Claims:1. A fluid dispenser (100) characterized by having:
- a source of fluid (102) configured for supplying a fluid;
- a buffer fluid storage chamber (104) connected to and in fluid communication with said source of fluid (102), said buffer fluid storage chamber (104) configured to:
o receive said fluid from said source of fluid (102); and
o store said fluid therein;
- piston chambers (106) with a piston (108) displaceably disposed therein in each of said piston chambers (106), each of said piston chambers (106):
o connected to and in fluid communication with said buffer fluid storage chamber (104);
o configured to receive said fluid from said buffer fluid storage chamber (104) by action of said piston (108); and
o configured to dispense a predetermined amount of said fluid to a utility by action of said piston (108);
- a controller (107);
- a memory (109) in communication with said controller (107);
- a level sensor (104s) disposed in conjunction with said buffer fluid storage chamber (104), said level sensor (104s)
o in communication with said controller (107);
o configured to measure level of said fluid within said buffer fluid storage chamber (104); and
o generate a level signal corresponding to a measured level of said fluid within said buffer fluid storage chamber (104), which being received and processed by said controller (107).
2. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said piston (108) is connected to a rack (110a) and pinion (110b), said pinion (110b) being driven by an electric motor (112), said electric motor (112) being in communication with said controller (107).
3. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said piston chamber (106) is disposed within said buffer fluid storage chamber (104).
4. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said piston chamber (106) defined by:
- a body (106a) having:
o an operative upper end (106a1); and
o an operative lower end (106a2);
- an upper cap (106b) sealably disposed on said operative upper end (106a1), said upper cap (106b) having a through hole (106b1) configured thereon, said through hole (106b1) sealably facilitating passage of said rack (110a) therethrough;
- a lower cap (106c) disposed on said operative lower end (106a2), said lower cap (106c) having:
o a set of intake through holes (106h1) configured off-centrically thereon;
o a pressure actuated valve (106v1) operatively disposed over said set of intake through holes (106h1);
o an outlet through hole (106h2) configured at the centre thereof;
o a pressure actuated valve (106v2) operatively disposed over said outlet through hole (106h2);
wherein in a suction stroke, said piston (108) is driven operatively upward by actuating said electric motor (112) such that said pinion (110b) is rotated, which drives said rack (110a) in an operative upward direction thereby displacing said piston (108) in an operative upward direction within said piston chamber (106) sucking said fluid from said buffer fluid storage chamber (104) into said piston chamber (106) wherein said pressure actuated valve (106v1) being actuated due to incoming fluid pressure thereby facilitating intake of said fluid through said intake through holes (106h1); and
wherein in a dispensing stroke, said piston (108) is driven operatively downward by actuating said electric motor (112) such that said pinion (110b) is rotated, which drives said rack (110a) in an operative downward direction thereby displacing said piston (108) in an operative downward direction within said piston chamber (106) forcing said fluid out of said piston chamber (106) wherein said pressure actuated valve (106v2) being actuated due to outgoing fluid pressure thereby facilitating dispensing of said fluid through said outlet through hole (106h2) to said utility.
5. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said piston chamber (106) is cylindrical in shape and said piston (108) is in form of a circular disc which is displaceably and slidably disposed within said cylindrical piston chamber (106); and
wherein each of said pressure actuated valve (106v1), and said pressure actuated valve (106v2) being one-way valves.
6. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a control valve (104v) in communication with said controller (107) being operatively disposed between said source of fluid (102), and said buffer fluid storage chamber (104), said control valve (104v) configured to allow flow of fluid from said source of fluid (102) to said buffer fluid storage chamber (104), upon receiving signal from said level sensor (104s).
7. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said buffer fluid storage chamber (104) having:
- a body (104B) defining an enclosure (104S) said body (104B) having:
o a first sidewall (104w1);
o a second sidewall (104w2);
o a third sidewall (104w3);
o a fourth sidewall (104w4);
o a top cover (104t) disposed over and sealably supported by each of said first sidewall (104w1), said second sidewall (104w2), said third sidewall (104w3), and said fourth sidewall (104w4); and
o a bottom plate (104p) disposed below and sealably connected to each of said first sidewall (104w1), said second sidewall (104w2), said third sidewall (104w3), and said fourth sidewall (104w4);
said bottom plate (104p) having one or more receptacles (104r) extending in an operative downward direction from a surface of said bottom plate (104p), said receptacles (104r) configured to receive a bottom portion of said piston chamber (106) such that said lower cap (106c) abuts an upper surface of said receptacles (104r).
8. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said receptacles (104r) having:
- a base (104r1) having a hole configured thereon at a center thereof, said base (104r1) having a recessed portion (104r12) configured thereon said recessed portion (104r12) configured to receive said bottom portion of said piston chamber (106); and
- a skirt (104r2) extending in an operative upward direction from a periphery of said base (104r1),
wherein said body (104B) is sealed and having a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a square, circle, rectangle, trapezoidal, triangle, hexagon, polygon, and any combinations thereof.
9. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
- said fluid is one of a gas, a liquid, a colloidal, a slurry, and any combinations thereof;
- said gas is one of air, nitrogen, oxygen, steam, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, and any combinations thereof;
- said liquid is one of water, alcohol, methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and any combinations thereof; and
- said colloidal is a batter for pancake, idli, wada, omelette, and any combinations thereof.
10. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, having a source of cleaning fluid connected to and in fluid communication with said buffer fluid storage chamber (104), said source of cleaning fluid configured to supply cleaning fluid to said buffer fluid storage chamber (104) for cleaning said buffer fluid storage chamber (104) and said piston chamber (106);
wherein a stirrer (114) is operatively disposed within said buffer fluid storage chamber (104), said stirrer (114) is configured to agitate said cleaning fluid; and
wherein said fluid dispenser (100) having four piston chambers (106) connected to and in communication with said buffer fluid storage chamber (104).
11. The fluid dispenser (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a stirrer (114) is operatively disposed within said buffer fluid storage chamber (104), said stirrer (114) is configured to homogenized said fluid before being received in said piston chamber (106).
Dated this 05 November 2020
For the applicant

Deepak Pradeep Thakur
The Applicant’s Patent Agent
IN/PA - 3687
To,
The Controller of Patents,
The Patent Office,
At Chennai
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
AND
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION
A FLUID DISPENSER
2. APPLICANT (S)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
Freshot Robotics Private Limited Indian 1134, 5th floor, 17th Cross, 5th Main, 7th Sector, HSR Layout Bengaluru - 560 102, Karnataka, India
3. PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of dispensers and particularly to fluid dispensers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Fluid dispensers are ubiquitous and are used for dispensing various types of fluids with required amounts of fluids. The fluids that may be dispensed using the fluid dispenser may include gas, liquid, colloidal, slurry and the like. Fluid dispensers are employed in a wide variety of applications, which may include, but are not limited to, medical, food, oil, water, and the like.
Numerous fluid dispensers are known in the art for dispensing various fluids, for example metered fluid dispensers, wherein the amount of fluid being dispensed is measured and dispensed. It is desired that the fluid dispensers require minimal human intervention for operating, cleaning, and maintaining, is compact, has minimal components, and at the same time is economic.
Thus, there is felt a need for a fluid dispenser which achieves one or more of the above-mentioned requirements.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Some of the objects of the presently disclosed invention, of which at the minimum one object is fulfilled by at least one embodiment disclosed herein are as follow:
An object of the present invention is to provide an alternative, which overcomes at least one drawback encountered in the existing prior art.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser which requires minimal human intervention for operating, cleaning, and maintaining.
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser which is compact, and has minimal components.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a fluid dispenser which is economic.
Other objects and benefits of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description which is not intended to bind the scope of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a fluid dispenser, which includes a buffer fluid storage chamber. The buffer fluid storage chamber is connected to and in fluid communication with a source of fluid. The source of fluid is configured to supply fluid. The buffer fluid storage chamber is configured to receive the fluid from the source of fluid, and store the fluid therein.
