CLIAMS:We Claim,

1. An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight comprises a hand held unit (4), a RFID card reader (5), a token reader (6) and the token collection box (7), a storage tank control unit (1), a dispensing control unit (2), a CIP control unit (3), a filling station (8), a microcontroller and a battery back up unit;

wherein the dispensing load cell (9) being placed in side the filling station (8) to measure weight of the liquid and the container (25) placed on the dispensing load cell (9);

wherein the storage tank (26) being mounted on the storage tank load cell (20) to measure weight of the liquid in the storage tank (26);

wherein the storage control unit (1) comprises of a microcontroller, a LCD display, a RTC, two solenoid valve controllers, a communication port and two load cell communication ports;

wherein the dispensing control unit (2) consists of a microcontroller, a LCD display, a RTC, a RFID, a solenoid valve controller, a SMPS (for power supply) and two load cell communication ports;

wherein hand held unit (4) consists of a microcontroller, a LCD, a keypad, a RTC and a communication port;

wherein RFID card reader unit (5) consists of a microcontroller, a RFID tag reader, a communication port and having internal memory;

where in CIP control unit comprises the CIP pump (13), the liquid storage tank (26), the water suction valve (V1) controls the pumped water and chemicals from the CIP pump (13) that is being sprinkled into the liquid storage tank (26); the drain valve (V3) controls drained out from the liquid dispensing compartment during different CIP cycles, the circulation valve (V2) controls circulation of the water and chemical during CIP cycles, dispensing valve (DV1) manual operated valve (MV1) and a balance tank (22).

2. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid storage tank (26) being secured at the top portion of the machine (10) into which the liquid to be dispensed is stored.

3. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1 wherein the balance tank (22) is connected with CIP pump (13) through the water suction valve (V1) and the drain valve (V3);

wherein a chemical dosing valve (V4) is mechanically secured between CIP pump (13) and drain valve (V3);

wherein the circulation valve (V2) is connected between water suction valve (V1) and manual operated valve (MV1); and

wherein the dispensing valve (DV1) is mechanically connected to the liquid storage tank (26) and manual operated valve (MV1).

4. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein a spray ball (24) being mounted on the top surface facing liquid filled interior of the liquid storage tank (26).

5. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein optionally, the machine (10) has the customizing facility to enable any one unit among the three units such as the hand held unit (4), the token reader (6) and the RFID card reader (5).

6. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein GSM connectivity being coupled with the machine (10) as an additional facility for sending the different operational details regarding each of the said different operations of the machine through automatic SMS alert at regular predetermined time interval.

7. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid includes any kind of potable liquid like milk or drink for vending purpose.

8. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight comprising plurality of operations such as a dispensing operation for dispensing a liquid through a liquid dispensing unit of a machine (10); a CIP operation for cleaning the liquid storage tank (26) and a liquid filling operation for filling liquid from a tanker (23) to a liquid storage tank (26) by pumping a CIP pump (13) of the CIP control unit (3) and the CIP cycles;

wherein the CIP cycles includes starting of CIP process, flushing cycle, cleaning cycle, rinsing cycle and liquid filling cycle.

9. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dispensing operation comprising the following steps,

a) inserting a currency amount or amount of liquid through a hand held unit of the machine (8), the RFID card reader (5) and the token reader (6);
b) pressing the start/pause push button is pressed and initiating the dispensing operation;
c) identifying the value of the currency amount or liquid amount by different channels embodied by means of a program that has been programmed in a microprocessor modules of machine (10) for different variable currency amount and displaying the same amount on the displaying screen;
d) converting liquid quantity into weight based on the density of the liquid in the menu by the dispensing unit (2);
e) automatically calculating a time interval for which a dispensing valve (DV1) of the liquid dispensing unit (2) to be kept opened;
f) dispensing accurate metered quantity of the liquid with the fixed rate by opening the dispensing valve (DV1) for the calculated time interval and thereby ending the dispensing operation.

10. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 9 step (f) wherein the dispensing control unit (2) starts the dispensing valve (DV1) based on six setting in the menu (a) threshold (b) high duty cycle (c) high pulse width (d) low duty cycle (e) low pulse width and (f) milk cut off quantity;

wherein the quantity of liquid is more than threshold quantity, the dispensing control unit (2) starts dispensing valve (DV1) with high duty cycle and high pulse width setting and shift to low duty cycle and low pulse width once the liquid to be dispensed is less than the threshold limit;

wherein the quantity of the liquid is less than threshold quantity, the dispensing starts with low duty cycle and low pulse width;

wherein the dispensing reaches to a level equal to required the liquid quantity - liquid Cut off Qty, the dispensing is stops. The weight of the dispensed liquid is measured using dispensing load cell (9), which gives 12mV output on full scale reading. This voltage is measured using ADC and converted in to weight.

11. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP starting operation comprising following steps;

a) assuring the balance of the liquid in liquid storage tank (26);
b) activating CIP module in case of liquid quantity in the storage tank (26) is less than 200ml;
c) optionally removing remaining liquid in the container (25) by punching the remaining amount in the hand held unit (4) in the container (25);
d) ensuring the connection of the balance tank (22);
e) opening the front upper (27) and lower (28) doors;
f) pressing the start button on the CIP module for 3 sec;
g) displaying a message of start CIP.

12. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP flushing cycle comprising following steps;

a) opening the water feed valve (V1) and circulation valve (V2);
b) automatically start the CIP pump (13) after a lag of six seconds and circulating the water to the storage tank (26) by the rotary spray ball (24);
c) adjusting the running time of the CIP pump (13) via parametric setting to the desired timing;
d) stopping the CIP pump (13) and water feed valve (V1);
e) opening the drain valve (V3) to drain all the water available in the liquid storage tank (26) along with the pipeline.

13. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP cleaning cycle comprising following steps;

a) starting the cleaning cycle automatically after completing of flushing cycle;
b) automatically start the CIP pump (13) after a lag of six seconds and circulating the water to the liquid storage tank (26) through the rotary spray ball (24);
c) opening the water feed valve (V1) and adjusting opening time of water feed valve (V1) via parametric setting to its desired value/timing;
d) leading the circulation valve (V2) to the water flow into the suction line of the pump (13) and continuing till the cycle time is completed;
e) starting the chemical dosing (V4) and adjusting opening time of chemical dosing (V4) via a parametric setting to its desired value/timing to get required volume of chemical and concentration;
f) completing the cleaning cycle;
g) opening the drain valve (V3) and drain all the water from the tank and CIP line all together.

14. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP rinsing cycle comprising following steps;

a) starting the rinsing cycle automatically after completing of cleaning cycle ;
b) opening the water feed valve (V1) and automatically starts the CIP pump (13) after a log of six seconds and circulate the water in liquid storage tank (26) through the rotary spray ball (24);
c) adjusting the running time of CIP pump (13) via parametric setting to the desired value/timing;
d) stopping the CIP pump (13) and water feed valve (V1);
e) opening the drain valve (V3) to drain all the water available in the liquid storage tank (26) along with the pipeline;
f) ending the CIP operation.

15. A method of filling liquid in tank of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, comprising following steps for filling milk in the tank;

a) pressing the tare button in storage control unit (1);
b) pressing up/down key in the storage tank control unit (1);
c) displaying a message in storage tank control unit (1) to start filling of milk;
d) connecting the tank hose to the inlet port (21) of the liquid storage tank (26);
e) opening the valve on the tanker (23) to start filling milk in the tank;
f) displaying quantity of the liquid in liquid storage tank (26);
g) entering the button to accept the filed quantity;
h) disconnecting the hose from the liquid storage tank (26);
i) closing the front upper (27) and lower (28) door.

Dated this 24th day of April, 2015
,TagSPECI:FORM 2
THE PATENT ACT 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
The Patents Rules, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10 and rule 13)
1. TITLE OF THE INVENTION: An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight

2. APPLICANT:

1. (a) NAME : IDMC Limited
(b) NATIONALITY : Indian
(c) ADDRESS : Plot No. 124 - 128,
GIDC Estate,
Vithal Udyognagar,
Anand- 388121
Gujarat, India

1. PREMABLE TO THE DESCRIPTION
PROVISIONAL

The following specification describes the invention. þ COMPLETE

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 an automatic vending machine that dispense calibrated volume measured in weight of desired hygienic liquid with response to sweeping a smartcard or as token reader or as hand held unit managed by retailer.

Back ground and prior art of the invention

The need for automatic vending machine of dispensing hygienic liquid (oil or milk) of calibrated amount is particularly critical at vending stations in response to the varied range of currencies fed into the machine. This type of vending machine is crucially required in the market to get relief from the frequent manual measurement of liquid volume while delivering liquid at the vending station in response to the requirement of different desired quantity of liquid and at meanwhile to achieve labour free solution for measuring and delivering the liquid to the consumer at the vending station. Many such consumer oriented liquid dispensing machines are available in the market but they are known for their own disadvantages like dispensing of predetermined and premeasured quantity of liquid rather than dispensing desired quantity of liquid as per the consumer’s requirement, user unfriendly machine, devoid of automatic CIP (Clean In Place), devoid of multiple facility for accessing and getting different operational details of the machine through the machine itself and for automatically receiving details regarding different operations of the machine by sitting away from the machine spot, inflexible and disfavour in the method of vending operation and different CIP (Clean In Place) cycles. Its flexibility with regard to operational relationship among CIP logic, PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) unit and vending calculation; and between the PLC unit and timings for retailing makes the system particularly suitable for adaptation to varied needs of user in terms of desired volume of liquid to be dispensed.

