Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 VISCOUS MATERIAL DISPENSER AND ME~HOD FOR DISPENSING
2 BAC~GROUND OF T~E I m NTION
3 The present invention relates in general to devices
4 and methods for dispensing flowable materials having high
visco6ities, and more particularly to the dispensing of
6 soft serve frozen confections such as ice cream and the
7 like.
8 A frozen confection, such as ice cream, frozen yogurt,
g sherbet, or sorbet, is termed "soft serve" when it is at a
temperature within a range of approximately 10 to 20~F, for
11 example 18~F, so as to have a viscosity that will enable it
12 to flow through a dispensing nozzle into an edible cone or
13 other suitable container whereupon the soft serve
14 confection is immediately consumed. Traditionally, complex
lS machines have been provided at retail outlets to
16 manufacture, store and dispense soft serve frozen
17 confections. The complexity of the machines makes them
18 costly not only to acquire but also to maintain, both from
19 an operational and a hygienic standpoint. Also, the
quality of the soft serve confection is difficult to
21 control due to variations in the ingredients loaded into
22 the machine, and due to variations in the level of skill of
23 the machine operators. Further, it is difficult to
24 provide, at the retail level, a wide variety of types and
flavors of soft serve frozen confections since the noted
26 machines must each be dedicated to providing only a few
27 types and flavors of confections at any given time, and
28 since the number of machines per retail outlet is limited
29 by cost and space considerations.
As an alternative to the above, it has been proposed
31 that soft serve frozen confections be manufactured at a
32 central facility, and then stored at the facility in
33 portable containers at a low storage temperature of 0~F or
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
below.- By use of a central manufacturing and storage
facility, the cost and quality of the frozen confections could
be more readily controlled. Al$o, an inventory of prefilled
containers providing a wide range of types and flavors of
frozen confections could be established. The containers could
then be shipped on demand from inventory to retail outlets
wherein they would be thawed or tempered to a "soft serve"
temperature. The containerized soft serve frozen confections
could then be dispensed at the retail outlet from a simpler
and more ~omp~-t machine that would only function as a
dispenser and storage means.
Examples of dispensers for containerized soft serve
confections are illustrated by U.S. Patents 5,048,724,
5,069,364, 5,215,222, and 5,244,277. The noted patents
disclose dispensers wherein collapsible or otherwise
deformable containers are mechanically compressed to expel or
extrude soft serve frozen confections therefrom for each
individual serving. While the noted campression type soft
serve dispensers arguably represent an advance in the art, it
has been found that repeated co~pression of soft serve frozen
confections, which can contain up to 40% air, may degrade the
quality of the dispensed product. It is believed that
repeated pressurization of the frozen confection within the
container causes undesirable ice crystals to form within the
confection, degrading the taste and texture of the dispensed
confection. Although this effect is small or almost
negligible for each pressurization/depressurization cycle,
since the entire volume of confection within the containers of
these patents is repeatedly pre~surized the cumulative effect
is substantial and noticeable.
Also, the discharge rate from the earlier noted patented
devices, which mechanically compress the product, is highly
dependent upon product viscosity and, therefore, product
formulation and temperature. For example, high fat content
chocolate ice cream having a relatively high
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
-3-
viscosity may have to be dispensed at a higher "soft serve" temperature, or a
higher pressure, than a lower viscosity sorbet.
It is therefore an object of an aspect of the present invention to provide
a dispenser for containerized frozen confections and the like of the soft serve
type that can operate over a relatively wide "soft serve" temperature range
wherein frozen confections at the same temperature, but of substantially
different viscosities can be dispensed. It is an object of an aspect of the
present invention to provide a dispenser that will eliminate repeated
compression or pressurization of the frozen confection within the container,
and minimi7~ compression or pressurization of dispensed frozen confection,
so as to avoid or at least minimize the above noted problems associated
therewith. It is an object of an aspect of the invention to provide a dispenser
that will dispense ice cream in controlled predetermined amounts for
purposes of portion control. It is an object of an aspect of the invention to
provide a delivery means including a dispensing valve which is operable to
dispense viscous material with a minimum of compression or ~ressll~ization
of the viscous material being dispensed theler~o~l.
It is to be noted that while the above background and subsequent
description of the invention focus mainly on the dispensing of soft serve
frozen confections, it is clearly contemplated by the inventors that the
invention may have applications to the dispensing of other high viscous food
products, such as prepared vegetables and nutritional supplements.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect af the present invention, a dispenser for
viscous material such as ice cream and the like prefelably includes a supply
source of viscous material constituted by a portable container for storing the
viscous material. The dispenser also includes a delivery means for
discharging the viscous material, and a pump means connected between the
supply source and the delivery means to establish fluid communication
therebetween.
The pump means includes a pump member which is reciprocally
movable in two directions. When the pump member moves in the first of its
two directions, it pressurizes the ViSCQUS material to thereby push the
material toward the delivery means for discharge thereof and to
simultaneously extract viscous material from the supply source by means of
suction. The pump member is movable in the second or opposite of its two
directions without causing substantial movement of the viscous material
relative to the delivery means or the supply source.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a dispenser is
provided which is operable to dispense containerized frozen confections and
the like of the soft-serve type over a relatively wide temperature and viscosityrange. The dispenser utilizes a positive displacement pump that dispenses
predetermined quantities of confection with minimal compression of the
confection being dispensed, and eliminates compression of the confection in
the container, thereby avoiding or at least minimizing the problems, e.g. ice
crystal formation, present in the prior art dispensing methods.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the delivery
means includes a dispensing valve for discharging viscous material. The
dispensing valve includes a valve body which provides an inlet port, an
outlet port, and a
. CA 02244019 1998-09-04
chamber in fluid communication with said ports. The viscous material flows
from the inlet port to the outlet port via the chamber when the valve is in an
open condition.