Further, a plurality of piston chambers is provided. Each of the plurality of piston chambers is having a piston displaceably disposed therein. The plurality of piston chambers is connected to and in fluid communication with the buffer fluid storage chamber. The plurality of piston chambers in conjunction with the action of the pistons is configured to receive the fluid from the buffer fluid storage chamber, and dispense a predetermined amount of the fluid to a utility.
The fluid dispenser includes a controller, and a memory associated with the controller. A level sensor is provided, which is in communication with the controller, to determine the level of fluid in the buffer fluid storage chamber. The level sensor generates a level signal which corresponds to a measured level of the fluid within the buffer fluid storage chamber. The level signal is received by the controller and is further processed.
A control valve in communication with the controller is operatively disposed between the source of fluid, and the buffer fluid storage chamber. The control valve is configured to selectively allow flow of fluid from the source of fluid to the buffer fluid storage chamber, upon receiving a signal from the level sensor.
The piston is coupled to a rack and a pinion in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The pinion is further operably coupled with a driving means, which may be an electric motor or a non-electric motor or a device. The driving means drives the pinion and hence the rack, which displaces the piston within the piston chamber.
The piston chamber along with the piston may be, in one embodiment, operatively disposed within the buffer fluid storage chamber. In another embodiment, the piston chamber along with the piston may be operatively disposed outside the buffer fluid storage chamber. In yet another embodiment, the piston chamber along with a piston may be operatively disposed partially within and partially outside the buffer fluid storage chamber.
The piston chamber, in accordance with the present invention, includes a body. The body having an operative upper end and an operative lower end. The operative upper end and the operative lower end are open and are sealably covered with an upper cap and a lower cap respectively. The upper cap may be provided with a through hole which facilitates in passage of the rack therethrough. Further, the lower cap may be provided with a set of intake through holes configured off-centrically thereon, and an outlet through hole configured at the centre thereof. A pressure actuated valve is operatively disposed over the set of intake through holes, whereas another pressure actuated valve is operatively disposed over the outlet through hole. In one embodiment, the pressure actuated valve disposed on the intake through holes, and the outlet through hole can be one-way valves or non-returnable valves.
The buffer fluid storage chamber, in accordance with the present invention, includes a body defining an enclosure. The body is defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, a fourth sidewall, a top cover disposed over and sealably supported by each of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall, and a bottom plate disposed below and sealably connected to each of the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the third sidewall, and the fourth sidewall.
The bottom plate is having a plurality of receptacles extending in an operative downward direction from a surface of the bottom plate. The plurality of receptacles is configured to receive a bottom portion of the piston chamber such that the lower cap abuts an upper surface of the receptacles.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the receptacles being defined by a base having a hole configured thereon at a center thereof, the base having a recessed portion configured thereon, wherein the recessed portion is configured to receive the bottom portion of the piston chamber, and a skirt extending in an operative upward direction from a periphery of the base.
The body of the receptacle is sealed and having a cross-sectional shape thereof selected from the group consisting of a square, circle, rectangle, trapezoidal, triangle, hexagon, polygon, and any combinations thereof.
Further, the fluid dispenser may include a source of cleaning fluid connected to and in fluid communication with the buffer fluid storage chamber. The source of cleaning fluid is configured to supply a cleaning fluid to the buffer fluid storage chamber for cleaning the buffer fluid storage chamber and the piston chamber.
The fluid dispenser may further include a stirrer operatively disposed within the buffer fluid storage chamber. The stirrer is configured to agitate the fluid to be dispensed and also is configured to agitate the cleaning fluid during the cleaning operation of the fluid dispenser.
In an operative configuration, the piston is driven operatively upward by actuating the driving means such that the pinion is rotated in one direction, which drives the rack in an operative upward direction thereby displacing the piston in an operative upward direction within the piston chamber. The fluid present in the buffer fluid storage chamber is sucked into the piston chamber as the pressure actuated valve is actuated (opened) due to incoming fluid pressure thereby facilitating intake of the fluid through each of the intake through holes. The operative configuration is being termed as a suction stroke.
