Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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APPARATUS AND SYSTEM FOR DISPENSING LIQUIDS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to apparatuses and systems for
dispensing liquids and,
more particularly to an apparatus and system for pumping and dispensing
viscous fluids.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Viscous fluids are commonly used in many commercial applications.
Examples of
such fluids include thermoplastic materials, lubricants and inks such as
plastisol ink. Due to
their viscosity, these types of fluids present various problems associated
with the pouring and
handling thereof.
[0003] The dispensing of materials such as plastisol inks, for example,
presents various
complications. Firstly, these types of inks are normally purchased in
containers that need to be
emptied into a feed tank of a dispensing apparatus. Such transfer presents a
number of
problems due to the "sticky" nature of the material. For example, the transfer
process is
generally time consuming and, due to the high cost of plastisol inks, requires
a manual scraping
of the containers to minimize loss of material. In addition, once the ink is
supplied to a pumping
apparatus, the highly viscous nature of the material usually results in
inconsistent spurting of the
material due to cavitation of the pump.
[0004] Various dispensing systems for viscous fluids have been provided in
the prior art.
Examples of such systems include those taught in the following U.S. Patent
Nos.: 4,635,820;
4,790,456; 5,170,710; and, 5,275,100. However, these prior art devices do not
adequately
address the above issues.
[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a fluid
dispensing apparatus that
addresses some of the deficiencies of known devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a pumping apparatus
for allowing a
fluid to be pumped directly from a supply container. The apparatus includes a
pump and a
sealing plate to circumferentially seal the container during the pumping
process to prevent
cavitation once the container is emptied.
[0007] In another aspect, the invention provides a pumping system
comprising a plurality of
pumping apparatuses.
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[0008] In a further aspect, the invention provides a dispensing system
comprising a plurality
of nozzles each connected to a pumping apparatus, wherein each of the nozzles
are computer
controlled to dispense a desired volume of fluid.
[0009] Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides a dispensing system for
dispensing a
plurality of fluids comprising:
- a frame;
- a motor;
- a carriage assembly attached to the frame and including a drive arm having
an arcuate
sprocket plate, the sprocket plate being engaged with a driven gear attached
to the motor;
- the carriage assembly comprising an arcuate structure, wherein the curvature
of the
carriage assembly corresponds to the curvature of the sprocket plate;
- the carriage assembly including a plurality of fluid delivery nozzles;
- a plurality of fluid supply lines, each of the supply lines having a
discharge end
connected to one of the nozzles and an inlet end connected to a pumping
system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent
in the following
detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings
wherein:
[0011] Figure 1 is cross sectional elevation of a pumping apparatus
according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0012] Figure 2 is a front elevation of a pumping system incorporating a
plurality of the
apparatuses of Figure 1.
[0013] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of the system of Figure 2
with the
connection hoses removed.
[0014] Figure 4 is a top perspective view of a pump support of the
apparatus.
[0015] Figure 5 is a bottom perspective view of the pump support of Figure
4.
[0016] Figure 6 is a top perspective view of a sealing plate of the
apparatus.
[0017] Figure 7 is a bottom perspective view of the sealing plate of Figure
6.
[0018] Figure 8 is a front perspective elevation of a dispensing system
according to an
embodiment of the invention.
[0019] Figure 9 is a front perspective elevation of the dispensing system
of Figure 8 in
combination with the pumping system of Figure 2.
[0020] Figure 10 is a side elevation showing a detail of the dispensing
system of Figure 9.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an apparatus 10 according to an
embodiment of the
invention. As shown, the apparatus 10 is provided over a container 12, which
provides a supply
of liquid, such as a plastisol ink. It will be understood that although the
present invention makes
reference to plastisol inks, this is merely one embodiment in which the
invention can be used
and that the invention can be used with various other dispensable fluids. The
container 12
includes an inner wall 11 and a base 13.
[0022] In the present description, the container 12 will be described as
being a standard
container in which the desired fluid such as a plastisol ink is purchased. It
will be understood,
however, that the present invention will be usable with any type of
containers.
[0023] The apparatus 10 includes a pump 14, which, in one embodiment,
preferably
comprises a commercially available pneumatic pump. In such case, the pneumatic
pump 14 is
supplied with a pressure tube or hose 16 connected to a compressor or other
such drive means
(not shown). The pump 14 is also provided with an inlet tube or hose 18 that
extends into the
container 12 and an outlet tube or hose 20 through which the ink from the
container is pumped.