Many Patent applications and granted patents have been conventionally known for coin operated automatic liquid dispensing machine for extent an Indian granted Patent IN218331 discloses a closed system liquid vending machine that delivers or supplies and discharges the liquid from main container to user container with the help of one and only mechanical operation of the machine and no electrical or electro-mechanical components have been involved during the liquid dispensing mechanism or metering the predetermined quantity of liquid. It discloses a closed system vending machine having a coin slot for inserting a coin and discharge mouth for dispensing a predetermined volume of liquid. After inserting a coin into said coin slot the push button is pushed along with the coin and thereby the stem pushes a flanged cap having a compression spring with the help of a coin which in turn operate a lever which closes the mouth of a check valve and opens the discharge mouth, the liquid from the container collected in the metering pot gets discharged and completion of dispensing of liquid gives the normal position to the lever with the help of a torsion spring fixed at fulcrum which makes the return movement of adjustable pusher and said compression spring initiate the backward movement of the said push button, stem and flanged cap with coin which makes the droppage of coin through the opening. The customer or the user will collect the liquid in a glass or bottle or any pot.

Such vending machine is disclosed in WO2011099045. This vending machine dispenses liquid through coins, banknotes and electronic keys. An electromagnetic litre-counter or flow meter is used as flow measuring device which placed between output pipe and pump. This electromagnetic liter-counter provides reliability and accuracy in the measurement of flows of liquid so external factors such as pressure, viscosity and density of the product not affect to the consequent measure of the flow.

Such above inventions has the disadvantage with regard to the restriction in dispensing substantially predetermined quantity of liquid from the storage tank which is less voluminous and further, the invention uses the dispensing machine which is mechanically operated with a 1 Rs coin and insertion of other coins in the slot does not dispense the liquid. It neither discloses nor teaches about dispensing hygienic quantity of liquid through automatic CIP operation.

GB1239437 bearing the title of “Improvements in or relating to Liquid Dispensing Apparatus” relates to an apparatus for dispensing liquids from a bulk supply and is concerned particularly with the dispensing of milk, squashes and other beverages from flexible containers. According to the invention a liquid dispensing machine comprises a cabinet providing a refrigerated compartment of a size to accommodate two bags of milk or other liquid of the kind, the flexible outlet tubes from the two bags being led to a common central delivery point or station and the discharge from each tube being controlled by a separate closure device in which a solenoid-actuated spring-loader presser bar co-operates with an abutment to clamp or pinch the tube and close off the flow of liquid there-through, a photo electric control which is operable to stop further delivery of liquid to a cup placed at the delivery point when liquid in the cup reaches a predetermined level, and the photo electric control is also provided for creating a controlled but adjustable time delay and thereby to determine accurately the quantity of liquid dispensed at each actuation of the machine.

Such an aforesaid patented invention has different disadvantages with regard to an instant invention that it has the restriction on to get only the predetermined quantity of liquid from the container bag and the machine being operated for only a specific coin. This machine further uses photo electric control mechanism for the controlling the dispensing of liquids which is not reliable. This aforesaid invention also neither discloses nor teaches the automatic cleaning of the liquid storage tank for dispensing hygienic quality of the liquid. The machine further uses zeroising counter control circuit for controlling switchover to the other container when one container is emptied and electronic delay circuit for controlling rotary switch and which are too complicate in operation and no need of using such kind of extra circuits in the instant invention. And it is an object of the invention is to overcome the deficiencies in the prior art.

Object of the invention

The main object of this invention is to provide an automatic gravity fed liquid vending machine that has the multi facility in operation. The present invention provide an automatic vending machine that dispense calibrated volume measured in weight The storage tank and dispensing platform is mounted on load cell to measure accurate weight of the milk. Accordingly, the machine delivers measured quantity of liquid as per the consumer’s requirement or demand from the storage tank in response to punching the desired input currency or desired amount of liquid into the machine. Optionally, the vending machine may also be operated by an alternative currency source, such as a smartcard or as a token reader. A GSM connectivity being coupled with the machine as an additional facility for sending the different operational details regarding each of the different operations of the machine at regular predetermined time interval to the owner of the machine through SMS. Further, the machine is operated under the main power supply or under the battery back up system. This machine also has the facility for customizing any one unit among three different units such as smartcard reading unit, token reader and hand held unit for starting the vending operation as per the customer’s choice.

Another object of this instant invention is to dispense controlled and accurately measured quantity of liquid in weight that is determined by the amount paid. The machine is operated through microprocessor modules. The storage tank calibration is access through a storage control unit. CIP logic and vending calculation are stored in their respective microprocessor modules.

