Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Automated Tamper Proof Fluid Dispensing Arrangement
The present invention relates to commercial gas-charged dispensers and
more particularly to a system to permit the controlled dispensing of fluid or
gas such as pressurized whipped cream, and is an improvement upon our
earlier Provisional Application number 62/495,411, filed 09/13/2016, which
is incorporated herein by reference and is based upon Provisional Application
number 62/496,781, filed 10/28.2016, also incorporated herein by reference.
Prior Art Discussion
Dispensing of whipped cream in commercial establishments may often
involve teenage operators and those who may be less than careful about such
dispensing activities, and may involve a serious nonchalance in their business
practices. Notwithstanding that, such "food product" dispensers need to be
carefully filled and refilled frequently particularly during summer months
when there is a strong demand for their use. The typical dispenser is a single
can of pressurized gas with a cream therewithin, which can is tipped upside
down and the whipped cream is dispensed on a further food product or onto
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the liquid within a container. These devices run out of charge very readily
and
may be susceptible to improper use and handling.
The efficiency of a commercial establishment with utilizing some of
these systems and devices requires that they have a long period of available
use and are readily controlled. Such unfortunately is not the case with the
existing dispensing art.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages
of the prior art.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a secure fluid
and gas (i.e. cream, soft drinks, concentrates, or alcoholic mixes and the
like)
dispensing arrangement which prompts the management as to when the
system needs recharging and or refilling.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a fluid/gas
such as cream dispensing system which is secure from tampering, yet provides
its owner or operator with the simplest and most efficient process, or for
very
sophisticated options, for dispensing such pressurized, spoilable material
such
as whipped cream.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a combined
fluid/gas dispensing system which minimizes and or prevents misuse of the
ingredients in the system, by verifying a canister-fill process when such
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canister is filled by a fill hose arrangement, and wherein the system may be
shut down by recognition by the fill-hose arrangement of a breach or system
misuse.
The present invention provides a further improvement in safety when
pressurizing a whipped cream pressurized canister. The system requires that
the canister is verified and approved by the inventive system. Prior art
dispensers however, allow an operator to charge a canister with more than the
recommended gas to potentially create a hazard to the user. The user may
pressurize an empty canister or a lid without a canister to inhale the nitrous
oxide gas. The prior art user may also in error pressurize dispensers with gas
without a gasket to seal the dispenser, which may cause product spillage or
burns.
The present system provides a further improvement comprising a
notification of agitation. The prior art whipped cream dispensers do not
provide such notification. Such prior art dispensers may be under pressurized,
over pressurized and under or over agitated creating inconstant product.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a fluid gas
dispensing system to ensure a sanitary dispenser vessel or canister is being
utilized. The system will recognize and fill the particular containers or
vessels
when the same container returns. The system will have a feature requiring a
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proper cleaning cycle before authorizing reuse. The system will be able to
verify batch, time, temperature and/or product user information and notify the
operators of the product that should no longer be used for the specified time
cycle. A cleaning cycle would be performed in the same manner as by
attaching a supply fill hose to provide back pressure from the vessel to
dispense sanitized solution based on the volume of the solution in the
canister.
This would ensure that no dispenser is used more than what the system owner
or operator requires or is otherwise programmed for cleaning. This process
eliminates any chances of bacteria buildup or cross-contamination of
vessels/containers.
A further object of the present invention comprises improvements in
the safety of operating a pressurized canister. The system is arranged, by a
program to track the amount of usage of each particular canister or vessel to
ensure the canister will only be utilized for its programmed life cycle. The
system will provide notification to its user that the canister vessel will no
longer be allowed to be used within the system and indicate a replacement
canister must be used. Prior art dispensers provide only a manufacturing date
on the vessel with no ability to monitor the usage of a canister to determine
the life expectancy of a vessel or canister and components attached.
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Brief Summary of the Invention
The present invention comprises a system "S" to provide the safe
dispensing of fluids, particularly gases such as nitrous oxide to a (cream or
liquid) filled canister dispenser. The system permits controlled setting of
predetermined amounts of fluids such as liquids and/or pressurized gas to be
dispensed depending upon the recognized size of the canister or the vessel
into
which it is to be discharged. The arrangement of the system also prevents the
tampering or misuse of such nitrous oxide gases as may be otherwise
permitted with prior art typical aerosol cans, disposable cream chargers or
bulk cylinders.