The destination of the ink is discussed further below. The pump 14 is also
optionally provided
with a sleeve 22 through which the inlet tube 18 extends. In one embodiment,
the sleeve 22 is
an integral part of the pump 14. In another embodiment, the sleeve 22 may
perform the
function of the inlet tube 18, thereby obviating the need for the inlet tube
18. Various types and
models of pneumatic pumps that can be used with the present invention would be
known to
persons skilled in the art. Examples of suitable pumps that can be used in the
present invention
are those manufactured by Graco Inc. (Minneapolis, MN, USA). In a preferred
embodiment, the
pumps used in the present invention are provided with a sleeve 22 that
functions as the inlet
tube thereby avoiding the need for a separate inlet tube 18. It will be
understood that the
invention will still function in the manner described herein. Various other
types of pumps usable
in the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
[0024] As shown in Figure 1, the sleeve 22 and inlet tube 18 extend into
the container 12
with the terminal ends thereof extending proximal to the base 13. Since the
inlet tube 18 serves
to draw fluid from the container 12, it will be understood that such tube, and
the sleeve 22,
would preferably be positioned above the base 13. However, in the interest of
drawing the
maximum volume of ink from the container 12, it will be understood that the
inlet tube 18 would
preferably be positioned as close as possible to the base 13.
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[0025] The apparatus 10 also includes a support 24 upon which the pump 14
is placed.
The support 24 is generally positioned over the opening of the container 12
and, in one
embodiment, is adapted to encircle such opening. For example, as shown in
Figure 1, the
support 24 includes a plate 26 having a downwardly depending rim 28, when
installed on the
apparatus. The support 24 is adapted to cover the opening of the container 12
and, therefore,
the diameter thereof would be understood as being greater than the diameter of
the container.
In one embodiment, the support 24 may rest on upper rim of the container 12.
However, as
described further and as shown in Figure 2, the support 24 is preferably
attached to a frame 100
(discussed further below). To assist in such attachment, the support 24 is
preferably provided
with one or more flanges 30 (as shown in Figure 2 and discussed further below)
that, in
conjunction with a suitable attachment means such as a nut and bolt
combination etc., are used
to secure the support 24 to the frame 100.
[0026] As shown in Figure 1, the apparatus of the invention also includes a
sealing plate 32
that is adapted to float over the surface of the fluid (i.e. ink) in the
container 12. As explained
further below, the sealing plate 32 is designed to contact the inner surface
11 of the container
12 so as to wipe the fluid material there-from as the fluid level, and
therefore, the sealing plate
32, is lowered.
[0027] Figures 4 and 5 illustrate an example of a support 24 that can be
used in the present
invention. As shown, the support includes the aforementioned plate 26 and rim
28. The plate
26 preferably includes a number of openings 25 to reduce the weight of the
support 24. The
support includes an aperture 27 through which extends the sleeve 22. As shown
in Figure 4,
the support 24 is preferably provided with a collar 31 extending upwardly from
the plate 26. The
collar 31 may also be provided with a ledge 33 at the bottom end thereof to
receive the pump
14. This provision is made to accommodate cylindrically shaped pneumatic pumps
(such as 14
shown herein); however, it will be understood that various other support
provisions can be made
for other types of pumps. The collar may also be provided with one or more
threaded openings
35 to receive retaining bolts (not shown), which assist in retaining the pump
14 and/or sleeve 22
in position.
[0028] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the sealing plate 32 mentioned above. As
shown, in one
embodiment, the sealing plate 32 comprises a combination of concentrically
arranged annular
discs. The discs comprise a first, resilient disc 34 that is secured between
two rigid discs,
namely, upper disc 36 and lower disc 38. The discs, 34, 36, and 38, are
secured together by a
one or more fasteners 40, such as, for example nuts and bolts. As shown in
Figures 6 and 7,
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four fasteners are circumferentially provided in one example; however, it will
be understood that
the number and type of fasteners 40 will vary depending on the size of the
plate 32 and various
other factors as will be known to persons skilled in the art. Although the
sealing plate 32 has
been described in reference to three discs being provided, various
modifications thereof will be
apparent to persons skilled in the art. For example, in an alternate
embodiment, the lower disc
38 may be omitted while still allowing the sealing plate 32 to function in the
desired manner. It
will be understood that the lower disc 38 is preferably provided to aid in
securing the resilient
disc 34 and the upper disc 36 together.
[0029] The sealing plate 32 is also provided with an opening 42 through
which extends the
sleeve 22. The sealing plate preferably also includes a collar 44 extending
upwardly from the
upper disc 36 and over the opening 42. The collar 44 is provided with one or
more threaded
apertures 46 adapted to receive alignment bolts 48. The bolts 48 serve to
align the sealing
plate 32 with the sleeve 22 and, in one embodiment, may also assist in
securing the plate 32 to
the sleeve 22 when the apparatus is not in use. It will be appreciated that
any other means may
be used to serve the purpose of the alignment bolts 48.