In another operative configuration, the piston is driven operatively downward by actuating the driving means wherein the pinion is rotated in the opposite direction to the suction stroke. The rack is driven in an operative downward direction thereby displacing the piston in an operative downward direction within the piston chamber forcing the fluid out of the piston chamber. The outgoing fluid forces the pressure actuated valve to open and the fluid is dispensed out of the piston chamber through the outlet through hole to the utility.
The piston chamber can be cylindrical in shape. The piston can be in form of a circular disc such that the piston is displaceably and slidably disposed within the cylindrical piston chamber.
In accordance with the present invention, the fluid is one of a gas, a liquid, a colloidal, a slurry, and any combinations thereof. The gas can be one of air, nitrogen, oxygen, steam, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, and any combinations thereof, the liquid can be one of water, alcohol, methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and any combinations thereof, and the colloidal can be a batter for pancake, idli, wada, omelette, and any combinations thereof.
The number of piston chambers can be one, two, three, four, or any other number and are operably disposed within the buffer fluid storage chamber and are connected to and in fluid communication therewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The present invention will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic side view of a fluid dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a receptacle which forms a part of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic top view of the buffer fluid storage chamber of FIG. 1A;
FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of a piston chamber along with upper and lower caps in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the piston chamber of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C illustrates another schematic cross-sectional view of the piston chamber of FIG. 2B;
FIG. 2D illustrates an exploded view of the piston chamber of FIG. 2A; and
FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the electrical/electronic components of the fluid dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
LIST OF NUMERALS
The following is the list of numerals and their meaning as used in the present specification.
100 - Fluid dispenser
102 - Source of fluid
104 - Buffer fluid storage chamber
104B - Body
104p - Bottom plate
104r - Receptacles
104r1 - Base
104r12 - Recessed portion
104r2 - Skirt
104s - Level sensor
104t - Top cover
104S - Enclosure
104v - Control valve
104w1 - First sidewall
104w2 Second sidewall
104w3 Third sidewall
104w4 Fourth sidewall
106 - Piston chambers
106a - Body
106a1 - Operative upper end
106a2 - Operative lower end
106b - Upper cap
106b1 - Through hole
106c - Lower cap
106h1 - Intake through holes
106h2 - Outlet through hole
106v1 - Pressure actuated valves
106v2 - Pressure actuated valve
107 - Controller
108 - Piston
109 - Memory
110a - Rack
110b - Pinion
112 - Electric motor
114 - Stirrer
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
All the terms and expressions, which may be technical, scientific, or otherwise, as used in the present invention have the same meaning as understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs, unless and otherwise explicitly specified.
In the present specification, and claims, the articles “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The term “comprising” as used in the present specification and the claims will be understood to mean that the list following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other extra suitable features or elements or steps or constituents as applicable.
Further, the terms “about” or “approximately” used in combination with ranges relating to sizes of parts, or any other physical properties or characteristics, are meant to include small variations that may occur in the upper and/or lower limits of the ranges of the sizes.
The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser which may be employed to dispense a predetermined quantity of fluid with accuracy. The fluid dispenser of the present invention is now described with reference to the figures, wherein FIG. 1A illustrates a schematic side view of a fluid dispenser in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1C illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of a receptacle which forms a part of the fluid dispenser of FIG. 1A, FIG. 1D illustrates a schematic top view of the buffer fluid storage chamber of FIG. 1A, FIG. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of a piston chamber along with upper and lower caps in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2B illustrates a schematic cross-sectional view of the piston chamber of FIG. 2A, FIG. 2C illustrates another schematic cross-sectional view of the piston chamber of FIG. 2B, FIG. 2D illustrates an exploded view of the piston chamber of FIG. 2A, and FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of the electrical/electronic components of the fluid dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
The fluid dispenser (100) of the present invention includes a source of fluid (102). The source of fluid (102) is configured for supplying a fluid. The source of fluid (102) can be a fluid storage tank wherein the fluid is stored.
The fluid can be a gas, a liquid, a colloidal, a slurry, and a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the gas is one of air, nitrogen, oxygen, steam, carbon dioxide, argon, helium, and any combinations thereof, the liquid is one of water, alcohol, methanol, ethanol, propanol, acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and any combinations thereof, and the colloidal is a batter for pancake, idli, wada, omelette, and any combinations thereof.
