CA1338266C - Dispensing of bulk fluids - Google Patents
Dispensing of bulk fluidsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1338266C CA1338266C CA000609969A CA609969A CA1338266C CA 1338266 C CA1338266 C CA 1338266C CA 000609969 A CA000609969 A CA 000609969A CA 609969 A CA609969 A CA 609969A CA 1338266 C CA1338266 C CA 1338266C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- liquid
- dispensing
- immersion
- bulk
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
- B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
- B67D7/06—Details or accessories
- B67D7/36—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves
- B67D7/362—Arrangements of flow- or pressure-control valves combined with over-fill preventing means
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Loading And Unloading Of Fuel Tanks Or Ships (AREA)
Abstract
There is disclosed a liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing a determined amount of a fluid from a bulk source thereof, comprising a bulk tank suitable for holding a bulk liquid; a smaller reservoir adapted to retain a quantity of the liquid, the reservoir being adapted to dispense a quantity of liquid; a dispensing outlet operatively associated with the reservoir for dispensing the liquid; inlet means operatively associated with the reservoir for receiving a supply of liquid from the bulk tank; pump means associated with the bulk tank for feeding the supply of liquid to the reservoir for actuating the pump means associated with the bulk tank for filling the reservoir when the reservoir is emptied to a predetermined level and for disengaging the pump means associated with the bulk tank when the reservoir is filled to a predetermined level; at least one member extending in a vertical direction in said reservoir, for immersion in the liquid;
and means for producing signals indicative of the immersion of said member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in said immersion and to indicate volumetric change.
and means for producing signals indicative of the immersion of said member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in said immersion and to indicate volumetric change.
Description
133826~
DISPENSIN~ OF BULK FLUIDS
This invention relates to the dispensing of bulk fluids.
More particularly, one aspect of this invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing quantities of fluids from a bulk source thereof; another aspect of this invention relates to a method of dispensing quantities of fluid and in particular, to an apparatus for, and a method of indicating, on a substantially continuous basis, the amount of fluid dispensed.
The prior-art teaches various types of equipment and methods for the dispensing of bulk fluid.
In most cases, such prior art is directed to the dispensing of metered quantities of liquids (as opposed to determined amounts), where variable quantities of such liquids are required. For example, gasoline is required to be dispensed from a bulk source to an automobile via a gas pump dispensing device, in which it is required to meter the quantity of gasoline being dispensed in order to charge correctly for the amount of gasoline actually being dispensed. Such equipment requires precise ; metering pumps and, in many cases, the metered quantityis taken directly from the bulk reservoir or tank to be directly used, passing through a metering device.
Although various bulk fluids have been dispensed directly and indirectly from the bulk source, over the years, in products such as gasoline, it has been essential to accurately and correctly meter the amounts involved. Such devices tend to employ expensive metering valves and for many applications, this is not required.
Likewise, in the case of certain fluids, it would be more appropriate to dispense predetermined amounts, rather than variable metered amounts.
Dispensing of bulk liquids as opposed to the sale of such liquids in individual containers, has several advantages. First, transportation and handling costs are greatly reduced if one is able to dispense the bulk liquids directly at their point of use, as opposed to packaging and retailing smaller quantities of the same liquid. A case in point is windshield washer fluid which, under conventional practice, is normally sold to the consuming public in one gallon or four litre containers from which the individual user must then fill the vehicle reservoir. This has the disadvantage that due to the fact that such containers do not have a pouring spout, spillage/wastage of the fluid is encountered.
It would, therefore, be advantageous if a dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing bulk fluids such as w;n~h;eld washer fluid, can be provided for in which the wastage/spillage, normally encountered when a consumer empties a one gallon or four litre container of windshield washer fluid into a vehicle, can be eliminated, and at the same time, providing for a convenient source which would be readily available to consumers of such fluids from a central point.
Accordingly, the invention will be described with particular reference to the dispensing of windshield washing fluid, although it is understood that other liquids in a similar category can likewise be advantageously dispensed according to the method of the present invention and using the apparatus described herein.
With respect to the apparatus and method of the present invention, a liquid dispensing apparatus or system for dispensing a desired amount of a fluid, such as a windshield washer fluid, from a bulk source thereof, comprises in overall form, a bulk tank suitable for 1~38266 holding a bulk liquid, a smaller reservoir adapted to retain a predetermined quantity of said liquid, and in one preferred embodiment, the reservoir having pump means therein adapted to dispense a determined quantity of liquid through said pump means, a dispensing outlet operatively associated with said reservoir for dispensing the determined quantity of liquid, inlet means operatively associated with said reservoir for receiving a supply of said liquid from said bulk tank, pump means associated with said bulk tank for feeding said supply of liquid to said reservoir from said bulk tank, control means within said reservoir for actuating said pump means associated with said bulk tank for filling said reservoir when said reservoir is empty and for disengaging said pump means associated with said bulk tank when said reservoir is filled to a predetermined level, and a liquid level detector comprising at least one member extending in a vertical direction in the reservoir, for immersion in the liquid, and means for producing a signal indicative of the immersion of the member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in immersion of the member and to indicate volumetric change.
In a preferred form in the above apparatus, the dispensing outlet is operatively associated with a nozzle means for dispensing a desired quantity of liquid held by said reservoir into, e.g., a vehicle receptacle for windshield washer fluid; such nozzle or the like may include on/off means to prevent the flow of fluid from said reservoir; likewise, a dispensing outlet or the nozzle can include means for actuating the pump means associated with said reservoir where the pump means of the reservoir and the pump means of the bulk tank, are actuated in a separate manner.
~- 4 13~266 In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, there is also provided a method of dispensing bulk fluids, such as windshield washer fluid, from a bulk source thereof into, e.g., a vehicle windshield washer reservoir by the steps of (a) providing a bulk source of a fluid such as windshield washer fluid; (b) providing a smaller reservoir for retaining a predetermined quantity of fluid to be dispensed on demand; (c) filling said reservoir with fluid from said bulk source;
(d) controlling the volume of fluid fed to said reservoir to a predetermined quantity, by detecting at a fixed point in said reservoir the level of fluid therein to thereby cause the cessation of step (c); (e) dispensing, on demand, a determined quantity of fluid from said reservoir; (f) indicating the termination of the dispensing of the fluid of step (e); (g) generating a signal to repeat step (c) after step (e) has been completed: (h) detecting variations in immersion of a member positioned in the reservoir; and (i) producing a signal related to the changes in immersion and indicating a volumetric change. Termination of the dispensing of the fluid can be effected when the fluid falls to a preset lower level, or at some intermediate level.