[0030] A handle 50 is preferably also provided on the upper disc 36, the
purpose of which is
discussed below.
[0031] As discussed above, the sealing plate 32 is provided above the fluid
level of the
container 12 and is lowered as the fluid level drops. It will be understood
that the density of the
sealing plate will be chosen so as to ensure that it does not readily sink
within the fluid in the
container. However, as will be apparent in the following discussion, the
diameter of the resilient
disc 34 is selected so that a circumferential seal is formed between the outer
edge of the
resilient disc 34 and the inner wall 11 of the container 12. Such an
arrangement also serves to
prevent the plate 32 from sinking. As can also be seen in Figures 6 and 7, the
inner diameter of
the annular resilient disc 34 is less than that of the rigid discs 36 and 38.
In addition, such
resilient disc 34 inner diameter is preferably sized to be less than the outer
diameter of the
sleeve 22. By this arrangement, a second circumferential seal is formed
between the resilient
disc 34 and the sleeve 22. As will be understood the two seals formed by the
resilient disc
ensure that no air is allowed to enter the container 12 between the fluid and
the sealing plate
32. This allows a negative pressure to develop within the fluid thereby
forcing the sealing plate
32 to be lowered as the fluid is pumped out of the container. As will be
understood, such
process is passive thereby removing any need for an external force to be
applied to the sealing
plate to cause it to follow the fluid level. In addition, the sealing
arrangements between the
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resilient disc 34 and the container wall 11 and the sleeve 22, ensure that
both such surfaces are
wiped as the sealing plate 32 is lowered, thereby minimizing waste of the
fluid.
[0032] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the resilient disc 34 is provided with
an outer radius
that is greater than that of the rigid discs 36 and 38. One advantage of such
design is realized
when using containers 12 having a tapered side wall wherein the upper diameter
is slightly
greater than the lower diameter. In such cases, having sufficient clearance
between the
resilient disc 34 and the rigid discs 36 and 38, will allow the resilient disc
34 to function at any
position over the height of the container. It will be appreciated, therefore,
that the sealing plate
32 will be sized according to the containers used. In some cases, where a
plurality of
apparatuses is used, one or more may be provided with differently sized
sealing plates.
[0033] One of the advantages of the present invention that will be apparent
to persons
skilled in the art lies in the fact that the pumping apparatus is supported by
the support 24 and is
connected to the frame 100 by only the pressure and outlet or discharge tubes.
Thus, this
arrangement will allow the container 12 to be varied in its position without
affecting the
arrangement of the apparatus. It will also be understood that with this type
of arrangement, it is
not necessary for the container to be positioned at a specific location as in
some prior art
apparatuses.
[0034] In operation, a container 12 containing the fluid to be dispensed
(i.e. a plastisol ink)
is opened to expose the fluid surface. An assembly comprising the pump 14, the
support 24,
the sleeve 22 and the sealing plate 32 is lowered into the fluid within the
container 12 until it
contacts the fluid surface. As will be understood, in situations where the
alignment bolts 48 are
used to secure the sealing plate 32 to the sleeve 22 during changing of the
container 12,
lowering of the sealing plate 32 will require loosening of such bolts in order
to lower the plate 32.
At this stage, the sealing plate 32 forms a seal between the resilient disc 34
and the container
wall 11 and the sleeve 22. The support 24 may either rest directly on the
upper rim of the
container 12 or may be secured to a frame 100 as discussed herein. The pump 14
is then
activated thereby resulting in the pumping of the fluid from the bottom of the
container 12. As
the fluid is pumped out of the container and the fluid level dropped, the
resulting vacuum causes
the sealing plate 32 to follow thereby ensuring contact between the fluid
surface and the sealing
plate 32 to be maintained. This arrangement also prevents entry of air under
the sealing plate
32. As will be understood by persons skilled in the art, one of the advantages
of this
arrangement lies in the prevention of an air space within the fluid thereby
avoiding cavitation of
the pump 14 once the container 12 is depleted of fluid. As mentioned above,
the sealing plate
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32 also serves to wipe fluid from the wetted surfaces of the container 12 and
the sleeve 22
thereby providing a further advantage of minimizing fluid wastage.
[0035] Once the container 12 is depleted of the amount of fluid possible,
the pump 14 and
support 24 assembly is removed and the sealing plate 32 extracted. The handle
50 would be
used to remove the sealing plate 32 from the container 12. In one embodiment,
the sealing
plate 32 may then be secured to the sleeve 22 by tightening the alignment
bolts 48 until a fresh
container 12 is provided at which point the above operation is repeated.