The dispensing valve further comprises a poppet member contained
within the valve body and movable between a closed position when seated
and sealed against the outlet port, and an open position when unseated and
spaced from said outlet port. When in the seated and sealed position, the
poppet member precludes the flow of viscous material out of the outlet port.
When in the open position, the poppet member permits the flow of viscous
material out of the outlet port.
The poppet member provides a surface which is acted upon by the
pressurized viscous material within said chamber. The dispensing valve also
includes a biasing means, e.g. a compression spring, which biases the poppet
member toward its closed position. The poppet member is movable to its
open position against the bias force of the biasing means solely by viscous
material pressure which is created by movement of the pump member in the
first of its two directions. Movement of the poppet member to its closed
position is a result of the combination of the biasing force and a transient
reduced pressure condition or suction force developed within the chamber by
the pump means during movement of the pump member in the second of its
two directions.
An aspect of this invention is as follows:
A dispensing valve for discharging viscous material pushed toward
and moved away from the valve cornprising:
a valve body providing an inlet port, an outlet port, and a chamber in
fluid communication with said ports, said viscous material being flowable
from said inlet port to said outlet port via said chamber when said valve is in
an open condition;
a poppet member contained within the valve body and being movable
between a closed position when seated and sealed against said outlet port to
preclude viscous material flow thelelluough, and an open position when
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
-5a -
unseated and spaced from said outlet port to permit viscous material flow
therethrough, said movable poppet member providing a surface acted upon
by said viscous material within said chamber; and
a biasing member contained within said valve body and biasing said
poppet member toward its closed position seated and sealed against said
outlet port, said poppet member being movable to its open position solely by
viscous material pressure against said surface wherein said valve opens, said
poppet member being movable to its closed position by the combination of
said biasing and a negative pressure or suction force applied to said surface
by said viscous material as a portion of said viscous material is withdrawn
from said chamber via said inlet port, wherein said valve closes.
- CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
2 These and further features of the present invention
3 will be apparent with reference to the following
4 description and drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a dispenser
6 according to the present invention;
7 FIG. 2 is a side elevational view, in cross-section,
8 of the dispenser of FIG. 1;
g FIG. 3 is a side elevational view, in cross-section,
of a dispensing pump, a portable container and a delivery
11 means in accordance with the present invention;
12 FIGS. 4A-4D show the dispensing pump and delivery
13 means of FIG. 3 in various sequential operating conditions;
14 FIG. 5 is a front exploded perspective view of the
pump and dispensing valve;
16 FIG. 6 is a top plan view of a rack mounting block and
17 rack according to the present invention;
18 FIG. 7 is a rear elevational view of a discharge
19 cylinder of the delivery means according to the present
invention;
21 FIG. 8 is a front elevational view of a conduit member
22 of the dispensing pump according to the present invention;
23 FIG. 9A is a front elevational view of an alternative
24 portable container according to the present invention;
FIG. 9B is a front elevational view of another
26 alternative portable container according to the ~resent
27 invention;
28 FIG. 9C is a front elevational view of a further
29 alternative portable container according to the present
invention.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 DET~Tr~ DE8CRIPTION O~ THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
2 A dispenser according to the present invention is
3 generally illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and includes a
4 thermally insulated dispensing cabinet 10 having opposed
S vertical side walls 12 (one shown), horizontal top and
6 bottom walls 14 and 16, and a vertical rear wall 18. The
7 bottom wall 16 is spaced from a supporting surface by a
8 base member 20 which houses various components, such as a
9 conventional refrigeration compressor (not shown) and a
conventional condenser structure (not shown). A front
11 portion of the cabinet 10 provides spaced upper and lower
12 openings 22, 24 which are separated by an inset panel 26,
13 the openings 22, 24 being closed by upper and lower doors
14 28, 30 which are preferably mounted for pivotal movement
about their left edge using appropriate hinge structures,
16 as illustrated most clearly in FIG. 1. A drip pan 31 is
17 provided above the lower door 30 and is removably attached
18 to the lower end of inset panel 26, as illustrated.
19 The upper door 28 provides control devices, such as
push buttons 32 (one for each of the two dispensing pump
21 means to be subsequently illustrated), to control
22 dispensing of frozen confection, and one or more inside
23 recesses or pockets 34 which receive and thermally insulate
24 frozen confection delivery means, as will be described more
fully hereafter. The panel 26, walls 12, 14, 16, and 18,
26 and doors 28 and 30 of the dispensing cabinet 10 are
27 thermally insulated to reduce the energy required to
28 maintain the temperature provided in the interior of the
29 cabinet, which is typically between about 10 to 20~F.
Figure 2 shows that the interior of the dispensing
31 cabinet 10 is generally divided into upper and lower
32 compartments or sections 36 and 38. The lower section 38
33 serves as a storage and temp~erature conditioning
34 (tempering) cabinet whereby the temperature of a plurality
of portable containers 40 of frozen confection, which hold
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 between about two to five gallons of frozen confection and
2 are typically introduced into the tempering cabinet at a
3 temperature of about 0~F or below, slowly rises to a
4 dispensing temperature of between about 10 to 20~F over an
extended period of time, generally between about twelve and
6 thirty-six hours. After the frozen confection within a
7 particular container 40 is tempered or brought to the
8 dispensing temperature, that particular container is ready
9 to be placed in the upper section 36 and the confection
dispensed therefrom upon demand.
11 The lower section 38 also houses refrigeration
12 equipment including an evaporator structure 42 and a
13 plurality of fans 44 that work in conjunction with the
14 compressor and condenser structure housed within the base
member 20 in the conventional manner as is known in the
16 art. The fans 44 are operable to circulate relatively
17 warmer air from the upper and lower sections 36, 38 of the
18 dispensing cabinet 10 past the evaporator 42 and to
19 circulate relatively colder air throughout the dispensing
cabinet 10 as a result of the evaporators cooling effect.
