to a mounting surface 400. Since vibrations are a consideration, the mounting mechanism shown in FIG. 21 helps reduce the vibration and thereby allows the load cells to more accurately weigh the capsule and its contents. The mounting panel 250 that is used to mount the dispenser 300 to the mounting surface 400 has an opening into which an elastomer member 401 is inserted. The elastomer member may be made from any suitable material with a suitable durometer such as from 55-65. The member 401 may also take any suitable size or shape such as a cylindrical member as shown. A cylindrical hard plastic insert 402 is positioned inside of the bore 401 a of the member 401. Then, a screw 403 is inserted through a bore in the plastic insert 402 and secured into the mounting surface 400. The plastic insert has sufficient structural strength to withstand the compressive force to secure the dispenser 300 to the mounting surface. The elastomer member then allows the dispenser to “float” or isolate the dispenser from vibrations, thereby minimizing vibrations. A similar elastomer member, insert and screw may also be utilized with respect to the other embodiments shown. As dispenser 300 is a single load cell, the use and operation will be quite similar to dispenser 10, except for that discussed above, and therefore will not be reiterated.
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