[0036] It will be understood from, for example, Figures 2 and 3, that the
above operation
can be conducted with a plurality of apparatuses 10 operating either
independently or in
tandem. In this manner, one or more types of fluids can be dispensed
simultaneously. In the
case of plastisol inks, for example, the different types of fluids may
comprise inks of different
colors.
[0037] In one embodiment, the apparatus 10 can be provided with a signal
means to alert
an operator once the container 12 is or is approaching the empty state. It
will be understood
that such signal means will avoid any damage to the pump 14 as a result of
operating with an
empty container. In a similar manner, the signal means can include a pump shut
off means.
[0038] An example of a frame 100 that can be used with the system 101 of
the present
invention is shown in Figures 2 and 3. As shown, the frame 100 generally
includes a base 102
and a number of structural members 103, which would be apparent to persons
skilled in the art.
The frame 100 also includes a plurality of pressure gauges and/or regulators
104, as known in
the art, which are attached to the frame and serve to monitor and/or regulate
the air pressure
supplied to the pumps 14. In the embodiment shown, each pump 14 is connected
to a separate
regulator 104. Pressure lines 106 (as shown in Figure 2) connect the
regulators 104 to a
compressor (not shown). As will be appreciated, by providing a single
compressor for driving a
plurality of pumps, the invention requires only a single power source, which
is advantageous.
Nevertheless, it will be understood that the pumps 14 may be driven by one or
more
compressors as needed. It will also be understood that the compressor is
provided in the case
where pneumatic pumps are used (as illustrated herein). In the case where
other types of
pumps are used, it will be understood that the pressure lines 106 and the
associated regulators
etc. would be replaced by the appropriate drive means.
[0039] As also illustrated in Figures 2 and 3, the containers 12 are placed
on the frame 100
with some resting on the upper surface of the base 102 and with others resting
on platforms 108
attached to the frame 100. As illustrated, the platforms 108 are preferably
raised above the
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base 102 whereby the frame 100 is adapted to accommodate a plurality of
containers 12. In
addition, as shown in Figures 2 and 3, the platforms are provided so as to
position one or more
rows of containers 12 both vertically above and horizontally offset from the
containers 12 below.
As will be appreciated, such horizontal offset arrangement is preferably so as
to allow sufficient
clearance of the adjacent pumps 14 and associated hoses without having to
raise a row of
containers beyond the height of the pumps provided on the lower row of
containers. In a
preferred embodiment, each of the platforms 108 is adjustable in height so as
to accommodate
containers of different dimensions.
[0040] As also shown in Figures 2 and 3, the frame 100 is preferably
provided with one or
means to secure the tubes and/or hoses used in conjunction with the pumps 14.
As will be
appreciated, such an arrangement aids in arranging the various parts supported
on the frame
100.
[0041] As indicated above, Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a first system 101
according to an
embodiment of the invention. As shown, the system 100 comprises a plurality of
apparatuses
10, each pumping a desired fluid through a respective outlet tube 20. Such a
system would
suffice for the constant supply of a desired fluid or mixture of fluids. As
will be understood, each
pump 14 of the system 101 can be provided with regulators that are under
control by a
computer, or simply by a circuit. In this way, one or more pumps can be
operated as desired to
dispense a fluid or combination of fluids.
[0042] The above discussion related to a pumping apparatus and pumping
system
incorporating such apparatus. In another embodiment, the present invention
provides a
dispensing system 200 as shown in Figures 8 and 9 where elements identical to
those
described above are indicated with common reference numerals.
[0043] Referring to Figure 8, the dispensing system comprises a plurality
of nozzles 202
provided on a carriage 204. In the preferred embodiment, the carriage 204 is
provided with an
arcuate shape as shown. The purpose of such shape will be discussed further
below.
[0044] Each of the nozzles 202 are connected, respectively, to feed lines
206, which
comprise the discharge ends of the outlet tubes 20 connected to the pumps 14
of the pumping
system 100. The carriage 204 is driven by a drive motor 208 through connecting
arms 210 and
211. More specifically, as in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the
carriage 204 is
connected to one or more first connecting arms 211, which are, in turn,
fixedly attached to a first
end of second connecting arm 210. The carriage 204 may optionally be
stabilized with a
stabilizer bar 213. The opposite second end of the second connecting arm 210
is provided with
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a sprocket plate 212 that is adapted to engage a gear 214 provided on the
rotating shaft of the
motor 208. As will be noted, the sprocket plate 212 is preferably arcuate and
includes a
curvature that is similar to that of the carriage 204. As will be understood,
with such a
relationship, rotation of motor 208 shaft will result in rotation of the
sprocket plate 212 and,
thereby rotation of the connecting arm 210 and carriage 204. The purpose of
such arrangement
will become apparent in the following discussion. It will be understood by
persons skilled in the
art that the nozzles 202 provided on the carriage 204 are preferably retained
in a downward
projection. This will prevent any dripping fluid from coating the nozzle and
carriage assembly.