21 Temperature within the sections 36, 38 is preferably
22 controlled by introducing electrical heat via resistance-
23 type heating elements (not shown) in response to control
24 signals provided by a proportional temperature controller
(not shown), as is known in the art, to offset the cooling
26 capacity of the refrigeration equipment and thus maintain
27 the temperature within the upper and lower sections within
28 a predetermined range, i.e. the dispensing or "soft serve"
29 temperature. Naturally, any number of known equivalent
temperature maintenance systems can be used without
31 departing from the scope of the present invention.
32 For reasons of cleanliness, the upper section 36 is
33 preferably separated by a dividing partition or wall 46
34 into front and rear regions 48 and 50. The rear region 50
houses a reversible motor 52, which preferably operates on
36 standard 120V, 60 Hz power, and a gear reduction unit 54.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 The front region 48 houses a dispensing pump means 56,
2 which will be described hereafter.
3 A sliding rack 58, which is preferably enclosed by a
4 flexible bellows 60, extends through an opening in the
dividing wall 46 and operably connects the motor 52 to the
6 dispensing pump means 56 via the gear reduction unit 54.
7 FIG. 6 shows that the sliding rack 58 is movably mounted
8 for reciprocating motion within a groove or channel 62 in a
9 mounting block 64 beneath the motor 52 and provides a
series of lengthwise extending teeth 66 which mesh with a
11 pinion gear 68 provided by the gear reduction unit 54 (see
12 FIG. 2). As the motor 52 is operated in a first mode or
13 direction, the rack 58 is moved in a corresponding first
14 direction by the pinion gear 68. Similarly, when the motor
52 is reversed to operate in a second mode or direction the
16 rack 58 is moved in an opposite or second direction by the
17 pinion gear 68. As such, the rack 58 and dispensing pump
18 means 56, which are connected together as will be
19 subsequently illustrated, are reciprocally operated.
Within the mounting block 64 are provided limit
21 switches 70 and 72 which, as the rack 58 travels back-and-
22 forth, sense the position of a notch 73 in the rack 58 and
23 control the operation of the motor 52 accordingly. More
24 specifically, position-relative signals provided by the
limit switches 70 and 72 are used to control when the motor
26 52 is reversed to operate in the second mode or direction
27 and to turn the motor off when a complete dispensing cycle
28 has been completed. As the motor is operated in the first
29 mode or direction, and the limit switch 70 engages the
notch 73, the motor 52 will be reversed to operate in the
31 second mode or direction. ~hen the limit switch 72 engages
32 the notch 73 the motor 52 will be turned off. By provision
33 of additional notches in the rack, a number of different
34 rack travel or stroke lengths, and a corresponding number
of different volumes of dispensed frozen confection (i.e.,
36 4 oz., 6 oz., 8 oz.), can be provided.
. . CA 02244019 1998-09-04
--10--
1 Alternatively, the limit switches 70, 72 could be
2 replaced by an optical encoder which would count the number
3 of revolutions of a motor shaft (not shown) or the pinion
4 gear 68 and control the motor 52 such that a predetermined
volume of material is dispensed. Other alternatives
6 include a timer means which would measure the time period
7 of motor operation in each direction corresponding to a
8 predetermined volume of dispensed material or a stepper
9 motor under microprocessor control which would track and
control the position of a pump piston and, therefore, the
11 volume of dispensed material. Other equivalent control
12 means and methods could also be provided without departing
13 from the scope of the present invention.
14 With continuing reference to FIG. 2, and also to FIGS.
3-8, a terminal end 74 of the rack 58 is pinned or
16 otherwise attached to a connector 76 which releasably
17 receives a piston rod 78 provided by the dispensing pump
18 means 56. In the illustrated and preferred embodiment a
19 spring clip 80 releasably attaches the piston rod 78 to the
connector 76 to aid in quick assembly and disassembly of
21 the dispensing pump means 56 for cleaning or maintenance.
22 Any number of equivalent attachment means can be
23 substituted for this arrangement without departing from the
24 scope of the present invention.
The dispensing pump means 56 comprises a dispensing
26 pump 82 and delivery means 84. Although two such
27 dispensing pump means 56 are contained within the cabinet
28 10 of the illustrated and preferred embodiment, it is
29 anticipated that the size and number of dispensing pumps
82, delivery means 84, and aontainers 40 will vary
31 depending upon the anticipated volume of frozen confection
32 to be served, and the number of flavors or types of
33 confections desired to be dispensed at any given time.
34 The dispensing pump 82 provides a conduit member or
pump cylinder 86 and the delivery means 84 provides a
36 di~charge cylinder 88. The conduit member 86 and discharge
. . CA 02244019 1998-09-04
--11--
1 cylinder 88 are removably connected to one another by
2 connector ~eans 89, as will be described more fully
3 hereafter. The conduit member 86 serially connects the
4 container 40 and the delivery means 84 and has a first or
rear end which is closed by a removable plug-like end wall
6 member 90 and an opposite front or second end having an
7 integral end wall 92. A cylindrical outlet spout or male
8 connection 94 projects outwardly from the second end of the
9 conduit member 86 and provides a pair of annular, axially
spaced apart ribs 96 and a series of radially extending
11 mounting tabs 98 (FIGS. 5 and 8). The annular ribs 96
12 define a groove therebetween for receipt of an 0-ring 100,
13 while the tabs 98 are adapted to be received by an inlet or
14 female mounting portion 102 of the discharge cylinder 88 in
a twist-and-lock fashion, as will be apparent from the
16 discussion to follow. The outlet spout 94, which defines a
17 conduit member outlet port 104, and the conduit member 86
18 are generally coaxial, with the outlet spout 94 having a
19 smaller diameter than the conduit member 86.