The system "S" in a first preferred embodiment is arranged with a
pressure regulator and pressure transmitters or switches and solenoid valves
in conjunction with quick connect hose assemblies or fittings controlled by a
control unit with a keypad, all in proper electronic communication with a
power supply. The system forms "on and off' diagnostic tests to check system
components prior to operation. This arrangement permits visible and audible
notification of current conditions of that system, even to off-site entities.
A control panel permits the operator to customize the screen to permit
the operator to use that system. The owner and operator also have the ability
through this system, to monitor all features of the system such as daily,
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and/or annual uses of inventory of the system's use and its supplied
components. The controller is programmable to limit the time of available
hours of use to eliminate the possibility of after-hours tampering attempts.
The
controller may be programmed to individual users and to certain access levels
such as administration, manager and particular operators or employees
through ID techniques such as card readers, retina or print readers, number
codes or the like. The system is arranged to monitor the remaining inventory,
to permit order replacement of gas cylinders or for electronic notification to
the administration and the operators of the system. The controller also may
monitor the shift consumption on a daily, weekly or monthly basis to permit
control and oversight of the system and for notification of any maintenance
required, or tampering attempted.
The system includes the ability to enter a code, a barcode, an RFID
identifier, a serial number, an invoice number or the like, to activate a gas
canister dispenser for use within the system. Such an identifier would include
the canister dispenser size, the quantity of gas supplied to the specified
canister dispenser. The system would configure and monitor gas inventory
according to the selected gas canister dispenser and maintain inventory and
gas consumption supplied to the canister dispensers, based on the various
vessel sizes and volume utilized in those canister dispensers. The system is
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programmed to permit activation of use only if an approved gas canister
dispenser is utilized. This eliminates the possibility of attaching an unknown
gas canisters dispenser or unknown components. This feature also permits the
system to provide asset location. It can eliminate the potential for theft of
a
nitrous oxide supply cylinder should it not be attached to the system within
specified amount of time after the system notifies the user a replacement gas
supply cylinder is required. If the supply cylinder is not attached within the
specified amount of time programmed within the system, it will provide
outside notification of such activity via its computer control system.
Such tampering, when identified, may include an audible alarm a visual
display and/or notification to an off-site location. The system scale may
preferably weighs the gas supply cylinder's discharge into the pressurizable
canister dispensing vessel unit to identify when the canister dispenser vessel
is full of product and to maintain control over the cylinder inventory. The
scale would weigh a specific canister dispenser vessel before the system is
connected and then determine the amount of gas which would have to be used
for a particular size dispenser vessel. If the weight of the canister
dispenser
vessel unit does not match the range of weight programmed into the system,
the system will not permit such arrangement to be utilized.
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The connection of the hose to the vessel or canister may also facilitate
determination of what, if any, quantity of fluid or gas is needed to be fed to
the canister dispenser. The system is programmed to recognize the canister
dispenser according to operator input, weight sensors, RFIDs, or by reading a
bar code or pass code or wireless sensor tag on the dispenser vessel/canister
itself. Near Field communication (NFC) and or a sensor tag may also provide
information as to temperature and vessel/canister dispenser movement. If the
system does not recognize the dispenser canister/vessel, it will not fill it,
and
the system will issue an appropriate alert. Once the system has recognized the
propriety of the vessel/canister dispenser, such dispenser vessel may be
filled
(or not) through the connected fill hose, by the actuation by the control unit
of the system's gas and fluid release valves.
Back pressure sensed by the fill hose and its connected pressure monitor
communicating therewith is also a source of information to the system, as to
how much fluid/gas may need to be fed to the canister dispenser. The system
is thus responsive to any fluid (i.e. cream) or gas (nitrous oxide) already in
the
vessel or canister, either by weight of the vessel/canister dispenser on a
circuit
connected receiving scale or by pressure feedback by the fill hose upon
connection to the receiving connector atop the vessel/canister dispenser.
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The system control unit may be programmed by the operator as to
particular mix preferences to be supplied to the vessel or canister dispenser.
In some instances, the vessel may be a drinking glass or carafe or pitcher
whose structural parameters and characteristics are programmed into the
control unit to permit specific individualized mixing of fluids/gasses for
individual or group consumption.
Thus, the verification of the particular vessel/canister is accomplished
by the control unit of the system, and what may already be in that
vessel/canister dispenser, the system completes its verification upon
supplying and finishing the filling of that vessel or canister dispenser.
The fill hose from the system preferably has a solenoid in its connector
which permits automatic shut off if the canister is removed from its fill
location in the system. The fill hose also has an automatic shut off feature
if
the system senses no further back pressure to the filling process, which
indicates a leak somewhere in the fill hose arrangement or an attempted
misuse of the products coming out of the fill hose normally securely attached
to a coupler on the top of the vessel or canister.