Still another object of this invention is to provide automatic cleaning facility. Accordingly, automatic CIP (Clean In Place) facility is employed through pre rinse cycle by means of the timely controlled operation for opening and closing the different solenoid valves for mere cleaning the voluminous liquid storage tank.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide long time hygienic liquid storage and liquid supply facility through the machine. Accordingly, in the machine there is a provision for performing different cycles at regular predetermined time intervals such as flushing cycle, cleaning cycle and rising cycle before filling the liquid in the liquid storage tank under the control of microprocessor modules.

Yet further object of the invention is to provide a provision for minimizing flow variation or flow fluctuation during liquid vending mode to enable higher degree accuracy of exact desired quantity of liquid to be dispensed in a quick time interval.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention relates to an automatic gravimetric liquid vending machine that can dispense calibrated volume measured in weight. The weight of the liquid is measured by load cell. The load cell is mounted on storage tank and dispensing platform to measure accurate weight of the liquid. The vending machines dispenses liquid based on the amount fed in the token reader and the hand held unit. This machine also has optional facility of smartcard option and GSM connectivity being coupled with the machine as an additional facility for sending the different operational details regarding each of the said different operations of the machine through automatic SMS alert at regular predetermined time interval. The present invention consists a hand held unit to input desired quantity of the liquid; a dispensing unit that accessed through the hand held unit; a storage control unit to calibrate and access the storage tank; a display control unit display the volume/weight of the liquid; a RFID unit; a smart card reader unit; a CIP control unit. The storage tank control unit, the dispensing control unit and CIP control unit are controlled by the microprocessor.

After entering and fixing the rate and flow rate of liquid by the owner of the machine and after pressing the start/pause button, when the amount or liters of the liquid is punched on the hand held unit, the microprocessor automatically identifies value or amount of the currency and polls the data to displays the same in the display control unit. After identifying the amount or liter the microprocessor automatically calculates the time period during which the dispensing valve to be opened with the help of vending calculation that is programmed in the microprocessor module and thereby dispenses accurate measured quantity of liquid. The microprocessor modules are in electronic communication with the said dispensing valve to selectively actuate the dispensing valve for the calibrated time interval.

Detail description of the drawings

Fig. 1 illustrates an isometric view of an automatic liquid vending machine showing front elevational view of the machine.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 illustrate CIP control system of an automatic liquid vending machine.

Fig. 4 illustrates platform for balance tank for CIP process on the automatic vending machine.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below while specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purpose only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configuration can be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Detail description of the invention

The present invention discloses an automatic liquid vending machine (10) that dispenses calibrated metered volume of liquid measured in weight in response to the desired input. The Fig. 1 shows the machine (10) having a hand held unit (4), a RFID card reader (5), a token reader (6), the token collection box (7) and the front upper (27) and lower (28) doors. The machine (10) for plurality of operations such as a vending operation, a CIP operation and a liquid filling operation consists of a liquid dispensing control unit (2), a storage tank control unit (1) and a CIP control unit (3).

The dispensing load cell (9) is placed in side the filling station (8). The dispensing load cell (9) is used to measure the weight of the liquid and container (25) placed on the platform for collection. The dispensing load cell (9) always tarries zero automatically when any size and shape of container (25) is placed on the platform for liquid collection. The machine (10) body is made from stainless steel thick sheet. The GSM connectivity being coupled with the machine (10), as an additional facility for sending the different operational details regarding each of the said different operations of the machine through automatic SMS alert at regular predetermined time interval. The machine is being operated under main power supply or under the battery back up system. The liquid includes any kind of potable liquid like milk or drink for vending purpose.

The storage control unit (1) consists of a microcontroller, a LCD display, a real time clock (RTC), a communication port, two storage tank load cell communication ports and has internal memory. The LCD display shows quantity i.e. the current quantity of the liquid remaining in the tank in volume as well as in weight of the liquid, the temperature of the liquid and current time and date. The communication port sends all the filling quantity and remaining quantity details to the data communication unit. The RS485 is used as the communication port. The storage tank load cell communication port takes data from the storage load cell (20) (as shown in Fig 2) to provide the information about available quantity of the liquid in the liquid storage tank (26) (as shown in fig.3). The liquid storage tank (26) being secured at the top portion of the machine (10) into which the liquid to be dispensed is stored. The storage control unit (1) collects the data of all filling information; available quantity information; CIP signal information (for cleaning process); generates alert for not pressing “fill start button”, low quantity and adulteration with other liquid e.g. water in case liquid is milk and send all data to the data communication unit.