Near the rear or first end of the conduit member 86 is
21 provided an inlet port 106. The inlet port 106 includes an
22 upwardly extending inlet spout 108 with which the container
23 40 communicates. In the preferred embodiment, a container
24 adapter and mounting member 110 is provided to secure and
support the container 40 on the inlet spout 108 of the
26 conduit member 86.
27 As is best shown in FIG. 3, the adapter member 110
28 provides a downwardly extending, centrally located,
29 cylindrical member 112 which receives the inlet spout 108,
an upwardly extending cylindrical member 114 which projects
31 into a lower end of the container 40, and a ring shaped
32 body member 116. An outer peripheral portion 118 of the
33 body member 116 receives and vertically supports a lower
34 peripheral edge of the container 40, as illustrated.
The inlet spout 108 abuts an annular surface or stop
36 119 of the adapter 110 to limit insertion or travel of the
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
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1 spout 108 into the downwardly extending cylindrical member
2 112. Preferably, the downwardly extending cylindrical
3 member 112 of the adapter 110 is permanently attached to
4 the inlet spout 108 by adhesives, ultrasonic welding, or
the like. Alternatively, the adapter member 110 could be
6 integrally formed with the conduit member 86. Further, the
7 adapter 110 can be removably secured to the inlet spout 108
8 by a threaded connection or other means to allow the
g adapter member 110 to be replaced by another adapter member
designed to receive a different container having, for
11 example, a larger or smaller diameter than the illustrated
12 container 40.
13 The upwardly extending cylindrical member 114 is
14 preferably resilient and radially deformed inwardly as it
is received by the container 40 to seal the engagement
16 therebetween in a fluid-tight manner. An annular rib 120
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
.
-13-
1 other equivalent adapter members for supporting and
2 mounting various other containers.
3 Adjacent the inlet port 106, the rear or first end of
4 the conduit member 86 provides a groove for threadably
receiving threads 122 provided by the end wall member 90 to
6 releasably secure the end wall member 90 thereto. The
7 threads 122 engage an annular terminal or outer surface 123
8 of the conduit member 86 to limit insertion or travel of
9 the end wall member 90 into the conduit member (see FIGS. 3
and 5). The end wall member 90 is generally cylindrical,
11 and has a cut-away top portion 124 which aligns with the
12 inlet port 106 when the threads 122 engage the outer
13 surface 123 of the conduit member 86 to thereby allow
14 viscous material to be freely introduced into the conduit
member 86, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. The end wall
16 member 90 has a cylindrical outer surface 126 which, with
17 the aid of an 0-ring 128, sealingly engages the inner
18 circumference of the conduit member 86 adjacent the inlet
19 port 106, as illustrated. A pair of gripping tabs 130
extend from the end wall member 90 to allow a user to
21 rotate the end wall member 90 for installation and removal
22 thereof.
23 A central circular hole 132 (FIG. 5) is provided in
24 the end wall member 90 through which the piston rod 78
2S slidably extends. A circular groove surrounds the circular
26 hole 132 and receives an O-ring 134 which slidably seals
27 the engagement of the end wall member 90 and the piston rod
28 78. Thus, the end wall member 90 seals the rear or first
29 end of the conduit member 86 while allowing the piston rod
78 to move reciprocally and axially relative to the conduit
31 member 86. While the preferred end wall member 90 is
32 illustrated in the drawings and described hereinabove, it
33 should be clear that various other means could be
34 substituted for the illustrated end wall member 90 without
departing from the scope of the present invention.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 The dispensing pump 82 comprises an assembly including
2 a pump member or valved piston 136 (see FIG. 5) in addition
3 to the piston rod 78, conduit member 86 and the end wall
4 member 90. The piston 136 has coaxial inner and outer
piston members 138 and 140 which are axially movable along
6 the piston rod 78 relative to one another in a telescoping
7 manner. As will be described more fully hereafter, there
8 is lost motion between the inner and outer piston members
9 138, 140 to allow the inner piston member 138 to move
relative to the outer piston member 140 during operation of
11 the dispensing pump 82.
12 The outer piston member 140 includes a series of arms
13 142 that extend radially inwardly from an inner annular
14 surface 144 to a central hub 146 (see FIG. 5). A flow path
for viscous material is defined by the hollow or open area
16 between the hub 146, arms 142, and inner annular surface
17 144. The hub 146 is formed of a resilient plastic and
18 defines a slot-like snap-on, snap-off, U-shaped opening 148
19 for releasably receiving a reduced diameter portion or
extension 78a of the piston rod 78. Preferably, the open
21 end of the U-shaped opening 148 is slightly smaller than
22 the diameter of the piston rod 78, causing the arms of the
23 "U" to outwardly deform and releasably snap the piston rod
24 78 into place during assembly. Snap-fitting the outer
piston member 140 on the reduced diameter portion 78a of
26 the piston rod 78 facilitates assembly and disassembly of
27 the dispensing pump means 56 for cleaning. The reduced
28 diameter portion 78a of the piston rod 78 provides a
29 terminal knob or button 150 to retain the outer piston
member 140 thereon. The knob or button 150 is sized to
31 allow its insertion between the arms 142 during assembly of
32 the piston rod 78 on the outer piston member 140.
33 The outer piston member 140 also provides an outer
34 cylindrical surface 152 and forward and rearward facing
annular surfaces 154 and 156 (see FIG. 3). The rearward
36 facing annular surface 156 is radially contoured or
CA 022440l9 l998-09-04
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1 beveled, as illustrated, to direct or funnel viscous
2 material into the hollow interior portion of the outer
3 piston member 140. The forward annular surface 154 is
4 generally planar. The outer cylindrical surface 152 is
designed to slide adjacent the inner surface of the conduit
6 member 86. A relatively forward end of the outer
7 cylindrical surface 152 provides an annular groove for
8 receipt of an O-ring 158 which seals the interface between
9 the outer piston member 140 and the conduit member 86.