The system may also be arranged to permit the blending of gases to
create a variation of density and texture of the mixed products. For example
compressed air, nitrogen and carbon dioxide may be utilized in programmable
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varying quantities. A pass code is preferably entered into the programmable
control unit to initiate the systems function described hereinabove.
The system "S" is shown in a preferred embodiment has a high-pressure
gas feed hose which is in fluid communication with a low pressure transmitter,
and with a high pressure transmitter through a central manifold. That manifold
is in communication with a regulating meter which feeds a gas control supply
solenoid. That gas control solenoid is normally closed. The solenoid is in
electrical communication with a power distribution rail. The power
distribution rail is connected to a power supply. The power supply may be
charged via a removable power cord at the base of the housing. The housing
has a front half and a rear half hinged together. A PLC controller unit
arranged
on the inside of the front portion of the housing. The controller may in
preferred embodiments, have RFID sensing means, a finger print recognition
means, an authorized user ID means or the like to permit/control
preprogrammed access thereto and data input as to particular canister/vessel
volumes, contents and identifying symbols. The control is in electrical
communication through a proper circuit, with both to the high pressure
transmitter and to the low pressure transmitter, as well as preferably in
magnetic contact, as part of the keying system and lock arrangement. The
controller or control unit, through a proper circuit, is also in electrical
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communication with a red stop-alarm indicator lamp, a speaker, such as an
audible or status beep alarm, and a green or "ready to go" indicator lamp. The
magnetic contact lock arrangement is part of the proper closed loop circuit
"C" which is electrically connected to it the powered shaker device, for
agitating a filled container vessel "V" during or subsequent the filling
operation. The shaker device may also be paired with, consist of, or include
as part of the system, a scale for weighing product and/or containment vessels
before, during or after any system process.
A step for running of the system of the present invention includes an
internal clock as part of the controller which is set on or off by the systems
operator or owner. The internal clock is connected to the magnetic sensor as
part of the keylock actuating mechanism within the security cabinet housing.
That magnetic sensor may be locked or unlocked. If it is locked, it permits
the
system to start up. If the system "is go", the controller verifies the
electrical
and gas cylinder functions as "open" and operating satisfactorily. If in fact
that inquiry is satisfied, the system indicates that it is ready to operate on
the
control panel display unit on the front of the housing. The operator may then
connect the gas hose. The control system will verify the content within the
pressurizable canister dispenser. The control system will then determine the
amount of gas/fluid to be dispensed according to the amount of product
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determined to be contained within a specific, control system-recognized
canister dispenser for a particular volume.
This volume verification of a particular canister dispenser or vessel
(open container etc) is based upon sensed pressure feedback matched against
pre-programmed entry into the control system for the specific
container/canister dispenser or vessel identified, once that canister
dispenser
or vessel is sensed and recognized upon placement onto the system scale or
fill platform. The identification of the "canister-in-waiting" is determined
by
control system scanning, bar code readings therebetween and/or input such as
a pass code fed to the control system by the system operator. This
verification
of an approved canister dispenser or vessel device will automatically provide
circuit moderated controls as to whether to fill an empty container or not
fill
a full canister or vessel to prevent further filling thereof, waste, abuse,
misuse
and contamination/spillage.
Such hose connections and sensing arrangements may include RFID
sensing between the component parts to properly identify and permit
connections to occur, and to report to the control unit what needs to be done,
such as filling vessel/canister with fluid or gas, either shutting off further
dispensing of gasses and or fluids, sending an alarm signal indicating misuse
or system leakage of fluids or gasses. Once properly connected, the system
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then may automatically begin to fill the container, according to its sensed
parameters. That sensing includes determination of the whipped cream
equation, a water-cleaning equation, and/or an empty container, which may
indicate tampering. Upon satisfactory completion of the filling operation, the
control unit indicates through the proper closed-circuit, that the container
dispenser or vessel may be agitated or weighed. The system also preferably
indicates that the charging is complete and that the agitation or shaking of
that
now filled dispenser or vessel may be stopped. The operator is then prompted
by the control unit to disconnect the supply hose and the system indicates
that
the pressurizing whipped cream cycle has been completed successfully, the
statistics of such being transferred to the memory storage in the control
unit.
If the above identified operations are not indicated as "a go", the system
recycles itself through the proper circuit to control unit and/or indicates
that
there is a system problem to alert management and/or the system operator.
The control unit preferably notes three types of conditions. One
condition is that the vessel is to be filled, the next condition is that there
is no
flow going to the vessel to be filled, and the third condition is that there
appears to be a tampering with the system which will shut the system down.