The dispensing control unit (2) consists of a microcontroller, a LCD display, a RTC, a RFID, a solenoid valve controller, a SMPS (for power supply) and two dispending load cell communication port. The LCD display shows the current rate of the liquid per liter; the volume and weight of the liquid being dispensed; the amount required to be dispensed against volume of the liquid and current time and date. The communication port sends all the dispensing report to data communication unit. The RS485 is used as the communication port. The dispensing load cell communication port takes data from the dispensing load cell (9) to provide information to dispensing unit (2). The RFID card reader (5) is connected with dispensing unit (2). The milk token reader (6) takes the pulse from token unit and dispenses the liquid according to input pulse. The dispensing unit (2) collects each and every data of the liquid dispensed with time and date and sends information to data communication unit.

The hand held unit (4) consists of a microcontroller, a LCD, a keypad, a RTC and a communication port. The LCD display shows the current rate of per liter of the liquid and current time and date. The communication port sends details of entered data to dispensing unit (2). The RS485 is used as the communication port. The keypad unit having 0 to 9 numeric keys; fixed amount key; scrolling, exit and edit keys for quantity or setting of dispensing liquid. The hand held unit (4) interfaces with the consumer and sends the information to dispensing unit (2). The plurality of the keys being provided on the hand held unit for displaying and for accessing different facilities, for getting details regarding different operations of the machine and setting different parameters for different operations that being carried through the machine such as to get details of to initiate liquid filling operation, for setting and fixing rate and flow rate of liquid, to initiate liquid empty out operation, for entering passwords for different operations, for adding/subtracting the offset set value from flow rate to execute manual over ride for manually checking quantity of liquid for a given amount to be paid. The display settings have function to configure the menu. The password, date and time is changed from hand held unit.

The RFID card reader unit (5) consists of a microcontroller, a RFID tag reader, a communication port and having internal memory. The RFID card reader unit (5) is used for the dispensing of the liquid depending upon the information scanned. Upon scanning the tag, it sends the information of the tag to the dispensing unit (2) and the dispensing unit (2) sends the information to the server and checks the balance of that tag and if the balance is available then it allows dispensing the liquid from the vending machine (10) till the balance gets exhausted or taken forward to next transaction.

Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shows CIP control unit. The liquid storage tank (26) is mounted on the storage tank load cell (20). The storage tank load cell (20) is used to measure weight of the liquid in storage tank (26). The condensing unit (18) is fitted below to the storage tank load cell (20) to maintain cooling temperature of the liquid. The CIP control unit (3) as directed in Fig. 2 and 3 performs different CIP cycles such as start the CIP process, flushing cycle, cleaning cycle, rinsing cycle and process of filling milk in the liquid storage tank (26). The CIP control unit comprises the CIP pump (13), the liquid storage tank (20), the water suction valve (V1) controls the pumped water and chemicals from the CIP pump (13) that is being sprinkled into the liquid storage tank (26); the drain valve (V3) controls drained out from the liquid dispensing compartment during different CIP cycles, the circulation valve (V2) controls circulation of the water and chemical during CIP cycles, dispensing valve (DV1), manual operated valve (MV1) and a balance tank (22). A spray ball (24) is mounted on the top surface facing liquid filled interior of the liquid storage tank (26).

The balance tank (22) is connected with CIP pump (13) through the water suction valve (V1) and the drain valve (V3). A chemical dosing valve (V4) is mechanically secured between CIP pump (13) and drain valve (V3). The circulation valve (V2) is connected between water suction valve (V1) and manual operated valve (MV1). The dispensing valve (DV1) is mechanically connected to the liquid storage tank (26) and manual operated valve (MV1). Except the manual operated valve (MV1) rest of the vending and CIP valves are in normally closed (NC) condition.

During the liquid filling mode the processed liquid from the tanker (23), as depicted in Fig. 3 being directly pumped into the liquid storage tank (26). The water that being stored in the balance tank (22) is used for cleaning.

Fig. 4 automatic vending machine has platform to mount the balance tank (22). The balance tank is RO 20 liters PET water bottle. This bottle is used during CIP process of machine.

A method of working of an Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight comprising plurality of operations such as a dispensing operation for dispensing a liquid through a liquid dispensing unit of a machine (10); a CIP operation for cleaning the liquid storage tank (26) and a liquid filling operation for filling liquid from a tanker (23) to a liquid storage tank (26) by pumping a CIP pump (13) of the CIP control unit (3).

The dispensing operation comprising the following steps,

a) A currency amount or amount of liquid is inserted through a hand held unit (4) of the machine (10), the RFID card reader (5) and the token reader (6).
b) The start/pause push button is pressed and the dispensing operation is initiated
c) The value of the currency amount or liquid amount is identified by different channels embodied i.e. by means of a program that has been programmed in microprocessor modules of machine (10) for different variable currency amount and displaying the same amount on the displaying screen.
d) On receiving command the dispensing unit (2) converts liquid quantity into weight based on the density of the liquid in the menu.
e) A time interval for which a dispensing valve (DV1) of the liquid dispensing unit (2) to be kept opened is automatically calculated.
f) Accurate metered quantity of the liquid with the fixed rate by opening the dispensing valve (DV1) for the calculated time interval and thereby ending the vending operation is dispensed.