The fluid dispenser (100) further includes a buffer fluid storage chamber (104) connected to and in fluid communication with the source of fluid (102). The source of fluid (102) may be connected to the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) employing a conduit, which establishes a fluid path from the source of fluid (102) to the buffer fluid storage chamber (104). In one embodiment, the source of fluid (102) is disposed operatively upstream of the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) such that the fluid is drawn out of the source of fluid by gravity and in to the buffer fluid storage chamber (104). In another embodiment, the fluid from the source of fluid (102) is drawn out by using a pump (not shown in the figures). In yet another embodiment, the fluid is drawn out of the source of fluid (102) by using both the pump and gravity.
The buffer fluid storage chamber (104) is adapted to receive the fluid from the source of fluid (102), and store the fluid therewithin. The buffer fluid storage chamber (104) as the name suggests functions as a buffer with respect to the flow of fluid.
The fluid dispenser (100) further includes piston chambers (106) with a piston (108) displaceably disposed therein. Each of the piston chambers (106) are connected to and in fluid communication with the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), and are configured to receive the fluid from the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) by action of the piston (108). The piston chambers (106) are further configured to dispense a predetermined amount of the fluid to a utility by action of the piston (108).
The number of piston chambers (106) can be one or more. In one embodiment, the number of piston chambers (106) is four. In another embodiment, the number of piston chambers (106) is six. The number of piston chambers (106) is not limited to the above-mentioned numbers and the number may vary depending upon the requirement or application.
The piston chamber (106), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, is cylindrical in shape and the piston (108) is in form of a circular disc which is displaceably and slidably disposed within the cylindrical piston chamber (106). Any other shape of the piston chamber (106), and the piston (108) are well within the ambit of the present invention and the present invention is not limited to these.
The utility can be, for example, and is not limited to a tray which receives the fluid. In particular, the tray can be an idli tray, which receives the fluid (batter) from the piston chambers (106). The idli tray may contain one or more receptacles which are configured to receive the batter from the piston chambers (106).
The buffer fluid storage chamber (104) comprises a body (104B) defining an enclosure (104S). The body (104B) is sealed and having a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of a square, circle, rectangle, trapezoidal, triangle, hexagon, polygon, and any combinations thereof.
The body (104B) is defined by a first sidewall (104w1), a second sidewall (104w2), a third sidewall (104w3), a fourth sidewall (104w4), a top cover (104t) disposed over and sealably supported by each of the first sidewall (104w1), the second sidewall (104w2), the third sidewall (104w3), and the fourth sidewall (104w4), and a bottom plate (104p) disposed below and sealably connected to each of the first sidewall (104w1), the second sidewall (104w2), the third sidewall (104w3), and the fourth sidewall (104w4).
In accordance with the present invention, the bottom plate (104p) is having one or more receptacles (104r) configured thereon. More particularly, the one or more receptacles extends in an operative downward direction from a surface of the bottom plate (104p). The receptacles (104r) are configured to receive a bottom portion of the piston chamber (106) such that the lower cap (106c) abuts an upper surface of the receptacles (104r).
In accordance with the present invention, the receptacles (104r) having a base (104r1) the base (104r1) having a hole configured thereon at a center thereof. Further, the base (104r1) is having a recessed portion (104r12) configured thereon, wherein the recessed portion (104r12) is configured to receive the bottom portion of the piston chamber (106), and a skirt (104r2) extending in an operative upward direction from a periphery of the base (104r1). The hole configured at the center of base (104r1) facilitates passing of a lower end of the lower cap (106c) therethrough in a sealable manner.