The method of operation may include further parameters indicated
between the steps of the operating procedure as controlled by the control
unit.
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Pressure within a proper charging scenario facilitates the making a charged
product. A chart would indicate solid lines where the pressure rises and falls
according to certain ideal functions, all within a particular range, for a
particular vessel to be filled. Another similar chart would however show a
dashed line wherein the pressure is represented to dip below the normal
expected pressure when for example, an operator has attempted to charge an
empty container or tampering with the vessel while filling canister. The
system is arranged to recognize such improper pressure values and will shut
off pressurized flow within milliseconds and simultaneously indicate a
"tamper attempt" on its indicator lamps and will send a signal to system
operators or management of such improprieties. In one
preferred
embodiment, a camera will be instructed by the control unit to photograph the
operator and/or the dispenser or vessel for recordation purposes.
Thus, what has been shown and described is a novel arrangement for
providing controlled discharge of gaseous elements into any of a wide variety
of individual containers while preventing misuse of that system and reporting
any needs of that system for management or resupply.
The invention thus comprises a system for the safe and controlled
dispensing of pressurized liquid/gas in a regulatable fixed quantity to a
dispensing unit or canister or vessel arranged on a dispensing unit support,
the
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system comprising: a variable gas flow regulating meter for receiving a
variable quantity of pressurized gas/liquid through a supply manifold from a
pressurized supply container; a controlled discharge conduit for releasing
gas/liquid from the variable regulating meter into a dispensing unit supported
on a dispensing unit support; and a programmable control unit arranged to
electronically respond to parameters inputted into the system from the
dispensing canister or vessel or unit support, to properly accommodate any
variously sized dispensing canister or unit on the dispensing unit support by
feedback control of the variable gas flow regulating meter. The dispensing
unit support may comprise a weighing scale. The dispensing unit support may
comprise a dispensing unit shaker. The system preferably includes a high
pressure transmitter arranged on a high pressure side of the regulating meter
for sensing and sending supply parameters of the contents of a pressurized
supply container connected to the supply manifold to the programmable
control unit. The system preferably includes a low-pressure transmitter
arranged on a low-pressure side of the regulating meter to gauge the flow of
any backpressure from the controlled discharge conduit into a dispensing unit
receiving the pressurized gas/liquid. The system preferably includes a
normally closed solenoid in fluid communication with the regulating meter,
and wherein the solenoid is controlled by the programmable control unit to
CA 2983752 2017-10-25
ensure that no gas is allowed through the regulating meter and through the
discharge conduit unless operating approval has been generated by a proper
code in the programmable control unit. The proper code includes a self-
diagnostic system check of all system components for functionality. The
system preferably includes a reporting arrangement to diagnostically oversee
and respond to any failures within the system prior to gas and liquid being
attempted to be dispensed from the dispensing unit. The control unit
preferably has a proper management alarm mechanism arranged therein, to
send an alert to a manager if a misuse of the nitrous oxide component of the
dispensing unit is detected. The control unit is preferably arranged to detect
and permit only certain operators to operate the system, by a finger print
reader.
The invention also comprises a system for the control and the report
posting of use of nitrous oxide gas from a supply container into a whipped
cream dairy product dispensing unit, comprising: a pressure regulated meter
and a solenoid valve controlled pressure transmitter arrangement controlled
by a programmable control unit, for channeling pressurized gas from a supply
container to a dispensing unit; a series of "on and off' diagnostic tests
performed by the control unit to check system components prior to dispensing
operation to provide visible and audible notification of current conditions of
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the system, even to off-site entities; and a control panel to permit the
operator
to customize the screen to permit the operator to use that system. The
programmable control unit is preferably programmed to limit the time of
available hours of use to eliminate the possibility of after-hours tampering
attempts. The control unit is preferably programmed to detect and permit only
certain individual users and to utilize the system. The control unit is
preferably
arranged to identify and permit users of the system by a detection selected
from the group comprised of: finger print readers, employee number codes,
retina readers and a ground position location.
The second scale weighs gas supply cylinder content, to enable the
pressurized dispensing unit canister or vessel to identify when the dispenser
vessel is full of product. The system may include a shaker arrangement to
shake a dispenser canister of product into which the gasses have been
dispensed, and to weigh a specific dispenser canister to determine whether the
system is connected and to determine the amount of gas which would have to
be used for a particular size canister dispensing unit. The control unit is
preferably arranged to permit the blending of nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide
gases to create a variation of density and texture of mixed dairy products.
