US3054533A - Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids - Google Patents

Description

F. L. KUREK 3,054,533

APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLED DISPENSING OF LIQUIDS Sept. 18, 1962 Filed Jan. 4, 1960 FRANK L. KUREK ATTORNEY atent that:

3,454,533 Patented Sept. 18, 1962 3,054,533 APPARATUS FOR CGNTROLLED DISPENSING F LIQUIDS Frank L. Kurek, 699 Charles Lane, Madison, Wis. Filed Jan. 4, 1960, Ser. No. 158 7 Claims. (Cl. 22270) This invention relates to improvements in apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids.

Prior to my invention controlled liquid dispensing apparatus merely provided for the timed raising and lowering of a ball valve in a discharge nozzle located at the bottom of a storage tank. The volume of output was dependent upon the size of the nozzle hole, it being necessary to change discharge nozzles whenever it was desired to reduce or increase the volume of the outflow from the storage tank. As there was no control of the velocity of the flow of liquid before it reached the nozzle hole, there was considerable splash-back of the liquid, particularly with liquids of low viscosity. Also, in view of the lack of refinement in the controls which raised and lowered the ball valve in the discharge nozzle, there was less accuracy in the quantity of liquid delivered, and there was usually some dripping of the liquid from the discharge nozzle even after it was closed.

It is an important object of this invention to provide apparatus for greater versatility in controlling the dispensation of liquids having varying degrees of viscosity.

Another object is to provide apparatus to regulate the quantity of liquid to be dispensed simultaneously with the pouring of the liquid and without the removal or disassembly of the discharge nozzle unit.

A further object of this invention is to reduce the discharge velocity of the liquid from the dispenser so as to minimize the amount of splash-back as the liquid is dispensed into a container.

An additional object of this invention is to provide apparatus which will increase the accuracy in the measurement of dispensed liquids.

A still additional object of this invention is to provide apparatus which will minimize the amount of drip from the discharge nozzle after the discharge valve has been closed.

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description when considered with the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a vertical plan view of one form of my invention shown within a cross-section of certain of the parts with a portion of the connecting rod and tank walls broken away.

FIG. 2 is a vertical plan view of another form of my invention within a cross-section of my discharge nozzle and washer.

FIG. 3 is a vertical plan view of still another form of my invention within a cross-section of my discharge nozzle and washer.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of my discharge nozzle.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional view of my discharge nozzle substantially along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

Liquid flow control apparatus has a discharge nozzle 11 which is normally located at the bottom 12 of a storage tank 13 for liquids and such nozzle provides the outlet from the tank. A solenoid magnetic coil 14 is located at the top 15 of storage tank 13. Magnetic coil 14 has a cover 16 with a raised centrally-disposed top 18 which may be removable and which has an aperture 19. Magnetic coil unit 14 may also be removed from tank 13. The upper end 20 of connecting rod 21 projects upwardly through aperture 19 and extends downwardly through tank 13, and is secured at its lower end 22 to metering bushing 23. Connecting rod 21 is preferably of material which will not be easily bent or deformed, such as spring tempered non-magnetic stainless steel. Under cover 16, connecting rod 21 carries rubber stop washer 24, upper stop bushing 25, solenoid core 26 and lower stop bushing 27. Solenoid core 26 is slidably engaged with connecting rod 21 between upper stop bushing 25 and lower stop bushing 27 which are retained in position by set screws 28 and 29. I have found that the distance of travel of solenoid core 26 on connecting rod 21 should be about one-fourth inch for reasons hereinafter stated, though such distance may be modified in relation to the size of the apparatus. Solenoid core 26 is preferably of hexagonal or similar shape to reduce friction with magnetic coil 14 and preferably has a small longitudinal slot 30.

Ball valve 33, of stainless steel or similar material, is secured to the lower end of metering bushing 23. FIG. 1 shows a cylindrical metering bushing 23 with substan tially vertical sides. Discharge nozzle 11 has a recess 31 in which metering washer 32 is fitted, leaving a space 32a between metering washer 32 and metering bushing 23. Normally ball valve 33 is smaller than the inside diameter of metering washer 32. Outlet 34 of discharge nozzle 11, preferably has a substantially vertical short lip or wall 35 with a slightly sloping valve seat 36. The bottom wall 37 of discharge nozzle 11 may be flat. Discharge nozzle 11 preferably has guide ribs 33 which are sloping at the top 39. The floor area 40 of discharge nozzle 11 between the guide ribs 38 is preferably substantially flat. Discharge nozzle 11 may be secured to tank 13 by coupling 40a by threaded engagement or other attaching means which will permit a ready connection.

FIG. 2 shows another form of metering bushing 41 with a cylindrical body 42 which has a tapering body 43. Tapering body 43 narrows to the size of shank 44 which extends between tapering body 43 and ball valve 33. Space 43a extends between metering washer 32 and tapering body 43.