More specifically, the O-ring 158 slidably and sealably
11 engages the inner surface of the conduit member 86.
12 The inner piston member 138 has an outer cylindrical
13 surface 162, forward and rearward-facing surfaces 163, 164,
14 and a centrally located threaded bore 166. The threaded
bore 166 allows the inner piston member 138 to be
16 threadably and removably secured to the piston rod 78. The
17 outer cylindrical surface 162, which slidably mates with
18 the inner annular surface 144 of the outer piston member
19 140, has formed therein an annular or circumferential
groove for receipt of an O-ring 168 which seals the
21 engagement of the outer cylindrical surface 162 with the
22 inner annular surface 144 of the outer piston member 140.
23 As will be described more fully with regard to operation of
24 the dispensing pump 82, when the inner piston member 138
moves into sealing engagement with the outer piston member
26 140 there is, in accordance with the present invention, a
27 shearing action between the mating surfaces provided by the
28 inner annular surface 144 of the outer piston member 140
29 and the outer cylindrical surface 162 of the inner piston
member 138. The shearing action or interface area created
31 at the mating surfaces helps to remove or shear particulate
32 material, such as nuts and fruit, from the area of sealing
33 engagement between inner and outer piston members 138 and
34 140, thereby insuring sealing engagement between the inner
and outer piston members.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
-16-
1 Thus, the inner piston member 138 is fixed to the
2 piston rod 78 and cannot move relative thereto during
3 operation of the dispensing pump 82 while the outer piston
4 member 140 is removably and slidably secured to the piston
rod 78 and has a limited range of axial motion relative to
6 the inner piston member 138. In the illustrated
7 embodiment, movement of the inner piston member 138
8 relative to the outer piston member 140 (i.e., the lost
9 motion) is limited to the distance between the button or
knob 150 on the piston rod 78 and the forward facing
11 surface 163 of the inner piston member 138, less the
12 thickness of the hub 146.
13 The dispensing pump 82 is assembled outside of the
14 conduit member 86 by snap fitting the reduced diameter
portion 78a of the piston rod 78, which already has the
16 inner piston member 138 threadably secured thereto, to the
17 hub 146 of the outer piston member 140. The piston 136 is
18 inserted into the rear or first end of the conduit member
19 86 and the end wall member 90 is pushed onto the piston rod
78 and threadably secured to the conduit member 86.
21 The dispensing pump 82 is placed in the front region
22 48 (see FIG. 2) of the cabinet 10 such that the end of the
23 piston rod 78 extends into the connector 76 and is
24 attached, via the connector 76 and spring clip 80, to the
rack 58 as discussed earlier. The conduit member 86
26 provides exterior mounting projections 170 (see FIG. 5)
27 which are secured to a cabinet-provided support surface
28 (not shown) by conventional fasteners such as thumb screws
29 (not shown) to complete installation of the dispensing pump
82 within the cabinet 10.
31 With reference to FIGS. 3 and 7, the mounting portion
32 102 of the discharge cylinder 88 has a cylindrical body 174
33 including an outer end with inner and outer annular
34 retaining walls 176, 178, a discontinuous clover-shaped
annular groove 180, and a series of stop surfaces 182. The
36 stop surfaces 182 are provided between the inner and outer
CA 022440l9 l998-09-04
-17-
retaining walls 176, 178, and form the discontinuities in
2 the annular groove 180. Radial notches 184 are provided in
3 the outer retaining wall 178 to receive the mounting tabs
4 98 of the conduit member outlet spout 94. During assembly,
S and with the conduit member 86 of the dispensing pump 82
6 fixed in position within the cabinet 10, the inlet or
7 female mounting portion 102 of the discharge cylinder 88 iS
8 positioned relative to the male connection or outlet spout
9 94 such that the cylindrical body 174 slidably receives the
male connection or outlet spout 94 and the mounting tabs 98
11 are received by the notches 184 in the outer retaining wall
12 178. Thereafter, the discharge cylinder 88 iS rotated
13 counterclockwise, causing the mounting tabs 98 to slide
14 into the annular groove 180 between the inner and outer
retaining walls 176, 178, with rotation being limited by
16 the stop surfaces 182 such that the discharge cylinder 88
17 iS generally vertically oriented, as illustrated. The 0-
18 ring 100 provided on the outlet spout 94 slidably engages
19 the inner wall of the cylindrical body 174 to seal the
union of the female mounting portion 102 and the male
21 connection or outlet spout 94.
22 In addition to the inlet or mounting portion 102, the
23 discharge cylinder 88 includes a hollow main body 186 and a
24 reduced-diameter lower cylindrical extension or nozzle 188.
The inlet or mounting portion 102 projects from the main
26 body 186 and serves as a valve inlet port thereto. The
27 main body 186 and nozzle 188 receive a piston-like poppet
28 member 190 that is reciprocally movable within the
29 discharge cylinder 88 and serves as a delivery valve for
viscous material from the conduit member 86 toward and
31 through an outlet provided at a lower end of the nozzle
32 188. A side of the main body 186 remote from the inlet or
33 mounting portion 102 generally matches the shape of the
34 poppet member 190 while a side proximate to the mounting
portion 102 is scooped-out to allow viscous material to
36 enter the discharge cylinder 8B, as illustrated. An
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
-18-
annular shoulder surface 192 surrounds an upper end of the
2 nozzle 188 and serves as a seat against which the poppet
3 me~mber 190 seals.