The receptacles (104r) which are configured to receive the bottom portion of the piston chamber (106) provides one or more advantages. The fluid is received in the receptacles (104r). Whatever be the level of the fluid in the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), since the receptacles (104r) are at a lower level, fluid fills in the receptacles due to gravity, and facilitates intake of the fluid into the piston chambers (106). Further, the recessed portion (104r12) can have a conical shape, which further facilitates flow of fluid by action of gravity into the recessed portion (104r12). Further, the recessed portion (104r12) also allows all the fluid to be utilized or dispensed. This feature helps in removal of all the fluid in the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), and also since little or no fluid remains in the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), the cleaning of the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) is relatively easy.
The fluid dispenser (100) includes a controller (107), and a memory (109) in communication with the controller (107). The controller (107) can be a microprocessor, or a specialized processor, which is capable of executing instructions including, for example, instructions for receiving commands from a user to dispense fluid, the amount of fluid, and further generate one or more signals to be received by other components (described herein) to drive those components.
The memory (109) may include a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM), cache, Flash memory, hard disk or any other suitable memory that is capable of storing instructions to be executed by the controller (107). In one embodiment the memory (109) may be a part of the controller (107).
A level sensor (104s) is disposed in conjunction with the buffer fluid storage chamber (104). The level sensor (104s) is in communication with the controller (107) and the level sensor (104s) is configured to measure level of the fluid within the buffer fluid storage chamber (104). The level sensor (104s) generates a level signal corresponding to a measured level of the fluid in the buffer fluid storage chamber (104). The level signal is received and processed by the controller (107)
A control valve (104v) is operatively disposed between the source of fluid (102) and, the buffer fluid storage chamber (104). The control valve (104v) is configured to selectively allow the flow of fluid from the source of fluid (102) to the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) upon receiving the level signal from the level sensor (104s). When the level of the fluid in the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) is less than a predetermined level, the controller (107) generates a corresponding signal which is received by the control valve (104v). The control valve (104v) is actuated and the flow of fluid from the source of fluid (102) to the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) is established. Once a predetermined level of fluid is reached in the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), the control valve (104v) is deactivated and the flow of fluid stops.
The piston (108) is driven by a driving mechanism. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the driving mechanism includes a rack (110a) and a pinion (110b) arrangement. The piston (108) is connected to the rack (110a) and the pinion (110b). More specifically, the pinion (110b) is coupled to a driving means, for example, an electric motor (112). The electric motor (112) drives the pinion (110b). The pinion (110b) can be driven by any other means, for example, by an internal combustion engine or even manually. The driving mechanism can be any other type of driving mechanism and is not limited to the electric motor or to the internal combustion engine. The electric motor (112) is coupled with the controller (107), and upon receiving activation signal from the controller (107), the electric motor (112) is actuated and the pinion (110b) is rotated, which in turn displaces the rack (110a) and the piston (108). The piston (108) may be displaced in an operative upward or downward direction by changing the direction of rotation of the electric motor (112). Though the present invention is being described with reference to the rack and pinion type driving mechanism, the piston (108) may be coupled to any other suitable mechanism such as the cam and follower mechanism, or connecting rod and crank shaft mechanism and the present invention is not limited to the driving mechanisms described herein.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the piston chamber (106) can be disposed within the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) (as shown in the FIG. 2). In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the piston (108) chamber can be disposed outside the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), with a conduit connecting the piston chamber (106) and the buffer fluid storage chamber (104). In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, the piston (108) chamber can be disposed partially outside and partially inside the buffer fluid storage chamber (104).
In accordance with the present invention, the piston chamber (106) comprises a body (106a). The body (106a) includes an operative upper end (106a1), and an operative lower end (106a2). Both the operative upper end (106a1) and the operative lower end (106a2) are open.
The operative upper end (106a1) is covered with an upper cap (106b), which is sealably disposed thereon. However, the upper cap (106b) is provided with a through hole (106b1) configured thereon. The through hole (106b1) sealably facilitates passage of the rack (110a) therethrough. There may be further an aperture configured on the upper cap (106b) which facilitates removal of and intake of air therethrough when the piston (108) is displaced in operative upward and downward direction.
Further, a lower cap (106c) is disposed on the operative lower end (106a2). The lower cap (106c) having a set of intake through holes (106h1) configured off-centrically thereon. A pressure actuated valve (106v1) which is operatively disposed over the set of intake through holes (106h1). Additionally, an outlet through hole (106h2) is configured at the centre of the lower cap (106c), and a pressure actuated valve (106v2) operatively disposed over the outlet through hole (106h2).