The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly useful for dispensing a bulk fluid at gas stations or other facilities used by motorists. Thus, for example gas stations can provide a storage facility for a bulk fluid, which in the case of windshield washer fluid, may be provided in 45 gallon drums or the like, and by using the apparatus and method of the present invention, correct dispensing of fluids such as windshield washer fluid can be achieved without the problems associated with the use of individual one gallon or the like containers (e.g., the problem of 1~8266 spillage/wastage from pouring can be totally eliminated).
Additionally, the large storage areas required for individual one gallon containers, both at the manufacturing and retail levels, are eliminated, thus providing for a more economical operation; furthermore, the environmental pollution problem caused by the disposal of plastic jugs can be avoided.
The apparatus of the present invention can be constructed so as to be retained in a self-serving operation; for example, a 45 gallon drum may be contained within a housing, which likewise contains the smaller reservoir together with all of its associated components, and a dispensing nozzle can be provided which is in communication with the reservoir to permit a service station attendant, or the individual motorist, to dispense the determined quantity of fluid. Since the 'J apparatus of the present invention does not involve an eYro~cive metering system, the construction and installation of such an apparatus will be economical.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention has two separate pump means which are employed - a first pump means to provide liquid from the - bulk source to the reservoir, and the second pump means, operating independently of the first pump means, for providing a flow of liquid from the reservoir to e.g., a vehicle w;nA~h;eld washer reservoir. The pump means employed for this purpose can be any suitable type of pump, preferably electrically driven, each pump means operating in conjunction with the other in a desired sequence. Typical of the pumps which may be employed are gear pumps, submersible pumps, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the pump means for the reservoir is located internally of the reservoir in order to provide an advantageous arrangement, wherein the reservoir may also ~- 6 133826~
be partially or totally mounted within the bulk source or tank in order to provide a compact arrangement of the system of the present invention. Likewise, the pump means for feeding liquid from the bulk source to the smaller reservoir can be any conventional pump for this purpose, such as those described above, and may be mounted internally or externally of the bulk tank.
It is a feature of the present invention, in its most preferred form, that two separate pump means are employed in the apparatus, which eliminates the need for metering devices commonly encountered in prior art arrangements for dispensing bulk fluids. Each of the pump means functions for a different purpose and although both pump means operate in a desired sequence, such pump means do not operate together, thereby avoiding the possibility of accidental discharge of fluid, while at the same time providing only the desired determined quantity of fluid.
The reservoir which contains a predetermined quantity of fluid can be provided for by using preferably closed containers of different sizes or shapes;
typically, such a container will be a closed system but in most cases, will be non-pressurized. The smaller reservoir, when used in the case of dispensing windshield washer fluid, will typically have a volume of e.g. four litres, but by utilizing the control system of the present invention, the reservoir can actually be adapted to dispense determined amounts in values ranging up to four litres from the same reservoir. Since the fluid is dispensed under pressure from the smaller reservoir by its associated pump means, the reservoir can be mounted at any desired location in a downstream direction from a bulk source and its associated pump means. As noted above, one particular arrangement involves the use of a smaller reservoir mounted within the larger bulk source in order to provide a compact assembly. When the smaller reservoir is mounted within the bulk storage component, the smaller reservoir should be totally sealed so as to prevent leakage from the bulk source into the smaller reservoir. Thus, enclosed self-contained reservoirs are preferred.
The pump means associated with a small reservoir can be mounted directly therein for the sake of providing a compact and efficient unit. Typically, the pump means may be located at the bottom of the reservoir for ease of operation; in an alternate embodiment, the pump means for the reservoir may be located externally of the reservoir and connected thereto by means of a lS conduit.
The pump means of the reservoir is connected to the dispensing outlet for the reservoir, normally by appropriate conduits. In a typical installation, the pump means will be connected to a dispensing outlet which terminates in a nozzle or the like, preferably provided with an on/off valve. Thus, actuation of the pump means -- for the reservoir will not nec~ss~rily dispense fluiduntil such time as the nozzle, with the on/off valve means, is open, thereby permitting flow of fluid.
The system is preferably provided with control means to control the sequential operation of the pumps;
such control means are effective in one embodiment to discontinue feeding of fluid contained in the reservoir when the reservoir is empty and at the same time, to sequentially activate the pump means associated with the - bulk storage means to re-fill the reservoir. A preferred control means operates in conjunction with the first and second detecting means, or other detecting means if used, contained within the reservoir, according to a further feature of the present invention. Thus, the reservoir 8 1338~66 can be provided with a first detecting means located at a fixed point in the reservoir to detect a first fluid level in the reservoir; a second detecting means, again mounted to a fixed point which is spaced apart from the first detecting means, is effective to detect a second fluid level (such as a lower fluid level) in the reservoir, or other intermediate contact points between the first and second contacts to provide a multiple contact arrangement. Thus, the reservoir used in accordance with this invention has at least a first and second detecting means and functions with the overall control means to actuate the pump means of the bulk storage component to fill the reservoir on demand when the fluid level has reached the second detecting means.
Likewise, the first detecting means, which is fixed at a point spaced apart from the second or intermediate detecting means, as e.g. in a higher location within the reservoir, are effective to terminate the operation of the pump means associated with the bulk storage of the liquid so that the liquid, when pumped into the smaller reservoir, fills the reservoir only to a predetermined and fixed volume or level.
The detecting means which are employed within the smaller reservoir can be suitably magnetic detecting means capable of being submersed into liquid; both detecting means may be the same or may be different types of detecting means and the choice of any particular detecting means such as magnetic contacts or the like, can be selected, as known to those skilled in the art.
If desired, the upper detecting means, or one of the intermediate contacts, may also be employed for the purpose of generating a signal to a master control for initiating a "fill" sequence to permit the dispensing of a determined or desired quantity of liquid from the 9 13~261;
small reservoir to a vehicle windshield washer reservoir.
Alternatively, in the assembly, if a nozzle with an on/off valve is employed, appropriate means connected to the nozzle or on/off valve thereof could be used to actuate the pump means of the small reservoir - i.e. to generate a signal to actuate the pump means when the user is ready to dispense the predetermined quantity on demand. In a similar manner, the detector switch which is used to actuate the pump means of the bulk storage system may likewise be used to generate a signal to accommodate the pumping action of the pump means delivering the quantity of fluid from the reservoir;
using a master control means, the sequence of terminating the feeding of a fluid by the pump means associated with the reservoir, and the start-up of the pump means associated with the bulk system, can be separated in a time-cycle or still further, additional control means may be inserted, requiring re-setting of the cycle before the pump means of the bulk system is actuated to re-fill the reservoir.
When, as in one embodiment of the invention, the consumer dispenses only a portion of the volume in the reservoir, means are provided, such as a manually operated push-button or actuated by replacement of a nozzle, for causing the pump means associated with the bulk system to fill the reservoir.
All of the control means, apart from the detecting means, can be provided with suitable relay and timing circuits; again, those skilled in the art can appropriately select such relays and circuitry for that purpose.
While the above and subsequent description refers specifically to the dispensing of bulk windshield washer fluid, the apparatus and method of the present invention may be employed for dispensing other bulk 10 1~ 2'~
fluids, such as kerosene, soap solutions or the like.
Accordingly, it will be understood that other uses of the apparatus and methods described herein will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a typical service station "island" which incorporates the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical section taken through the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a reservoir used in the present invention;
Figure 4 is a front view of the upper housing of the apparatus as shown in Figure 2, illustrating a modification thereof;
-- Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 illustrating a further modification;
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part of the front face of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, illustrating one form of immersion detecting apparatus for detecting liquid level changes;
Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, but illustrating an alternative form of immersion detector; and Figure 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of one form of circuit to be used with the apparatus of Figures 7 and 8.
Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, a typical service station "island" is illustrated, in which gas pumps 10 are generally provided; an apparatus according to this invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 12 and includes housing 14 to adapted to retain a source of bulk fluid which in this case, may be typically e.g. a 45 gallon drum 16. The housing 14 communicates through an intermediate housing 18 to an upper housing 20; the upper housing may mount a source of power (e.g., a battery or the like) together with any control circuitry desired. The upper housing also serves to mount a dispensing nozzle 22, described hereinafter in greater detail.
The bulk storage tank 16 includes means to permit filling of the tank; to this end, an opening with a cap 24 is provided, in communication with the bulk storage tank through conduit 26. Thus, the bulk tank can be re-filled as desired.
Mounted within the bulk storage tank is a reservoir of smaller volume, e.g. one or several litres, indicated generally by reference numeral 30. The reservoir 30 is provided with a pair of magnetic switches 32 and 34, which are suspended at a predetermined distance from each other by mounting rods 36 joined by a supporting means 38 to the reservoir 30. The magnetic contact switches 32 and 34 determine the on/off cycle of the pump means as described in greater detail hereinafter. Reservoir 30 is provided with the pump 40, which in the illustrated embodiment is located within the reservoir. The pump 40, when activated, is effective to withdraw liquid from the reservoir 30 and dispense the same through a conduit 42, which in turn, is in communication with a flexible hose 44 accommodating a nozzle 22. Check valve 46 may be provided in conduit 42 to prevent back-flow of fluid into the reservoir.
The reservoir 30 is provided with a cover 33, through which the conduit 42 passes; a further aperture in the cover 33 may be provided for the passage of a conduit 48 carrying electrical control panels, e.g. wires 50, which are connected to appropriate relays of a power source for activation of the motor/switches.
If desired, a spring 37 may be provided between the bottom 35 of the reservoir 30 and the pump motor 40 in order to cushion or dampen any vibrations.
The reservoir 30 is in communication with the bulk reservoir or storage tank 16 through a conduit 54, which in turn, feeds bulk fluid into the reservoir 30 via a pump 56 which is located within the tank 16.
By varying the heights between magnetic contact switches 32 and 34, the volume of fluid to be dispensed can be selected as desired; use of magnetic contact switches 32 and 34 will always dispense a predetermined quantity corresponding to the difference in mounting of the two switches. In this respect, the switches 32 and 34 can be adjusted and mounted on support members 36 by e.g. extending the support members 36 and securing the switches 32 and 34 in an adjustable manner thereon.
In operation, the nozzle 22 is used for filling the windshield washer reservoir of an automobile; this nozzle 22 may have on/off valve means (not shown) associated therewith and may be mounted on a hook-shaped lever 58. Lever 58 may be connected to a conventional switch means located in the upper housing 20, so that upon removal of the nozzle 22 from the lever 58, such conventional switch means are actuated to activate the pump 40. Upon a trigger or on/off valve means being actuated on the nozzle 22, the pump 40 will then commence pumping windshield washer fluid from the reservoir 30 through the conduit 42, the hose 44 and the nozzle 22.
An overriding relay of conventional design may be employed for the purpose of permitting the pump 40 to be actuated, which is tied in with the magnetic contact switch 32 which signals to a control system that there is fluid in the reservoir 30. Control switch 34 may likewise be tied into a conventional relay so that upon the pump 40 dispensing a determined quantity (i.e., that level between the switch 32 and the switch 34), switch 34 will be effective to terminate the pumping operation through the pump 40 and at the same time, signal to the control system the activation of pump 56 to commence the re-filling of the reservoir 30 from the bulk storage tank 16. Filling is then continued until the level of the liquid in the reservoir 30 makes contact with the switch 32, which is then effective through a conventional relay ; or the like to terminate the pumping operation using pump 56.
One modification of the above-described apparatus includes the provision of coin-operated dispensing means where, e.g. a conventional coin receiving mechanism may be employed in conjunction with an overall control means to activate the on/off valve means of the nozzle 22, or at some other appropriate point in the system, so that the operation can be carried out on a self-serve basis where it is desirable for the consumers to dispense their own w;n~hield washer fluid using the apparatus and methods of the present invention.
~ 14 1~8266 This modification is illustrated in Figure 4.
A control system in the upper housing 20 is indicated in dotted outline at 60. The control system can retain the relays and other controls previously mentioned.
Associated with the control system is a coin mechanism 61. Coins can be inserted, as at slots 62, and the coin return indicated at 63. The coin mechanism can be of conventional form and permits operation of the dispensing apparatus via the control system when the necessary coins have been inserted in the coin mechanism, to dispense a determined quantity of liquid. Secondly, as so far described, when liquid flows from the reservoir, it continues until the reservoir is empty. However, it can be arranged that instead of the determined amount, i.e., the whole content of the reservoir, being dispensed at one time, another determined quantity of lesser volume can be dispensed.
Illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 are further modifications in which displays 64 an 65 are provided in the top housing. A flow sensor is positioned in the supply pipe line from the reservoir 30 to the hose 44.
One possible position is indicated in dotted outline at 66. Display 64 will display, for example, litres at 64a and tenths of a litre at 64b. With the arrangements as shown in Figures 5 and 6, it may be that the quantity - either by volume or by cash - which is dispensed will not empty the reservoir. The switch 34 will then not actuate the pump 56 to re-fill the reservoir. A manually operated switch, for example, a push-button switch, can be provided at some convenient position on the top housing 20. Situation of this switch by-passes switch 34 and the pump S6 fills the reservoir.
An alternative arrangement is for a switch to be actuated on replacement of the nozzle 22 on lever 58.
It can also be arranged that the coin mechanism 61 shown in Figure 4, can be one that will accept varying total values of coins, starting off the dispensing of liquid once the inserted value has been reached.
As previously stated, it is possible to arrange that instead of the whole contents of the reservoir being dispensed at one time, it is possible for some other quantity to be dispensed. Further, it is possible to dispense a first desired amount from the reservoir, and then to dispense a second desired amount without an intervening re-filling of the reservoir, subject to the overall capacity of the reservoir.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two alternative forms of apparatus for indicating the delivery volume from the reservoir. Items in Figures 7 and 8 which are common to Figure 3 have the same reference numerals as the corresponding items shown in Figure 3.
In Figure 7, a member 70 is suspended in the reservoir. The member 70 can be of any suitable material, for example plastic, and can be a tubular or a solid rod. The member should have a negative buoyancy in the liquid to be dispensed. The member 70 is suspended from an electronic load cell 71, an output from which is sent via conducts 72. The load cell 71 monitors the varying apparent weight of the member 70, as the height of the liquid varies and thus also as the immersion of the member 70 varies. The output from the load cell 71 is fed to a suitable circuit which converts the signals from the load cell into a volumetric change. This in turn can be used to give a visual indication of volume dispersed, and also val~e, for example as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement, in which an open-ended tube 75 of electrically insulating material is positioned in the reservoir. A conductor 76 is attached to the inside surface of the tube and a further conductor 77 is suspended in the tube. Conveniently the conductor 76 is grounded. The conductor 77 is connected via connection 78 to a suitable circuit for detecting variations in capacitance between the two conductors as the liquid level varies, and produces an output signal related to such changes, the signal being used to indicate volumetric change. This in turn can be used to give a visual indication of volume dispensed, and also the value, for example as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 9 illustrates one form of circuit for use with the apparatus of Figure 7 and Figure 8. The signals on the connections 72 or 73 are connected to the input 80 of an analog to digital converter 81, which is also connected to a power supply 82 via a signal conditioner 83. The output from the connector 81 is fed to a logic calculator 84, also connected to a computer 85. An output from the calculator can be used to indicate either volume, or value, or both, of the liquid dispensed, at read-out displays 86.
DISPENSIN~ OF BULK FLUIDS
This invention relates to the dispensing of bulk fluids.
More particularly, one aspect of this invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing quantities of fluids from a bulk source thereof; another aspect of this invention relates to a method of dispensing quantities of fluid and in particular, to an apparatus for, and a method of indicating, on a substantially continuous basis, the amount of fluid dispensed.
The prior-art teaches various types of equipment and methods for the dispensing of bulk fluid.
In most cases, such prior art is directed to the dispensing of metered quantities of liquids (as opposed to determined amounts), where variable quantities of such liquids are required. For example, gasoline is required to be dispensed from a bulk source to an automobile via a gas pump dispensing device, in which it is required to meter the quantity of gasoline being dispensed in order to charge correctly for the amount of gasoline actually being dispensed. Such equipment requires precise ; metering pumps and, in many cases, the metered quantityis taken directly from the bulk reservoir or tank to be directly used, passing through a metering device.
Although various bulk fluids have been dispensed directly and indirectly from the bulk source, over the years, in products such as gasoline, it has been essential to accurately and correctly meter the amounts involved. Such devices tend to employ expensive metering valves and for many applications, this is not required.
Likewise, in the case of certain fluids, it would be more appropriate to dispense predetermined amounts, rather than variable metered amounts.
Dispensing of bulk liquids as opposed to the sale of such liquids in individual containers, has several advantages. First, transportation and handling costs are greatly reduced if one is able to dispense the bulk liquids directly at their point of use, as opposed to packaging and retailing smaller quantities of the same liquid. A case in point is windshield washer fluid which, under conventional practice, is normally sold to the consuming public in one gallon or four litre containers from which the individual user must then fill the vehicle reservoir. This has the disadvantage that due to the fact that such containers do not have a pouring spout, spillage/wastage of the fluid is encountered.
It would, therefore, be advantageous if a dispensing apparatus and method for dispensing bulk fluids such as w;n~h;eld washer fluid, can be provided for in which the wastage/spillage, normally encountered when a consumer empties a one gallon or four litre container of windshield washer fluid into a vehicle, can be eliminated, and at the same time, providing for a convenient source which would be readily available to consumers of such fluids from a central point.
Accordingly, the invention will be described with particular reference to the dispensing of windshield washing fluid, although it is understood that other liquids in a similar category can likewise be advantageously dispensed according to the method of the present invention and using the apparatus described herein.
With respect to the apparatus and method of the present invention, a liquid dispensing apparatus or system for dispensing a desired amount of a fluid, such as a windshield washer fluid, from a bulk source thereof, comprises in overall form, a bulk tank suitable for 1~38266 holding a bulk liquid, a smaller reservoir adapted to retain a predetermined quantity of said liquid, and in one preferred embodiment, the reservoir having pump means therein adapted to dispense a determined quantity of liquid through said pump means, a dispensing outlet operatively associated with said reservoir for dispensing the determined quantity of liquid, inlet means operatively associated with said reservoir for receiving a supply of said liquid from said bulk tank, pump means associated with said bulk tank for feeding said supply of liquid to said reservoir from said bulk tank, control means within said reservoir for actuating said pump means associated with said bulk tank for filling said reservoir when said reservoir is empty and for disengaging said pump means associated with said bulk tank when said reservoir is filled to a predetermined level, and a liquid level detector comprising at least one member extending in a vertical direction in the reservoir, for immersion in the liquid, and means for producing a signal indicative of the immersion of the member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in immersion of the member and to indicate volumetric change.
In a preferred form in the above apparatus, the dispensing outlet is operatively associated with a nozzle means for dispensing a desired quantity of liquid held by said reservoir into, e.g., a vehicle receptacle for windshield washer fluid; such nozzle or the like may include on/off means to prevent the flow of fluid from said reservoir; likewise, a dispensing outlet or the nozzle can include means for actuating the pump means associated with said reservoir where the pump means of the reservoir and the pump means of the bulk tank, are actuated in a separate manner.
~- 4 13~266 In accordance with a further aspect of this invention, there is also provided a method of dispensing bulk fluids, such as windshield washer fluid, from a bulk source thereof into, e.g., a vehicle windshield washer reservoir by the steps of (a) providing a bulk source of a fluid such as windshield washer fluid; (b) providing a smaller reservoir for retaining a predetermined quantity of fluid to be dispensed on demand; (c) filling said reservoir with fluid from said bulk source;
(d) controlling the volume of fluid fed to said reservoir to a predetermined quantity, by detecting at a fixed point in said reservoir the level of fluid therein to thereby cause the cessation of step (c); (e) dispensing, on demand, a determined quantity of fluid from said reservoir; (f) indicating the termination of the dispensing of the fluid of step (e); (g) generating a signal to repeat step (c) after step (e) has been completed: (h) detecting variations in immersion of a member positioned in the reservoir; and (i) producing a signal related to the changes in immersion and indicating a volumetric change. Termination of the dispensing of the fluid can be effected when the fluid falls to a preset lower level, or at some intermediate level.
The apparatus and method of the present invention are particularly useful for dispensing a bulk fluid at gas stations or other facilities used by motorists. Thus, for example gas stations can provide a storage facility for a bulk fluid, which in the case of windshield washer fluid, may be provided in 45 gallon drums or the like, and by using the apparatus and method of the present invention, correct dispensing of fluids such as windshield washer fluid can be achieved without the problems associated with the use of individual one gallon or the like containers (e.g., the problem of 1~8266 spillage/wastage from pouring can be totally eliminated).
Additionally, the large storage areas required for individual one gallon containers, both at the manufacturing and retail levels, are eliminated, thus providing for a more economical operation; furthermore, the environmental pollution problem caused by the disposal of plastic jugs can be avoided.
The apparatus of the present invention can be constructed so as to be retained in a self-serving operation; for example, a 45 gallon drum may be contained within a housing, which likewise contains the smaller reservoir together with all of its associated components, and a dispensing nozzle can be provided which is in communication with the reservoir to permit a service station attendant, or the individual motorist, to dispense the determined quantity of fluid. Since the 'J apparatus of the present invention does not involve an eYro~cive metering system, the construction and installation of such an apparatus will be economical.
In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention has two separate pump means which are employed - a first pump means to provide liquid from the - bulk source to the reservoir, and the second pump means, operating independently of the first pump means, for providing a flow of liquid from the reservoir to e.g., a vehicle w;nA~h;eld washer reservoir. The pump means employed for this purpose can be any suitable type of pump, preferably electrically driven, each pump means operating in conjunction with the other in a desired sequence. Typical of the pumps which may be employed are gear pumps, submersible pumps, etc. In a preferred embodiment, the pump means for the reservoir is located internally of the reservoir in order to provide an advantageous arrangement, wherein the reservoir may also ~- 6 133826~
be partially or totally mounted within the bulk source or tank in order to provide a compact arrangement of the system of the present invention. Likewise, the pump means for feeding liquid from the bulk source to the smaller reservoir can be any conventional pump for this purpose, such as those described above, and may be mounted internally or externally of the bulk tank.
It is a feature of the present invention, in its most preferred form, that two separate pump means are employed in the apparatus, which eliminates the need for metering devices commonly encountered in prior art arrangements for dispensing bulk fluids. Each of the pump means functions for a different purpose and although both pump means operate in a desired sequence, such pump means do not operate together, thereby avoiding the possibility of accidental discharge of fluid, while at the same time providing only the desired determined quantity of fluid.
The reservoir which contains a predetermined quantity of fluid can be provided for by using preferably closed containers of different sizes or shapes;
typically, such a container will be a closed system but in most cases, will be non-pressurized. The smaller reservoir, when used in the case of dispensing windshield washer fluid, will typically have a volume of e.g. four litres, but by utilizing the control system of the present invention, the reservoir can actually be adapted to dispense determined amounts in values ranging up to four litres from the same reservoir. Since the fluid is dispensed under pressure from the smaller reservoir by its associated pump means, the reservoir can be mounted at any desired location in a downstream direction from a bulk source and its associated pump means. As noted above, one particular arrangement involves the use of a smaller reservoir mounted within the larger bulk source in order to provide a compact assembly. When the smaller reservoir is mounted within the bulk storage component, the smaller reservoir should be totally sealed so as to prevent leakage from the bulk source into the smaller reservoir. Thus, enclosed self-contained reservoirs are preferred.
The pump means associated with a small reservoir can be mounted directly therein for the sake of providing a compact and efficient unit. Typically, the pump means may be located at the bottom of the reservoir for ease of operation; in an alternate embodiment, the pump means for the reservoir may be located externally of the reservoir and connected thereto by means of a lS conduit.
The pump means of the reservoir is connected to the dispensing outlet for the reservoir, normally by appropriate conduits. In a typical installation, the pump means will be connected to a dispensing outlet which terminates in a nozzle or the like, preferably provided with an on/off valve. Thus, actuation of the pump means -- for the reservoir will not nec~ss~rily dispense fluiduntil such time as the nozzle, with the on/off valve means, is open, thereby permitting flow of fluid.
The system is preferably provided with control means to control the sequential operation of the pumps;
such control means are effective in one embodiment to discontinue feeding of fluid contained in the reservoir when the reservoir is empty and at the same time, to sequentially activate the pump means associated with the - bulk storage means to re-fill the reservoir. A preferred control means operates in conjunction with the first and second detecting means, or other detecting means if used, contained within the reservoir, according to a further feature of the present invention. Thus, the reservoir 8 1338~66 can be provided with a first detecting means located at a fixed point in the reservoir to detect a first fluid level in the reservoir; a second detecting means, again mounted to a fixed point which is spaced apart from the first detecting means, is effective to detect a second fluid level (such as a lower fluid level) in the reservoir, or other intermediate contact points between the first and second contacts to provide a multiple contact arrangement. Thus, the reservoir used in accordance with this invention has at least a first and second detecting means and functions with the overall control means to actuate the pump means of the bulk storage component to fill the reservoir on demand when the fluid level has reached the second detecting means.
Likewise, the first detecting means, which is fixed at a point spaced apart from the second or intermediate detecting means, as e.g. in a higher location within the reservoir, are effective to terminate the operation of the pump means associated with the bulk storage of the liquid so that the liquid, when pumped into the smaller reservoir, fills the reservoir only to a predetermined and fixed volume or level.
The detecting means which are employed within the smaller reservoir can be suitably magnetic detecting means capable of being submersed into liquid; both detecting means may be the same or may be different types of detecting means and the choice of any particular detecting means such as magnetic contacts or the like, can be selected, as known to those skilled in the art.
If desired, the upper detecting means, or one of the intermediate contacts, may also be employed for the purpose of generating a signal to a master control for initiating a "fill" sequence to permit the dispensing of a determined or desired quantity of liquid from the 9 13~261;
small reservoir to a vehicle windshield washer reservoir.
Alternatively, in the assembly, if a nozzle with an on/off valve is employed, appropriate means connected to the nozzle or on/off valve thereof could be used to actuate the pump means of the small reservoir - i.e. to generate a signal to actuate the pump means when the user is ready to dispense the predetermined quantity on demand. In a similar manner, the detector switch which is used to actuate the pump means of the bulk storage system may likewise be used to generate a signal to accommodate the pumping action of the pump means delivering the quantity of fluid from the reservoir;
using a master control means, the sequence of terminating the feeding of a fluid by the pump means associated with the reservoir, and the start-up of the pump means associated with the bulk system, can be separated in a time-cycle or still further, additional control means may be inserted, requiring re-setting of the cycle before the pump means of the bulk system is actuated to re-fill the reservoir.
When, as in one embodiment of the invention, the consumer dispenses only a portion of the volume in the reservoir, means are provided, such as a manually operated push-button or actuated by replacement of a nozzle, for causing the pump means associated with the bulk system to fill the reservoir.
All of the control means, apart from the detecting means, can be provided with suitable relay and timing circuits; again, those skilled in the art can appropriately select such relays and circuitry for that purpose.
While the above and subsequent description refers specifically to the dispensing of bulk windshield washer fluid, the apparatus and method of the present invention may be employed for dispensing other bulk 10 1~ 2'~
fluids, such as kerosene, soap solutions or the like.
Accordingly, it will be understood that other uses of the apparatus and methods described herein will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, illustrating preferred embodiments, and in which:
Figure 1 is a perspective schematic view of a typical service station "island" which incorporates the apparatus of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a vertical section taken through the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an enlarged view of a reservoir used in the present invention;
Figure 4 is a front view of the upper housing of the apparatus as shown in Figure 2, illustrating a modification thereof;
-- Figure 5 is a view similar to that of Figure 4 illustrating a further modification;
Figure 6 is an enlarged view of part of the front face of the apparatus as shown in Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a view similar to that of Figure 3, illustrating one form of immersion detecting apparatus for detecting liquid level changes;
Figure 8 is a view similar to that of Figure 7, but illustrating an alternative form of immersion detector; and Figure 9 is a diagrammatic illustration of one form of circuit to be used with the apparatus of Figures 7 and 8.
Referring initially to Figures 1 and 2, a typical service station "island" is illustrated, in which gas pumps 10 are generally provided; an apparatus according to this invention is indicated generally by reference numeral 12 and includes housing 14 to adapted to retain a source of bulk fluid which in this case, may be typically e.g. a 45 gallon drum 16. The housing 14 communicates through an intermediate housing 18 to an upper housing 20; the upper housing may mount a source of power (e.g., a battery or the like) together with any control circuitry desired. The upper housing also serves to mount a dispensing nozzle 22, described hereinafter in greater detail.
The bulk storage tank 16 includes means to permit filling of the tank; to this end, an opening with a cap 24 is provided, in communication with the bulk storage tank through conduit 26. Thus, the bulk tank can be re-filled as desired.
Mounted within the bulk storage tank is a reservoir of smaller volume, e.g. one or several litres, indicated generally by reference numeral 30. The reservoir 30 is provided with a pair of magnetic switches 32 and 34, which are suspended at a predetermined distance from each other by mounting rods 36 joined by a supporting means 38 to the reservoir 30. The magnetic contact switches 32 and 34 determine the on/off cycle of the pump means as described in greater detail hereinafter. Reservoir 30 is provided with the pump 40, which in the illustrated embodiment is located within the reservoir. The pump 40, when activated, is effective to withdraw liquid from the reservoir 30 and dispense the same through a conduit 42, which in turn, is in communication with a flexible hose 44 accommodating a nozzle 22. Check valve 46 may be provided in conduit 42 to prevent back-flow of fluid into the reservoir.
The reservoir 30 is provided with a cover 33, through which the conduit 42 passes; a further aperture in the cover 33 may be provided for the passage of a conduit 48 carrying electrical control panels, e.g. wires 50, which are connected to appropriate relays of a power source for activation of the motor/switches.
If desired, a spring 37 may be provided between the bottom 35 of the reservoir 30 and the pump motor 40 in order to cushion or dampen any vibrations.
The reservoir 30 is in communication with the bulk reservoir or storage tank 16 through a conduit 54, which in turn, feeds bulk fluid into the reservoir 30 via a pump 56 which is located within the tank 16.
By varying the heights between magnetic contact switches 32 and 34, the volume of fluid to be dispensed can be selected as desired; use of magnetic contact switches 32 and 34 will always dispense a predetermined quantity corresponding to the difference in mounting of the two switches. In this respect, the switches 32 and 34 can be adjusted and mounted on support members 36 by e.g. extending the support members 36 and securing the switches 32 and 34 in an adjustable manner thereon.
In operation, the nozzle 22 is used for filling the windshield washer reservoir of an automobile; this nozzle 22 may have on/off valve means (not shown) associated therewith and may be mounted on a hook-shaped lever 58. Lever 58 may be connected to a conventional switch means located in the upper housing 20, so that upon removal of the nozzle 22 from the lever 58, such conventional switch means are actuated to activate the pump 40. Upon a trigger or on/off valve means being actuated on the nozzle 22, the pump 40 will then commence pumping windshield washer fluid from the reservoir 30 through the conduit 42, the hose 44 and the nozzle 22.
An overriding relay of conventional design may be employed for the purpose of permitting the pump 40 to be actuated, which is tied in with the magnetic contact switch 32 which signals to a control system that there is fluid in the reservoir 30. Control switch 34 may likewise be tied into a conventional relay so that upon the pump 40 dispensing a determined quantity (i.e., that level between the switch 32 and the switch 34), switch 34 will be effective to terminate the pumping operation through the pump 40 and at the same time, signal to the control system the activation of pump 56 to commence the re-filling of the reservoir 30 from the bulk storage tank 16. Filling is then continued until the level of the liquid in the reservoir 30 makes contact with the switch 32, which is then effective through a conventional relay ; or the like to terminate the pumping operation using pump 56.
One modification of the above-described apparatus includes the provision of coin-operated dispensing means where, e.g. a conventional coin receiving mechanism may be employed in conjunction with an overall control means to activate the on/off valve means of the nozzle 22, or at some other appropriate point in the system, so that the operation can be carried out on a self-serve basis where it is desirable for the consumers to dispense their own w;n~hield washer fluid using the apparatus and methods of the present invention.
~ 14 1~8266 This modification is illustrated in Figure 4.
A control system in the upper housing 20 is indicated in dotted outline at 60. The control system can retain the relays and other controls previously mentioned.
Associated with the control system is a coin mechanism 61. Coins can be inserted, as at slots 62, and the coin return indicated at 63. The coin mechanism can be of conventional form and permits operation of the dispensing apparatus via the control system when the necessary coins have been inserted in the coin mechanism, to dispense a determined quantity of liquid. Secondly, as so far described, when liquid flows from the reservoir, it continues until the reservoir is empty. However, it can be arranged that instead of the determined amount, i.e., the whole content of the reservoir, being dispensed at one time, another determined quantity of lesser volume can be dispensed.