4 The outer surface of the discharge cylinder 88
provides a pair of lugs or ears 194 which are adapted to be
6 releasably received by slotted openings 196 (FIG. 5) in a
7 cap 198 which is part of the delivery means 84. Although
8 the cap 198 iS preferably attached to the main body 186
9 with a bayonet-type connection as illustrated, it should be
clear that threads or other suitable attachment means could
11 be employed without departing from the scope of the present
12 invention. The cap 198 includes projections 200 to
13 facilitate user-rotation thereof during assembly and
14 disassembly of the deliver means 84 for cleaning and
maintenance and a vent hole 199 (FIG. 5).
16 The delivery means 84 includes a compression or coil-
17 type biasing spring 202 in addition to the poppet member
18 190, discharge cylinder 88, and cap 198. The poppet member
19 l90 is slidably received within the discharge cylinder 88
and provides an enlarged diameter upper portion 2 04 and a
21 reduced diameter lower portion 206. The upper portion 204
22 provides an annular groove for receipt of an O-ring 208
23 which slidably seals against the inner surface of the main
24 body 186 at a location upwardly spaced from the mounting
portion 102 providing the valve inlet port. The lower
26 portion 206 provides an annular groove within which an 0-
27 ring 210 is received, as illustrated. The O-ring 210 iS
28 provided to seal or seat against the annular shoulder
29 surface 192 thereby closing the valve. A frustoconical
transition surface 212 iS provided intermediate the upper
31 and lower portions 204 and 206 of the poppet member 190.
32 The transition surface 212 serves as a surface against
33 which the force of pressurized viscous material bears and
34 forces the poppet member 190 upwardly, as will be described
more fully hereafter.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 The lower portion 206 of the poppet member 190 has a
2 closed bottom end 214 (see FIG. 3) and is slidably received
3 within the nozzle 188. As the poppet member 190 moves
4 downwardly in the discharge cylinder 88, there is a
shearing action between edge portions provided by an outer
6 surface of the lower portion 206 of the poppet member 190
7 and the inner surface of the nozzle 188 to help remove
8 particulate matter, such as nuts or fruit, from the nozzle
9 188.
The upper portion 204 of the poppet member 190
11 provides a cup shaped interior having an upstanding
12 cylindrical member 216 which receives a lower end 218 of
13 the spring 202. An upper end 220 of the spring 202 is
14 received by a cylindrical member 222 which projects
downwardly from the center of the cap 198.
16 The delivery means 84 is assembled by sliding the
17 poppet member 190 downwardly into the discharge cylinder
18 88. Thereafter, the upper end 220 of the coil spring 202
19 is placed over the cylindrical member 222 of the cap 198,
and the cap is placed over the open top end of main body
21 186 of the discharge cylinder 88 such that the lower end
22 218 of the spring 202 is received by the upstanding
23 cylindrical member 216 of the poppet 190. The cap 198 is
24 secured to the discharge cylinder 88 by pushing downwardly
to compress the spring 202 and then rotating the cap 198 to
26 allow the lugs 194 provided by the discharge cylinder 88 to
27 be received within the slotted openings 196 of the cap 198.
28 At this point the O-ring 210 on the lower portion 206 of
29 the poppet member 190 is seated on the annular shoulder
surface 192 due to the bias of the compressed spring 202
31 and the O-ring 208 of the upper member 204 is in sealing
32 engagement with the inner surface of the main body 186 at a
33 location upwardly spaced from the inlet port or mounting
34 portion 102 as illustrated in FIG. 3. Thereafter the
discharge cylinder 88 is attached to the conduit member 86
36 as described hereinbefore.
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
-20-
1 With the dispensing pump means 56 assembled and a
2 container 40 of viscous material, such as frozen
3 confection, placed and sealed upon the inlet spout 108,
4 dispensing of viscous material is ready to begin.
Initially, the conduit member 86 is charged or primed with
6 viscous material from the container 40 by operating the
7 dispensing pump means 56 through one or more cycles, as
8 will be described hereafter, to introduce or fill the
9 conduit member 86 with viscous material. As noted
hereinbefore, positioning of the piston 136 within the
11 conduit member 86 is controlled by the rack 58 and motor 52
12 in response to signals from the limit switches 70 and 72.
13 The dispensing pump means 56 is generally in the
14 configuration shown in FIG. 4A at the start of a dispensing
cycle wherein chambers A and B in front of and behind the
16 piston 136, respectively, are fully charged with viscous
17 material. Manipulation of the control devices or push
18 buttons 32 (see FIG. 1) operates the motor 52 in a first
19 mode or direction in which the pinion gear 68 drives the
rack 58 and associated piston rod 78 leftwardly (as shown
21 in FIG. 4A) through the conduit member 86. Since the outer
22 piston member 140 is in sealing engagement with the conduit
23 member 86 and is slidably mounted on the reduced diameter
24 portion 78a of the piston rod 78, there is lost motion
between the inner and outer piston members 138, 140, and
26 the inner piston member 138 moves toward and into sealing
27 engagement with the outer piston member 140 (FIG. 4B). As
28 such, the inner and outer piston members 138 and 140 are in
29 sealing engagement with each other and are prepared to move
together down the conduit member 86 toward the integral end
31 wall 92.
32 As the piston 136 moves along the inner surface of the
33 conduit member 86, the viscous material in region A in
34 front of the piston 136 is pressurized and therefore pushed
or pumped toward the outlet port 104 while a vacuum or low
36 pressure condition is simultaneously developed in region B
CA 022440l9 l998-09-04
-21-
behind the piston 13 6. The vacuum or low pressure
2 condition created in the conduit member 86 suctions or
3 evacuates viscous material from the container 40 into
4 region B behind the piston 136.