FIG. 3 show another form of apparatus without a metering bushing, but with a plastic metering washer 45 having a diagonal split or cut 47, which cut is in closed position when in operating position in slot 31. Space 46 extends between rod 20 and metering washer 45. I have found that metering washer of the product known as Teflon has the required flexibility, durability and chemical resistance. A two-piece stainless steel metering washer may be used instead of the above-described split plastic washer.

With liquid in storage tank 13, ball valve 33 would rest on valve seat 36, closing outlet 34. In order to open outlet 34, solenoid magnetic coil 14 is actuated by electrical means, and is connected to conventional timing means to permit outlet 34 to be opened and closed for predetermined periods of time. As coil 14 is actuated, solenoid core 26 is pulled upward within coil 14 and against upper stop bushing 25. As the core 26 strikes upper stop bushing 25, it overcomes the inertia of rod 21 and ball valve 33 causing a quick response to the initial voltage in the coil, causing the rod 21 and ball valve 33 to raise to the position shown in FIG. 1. Slot 30 in the solenoid core 26 further helps to produce a quick response of the core to the voltage in the core 14 by reducing any eddy currents.

When ball valve 33 is raised, the liquid flows between metering washer 32 and metering bushing 23 into discharge nozzle 11 through outlet 34. The amount of liquid passing through outlet 34 within a given time period is determined by the viscosity of the liquid and the size of metering washer 32 which can be interchanged as desired. When space 32a between metering washer 32 and metering bushing 23 is small, the quantity of liquid passing through outlet 34 is restricted. If it is desired to increase the liquid flow (or if the viscosity of the liquid is increased) a washer which leaves a larger space 32a may be inserted. In highly viscous liuids it may be desirable to remove washer 32 completely. Also in such case a completely free flow of the liquid through outlet 34 may be permitted by removing metering bushing 23 from discharge nozzle 11. This may be accomplished by removing top 18 or magnetic coil 14 and pulling connecting rod 21 upward.

When metering washer 32 and metering bushing 23 are used as shown in FIG. 1, they control the flow of liquid through outlet 34. The amount of back-splash is substantially reduced as compared to the old apparatus which merely permitted the liquid to flow through the outlet without internal nozzle controls over the liquid flow. Metering washers 32 may be exchanged or replaced in recess 31 by removing discharge nozzle 11 after removal of coupling 400.

After the desired amount of liquid has been dispensed, the coil 14 is deactivated. Solenoid core 26, connecting rod 21 and ball valve 33 drop until the ball comes to rest on valve seat 36 to close outlet 34. The solenoid core 26, however, continues to drop until it strikes lower stop bushing 27. As the core 26 drops against lower stop bushing 27, it counteracts any bounce of the ball valve 33 as it strikes valve seat 36. Thus, outlet 34 is closed quickly and positively to prevent passage of additional liquid or dripping. Guide ribs 38 guide the ball directly to the outlet which also speeds up the closure of outlet 34, without substantial wear on the ball valve or valve seat. The sloped top 39 of guide ribs 38 are especially helpful when inserting ball valve 33 into the discharge nozzle '11. The shortened lip also reduces the amount of liquid which may hang on to the outlet, thereby minimizing dripping after the outlet is closed. Thus, I have reduced dripping substantially by (l) reducing the area to which material may cling after the outlet is closed; (2) counteracting the bounce of the ball valve as it strikes the valve seat; and (3) providing a quick positive fit for the ball valve in the valve seat. By having connecting rod 20 extend above top 18, the operator can observe the rods upward and downward movement to ensure proper operation of the valve.

Metering bushing 42 shown in FIG. 2 has the further advantage of adjusting the amount of the flow of liquid from outlet 34 when the discharge nozzle is in operation without stopping to dissemble the unit. Thus, by removal of top 18 or coi-l unit 14, rubber stop washers 24 may be added to or subtracted from upper rod 20 and then replacing the top or coil unit. In this way, the position of tapering body 43 is raised or lowered in relation to metering washer 32.. If rubber stop washers 24 are added, the space 43a is narrowed as tapering body 43 is lowered, and the liquid flow is reduced. If the number of rubber stop washers 24 is reduced, the space 43a is increased in size as tapering body 43 is raised. Thus, as stated, adjustment of the flow rate may be made without draining the liquid from storage tank 13 and without removal of discharge nozzle 11. More precise adjustment may be made in raising or lowering tapering body 43 by having a screw adjustment for upper rod 20 at aperture 19 and top 18.

The form shown in FIG. 3 uses a split plastic metering washer 45 without a metering bushing. By splitting the plastic washer, it can be easily placed around rod 21. The inside dimension of the washer may thus be of any size to control the liquid flow as desired. The use of a plastic washer is particularly convenient since the user can drill it to any size orifice that suits his needs. The main advantage of this form rests in its gentler discharge velocities and lower available flow rates. It has been found particularly useful in dispensing thin, nonviscous liquids. This modification also has less punch-out effect when ball valve 33 comes in contact with valve seat 36, than exists when rod 21 carries a metering bushing. When a metering bushing 23, as shown in FIG. 1, moves downward when outlet 34 is closed, it displaces an equivalent amount of liquid which has a tendency to increase slightly the flow at the time of the shut-off. This efiect is eliminated by the modification of FIG. 3, because rod 21 has a smaller volume than metering bushing 23 of FIG. 1.