The dispensing control unit (2) starts the dispensing valve (DV1) based on six setting in the menu (a) threshold (b) high duty cycle (c) high pulse width (d) low duty cycle (e) low pulse width and (f) liquid cut off quantity.

When the quantity of the liquid is more than threshold quantity, dispensing control unit (2) starts dispensing valve (DV1) with high duty cycle and high pulse width setting and shift to low duty cycle and low pulse width once the liquid to be dispensed is less than the threshold limit.
The quantity of liquid is less than threshold quantity, the dispensing starts with low duty cycle and low pulse width. Once the dispensing reaches to a level equal to required liquid quantity - Liquid Cut off Qty, the dispensing is stops. The weight of the dispensed milk is measured using load cell (9), which gives 12mV output on full scale reading. This voltage is measured using ADC and converted in to weight.

The CIP mode is initiated only when the liquid in liquid storage tank (26) is below 200ml. As the CIP mode is password protected the entry into that mode can only be accessed by the owner of the machine (10). The method to start CIP process is described as below:

a) The balance of the liquid storage tank (26) is checked by reading the data shown on the display screen of the storage tank unit (1).
b) The CIP module is started in case of the liquid quantity is less than 200ml.
c) Optionally when the liquid is more than 200ml the remaining liquid is dispensed in the container (25) by punching the remaining amount in the hand held unit (4) in the container (25).
d) The connection of the balance tank (22) is ensured.
e) The front upper (27) and lower (28) doors are opened.
f) The start button is pressed on the CIP module for 3 sec.
g) the CIP process is started.

The CIP cycle is started after the CIP unit is start. The CIP of the machine (10) is divided in to flushing cycle, cleaning cycle and rinsing cycle. These three different CIP operations are described as below.

The method for flushing cycle is described as below:

a) The water feed valve (V1) and circulation valve (V2) is opened.
b) After a lag of six seconds the CIP pump (13) starts automatically and circulating the water to the liquid storage tank (26) through the rotary spray ball (24).
c) The running time of CIP pump (13) is adjusted via parametric setting to the desired timing.
d) Once the set time is completed the CIP pump (13) and water feed valve (V1) is stopped and drain valve (V3) is open to drained all the water available in the liquid storage tank (26) along with the pipeline.

The flushing cycle is repeated for three times. The number of flushing cycles is increased or decreased by parametric setting to have an effective cleaning.

The method for cleaning cycle is described as below:

a) The cleaning cycle is started automatically after the flushing cycle is completed.
b) The CIP pump (13) is started after a lag of six seconds and after water feed valve (V1) is opened to circulate the water in the tank through spray ball (24).
c) During this cycle again water feed valve (V1) is opened and the opening time of water feed valve (V1) is adjusted via parametric setting to its desired value/timing.
d) The circulation valve (V2) is leads the water flow into the suction line of the pump (13). This process is continued till the cycle time is completed.
e) The chemical dosing (V4) is started and the opening time of chemical dosing (V4) is adjusted via a parametric setting to its desired value/timing to get required volume of chemical and concentration.
f) After completed of the cleaning cycle the drain valve (V3) is opened and drain all the water from the tank and CIP line all together.

The cleaning cycle time is adjusted and the number of cycles is also be adjusted via parametric setting to its desired value/timing. The cleaning cycle is considered for single time and the duration of circulation is for minimum thirty minutes to have an effective cleaning.

The method for rinsing cycle is described as below:

a) CIP cycle is automatically started into rising cycle once the cleaning cycle is completed.
b) During this cycle the water feed valve (V1) is opened and after a log of six seconds the CIP pump (13) is started automatically and circulate the water in liquid storage tank (26) through the rotary spray ball (24).
c) The running time of CIP pump (13) is adjusted via parametric setting to the desired value/timing.
d) Once the set time is completed the pump and water feed valve (V1) is stopped and drain valve (V3) is opened to drain all the water available in the liquid storage tank (26) along with the pipeline.

The rising cycle is repeated for three times to have an effective cleaning. The rising cycles is increased through parametric setting to get the effectiveness of cleaning. The CIP stop button is pressed to stop the CIP process. The CIP screen is turned off and the storage tank unit (1) is display as CIP complete. The machine is ready for filling milk in the tank.