The pushed or pumped viscous material flows through
6 the outlet port 104 and into the main body 186 of the
7 discharge cylinder 88, below the transition surface 212 of
8 the poppet member 190. The pressurized or pumped viscous
9 material provided by movement of the piston 136 bears
against the transition surface 212 and forces the poppet
11 member 190 to move upwardly against the bias of the spring
12 202, thereby unseating the O-ring 210 from the shoulder
13 surface 192 and thus allowing viscous material within the
14 discharge cylinder 88 to be dispensed from the cylindrical
extension or nozzle 188.
16 At the end of a discharging or dispensing stroke, the
17 dispensing pump means 56 iS generally positioned as shown
18 in FIG. 4C. Although the piston 136 iS no longer pushing
19 or pumping viscous material out of the nozzle 188, the
poppet member 190 of the delivery means 56 does not return
21 to its sealing position because the spring bias of the
22 spring 202 iS preferably not strong enough to force the
23 viscous material remaining within the discharge cylinder 88
24 out of the nozzle 188. Naturally, the spring strength
could be chosen such that the spring 202 would force the
26 poppet men~ber 190 to seat on the shoulder surface 192 at
27 the end of the discharge stroke.
28 However, increasing the spring strength would also
29 increase the pressure necessary to overcome the spring bias
and unseat the poppet member 190 from the shoulder surface
31 192 during the discharge stroke and would correspondingly
32 increase the energy required to dispense viscous material
33 from the region A toward an amount comparable to the energy
34 expended in suctioning or evacuating viscous material out
of the container 40 and into region B. In the preferred
36 and illustrated embodiment it is desired that the energy
' - CA 02244019 1998-09-04
-22-
1 required to push or pump the viscous material from region A
2 out of nozzle 188 be relatively small or minimal as
3 compared with the energy expended in suctioning or
4 evacuating viscous material out of the container 40 and
into region B of the conduit member 86. Moreover,
6 increasing the spring strength may result in an unwanted
7 high velocity burst or discharge of viscous material from
8 the nozzle 188. Also, if a higher strength spring is
9 employed, the poppet member 190 may only move upwardly
relative to the shoulder surface 192 a short distance and
11 therefore act as a strainer to restrict or prevent
12 dispensing of solid particulates, such as nuts and fruit,
13 through the nozzle 188. Furthermore, the use of a higher
14 strength spring will result in additional compression or
pressurization of the viscous material to be dispensed,
16 which may lead to undesirable ice crystal formation, as
17 discussed earlier.
18 As the motor 52 is reversed to operate in a second
19 mode or reverse direction due to signals from the limit
switch 70, the outer piston member 140 remains stationary
21 due to its sealing engagement with the conduit member 86
22 and the slidable mounting of the outer piston member 140 on
23 the reduced diameter portion 78a of the piston rod while
24 the inner piston member 138 moves rearwardly relative to
the outer piston member 140. As the inner piston member
26 138 moves rearwardly relative to the outer piston member
27 140, the 0-ring 168 slides across the inner annular surface
28 144 of the outer piston member 140 and produces a vacuum or
29 reduced pressure condition in region A and discharge
cylinder 88. The transient vacuum or suction force thus
31 created tends to draw a small amount viscous material
32 within the cylindrical extension or nozzle 188 back into
33 the main body 186 and cooperates with the spring 202 to
34 return the poppet member 190 to the sealing or seated
condition illustrated in FIG. 4D.
- CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 Further rearward movement of the piston rod 78 causes
2 the piston 136 to be configured as shown in FIG. 4D wherein
3 the inner and outer piston members 138 and 140 are spaced
4 from each other and the terminal knob or button 150 is in
contact with the hub 146 and forces the outer piston member
6 140 to move rearwardly with the piston rod 78 and inner
7 piston member 138. As the piston 136 is pulled through the
8 viscous material which had previously been drawn or
9 suctioned into region B by the piston 136 during the
discharge or dispensing stroke, the inwardly-directed
11 contour of the rearward annular surface 156 funnels or
12 directs viscous material into the open interior of the
13 outer piston member 140 wherein it flows past the arms 142
14 and hub 146 and into region A at the forward side of the
piston 136. As such, the inner piston member 138 acts as a
16 valve mechanism to allow the piston 136 to pass through the
17 viscous material without causing substantial movement of
18 the viscous material through the conduit member 86 in the
19 rearward direction. Movement of the viscous material past
the inner piston member 138 and through the outer piston
21 member 140 homogenizes or stirs the viscous material, so as
22 to enhance the consistency and texture of the dispensed
23 product. When the piston 136 reaches the terminal position
24 illustrated in FIG. 4A at the completion of a dispensing
cycle, the limit switch 72 engages the notch 73 and turns
26 the motor 52 off (see FIG. 6).
27 As the dispensing pump means 56 is operated through
28 each of a number of dispensing cycles, viscous material is
29 dispensed upon demand from the container 40 and the
container collapses or otherwise deforms and thereby, in
31 effect, reduces its internal volume available for holding
32 viscous material. The container illustrated in FIGS. 2-4D
33 provides a cylindrical outer wall 237, rigid fixed top and
34 bottom end walls 238, 239 and an inner flexible bag 240,
The cylindrical outer wall is preferably formed of card
36 board or the like while the end walls 238, 239 are
CA 022440l9 l998-09-04
-24-
preferably formed of plastic or stainless steel. The bag 240,
which is preferably formed of a flexible plastic, is
preferably secured at a midpoint thereof to the interior of
the cylindrical outer wall 237 to help insure that the bag 240
properly collapses toward the inlet spout 108 during
evacuation of viscous material from the container 40. The
closed end of the flexible bag 240 has secured thereto a stiff
or rigid disc 241, preferably of plastic, which moves
downwardly with the bag 240 as viscous material is evacuated
therefrom and prevents the closed end of the bag 240 from
being suctioned into the inlet spout 108 by operation of the
dispensing pump 82. The open end of the bag 240 iS crimped
together with the bottom end wall 239 to the lower edge of the
cylindrical outer wall 237, as illustrated best in FIGS. 3-4D.