Although I have shown certain embodiments of my invention, it is understood that all modifications contemplated by the following claims are deemed within the spirit and scope of my invention. For example, it is evident that the connecting rod may be moved by other means such as an air cylinder which can also be connected to a standard timing device.

I claim:

1. Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supply source comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end in communication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inlet end in spaced relation thereto, a valve for said outlet end, a metering bushing secured to said valve extending upwardly and above said inlet end, a metering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end of said discharge nozzle encircling the metering bushing at said inlet end with a space between the metering bushing and the metering washer to permit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outlet end, said space being of smaller cross section than said outlet end, a connecting rod extending upwardly from the metering bushing, means in communication with said connecting rod for lowering and raising the connecting rod to engage and disengage said valve in and from said outlet end at predetermined intervals, a plurality of guide ribs extending inwardly from the wall of said discharge nozzle between said inlet end and said outlet end in spaced relation to engage and maintain said valve in substantially vertical alignment with said outlet end during engagement and disengagement therewith.

2. Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supply source comprising a discharge nozzle having an inlet end in communication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inlet end, a valve for said outlet end, a metering bushing with a tapering body above said valve at said inlet end, a shank connecting said metering bushing and said valve, a metering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end of said discharge nozzle but larger than the greatest diameter of said tapering body encircling the metering bushing at said inlet end with a space between the metering bushing and the metering washer to permit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outlet end, a connecting rod extending upwardly from the metering bushing, adjustable means on said connecting rod for lowering and raising said metering bushing when said valve is open to regulate the liquid flow through said space, means in communication with said connecting rod for lowering and raising the connecting rod to engage and disengage said valve in and from said outlet end at predetermined intervals and guide means for said valve extending inwardly from the wall of said discharge nozzle.

Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supply source comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end in communication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inlet end in spaced relation thereto, a valve for said outlet end, a connecting rod extending upwardly from the valve, a metering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end of said discharge nozzle encircling the connecting rod at said inlet end with a space between the connecting rod and the metering washer to permit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outlet end, said metering washer being of flexible material and being split, said space being of smaller cross section than said outlet end, means in communication with said connecting rod for lowering and raising the connecting rod to engage and disengage said valve in and from said outlet end at predetermined intervals, a plurality of guide ribs extending inwardly from the wall of said discharge nozzle between said inlet end and said outlet end in spaced relation to engage and maintain said valve in substantially vertical alignment with said outlet end during engagement and disengagement therewith.

4. The invention of claim 7 wherein the discharge nozzle has a plurality of guide ribs for said valve extending inwardly from the wall of said discharge nozzle substantially from the inlet end to the outlet end.

5. Liquid discharge apparatus for use with a liquid supply source comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end and an outlet end, a valve within said discharge nozzle for said outlet end, a metering bushing secured to said valve extending toward and beyond said inlet end, a metering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end of said discharge nozzle encircling the metering bushing at said inlet end with a space between the metering bushing and the metering washer to permit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outlet end, said space being of smaller cross section than said outlet end, and means in communication with said valve for opening and closing said outlet end.

6. Liquid discharge apparatus for use with a liquid supply source comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end and an outlet end, a valve within said discharge nozzle for said outlet end, a metering bushing with a tapering body at said inlet end and extending outwardly therefrom, a shank connecting said valve and metering bushing, a metering washer having an opening smaller than the inlet end of said discharge nozzle but larger than the greatest diameter of said tapering body encircling the metering bushing at said inlet end with a space between the metering bushing and the metering washer to permit the flow of liquid therethrough to said outlet end, means secured to said metering bushing in cooperation with said valve for opening and closing said outlet end, and adjustable means in communication with said metering bushing for lowering and raising the metering bushing when said outlet end is open to regulate the liquid flow through said space.

7. Apparatus for controlled dispensing of liquids from a liquid supply source comprising, a discharge nozzle having an inlet end in communication with said supply source and an outlet end below the inlet end, a valve for said outlet end, variable flow rate means at the inlet end of said discharge nozzle for determining the flow rate of liquid to be dispensed from said outlet end, means connected to said valve for lowering and raising said valve in and from said outlet end at predetermined intervals, and means in cooperation with said lowering and raising means for adjusting said variable flow rate means, said variable flow rate means being secured to said lowering and raising means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Re. 23,730 Mojonnier May 18, 1954 824,468 Calley June 26, 1906 2,111,232 VJetzel Mar. 15, 1938 2,555,907 Venard June 5, 1951 2,566,051 Avery Aug. 28, 1951 2,601,139 Hill June 17, 1952 2,925,102 Cummings et al Feb. 16, 1960 2,979,231 Witherspoon Apr. 11, 1961

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