DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate tovending machines and more particularly, to an apparatus in a vending machine and a method for dispensing fluid.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, edible oil which is sold in loose is stored in containers in shops. The shop keeper has toremove the seal of the oil container or pierce the top portion of the oil container to make an opening on the container, and with the help of beaker and funnel, oil from the container is poured to a jar or plastic bag or bottle given by the customer. In some selling shops, oil from the oil container is dispensed by moving a tap of the container to an open position for dispensing the oil from the container to a small plastic bag or the jar or bottle given by the customer. Adulteration is possible in the aforementioned process of selling the oil to the customer. Further, the oil sold to the customer may not be in hygienic condition which may have adverse health effects to the customer.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for an apparatus for dispensing fluid, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further, there exists a need for an apparatus in a vending machine for dispensing fluid. Furthermore, there exists a need for a vending machine, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is toprovide an apparatus for dispensing fluid.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide an apparatus in a vending machine for dispensing fluid.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a vending machine for dispensing fluid.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a method for dispensing fluid.
[008] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[009] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a vending machine for dispensing fluid, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0011] FIG. 2 depicts a transparent perspective view of the vending machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0012] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus in the vending machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0013] FIG. 4 depicts a portion of the vending machine, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0014] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method for dispensing fluid, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0016] The embodiments herein achieve an apparatus for dispensing fluid. Further, embodiments herein achievea vending machine for dispensing fluid. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 5, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0017] FIG. 2 depicts a transparent perspective view of the vending machine 10, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of an apparatus 100 in the vending machine 10, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vending machine 10 includes an apparatus 100, a controller unit 12, a main frame structure 14 (as shown in fig. 4), a base member 16, a dispensing bin 18, a dispensing platform 20, a plurality of height adjusters 22, a battery 24, a plurality of housings 26, a top cover 28 (as shown in fig. 1), a sensor (not shown, considered to be load sensor) and may include other standard components as present in a standard vending machine. The apparatus 100 is used for dispensing fluid (considered to be oil) from the fluid container F. In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes a conduit 102, a holding element 104, a piercer 106, a dispenser 108, a solenoid unit 110, a movable member 112 (considered to be plunger 112 as shown in fig.), a movable member seating element 114 (considered to be plunger seating element 114 as shown in fig. 3), a main gate valve 116, at least one resilient means (considered to be spring), a movable member sleeve (considered to be plunger sleeve), gaskets and nuts. The apparatus 100 is connected to the main frame structure 14 of the vending machine 10. For the purpose of this description and ease of understanding, the apparatus 100 is explained herein below with reference to be provided in a vending machine 10 for dispensing fluid from the fluid container F. It is also within the scope of the invention to implement/practice the apparatus 100 in any other systems or machines which requires dispensing of fluid.
[0018] The conduit 102 is used to transfer the fluid from the fluid container F to the dispenser 108. One end of the conduit 102 is provided in fluid communication with the fluid container F through the holding element 104, and another end of the conduit 102 is provided in fluid communication with the dispenser 108, where the fluid container F is at least can. In another embodiment, one end of conduit 102 is provided in direct fluid communication with the fluid container F (fluid tank), and another end of the conduit 102 is provided in fluid communication with the dispenser 108, where a pump is used to pump the fluid (oil) to the fuel container F (fuel tank).
[0019] The holding element 104 of the apparatus 100 is connected to the main frame structure 14 of the machine 10. The holding element 104 is used to hold the fluid container F, where the fluid container F is loaded to the holding element 104.
[0020] The piercer 106(also called as puncture element) is connected to holding element 104. The piercer 106 is used to pierce corresponding portion of the fluid container Fon loading of the fluid container F onto the holding element 104 therein to enable fluid communication between the fluid container F and the conduit 102. The portion of the fluid container F which is pierced by the piercer 106isa cap (seal).
[0021] The dispenser 108 is provided in fluid communication with the conduit 102. The dispenser 108 is used to dispense the fluid. The solenoid unit 110 is connected to the top of the dispenser 108.The solenoid unit 110 is connected to the dispenser 108. The solenoid unit 110 includes a plurality of solenoid coils, a solenoid body and may include other standard components as present in a standard solenoid unit. The solenoid unit 110 is an electro-magnetic solenoid.
[0022] The movable member 112 is movably connected inside the dispenser 108. The movable member 112 is movable between at least one of an open position in which the fluid from the dispenser 108 flows out of the dispenser 108, and a closed position in which the flow of fluid from the dispenser 108 is restricted (stopped). One end (bottom end) of the movable member 112 is engaged with the movable member seating element 114, and another end (top end) of the movable member 112 is engaged with the resilient means (not shown). The movable member 112 moves from the closed position to the open position to facilitate dispensing of fluid from the dispenser 108 on energization of the solenoid unit 110which occurs on supply of electric current to the solenoid unit 110through the controller unit 12 of the vending machine 10.The movable member 112 moves from the open position to the closed position to restrict the flow of fluid from the dispenser 108 on de-energization of the solenoid unit110 which occurs on switching-off of the electric current supply to the solenoid unit 110 through controller unit 12. The movable member 112 is at least a plunger.