For this reason, the sprocket plate 212 is not provided as a circular disc
since the carriage will
preferably not undergo a 360 rotation. In this regard, it will also be
understood that the motor
208 will be reversible so as to allow the carriage 204 to be moved from side
to side as needed.
In a preferred embodiment, the motor 208 will be of a servo type and, as
discussed below, will
preferably be computer controlled.
[0045] In another embodiment, both the sprocket plate 212 and the carriage
204 can be
linear instead of arcuate. It will be understood, however, that such linear
arrangement will
require the frame 216 to have a larger footprint. As such, the arcuate
arrangement described
above would be preferable.
[0046] The above system 200 is preferably provided on a frame 216 as shown
in Figures 8
and 9. In the preferred embodiment, the motor and nozzle assembly (i.e. the
connecting arms
210, 211, the carriage 204 and the nozzles 202 etc.) are mounted generally on
an upper end of
the frame 216. Such an arrangement is preferable in order to provide for
downward dispensing
of fluids from the nozzles 202. The base of the frame 216 is adapted to rest
on any surface
such as the shop floor etc. The frame 216 also preferably includes a table 218
upon which a
receiving container (not shown) can be placed. In a preferred embodiment, the
table 218 is
adjustable in height so as to allow for receiving containers of various
heights to be used. In a
further preferred embodiment, the table 218 may be provided, either as a
separate or integral
element, a weigh scale 220. The scale 220 is used to measure the amount of
material injected
into the receiving container through the nozzles. In order to increase the
accuracy of such
weight measurement, the frame 216 may be provided with one or more doors 222
to prevent
drafts etc. from affecting the weight measurement. In Figures 8 and 9, the
doors 222 are shown
in the open state.
[0047] In the preferred embodiment, the operation of the nozzles 202 and
the motor 208 are
controlled by an appropriate computer control system. In one embodiment, each
nozzle is
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controlled by respective programmable logic circuits (PLC's) (not shown)
which, in turn, are
directed by a computer 224. The computer 224 will be programmed with suitable
control
software. The motor 208 can be similarly controlled.
[0048] The operation of the dispensing system 200 will now be described.
Firstly, it will be
understood that the feed lines 206 provide the nozzles 202 with a constant
supply of fluid. In
the present example, the fluids comprise one or more plastisol inks and, more
preferably, inks of
different colors. As such, the following description will be provided in terms
of such inks.
However, it will be understood that any other type of liquid can be used with
the present
invention.
[0049] When a specific mixture of inks is to be prepared, the desired
quantities of each ink,
i.e. the "recipe", is entered using the computer 224. It will be understood
that the operator may
enter desired quantities of each ink or may choose from a list of pre-set
mixtures. In either
case, the computer system 224 directs the respective PLC's to actuate the
motor 208 so as to
rotate the carriage 204 until the desired nozzle is positioned over the
receiving container (not
shown). The desired nozzle is then actuated to dispense a specified volume or
quantity of the
respective ink into the receiving container. After this is done, the carriage
is rotated as needed
to position the next nozzle over the receiving container and the process is
repeated. The
amount of dispensed ink can be verified using the optional weigh scale 220. As
can be
appreciated, the scale 220 may also be connected to the computer 224 to
provide feedback to
verify the amount of ink dispensed.
[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the pumping system 101 and dispensing
system 200 are
linked so as to provide an integrated pumping and dispensing system. In such
case, it will be
understood that the computer 224 control system can include control means to
ensure that the
pumps 14 are operating so as to provide a continuous stream to the feed lines
206.
Furthermore, the control system 224 can include programming to control, if
needed, the
regulators associated with the pumps 14. Such a system would be valuable in
situations where
fluids of different viscosities are being dispensed and where each pump 14
requires different
pressure requirements.
[0051] In the above discussion, the various hoses and/or tubes are
preferably provided
using a "quick connect" linkage system as known in the art. As will be
appreciated, such a
system enables an operator to more quickly connect or disconnect the hose(s).
Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific
embodiments,
various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art
without departing from
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the scope of the invention as outlined in the claims appended hereto. The
scope of the claims
appended hereto should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth
in the present
description, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with
the description as a
whole.
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