The invention also comprises a method of safely controlling and
permitting limited operator operation of a system for discharging a nitrous
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oxide gas into a whipped cream dispenser by a programmable control unit
comprising: turning on the system to power up; inquiring by the control unit,
if a GPS package is installed; inquiring by the control unit if the GPS
location
is approved; inquire by the control unit if the security clock system is
active;
performing a system component self-test pass, if no logging and notifying and
display error following the user prompt and power cycle to clear up; inquire
by the control unit if a gas cylinder scale package is installed; inquire by
the
control unit if the gas cylinder scale weight is okay; inquire by the control
unit through the system if the gas cylinder pressure reading is in range; and
determining by the control unit if the answer is yes, then the system is ready
for dispensing of a gas and dairy liquid dispensing process. The method also
preferably includes displaying a security level lockout notification and send
an alarm to a defined owner, and inquiring if the user level security is
satisfied;
inquiring if the system security inquiries are satisfied; and filling of a
whipped
cream dispenser canister unit if the system security inquiries are satisfied.
The invention also comprises a system for verifying the volume
contents of a pressurized whipped cream known and system recognized
dispensing vessel and for verifying the possible misuse or failure of the
dispensing vessel, comprising: a supply-dispensing fill hose having an
upstream pressure sensor in communication with a control unit and supply
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source, wherein the pressure sensor reads and understands the volume of
content in the known and recognized dispensing vessel via the supply-
dispensing fill hose; and wherein the control unit responds to the pressure
sensor by shutting the filling system off when a zero backpressure is sensed
by the pressure sensor.
The present system is adaptable for nitrous oxide mixtures in addition
to just nitrous oxide. The systems programming and configuration may be
utilized by entering or scanning a UPC code for the primary ingredient
utilized
in the mix. The system will configure and operate according to a specific
product programmed in various quantities and volumes which are
automatically detected by the system. Additional ingredients may be utilized
to further configure the system through the UPC identifier. Examples of such
additional ingredients are sugar, extracts, and syrups or the like. The system
will function specifically based upon the primary ingredient and the
additional
ingredient quantities are added to the system and modify functionality based
upon the combined ingredients as determined by and within the system. The
system of the present invention includes a record and playback feature to
allow the user to operate the system to create custom items and/or
combinations for various recipes. Such permitted programming will save the
operational requirements and provide such code for future use. Such system
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control includes its ability to completely communicate its features and
operation to an outside computer or smart phone.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
The objects and advantages of the present invention will become more
apparent when viewed in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a component diagram of the security arrangement of the
present invention in conjunction with further apparatus;
Figure 2 shows a view similar to figure 1 in a closed-up arrangement,
also listing certain components of the inventive system;
Figures 3.0 thru 3.6 represent flow charts showing steps of the operating
procedure;
Figure 4 is a graph which represents a charging scenario; and
Figure 5 is a graph which represents a scenario where pressure dips
below normal.
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Detailed Description of the Present Invention
The present invention comprises a system "S" to provide the safe
dispensing of potentially "miss-usable" gases such as nitrous oxide, to a
canister dispenser by an operator who may, for example, have a limited
interest in the cautious and safe use of such a procedure. The system "S", as
represented in figures 1 and 2, and as utilized procedurally stepwise, as
represented in flowchart figures 3.1 through 3.8, in the earlier filed
(62/495,411) Provisional Application, permits a safe, controlled setting of
predetermined amounts of fluids such as for example pressurized nitrous
oxide gas and/or carbon dioxide to be dispensed into a known,
preprogrammed dairy product, depending upon the size of the canister or the
vessel into which it is to be discharged.
The structure and procedural arrangement of the system "S" also
prevents the tampering or misuse of those nitrous oxide gases as may be
otherwise permitted with typical prior art aerosol cans, disposable cream
chargers or bulk cylinders.
The system "S" in a first preferred embodiment is arranged with a
pressure regulator and pressure transmitters or switches 2 and 3 and solenoid
valves 7 in conjunction with quick connect hose assemblies or fittings
controlled by an input control unit 14 with a keypad, all in proper electronic
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communication with a power supply 8 and cord 10, represented in figure 1.
The system "S" forms "on and off' diagnostic tests to check system
components prior to operation. This arrangement permits visible and audible
notification of current conditions of that system, even to off-site entities.