The filling liquid in the tank is started after the dispensing process or the CIP process is completed. The procedure for filling liquid in the tank is described below:

a) The tare button is provided in the storage tank control unit (1) to ensuring zero.
b) optionally when the quantity of liquid is grater than 200ml the remaining liquid is dispensed through hand held unit.
c) The up/down key is pressed in the storage tank control unit (1).
d) A message is displayed on the storage control unit (1) to start filling of liquid.
e) The tank hose is connected to the inlet port (21) of the storage tank (26).
f) The valve on the tanker is opened on the tanker to start filling liquid in the tank;
g) The quantity of the liquid storage tank (26) is displayed on the storage tank control unit (1).
h) The enter button is pressed to accept the filled quantity of liquid.
i) The hose is disconnected from the liquid storage tank (26).
j) The upper (27) and lower (28) front doors are closed.

One of the major advantages of the invention is that the quantity of liquid is measured by weight. The load cell is used to measure accurate weight of the liquid. Further, this vending machine dispenses liquid by a smart card, a token reader and a hand held unit. Also the material use for CIP fitting is PP material so dismantling is not required.

While the invention has been described with respect to the given embodiment, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims.

We Claim,

1. An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight comprises a hand held unit (4), a RFID card reader (5), a token reader (6) and the token collection box (7), a storage tank control unit (1), a dispensing control unit (2), a CIP control unit (3), a filling station (8), a microcontroller and a battery back up unit;

wherein the dispensing load cell (9) being placed in side the filling station (8) to measure weight of the liquid and the container (25) placed on the dispensing load cell (9);

wherein the storage tank (26) being mounted on the storage tank load cell (20) to measure weight of the liquid in the storage tank (26);

wherein the storage control unit (1) comprises of a microcontroller, a LCD display, a RTC, two solenoid valve controllers, a communication port and two load cell communication ports;

wherein the dispensing control unit (2) consists of a microcontroller, a LCD display, a RTC, a RFID, a solenoid valve controller, a SMPS (for power supply) and two load cell communication ports;

wherein hand held unit (4) consists of a microcontroller, a LCD, a keypad, a RTC and a communication port;

wherein RFID card reader unit (5) consists of a microcontroller, a RFID tag reader, a communication port and having internal memory;

where in CIP control unit comprises the CIP pump (13), the liquid storage tank (26), the water suction valve (V1) controls the pumped water and chemicals from the CIP pump (13) that is being sprinkled into the liquid storage tank (26); the drain valve (V3) controls drained out from the liquid dispensing compartment during different CIP cycles, the circulation valve (V2) controls circulation of the water and chemical during CIP cycles, dispensing valve (DV1) manual operated valve (MV1) and a balance tank (22).

2. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid storage tank (26) being secured at the top portion of the machine (10) into which the liquid to be dispensed is stored.

3. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1 wherein the balance tank (22) is connected with CIP pump (13) through the water suction valve (V1) and the drain valve (V3);

wherein a chemical dosing valve (V4) is mechanically secured between CIP pump (13) and drain valve (V3);

wherein the circulation valve (V2) is connected between water suction valve (V1) and manual operated valve (MV1); and

wherein the dispensing valve (DV1) is mechanically connected to the liquid storage tank (26) and manual operated valve (MV1).

4. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claimed in claim 1, wherein a spray ball (24) being mounted on the top surface facing liquid filled interior of the liquid storage tank (26).

5. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein optionally, the machine (10) has the customizing facility to enable any one unit among the three units such as the hand held unit (4), the token reader (6) and the RFID card reader (5).

6. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein GSM connectivity being coupled with the machine (10) as an additional facility for sending the different operational details regarding each of the said different operations of the machine through automatic SMS alert at regular predetermined time interval.

7. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid includes any kind of potable liquid like milk or drink for vending purpose.

8. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight comprising plurality of operations such as a dispensing operation for dispensing a liquid through a liquid dispensing unit of a machine (10); a CIP operation for cleaning the liquid storage tank (26) and a liquid filling operation for filling liquid from a tanker (23) to a liquid storage tank (26) by pumping a CIP pump (13) of the CIP control unit (3) and the CIP cycles;

wherein the CIP cycles includes starting of CIP process, flushing cycle, cleaning cycle, rinsing cycle and liquid filling cycle.

9. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the dispensing operation comprising the following steps,

a) inserting a currency amount or amount of liquid through a hand held unit of the machine (8), the RFID card reader (5) and the token reader (6);
b) pressing the start/pause push button is pressed and initiating the dispensing operation;
c) identifying the value of the currency amount or liquid amount by different channels embodied by means of a program that has been programmed in a microprocessor modules of machine (10) for different variable currency amount and displaying the same amount on the displaying screen;
d) converting liquid quantity into weight based on the density of the liquid in the menu by the dispensing unit (2);
e) automatically calculating a time interval for which a dispensing valve (DV1) of the liquid dispensing unit (2) to be kept opened;
f) dispensing accurate metered quantity of the liquid with the fixed rate by opening the dispensing valve (DV1) for the calculated time interval and thereby ending the dispensing operation.