Naturally, other means of sealably connecting the bag 240 to
the bottom end wall 239 and the outer wall 237 are known in
the art and could be employed.
Alternatively, with reference to FIG. 9A, a container 40'
which comprises a coiled wire or spring m~mh~r 232 trapped
between inner and outer cylindrical plastic layers 234, 236,
could be used in place of the container 40. One or more turns
of coiled wire is provided at the top and bottom ends of the
container 40' to help stiffen the ends. Another alternative
container 40'' iS shown in FIG. 9B provides a rigid
cylindrical outer wall 224, rigid top and bottom fixed end
walls 226 and 228, and an axially movable piston 230. The
piston 230 iS generally disc-shaped and is located above the
viscous material to be dispensed and moves downwardly with the
material as it is drawn or suctioned toward the inlet spout
108 by operation of the dispensing pump means 56. For a more
detailed description of the container 40, see U.S. Patent No.
5,244,277. A third alternative container 40''' is shown in
FIG. 9C wherein the container is of the collapsible bellows
type
CA 022440l9 l998-09-04
-25-
having a series of pleated folds 244 to allow the container
40'', to collapse toward the inlet spout 108. For a more
detailed description of the container 40''' illustrated in
FIG. 9C, see U.S. Patent No. 5,215, 222.
It should be understood that the term "collapsible
container" as used herein is int~ to refer to containers
wherein the available volume for viscous material storage is
reduced as viscous material is dispensed from the container.
As such, the term "collapsible container" shall have its
broadest possible meaning and includes containers which have
deformable sidewalls or axially movable pistons or ends walls,
as disclosed in the above-noted patents, and any equivalent
containers which deform, are reconfigured, or change shape to
alter the internal volume available for storage of viscous
material as viscous material is dispensed therefrom.
When viscous material will not be dispensed for a period
of time, such as at the end of the working day, it is
desirable to remove the delivery means 84 from the dispensing
pump 82. The delivery means 84 iS removed or unattached from
the dispensing pump by rotating the discharge cylinder 88
clockwise to align the mounting tabs 98 of the male connection
or outlet spout 94 with the notched openings 184 in the outer
retaining wall 178 of the inlet or female mounting portion
102, and pulling the discharge aylinder 88 away from the
dispensing pump 82. Thereafter, a valved or vented cap (not
shown) can be placed on the male connection or outlet spout
94. The cap can be a plug which is inserted into the outlet
spout 94 and which will allow viscous material to flow
therethrough if the pump is unintentionally or accidentally
operated without the dispensing means 84. The provision of a
valved or vented cap would prevent damage to the dispensing
pump means due to an overload or overpressure being developed
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
-26-
1 within the conduit member 86. Since there are several
2 structures for providing this function known in the art,
3 and since the cap does not form a part of the present
4 invention, no specific structure for the cap has been
illustrated in the present application.
6 Once the cap is installed on the outlet spout 94, the
7 viscous material within the conduit member 86 is isolated
8 from atmosphere and foreign material is prevented from
g being introduced into the conduit member 8 6 via the outlet
spout 94. If desired, the container 40 and dispensing pump
11 82 can be removed from the cabinet 10 and placed in storage
12 until further dispensing is desired. Otherwise, the
13 container 40 and dispensing pump 82 can remain within the
14 dispensing cabinet 10 until the next time dispensing is
desired, at which point a clean delivery means 84 can be
16 reattached to the conduit member 86 via the connector means
17 89, as described earlier. By providing a removable
18 delivery means 84, only the portion of the viscous material
19 which is contained within the delivery means 84 must be
discarded at the end of the working day, the viscous
21 material within the conduit member 86 being retained for
22 dispensing at a later time. Moreover, only the delivery
23 means 84 must be disassembled for cleaning at the end of
24 the working day. This represents an improvement in the art
wherein a greater volume of viscous material must be
26 di~carded or wasted when the dispenser is not to be
27 operated for a period of time and wherein the entire pump
28 must be disassembled and cleaned at the end of each working
29 day.
It should be further understood that the electric
31 motor 52 described herein to drive the dispensing pump
32 means 56 can be replaced by an type of power-operated means
33 (i.e., non-manual), such as hydraulic or pneumatic drive
34 means, and the like. Therefore, the term "motor driven"
used in the claims appended hereto shall be given its
36 broadest possible scope, and shall not be limited to the
CA 02244019 1998-09-04
1 electric motor described hereinbefore. Furthermore, the
2 inventors contemplate that the dispensing pump means could
3 be non-motor driven, i.e., that it could be adapted for
4 manual operation.
While the preferred embodiment of the present
6 invention is shown and described herein, it is to be
7 understood that the same is not so limited but shall cover
8 and include any and all modifications thereof which fall
9 within the purview of the invention. For example, while
preferred, the dispensing cabinet 10 need not include a
11 tempering cabinet. Also, although an automatic poppet-type
12 valve is disclosed as part of the delivery means of the
13 present invention, it is clear that other types of manual
14 or automatic valves could be employed without departing
from the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by
16 the claims appended hereto. Moreover, several equivalent
17 types of containers can be used with the dispensing pump
18 means 56 of the present invention. Likewise, the sealing
19 o-rings described herein are interchangeable with other
suitable sealing means. It is also contemplated that the
21 conduit member 86 and discharge cylinder 88 could be
22 integrally formed as a single unit and that the portable
23 containers described herein could be replaced by a
24 refillable viscous material receiving hopper or receptacle
or other non-portable container. Therefore, the scope of
26 the present invention is not to be limited to the preferred
27 embodiment illustrated herein, but is rather only defined
28 by the claims appended hereto.