The controller unit 14 with an input panel 14A permits the operator to
customize the screen to permit the operator to use that system "S". The owner
and operator also have the ability through this system, to monitor all
features
of the system such as daily, weekly and/or annual uses of inventory of the
system's use and its' supplied components. The controller 14 is programmable
to limit the time of use of any or each of the particular canisters supplied
to
the system and the amount of available hours of use of the system to eliminate
the possibility of after-hours tampering attempts. The controller 14 may be
programmed to individual users and to certain access levels such as
administration, manager and particular operators or employees through ID
techniques such as card readers, retina or finger print readers, number codes
or the like. The system "S" is arranged to monitor the remaining inventory, to
permit order replacement of gas cylinders 17 or for electronic notification to
the administration and the operators of the system "S". The control unit 14
also may monitor the shift consumption on a daily, weekly or monthly basis
to permit control and oversight of the system and for notification of any
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maintenance required, or tampering attempted. Such tampering, when
identified, may include an audible alarm a visual display and/or notification
to an off-site location. The system preferably also includes a scale 40 for
weighing gas cylinder content, to identify when the dispenser unit vessel "V"
is full of product and to maintain control over the supply cylinder inventory,
as well as a shaker arrangement 42 to shake a container dispenser vessel "V"
of product to which the gasses have been dispensed. A scale 16 is preferably
arranged beneath a vessel "V" to provide weight of a specific dispenser or
vessel "V" to determine whether the system is connected, to determine the
amount of gas which would have to be used for a particular size vessel "V".
If the weight of the dispenser vessel "V" does not match the range of weight
programmed into the system, the control unit 14 running the system "S" will
not permit such arrangement to be utilized. Similarly, in a further
embodiment, the fill hose 9, once connected to a canister or vessel "V" will
provide feedback information to the control unit 14, as to the volume of fluid
and gas pressure in the now identified vessel "V", via its particular
identifier
61 shown on the side of the vessel "V", and readable by a proper optical or
RFID circuit connected sensor 55.
The control panel 14 for the system "S" may be arranged to permit the
blending of different fluids and or gases, to create a variation of density
and
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texture of the mixed products, such as for example, whipped cream, soft
drinks, various concentrates and or alcoholic drinks and mixers in controlled,
remembered quantities and characteristics. For example, compressed air,
nitrogen and carbon dioxide may be utilized in programmable varying
quantities. A pass code is preferably entered into the keypad 14A of the
programmable control unit 14 to initiate the systems function described
hereinabove.
The system "S" is shown in a preferred embodiment thereof, in figure
1. A high-pressure gas feed hose 1, is in fluid communication with a first low
pressure switch or transmitter 2, and a second high pressure switch or
transmitter 3, through a central manifold 44. That manifold 44 is in
communication with a regulating meter 4 which feeds a gas control supply
solenoid 7. That gas control solenoid 7 is normally closed. The solenoid 7 is
in electrical communication with the power distribution rail 5. The power
distribution rail 5 is connected to a power supply 8. The power supply 8, may
be charged via a removable power cord 10 shown at the base of the housing
"H" in figure 1. The housing "H" may have a front half and a rear half hinged
together, as shown in figure 1, and is shown in a closed configuration in
figure
2. The PLC controller unit 14, is shown on the inside of the front portion of
the housing "H" in figure 1, and is shown with facing toward shown forwardly
CA 2983752 2017-10-25
in figure 2. The input panel 14A for the controller 14 may have a
communication identifier means 46, shown in figure 2, such as for example,
an RFID sensing means, a finger print recognition means, an authorized user
ID means or the like to permit/control preprogrammed access thereto. The
control unit 14 is in electrical communication through a proper circuit, with
the high pressure transmitter 3 and to the low pressure transmitter 2, as well
as a magnetic contact 6, as part of the keying system and lock arrangement
15, shown in figure 1. The control unit 14, through a proper circuit, is also
in
electrical communication with a red stop-alarm indicator lamp 11, a speaker,
such as an audible or status beep alarm 12, and a green or "ready to go"
indicator lamp 13, as shown in figure 2. The magnetic contact lock
arrangement 6 is part of the proper closed loop circuit "C" which is
electrically connected to it the powered shaker device 42, for agitating a
filled
container vessel "V" during or subsequent the filling operation. The shaker
device 42 may also be paired with, consist of, or include as part of the
system,
the scale 16 for weighing product and/or containment vessels thru connector
21 and connected to circuit "C", before, during or after any system process
occurring, as represented in figure 1.