10. The Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 9 step (f) wherein the dispensing control unit (2) starts the dispensing valve (DV1) based on six setting in the menu (a) threshold (b) high duty cycle (c) high pulse width (d) low duty cycle (e) low pulse width and (f) milk cut off quantity;

wherein the quantity of liquid is more than threshold quantity, the dispensing control unit (2) starts dispensing valve (DV1) with high duty cycle and high pulse width setting and shift to low duty cycle and low pulse width once the liquid to be dispensed is less than the threshold limit;

wherein the quantity of the liquid is less than threshold quantity, the dispensing starts with low duty cycle and low pulse width;

wherein the dispensing reaches to a level equal to required the liquid quantity - liquid Cut off Qty, the dispensing is stops. The weight of the dispensed liquid is measured using dispensing load cell (9), which gives 12mV output on full scale reading. This voltage is measured using ADC and converted in to weight.

11. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP starting operation comprising following steps;

a) assuring the balance of the liquid in liquid storage tank (26);
b) activating CIP module in case of liquid quantity in the storage tank (26) is less than 200ml;
c) optionally removing remaining liquid in the container (25) by punching the remaining amount in the hand held unit (4) in the container (25);
d) ensuring the connection of the balance tank (22);
e) opening the front upper (27) and lower (28) doors;
f) pressing the start button on the CIP module for 3 sec;
g) displaying a message of start CIP.

12. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP flushing cycle comprising following steps;

a) opening the water feed valve (V1) and circulation valve (V2);
b) automatically start the CIP pump (13) after a lag of six seconds and circulating the water to the storage tank (26) by the rotary spray ball (24);
c) adjusting the running time of the CIP pump (13) via parametric setting to the desired timing;
d) stopping the CIP pump (13) and water feed valve (V1);
e) opening the drain valve (V3) to drain all the water available in the liquid storage tank (26) along with the pipeline.

13. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP cleaning cycle comprising following steps;

a) starting the cleaning cycle automatically after completing of flushing cycle;
b) automatically start the CIP pump (13) after a lag of six seconds and circulating the water to the liquid storage tank (26) through the rotary spray ball (24);
c) opening the water feed valve (V1) and adjusting opening time of water feed valve (V1) via parametric setting to its desired value/timing;
d) leading the circulation valve (V2) to the water flow into the suction line of the pump (13) and continuing till the cycle time is completed;
e) starting the chemical dosing (V4) and adjusting opening time of chemical dosing (V4) via a parametric setting to its desired value/timing to get required volume of chemical and concentration;
f) completing the cleaning cycle;
g) opening the drain valve (V3) and drain all the water from the tank and CIP line all together.

14. A method of working of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, wherein the CIP rinsing cycle comprising following steps;

a) starting the rinsing cycle automatically after completing of cleaning cycle ;
b) opening the water feed valve (V1) and automatically starts the CIP pump (13) after a log of six seconds and circulate the water in liquid storage tank (26) through the rotary spray ball (24);
c) adjusting the running time of CIP pump (13) via parametric setting to the desired value/timing;
d) stopping the CIP pump (13) and water feed valve (V1);
e) opening the drain valve (V3) to drain all the water available in the liquid storage tank (26) along with the pipeline;
f) ending the CIP operation.

15. A method of filling liquid in tank of An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight, as claimed in claim 8, comprising following steps for filling milk in the tank;

a) pressing the tare button in storage control unit (1);
b) pressing up/down key in the storage tank control unit (1);
c) displaying a message in storage tank control unit (1) to start filling of milk;
d) connecting the tank hose to the inlet port (21) of the liquid storage tank (26);
e) opening the valve on the tanker (23) to start filling milk in the tank;
f) displaying quantity of the liquid in liquid storage tank (26);
g) entering the button to accept the filed quantity;
h) disconnecting the hose from the liquid storage tank (26);
i) closing the front upper (27) and lower (28) door.

Dated this 24th day of April, 2015
Abstract
An Automatic Vending machine to dispense liquid measured in weight

The present invention relates to an automatic gravimetric liquid vending machine that can dispense calibrated volume measured in weight. The weight of the liquid is measured by load cell. The load cell is mounted on liquid storage tank (26) and filling station (8) to measure accurate weight of the liquid. The present invention consist a storage control unit (1), a display control unit, a dispensing control unit (2) and a CIP control unit (3). The vending machine dispenses liquid based on the amount fed in the token reader (6) and the hand held unit (4). This machine also has optional facility of RFID card reader (5) and GSM connectivity being coupled with the machine as an additional facility for sending the different operational details regarding each of the said different operations of the machine through automatic SMS alert. CIP logic and vending calculations are stored in the individual microprocessor modules.