US3675820A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Liquid dispensing apparatus
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1971-02-01
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Granted: 1972-07-11
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Expires: 1991-02-01
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for dispensing any of a plurality of liquids either singly or in predetermined combinations either ''''automatically'''' according to standard recipes or ''''manually'''' by selectively varying the quantities of each liquid dispensed. The disclosed embodiment is particularly directed to an alcoholic beverage dispenser and mixer which is simple and economical in construction, using sturdy and reliable electro-mechanical components, yet versatile in operation by providing two relays between each solenoid valve controlling flow of the respective liquids and a cam operated microswitch controlling the time for which a voltage is provided to the solenoid.
Inventors
- 👤 George M Newberry
- 👤 Nicholas F Wowk
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 14:21
CPC Classifications
B; B67; B67D; B67D3/00; B67D3/0012; B67D3/0003; B67D3/0019
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
227 words
Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of liquids singly or in predetermined combinations, the proportions of each liquid in such combinations being determined either automatically or selectively, and apparatus comprising, in combination: a. a plurality of supply lines, one for each liquid to be dispensed; b. a solenoid operated valve in each of said lines to control the quantity of liquid dispensed therethrough as a function of the time the valve is open; c. electrical switching means controlling the voltage to operate said valves; d. cam means movable in a time controlled manner to operate said switching means, and thereby said valves, in accordance with movement of said cam means; e. relay means interposed between said switching means and each of said valves, actuation of said relay means being effective to initiate movement of said cam means and to complete a circuit between said switching means and said solenoids; f. first manually operable means for selecting the liquid or combination to be dispensed and actuating said relay means; g. second manually operable means movable between a first position, wherein the proportions of liquids in a selected combination are determined automatically, and a second position, wherein said proportions may be selectively determined; and h. third manually operable means movable between a plurality of positions to effect selection of said proportions where said second means is in its second position.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
227 words
Apparatus for dispensing a plurality of liquids singly or in predetermined combinations, the proportions of each liquid in such combinations being determined either automatically or selectively, and apparatus comprising, in combination: a. a plurality of supply lines, one for each liquid to be dispensed; b. a solenoid operated valve in each of said lines to control the quantity of liquid dispensed therethrough as a function of the time the valve is open; c. electrical switching means controlling the voltage to operate said valves; d. cam means movable in a time controlled manner to operate said switching means, and thereby said valves, in accordance with movement of said cam means; e. relay means interposed between said switching means and each of said valves, actuation of said relay means being effective to initiate movement of said cam means and to complete a circuit between said switching means and said solenoids; f. first manually operable means for selecting the liquid or combination to be dispensed and actuating said relay means; g. second manually operable means movable between a first position, wherein the proportions of liquids in a selected combination are determined automatically, and a second position, wherein said proportions may be selectively determined; and h. third manually operable means movable between a plurality of positions to effect selection of said proportions where said second means is in its second position.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said relay means comprise a plurality of double pole, double throw relays, at least two of which are associated with each of said solenoid valves.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
60 words
The invention according to claim 2 wherein two of said relays are associated with each of said solenoid valves, one being actuable to complete the circuit between its associated solenoid and said switching means when said second manually operable means is in its first position and the other completing said circuit when said second means is in its second position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
55 words
The invention according to claIm 3 wherein said one of said relays is actuated by said first manually operable means in both positions of said second manually operable means, and a latching voltage for said one relay is provided through said other relay only when said second manually operable means is in its first position.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The invention according to claim 1 wherein said cam means comprises a plurality of cams mounted for common movement by a synchronous motor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The invention according to claim 5 wherein said switching means comprises a plurality of individual microswitches, each having an arm movable between first and second contacts by movement of an associated one of said cams.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
36 words
The invention according to claim 6 wherein said arms are arranged to receive a voltage while said motor is running, whereby a voltage is received by the switch contact with which the arm is in contact.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
60 words
The invention according to claim 7 wherein selected ones of said switch contacts are permanently connected to certain of said relay means which complete a circuit between said selected contacts and said solenoid valves when said second manually operable means is in its first position, thereby actuating the solenoid for the time during which said selected contacts receive a voltage.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
65 words
The invention according to claim 6 wherein said third manually operable means comprises multiple contact switch means, each contact being connected to a different one of said microswitches, whereby the setting of said multiple contact switch means is effective to establish the one of said cams controlling actuation of at least one of said solenoid valves with which said multiple contact switch means is associated.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention according to claim 9 wherein a plurality of said multiple contact switch means, separately settable and associated with different ones of said solenoid valves, are provided.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
41 words
The invention according to claim 10 wherein said multiple contact switch means comprise wafer switches and said first manually operable means comprise push button switches each effective to actuate relay means to dispense a different one or combination of said liquids.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention according to claim 1 and further including counter means associated with each of said solenoid valves and actuable therewith to indicate the cumulative quantity of liquid dispensed by each valve.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
29 words
The invention according to claim 1 and further including visual indicating means associated with each liquid and actuable in response to its associated liquid falling below a predetermined level.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The invention according to claim 13 wherein said visual indicating means comprise an individual lamp bulb for each of said liquids operated in response to photoelectric sensing means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
50 words
The invention according to claim 14 wherein said sensing means comprise a light source and photocell, and each of said supply lines includes a branch line containing an opaque float supported between said light source and photocell by said liquid when the latter is at or above said predetermined level.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-11 | 1976-01-10 | 1976-07-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-11 | 1980-01-10 | 1980-07-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-11 | 1984-01-10 | 1984-07-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |