초록 ▼

A dispenser for liquid consumables locates a store of the particular liquid at a location remote from the dispensing location. The dispensing location is typically located above a counter and may include a relatively narrow stem that brings a flexible liquid delivery tube up to a valve. Valuable cou

A dispenser for liquid consumables locates a store of the particular liquid at a location remote from the dispensing location. The dispensing location is typically located above a counter and may include a relatively narrow stem that brings a flexible liquid delivery tube up to a valve. Valuable counter space is conserved. One or more disposable, flexible and collapsible bags contain the store of liquid and communicates with the dispensing location via the liquid delivery tube. Confined in contact with each flexible bag is an inflatable bladder to which compressed air is routed. Liquid is dispensed each time the valve opens. When exhausted the flexible bag is replaced. Safety interlock switches vent the inflatable bladder to prevent its expanding explosively upon opening of the location where the liquid containing bag will replace the empty. Where the liquid needs temperature control, temperature control means are provided where the liquid is stored. Air movement from that location into the stem to a dispensing fountainhead controls the temperature of the liquid in the delivery tube. In the dispensing of dairy product, as in cream for coffee, temperature control is refrigeration. The dairy product is cooled over its entire route from the flexible bag to the fountainhead. The location of the collapsible, flexible bag and expansible bladder may be directly below the stem and fountainhead in a cabinet, and the entire unit may be movable from one location to another. When consistency of liquid amount dispensed is needed, a dosing valve meters out a measured amount.

대표청구항 ▼

I claim: 1. A dispenser for consumable liquids comprising: (a) a compartment for receiving a flexible, at least partially collapsible container of consumable liquid, in a container receiving location therein, (b) a compressed gas activated pressure applicator secured at a location contiguous to the

I claim: 1. A dispenser for consumable liquids comprising: (a) a compartment for receiving a flexible, at least partially collapsible container of consumable liquid, in a container receiving location therein, (b) a compressed gas activated pressure applicator secured at a location contiguous to the container receiving location and adapted to apply container-collapsing pressure to the container in the container receiving location, (c) a liquid dispensing location, (d) a consumable liquid flow channel defining a liquid flow path communicating between the container receiving location and the liquid dispensing location, (e) a consumable liquid control valve operatively connected to open and close the flow path and control the dispensing of consumable liquid at the liquid dispensing location, (f) an upstanding stem on the counter, (g) a dispensing head supported above the counter by the stem at the dispensing location, the flow channel passing from the compartment through the counter, and through the upstanding stem to the dispensing head, and (h) a valve activating means at the dispensing head, wherein, in operation, the flow channel receives along its length a flexible liquid delivery tube communicating between the interior of the flexible liquid container, through the channel to the dispensing head and is electrically activated. 2. A dispenser for consumable liquid comprising: (a) a compartment located below a counter for receiving a flexible, at least partially collapsible container of consumable liquid, in a container receiving location therein, (b) a compressed gas activated pressure applicator secured at a location contiguous to the container receiving location and adapted to apply container-collapsing pressure to the container in the container location, (c) a liquid dispensing location located above the counter, (d) a consumable liquid flow channel defining a liquid flow path communicating between the container receiving location and the liquid dispensing location, (e) a consumable liquid control valve operatively connected to open and close the flow path and control the dispensing of consumable liquid at the liquid dispensing location, (f) a refrigeration unit below the counter in cooling relation to the compartment location container the liquid container, and (g) at least one safety interlock switch connected in controlling relation to a gas release path connected with the pressure activator to release compressed gas therefrom and relieve pressure therein to prevent potentially injurious expansion of the activator under pressure, the safety interlock switch being a position detecting switch mounted proximate a doorway giving access to the compartment and activated by opening the door in the doorway. 3. A dispenser for consumable liquid comprising: (a) a compartment located in a cabinet below a counter for receiving a flexible, at least partially collapsible container of consumable liquid, in a container receiving location therein, (b) a compressed gas activated pressure applicator secured at a location contiguous to the container receiving location and adapted to apply container-collapsing pressure to the container in the container receiving location, (c) a liquid dispensing location located above the counter, (d) a consumable liquid flow channel defining a liquid flow path communicating between the container receiving location and the liquid dispensing location, (e) a consumable liquid control valve operatively connected to open and close the flow path and control the dispensing of consumable liquid at the liquid dispensing location, and (f) at least one safety interlock switch responsive to opening of the cabinet and in controlling relation to a gas release path connected with the pressure activator to release compressed gas therefrom and relieve pressure therein to prevent potentially injurious expansion of the activator under pressure upon opening of the compartment. 4. A dispenser of dairy product for consumable liquids comprising: (a) a refrigerated enclosure, (b) a store for consumable liquid in the enclosure, (c) a delivery system for moving the consumable liquid along a path to a dispensing location remote from the enclosure, and (d) an air mover located to move temperature-controlled air from the enclosure along the path to control the temperature along the path, the path of the delivery system comprising a conduit for passage of a flexible dairy product delivery tube to a dispensing head formed of insulating material and further comprising temperature indicating means carried on the dispensing head for indicating temperature within the dispensing head. 5. A dispenser for consumable liquids comprising: (a) a refrigerated enclosure, (b) a store for consumable liquid in the enclosure, (c) a delivery system for moving the consumable liquid along a path to a dispensing location remote from the enclosure, and (d) an air mover located to move refrigerated air from the enclosure along the path to control the temperature along the path, the path of the delivery system comprising a conduit for passage of a flexible dairy product delivery tube to a dispensing head, the dispensing head including a pinch valve normally pinching the dairy product delivery tube closed proximate an end of the tube at the dispensing head, the air mover directing refrigerated air along the dairy product delivery tube in the conduit to the delivery head and proximate the end of the dairy product delivery tube, and the conduit includes a return path of air flow opening into the enclosure for returning air to the chamber from the dispensing head. 6. The dispenser according to claim 5, wherein the air mover comprises a fan located to move refrigerated air out of the enclosure into and along the conduit to the delivery head and back along the return path to the enclosure. 7. A liquid dispenser comprising: (a) a source of compressed air, (b) means for receiving a collapsible container of liquid, (c) means communicating between the means for receiving the collapsible container and a liquid dispensing location, (d) an inflatable air bag, (e) means for confining the inflatable air bag proximate the collapsible container location in force exerting relation to a collapsible container when located there, and (f) means connecting the source of compressed air to the air bag to inflate the bag thereby causing the liquid to be expelled from the container, and (g) a liquid level sensor including (i) at least one magnetic element secured to the inflatable bag and (ii) a magnetic sensing device supported to sense movement of the magnetic element into proximity with the sensing device as the inflatable bag expands against a collapsing container as liquid is dispensed. 8. The liquid dispenser according to claim 7, wherein the magnetic sensing device is supported at a location proximate the location to which the magnetic element moves when the collapsible container is substantially empty and fully collapsed. 9. The liquid dispenser according to claim 8, further comprising a further magnetic sensing device supported at a location to which the magnetic element moves when the container is partially empty and is partially collapsed. 10. The liquid dispenser according to any one of claims 7- 9, wherein each magnetic sensing device is a Hall switch. 11. The liquid dispenser according to any one of claims 7- 9, wherein each magnetic sensing device is connected in controlling relation to a liquid level indicator.