The flow diagram representing the methodology for the controlled
running of the system "S" of the present invention is represented sequentially
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in figure 3.1 through figure 3.8 in the aforementioned 62/495,411 provisional
application. An internal clock as part of the controller 14 is set on or off
by
the systems operator or owner. The internal clock is connected to the magnetic
sensor as part of the key lock actuating mechanism 15 within the security
cabinet housing "H". That magnetic sensor may be locked or unlocked. If it
is locked, it permits the system to start up. If the system "is go", the
controller
14 verifies the electrical and gas cylinder functions as "open" and operating
satisfactorily. The system in a further embodiment includes a ground position
indicator to have on/off control of the system's gas output, depending upon
the appropriate/inappropriate physical location of the system. If in fact that
inquiry is satisfied, the system indicates that it is ready to operate on the
control panel display unit on the front of the housing. The operator may then
connect the gas hose and enter the pass code into the controller 14. Such hose
connections may include RFID sensing, bar code identifiers, near field
communicators between the component parts to properly identify and permit
connections to occur. Once properly connected, the system then may
automatically begin to fill the container, according to its sensed parameters.
The parameters include vessel size, vessel content, quantity of fluid content
in the particular vessel, which may be sensed by operator input, data storage
in the control unit 14 for the particular vessel V sensed. That sensing
includes
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determination of the whipped cream equation, a water-cleaning equation,
and/or an empty container, which may indicate tampering. Upon satisfactory
completion of the filling operation, the control unit indicates through the
proper closed-circuit display panel, that the container vessel thru its
program,
may be shaken or agitated or weighed. The system also preferably indicates
that the charging is complete and that the agitation or shaking of that now
filled vessel may be stopped. The operator is then prompted by the control
unit 14 to disconnect the supply hose and the system indicates that the
whipped cream cycle has been completed successfully, the statistics of such
being transferred to the memory storage in the control unit 14. If the above
identified operations are not indicated as "a go", the system recycles itself
through the proper circuit to control unit 14 and or indicates that there is a
system problem to alert management and/or the system operator.
The control unit 14 through its sensor arrangement, preferably is able
to note three types of conditions. One condition is that the vessel is to be
filled.
The next condition to evaluate is that there is no flow going to the vessel to
be
filled, and the third condition is that there appears to be a tampering with
the
system which will shut the system down. Should such a tampering be picked
up/noticed by the control unit 14, a camera 20 within the control panel "H"
will be signaled through a proper circuit "M" from the control unit 14, to
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photograph any individual near the system "S" for dealing with as necessary
by the system's owners/operators. The camera 20 in other embodiments may
include photographing the dispenser canister as to its propriety for use, its
size
and, record ingredients supplied to the dispenser canister for future
reference
as to user and supplies.
In the aforementioned '411 application, it displays figures 3.0 through
3.7 which represent a flowchart with further parameters indicated between the
steps of the operating procedure as controlled by the control unit 14. Figure
4 of that '411 application represents pressure within a proper charging
scenario for making a charged product. The chart indicates solid lines where
the pressure rises and falls according to certain ideal functions, all within
a
particular range, for a particular vessel to be filled. Figure 5 is a similar
chart
to figure 4 however showing a dashed line wherein the pressure is represented
to dip below the normal expected pressure when, for example, an operator has
attempted to charge an empty container. The system "S" is arranged to
recognize such improper pressure values and will shut off pressurized flow
within milliseconds and simultaneously indicate a "tamper attempt" on its
indicator lamps and will send a signal to system operators or management of
such improprieties.