The upper cap (106b), and the lower cap (106c) are shown to be separate components from the body (106a), it is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to this. The upper cap (106b) and the lower cap (106c) can be integrally formed with the body (106a).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, each of the pressure actuated valve (106v1), and the pressure actuated valve (106v2) are one-way valves or non-return valves, wherein the pressure actuated valve (106v1) allows flow of fluid from the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) to the piston chamber (106) and not otherwise. Similarly, the one-way pressure actuated valve (106v2) allows the flow of fluid from the piston chamber (106) to a utility and not otherwise.
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention a stirrer (114) is operatively disposed within the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), the stirrer (114) is configured to homogenize the fluid before being received in the piston chamber (106).
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) is provided with a source of cleaning fluid connected to and in fluid communication therewith. The source of cleaning fluid is configured to supply a cleaning fluid to the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) for cleaning the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) and the piston chamber (106) from within. Further, the stirrer (114) is configured to agitate the cleaning fluid, which further enhances the cleaning capability of the fluid dispenser from within and without human intervention.
The fluid dispenser (100) further may include a user interface, which may be a keyboard or a touch screen, wherein the user inputs one or more commands. The keyboard or the touch screen is coupled with the controller (107). Further, the fluid dispenser (100) also includes a display which may be an LCD screen or the like to display information relating to various possible details/data relating to the fluid dispenser (100).
Working of the fluid dispenser (100):
The fluid dispenser (100) of the present invention can be used for dispensing any fluid, for example, a liquid or a colloidal. In a specific example, the fluid can be idli batter, which is dispensed in an automatic manner to fill an idli tray or the like.
Typically, the batter (fluid) is charged in the source of fluid (102), which can be a typical storage tank for storing the batter. The batter is then received in the buffer fluid storage chamber (104), where the batter is stored for a while. The batter may be stirred with the stirrer (114) occasionally to maintain the homogeneity. Further, water may be added to the batter through the fluid cleaning system connected thereto and stirred with the stirrer (114) to obtain the batter homogeneous and having desired fluidity or viscosity.
A user inputs a command through the keyboard to dispense the batter into one or more trays. The command is received in form of an electrical signal by the controller (107). The controller (107) processes the electrical signal and generates a corresponding signal which is received by the electric motor (112). The electric motor (112) is actuated such that the pinion (110b) is rotated, which drives the rack (110a) in an operative upward direction thereby displacing the piston (108) in an operative upward direction within the piston chamber (106) sucking the batter from the buffer fluid storage chamber (104) into the piston chamber (106) wherein the pressure actuated valve (106v1) is actuated due to incoming fluid/batter pressure thereby facilitating intake of the batter through the intake through holes (106h1). This may be termed as the suction stroke, wherein the batter is sucked into the piston chamber (106). The amount of batter being sucked in can be controlled by controlling the displacement of the piston (108). Thus, the amount of the batter can be varied as desired. The piston chamber (106) is calibrated suitably.
Further, when the desired amount of batter is filled in the piston chambers (106), the electric motor (112) is stopped or deactivated. To dispense the batter out of the piston chamber (106), the electric motor (112) is again actuated or activated, but the direction of rotation of the electric motor (112) is reversed. Due to this the pinion (110b) is rotated in reverse direction to the suction stroke, which drives the rack (110a) in an operative downward direction thereby displacing the piston (108) in an operative downward direction within the piston chamber (106) forcing the batter out of the piston chamber (106) wherein the pressure actuated valve (106v2) being actuated due to outgoing fluid pressure thereby facilitating dispensing of the fluid through the outlet through hole (106h2) to the tray (utility).
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The presently disclosed invention, as described herein above, provides several technical advances and advantages. More particularly, the fluid dispenser of the present invention provides the following technical advances and advantages: The fluid dispenser
? requires minimal human intervention for operating, cleaning, and maintaining;
? is compact, and has minimal components; and is economic.