Illustrated in Figures 5 and 6 are further modifications in which displays 64 an 65 are provided in the top housing. A flow sensor is positioned in the supply pipe line from the reservoir 30 to the hose 44.
One possible position is indicated in dotted outline at 66. Display 64 will display, for example, litres at 64a and tenths of a litre at 64b. With the arrangements as shown in Figures 5 and 6, it may be that the quantity - either by volume or by cash - which is dispensed will not empty the reservoir. The switch 34 will then not actuate the pump 56 to re-fill the reservoir. A manually operated switch, for example, a push-button switch, can be provided at some convenient position on the top housing 20. Situation of this switch by-passes switch 34 and the pump S6 fills the reservoir.
An alternative arrangement is for a switch to be actuated on replacement of the nozzle 22 on lever 58.
It can also be arranged that the coin mechanism 61 shown in Figure 4, can be one that will accept varying total values of coins, starting off the dispensing of liquid once the inserted value has been reached.
As previously stated, it is possible to arrange that instead of the whole contents of the reservoir being dispensed at one time, it is possible for some other quantity to be dispensed. Further, it is possible to dispense a first desired amount from the reservoir, and then to dispense a second desired amount without an intervening re-filling of the reservoir, subject to the overall capacity of the reservoir.
Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two alternative forms of apparatus for indicating the delivery volume from the reservoir. Items in Figures 7 and 8 which are common to Figure 3 have the same reference numerals as the corresponding items shown in Figure 3.
In Figure 7, a member 70 is suspended in the reservoir. The member 70 can be of any suitable material, for example plastic, and can be a tubular or a solid rod. The member should have a negative buoyancy in the liquid to be dispensed. The member 70 is suspended from an electronic load cell 71, an output from which is sent via conducts 72. The load cell 71 monitors the varying apparent weight of the member 70, as the height of the liquid varies and thus also as the immersion of the member 70 varies. The output from the load cell 71 is fed to a suitable circuit which converts the signals from the load cell into a volumetric change. This in turn can be used to give a visual indication of volume dispersed, and also val~e, for example as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 8 illustrates an alternative arrangement, in which an open-ended tube 75 of electrically insulating material is positioned in the reservoir. A conductor 76 is attached to the inside surface of the tube and a further conductor 77 is suspended in the tube. Conveniently the conductor 76 is grounded. The conductor 77 is connected via connection 78 to a suitable circuit for detecting variations in capacitance between the two conductors as the liquid level varies, and produces an output signal related to such changes, the signal being used to indicate volumetric change. This in turn can be used to give a visual indication of volume dispensed, and also the value, for example as shown in Figure 6.
Figure 9 illustrates one form of circuit for use with the apparatus of Figure 7 and Figure 8. The signals on the connections 72 or 73 are connected to the input 80 of an analog to digital converter 81, which is also connected to a power supply 82 via a signal conditioner 83. The output from the connector 81 is fed to a logic calculator 84, also connected to a computer 85. An output from the calculator can be used to indicate either volume, or value, or both, of the liquid dispensed, at read-out displays 86.
Claims (35)
1. A liquid dispensing apparatus for dispensing a determined amount of a fluid from a bulk source thereof, comprising a bulk tank suitable for holding a bulk liquid;
a smaller reservoir adapted to retain a quantity of the liquid, the reservoir being adapted to dispense a quantity of liquid; a dispensing outlet operatively associated with the reservoir for dispensing the liquid; inlet means operatively associated with the reservoir for receiving a supply of liquid from the bulk tank; pump means associated with the bulk tank for feeding the supply of liquid to the reservoir; control means for actuating the pump means associated with the bulk tank for filling the reservoir when the reservoir is emptied to a predetermined level and for disengaging the pump means associated with the bulk tank when the reservoir is filled to a predetermined level;
at least one member extending in a vertical direction in said reservoir, for immersion in the liquid; and means for producing signals indicative of the immersion of said member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in said immersion and to indicate volumetric change.
a smaller reservoir adapted to retain a quantity of the liquid, the reservoir being adapted to dispense a quantity of liquid; a dispensing outlet operatively associated with the reservoir for dispensing the liquid; inlet means operatively associated with the reservoir for receiving a supply of liquid from the bulk tank; pump means associated with the bulk tank for feeding the supply of liquid to the reservoir; control means for actuating the pump means associated with the bulk tank for filling the reservoir when the reservoir is emptied to a predetermined level and for disengaging the pump means associated with the bulk tank when the reservoir is filled to a predetermined level;
at least one member extending in a vertical direction in said reservoir, for immersion in the liquid; and means for producing signals indicative of the immersion of said member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in said immersion and to indicate volumetric change.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, including means for suspending said member in said reservoir and detecting the weight of the member; said means for producing a signal indicative of said immersion, comprising means for detecting changes in the apparent weight of said member in response to changes in the depth of immersion of the member as a result of volumetric variations of said liquid.
3. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, including two members extending in spaced apart relationship, the members being electrically conductive and electrically insulated from each other and a power supply to said two members, said means for producing a signal indicative of said immersion comprising means for measuring a change in electrical capacitance between the two members as a result of a volumetric change of said liquid.
4. An apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the dispensing outlet includes nozzle means for dispensing the determined quantity of liquid from the reservoir.
5. An apparatus as defined in Claim 4, wherein the nozzle means includes on/off valve means.
6. An apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the reservoir is mounted at least partially within the bulk tank.
7. An apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein there is provided second control means for overall control of both of the pump means, the second control means being actuable when the nozzle means is moved from a first position to a second position.
8. An apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the pump means associated with the bulk tank is mounted within the bulk tank.
9. An apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the control means within the reservoir are adjustable to vary the amount of fluid in the reservoir.
10. An apparatus as defined in Claim 1, wherein the control means within the reservoir comprises first and second spaced apart detecting means within the reservoir, the first and second detecting means being spaced at a distance corresponding to a predetermined amount of fluid.
11. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, including a second control means for sequential operation of said pumps, and including coin-operated means for actuating said second control means.