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The system "S" is operated by input through the input pad 14A and its
associated display panel 14D, represented in figure 2. The method by which
the system "S" insures the safety of its own ultimate use is by the controller
14 making the following properly programmed inquiries as a series of steps
for checking the system components, including: properly turning on the
system to power up; in the inquiring if a UPS package is installed. If the
answer is yes, is the GPS location approved; if yes, is the security cabinet
secured, if yes perform the posts thereof if the post is satisfied. If not,
restart
the system to clear errors and follow service instruction; if the post is
satisfied,
are there any software updates detected, if yes, install the software updates
and determine if a reboot is required; if yes, install rebooting-if no, run
the
software; inquire if the security clock system is active, if the answer is
yes,
perform a system component self-test, pass-if no logging, and notify and
display error following the user prompt and power cycle to clear up if there
are repeats and follow service instructions; if the system component passes
the self-test, inquire if the gas cylinder scale package is installed, if yes,
inquire if the gas cylinder scale weight is okay; if no, inquire if gas weight
in
re-order is in range, if yes, display as message or remote order and log in
transition and notify supplier; inquire through the system if the gas cylinder
pressure reading is in range, if the answer is yes the system is ready, if the
CA 2983752 2017-10-25
answer is no, inquire if the gas cylinder valve is open, if the gas cylinder
valve
is open consult the operating manual and follow troubleshooting procedure, if
the gas cylinder valve is not open, open the gas cylinder valve with a message
for a timeout, if the timeout count is reached, display a "pressure error" and
consult operator manual for a manager level override; if the system is shown
to be ready, the panel is to display the necessary message sequence for the
current system information-and the user may initiate the start process; if the
user start process has begun, the inquiry is made if the user level of
security
is satisfied, if the user level security is not satisfied a security mail
message
and a log-failed comment is displayed on the control panel, and a log of
failure
count is then reached and a security level lockout notification is displayed
and
an alarm/log owner is defined and continued use is overridden; if the user
level security is satisfied, an inquiry by the control unit is made if the
RFID
or like sensor package has been installed; if the RFID or like sensor package
has been installed an inquiry is made of the system as to whether the system
security sensors satisfied; if the system securities sensors are satisfied,
the
filling by the whipped cream dispenser may be begun; once the filling process
has begun an inquiry is made if the data is detected with the WHIP equation-
(see figure 4), if the data detection WHIP equation is satisfied, the whipping
process equation gas filling is activated and an inquiry is made if a shaker
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package has been installed within the system; if the shaker package is
installed, the dispenser shaker is activated during the gas filling process,
then
the whipping process equation is satisfied and WHIP is completed, the gas
filling is the activated, and the fill hose is disconnected, the dispenser is
removed from the shaker scale 16 and the system is returned to system ready.
If the shaker package was not installed, the control panel prompts the
operators to start the manual shaker process, the operator is then prompted to
stop the shaker'process, the gas filling is then deactivated and the fill hose
is
instructed to be disconnected and the system is instructed to return to the
system ready configuration, on the control panel 14 or the screen 14D.
There is a preferred volume verification based upon sensed pressure
feedback matched against pre-programmed entry into the control system for
the specific container/canister "V" identified. The identification of the
"canister-in-waiting" is determined by the control system sensor/scanner 55
recognizing an identifier 61 such as for example, a UPC display on the vessel
or bar code readings therebetween and/or input such as a pass code fed
to the control system by the system operator. This verification of an approved
canister device "V" will automatically provide circuit moderated controls as
to whether to fill an empty container or not fill a full container to prevent
further filling thereof, waste, abuse, misuse and contamination/spillage.
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Such hose 9 and connector nozzle arrangement 57 preferably including
built-in pressure feedback sensors 58 with appropriate proper feedback to the
control unit 14 and communicative sensing arrangements 55 may include
RFID sensing between the component hose nozzle parts 57 and 58 and
canister "V" to properly identify and permit connections to occur, and to
report to the control unit 14 what needs to be done, such as filling (or deny
filling) vessel/canister with fluid or gas, either shutting off further
dispensing
of gasses and or fluids, as well as sending an alarm signal indicating too
great
a use history, a misuse or system leakage of fluids or gasses. Once the hose
fill nozzle 57 is properly connected, the system "S" then may automatically
begin to fill the approved dispenser canister "V", according to its sensed
parameters and the instructions loaded into the control unit 14 for the
particular vessel/canister, its contents, and its read and understood
backpressure. That sensing includes determination of the whipped cream or
other fluid/gas pressure equation, a water-cleaning equation, and/or an empty
container, which may indicate tampering or a leak within the supply hose 9.
Upon satisfactory completion of the filling operation, the control unit
14 indicates through the proper closed-circuit, that the container dispenser
or
vessel "V" may be shaken or agitated or weighed. The system also preferably
indicates that the charging is complete and that the agitation or shaking of
that
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now filled canister dispenser or vessel "V" may be stopped. The operator is
then prompted by the control unit to disconnect the supply hose and the system
indicates that the supply of pressure comprising the whipped cream cycle has
been completed successfully, the statistics of such being transferred to
memory storage in the control unit 14. If the above identified operations are
not indicated as "a go", the system recycles itself through the proper circuit
to
the control unit 14 and/or indicates that there is a system problem to alert
management and/or the system operator.
The system thus includes a combined verification canister or vessel-
fill-process by backpressure vessel-quantity-content recognition and a
verification misuse-determination process also by the supply fill hose,
wherein the system may be shut down by recognition by the fill-hose
backpressure (zero backpressure) feedback of a system breach (leak) or
system misuse.
Thus, what has been shown and described is a novel structural and
procedural arrangement for providing controlled discharge of gaseous
elements into any of a wide variety of individual containers while preventing
misuse of that system and reporting any needs of that system for management
or resupply.
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