12. A liquid dispensing apparatus comprising:
a bulk tank for holding a bulk supply of liquid; a reservoir for holding a smaller supply of said liquid;
pump means for filling said reservoir from said bulk tank; further pump means for pumping liquid from said reservoir to a dispensing outlet; liquid level sensing means associated with said reservoir and including an upper sensing means and a lower sensing means for sensing a higher and a lower liquid level in said reservoir;
control means for actuating said pumps; said sensing means providing signals to said control means to fill said reservoir when said liquid level is said lower level and to cease filling said reservoir when said liquid level is at said upper liquid level, and control means also permitting dispensing of said liquid to said dispensing outlet after filling of said reservoir; at least one member extending in a vertical direction in said reservoir, for immersion in the liquid; and means for producing signals indicative of the immersion of said member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in said immersion and to indicate volumetric change.
a bulk tank for holding a bulk supply of liquid; a reservoir for holding a smaller supply of said liquid;
pump means for filling said reservoir from said bulk tank; further pump means for pumping liquid from said reservoir to a dispensing outlet; liquid level sensing means associated with said reservoir and including an upper sensing means and a lower sensing means for sensing a higher and a lower liquid level in said reservoir;
control means for actuating said pumps; said sensing means providing signals to said control means to fill said reservoir when said liquid level is said lower level and to cease filling said reservoir when said liquid level is at said upper liquid level, and control means also permitting dispensing of said liquid to said dispensing outlet after filling of said reservoir; at least one member extending in a vertical direction in said reservoir, for immersion in the liquid; and means for producing signals indicative of the immersion of said member, including means for producing a signal relating to changes in said immersion and to indicate volumetric change.
13. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, including means for suspending said member in said reservoir and detecting the weight of the member; said means for producing a signal indicative of said immersion comprising means for detecting changes in the apparent weight of said member in response to changes in the depth of immersion of said member as a result of volumetric variations of said liquid.
14. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, including two members extending in spaced apart relationship, the members being electrically conductive and electrically insulated from each other, and a power supply to said two members; said means for producing a signal indicative of said immersion comprising means for measuring a change in electrical capacitance between the two members as a result of a volumetric change of said liquid.
15. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 12, said dispensing outlet comprising a nozzle.
16. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 11, including said coin-operated means associated with said second control means, for dispensing a quantity of liquid determined by said coin-operated means.
17. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, said coin-operated means having a preset coin value actuating level for dispensing a predetermined quantity of liquid.
18. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 16, said coin-operated means having a variable coin value level, said coin-operated means adapted to shut off said dispensing means when a quantity of liquid determined by an inserted coin value has been dispensed.
19. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, including a liquid quantity indicator for indicating the quantity of liquid dispensed.
20. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 15, including a liquid value indicator for indicating the value of liquid dispensed.
21. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 20, including a liquid quantity indicator for indicating the quantity of liquid dispensed.
22. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 21, said nozzle including shut off means for determining the quantity of liquid dispensed.
23. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 22, including a switch connected to said control means for by-passing said lower sensing means to enable said pump means to re-fill said reservoir, when the quantity of liquid dispensed does not lower the liquid level to said lower level.
24. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 23, said switch comprising a manually operated switch.
25. An apparatus as claimed in Claim 23, said switch actuated by the return of said nozzle to a predetermined position.
26. A method of dispensing bulk fluids, such as a windshield washer fluid, from a bulk source thereof by the steps (a) providing a bulk source of a fluid such as windshield washer fluid; (b) providing a smaller reservoir adapted to retain a predetermined quantity of fluid to be dispensed on demand; (c) filling the reservoir with fluid from the bulk source;
(d) controlling the volume of fluid fed to the reservoir to a predetermined quantity by detecting at a fixed point in the reservoir the level of fluid therein to thereby cause the cessation of step (c); (e) dispensing, on demand, fluid from the reservoir; (f) detecting the termination of the dispensing of the fluid of step (e) by detecting the level of the fluid at a fixed point in the reservoir, the difference between the fixed points of detection in the reservoir constituting the predetermined quantity of fluid to be dispensed in step (e);
(g) generating a signal to repeat step (c) after step (e) has been completed; (h) detecting variations in the immersion of a member positioned in the reservoir; and (i) producing a signal related to changes in said immersion and indicating volumetric change.
(d) controlling the volume of fluid fed to the reservoir to a predetermined quantity by detecting at a fixed point in the reservoir the level of fluid therein to thereby cause the cessation of step (c); (e) dispensing, on demand, fluid from the reservoir; (f) detecting the termination of the dispensing of the fluid of step (e) by detecting the level of the fluid at a fixed point in the reservoir, the difference between the fixed points of detection in the reservoir constituting the predetermined quantity of fluid to be dispensed in step (e);
(g) generating a signal to repeat step (c) after step (e) has been completed; (h) detecting variations in the immersion of a member positioned in the reservoir; and (i) producing a signal related to changes in said immersion and indicating volumetric change.
27. A method of dispensing bulk liquid from a bulk source comprising:
pumping a liquid from a bulk store in a reservoir; controlling the flow of said liquid to said reservoir by detecting upper and lower liquid levels, initiating feeding said fluid by detection of the liquid level at said lower level and shutting off said flow by detection of the liquid level at said upper level detecting variations in the immersion of a member positioned in said reservoir, and producing a signal related to changes in said immersion and indicating volumetric change.
pumping a liquid from a bulk store in a reservoir; controlling the flow of said liquid to said reservoir by detecting upper and lower liquid levels, initiating feeding said fluid by detection of the liquid level at said lower level and shutting off said flow by detection of the liquid level at said upper level detecting variations in the immersion of a member positioned in said reservoir, and producing a signal related to changes in said immersion and indicating volumetric change.
28. The method of Claim 27, including dispensing said liquid through a nozzle.
29. The method of Claim 27, including selecting a determined quantity of liquid by inserting one or more coins in a coin mechanism.
30. The method of Claim 27, including indicating the quantity of liquid dispensed.
31. The method of Claim 27, including indicating the value of liquid dispensed.
32. The method of Claim 26, in step (h) detecting variations in the apparent weight of the member as a result of variations in said immersion.
33. The method of Claim 26, including positioning two spaced apart electrically conducting members in said reservoir, and in step (h) detecting variations in the capacitance between the two members as a result of variations in said immersion.
34. The method of Claim 27, including detecting variation in the apparent weight of the member as a result of variations in said immersion.
35. The method of Claim 27, including positioning two spaced apart electrically conducting members in said reservoir, and detecting variation in the capacitance between the two members as a result of variations in said immersion.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609969A CA1338266C (en) | 1989-08-31 | 1989-08-31 | Dispensing of bulk fluids |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609969A CA1338266C (en) | 1989-08-31 | 1989-08-31 | Dispensing of bulk fluids |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1338266C true CA1338266C (en) | 1996-04-23 |
Family
ID=4140533
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000609969A Expired - Fee Related CA1338266C (en) | 1989-08-31 | 1989-08-31 | Dispensing of bulk fluids |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1338266C (en) |
-
1989
- 1989-08-31 CA CA000609969A patent/CA1338266C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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