[0023] In another embodiment, the movement of the movable member 112 between the open position and the closed position is controlled by at least one of electro-hydraulicactuator mechanism, an electro-pneumatic actuator mechanism, a telescopic adjustable arrangement, an adjustable extendable and retractable arrangement, an adjustable screw arrangement, an electric motor with an extendable and retractable shaft, a linear adjustable arrangement, an adjustable linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a telescopic cylinder mechanism, an electro-hydraulic actuator system, an electro-pneumatic actuator system, an adjustable linear actuator and an adjustable linear control mechanism.
[0024] The movable member seating element 114 is connected inside the dispenser 108. The movable member seating element 114 provides seating for the movable member 112. The movable member seating element 114 is at least a plunger seating element.The main gate valve 116 is connected to the conduit 102. The main gate valve 116 is operated during maintenance purposes.
[0025] The resilient means (not shown) is loaded between the movable member sleeve (not shown) and the movable member 112.The resilient means (not shown) is used to provide return spring force to the movable member 112 to move the movable member 112 from the open position to the closed position on de-energization of the solenoid unit 110. The resilient means is at least a spring. The movable member sleeve (not shown) is used for supporting the resilient means (not shown) and to facilitate movement of the movable member 112. The movable member sleeve is at least a plunger sleeve.
[0026] In another embodiment, the conduit 102, the holding element 104,the dispenser 108 and the movable member seating element 114 is integrated to form a unitary part.
[0027] The controller unit 12 is provided in communication with the sensor. The controller unit 12 receives user input and accordingly energizes the solenoid unit 110 to move the movable member 112 from the closed position to the open position to facilitate dispensing of fluid from the dispenser 108.The controller unit 12 switches-off the electric current supply to the solenoid unit 110 to de-energize the movable member 112 based on the information received from the sensor. The main frame structure 14 is used for supporting the apparatus 100 and corresponding components of the vending machine 10. The base member 16 is used for supporting the main frame structure 14, and for mounting the plurality of height adjusters 22. The dispensing platform 20 is placed inside the dispensing bin 18. The dispensing platform 20 provides seating for the fluid collecting means (not shown) bought by the user.The plurality of height adjusters 22 is used to adjust the height of the vending machine 10. The battery 24 is used to provide electric current supply to the sensor, the controller unit 12 and the solenoid unit 110 of the apparatus 100. The plurality of housings 26 is used for housing the components provided inside the vending machine 10. The top cover 28 is used for covering the top side of the vending machine 10.
[0028] The sensor detects the load of the fluid (oil) dispensed from the dispenser 108 of the apparatus 100 to the fluid collecting means (not shown), and accordingly the sensor provides the information to the controller unit 12. The sensor is connected to thedispensing platform 20. The sensor is at least a load sensor.
[0029] FIG. 5 depicts a flowchart showing the steps of a method 200 for dispensing fluid, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the method 200 for dispensing fluid from the fluid container F is as follows. The method 200 includes, connecting a piercer 106 to a holding element 104 (step 202); loading the fluid container F onto the holding element 104 to facilitate piercing of the fluid container F by the piercer 106 to enable fluid communication between the fluid container F and a dispenser 108 through a conduit 102 (step 204); allowing the fluid from the dispenser 108 to flow out of the dispenser 108 on movement of a movable member 112 from a closed position to an open position which occurs on energizing a solenoid unit 110 by switching on the electric current supply to the solenoid unit 110 through a controller unit 12 (step 206); and restricting the flow of fluid from the dispenser 108 on movement of the movable member 112 from the open position to the closed position which occurs on de-energizing of the solenoid unit 110 by switching-off the electric current supply to the solenoid unit 110 through the controller unit 12 based on the information received by the controller unit 12 through a sensor (step 208).
[0030] The working of the vending machine 10 in conjunction with the method 200 for dispensing fluid is as follows.The user (customer) places the fluid collecting means (container) on the dispensing platform 20 of the machine 10. The controller unit 12 receives the user input and accordingly the controller unit 12 switches on the electric current supply to the solenoid unit 110 to energize the solenoid unit 110 which in turn moves the movable member 112 from the closed position to the open position to facilitate dispensing of fluid from the dispenser 108 to the fluid collecting means. Once required amount of oil is being dispensed to the fluid collecting means, the sensor (load sensor) provides the information to the controller unit 12, and accordingly the controller unit 12 switches-off the electric current supply to the solenoid unit 110 to de-energize the solenoid unit 110 to enable the movable member 112 to move from the open position to the closed positionto restrict the flow of fluid from the dispenser 108.
[0031] Therefore, a vending machine 10 and an apparatus 100 in the vending machine 10 for dispending fluid is provided.
[0032] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:We claim,
1. An apparatus 100 for dispensing fluid, said apparatus 100 comprising:
a conduit 102;
a holding element 104 adapted to hold a fluid container C;
a piercer 106 adapted to pierce corresponding portion of the fluid container C therein to enable fluid communication between the fluid container C and said conduit 102;
a dispenser 108 adapted to be provided in fluid communication with said conduit 102; and
at least one movable member 112 adapted to be movably connected inside said dispenser 108,
wherein
said movable member 112 is configured to move from a closed position to an open position to facilitate dispensing of fluid from said dispenser 108.

2. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1 includes a solenoid unit110 adapted to be connected to said dispenser 108,
wherein
said movable member 112 moves from the closed position to the open position on energization of said solenoid unit110 which occurs on supply of electric current to said solenoid unit 110 through a controller unit 12.
3. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 2, wherein said movable member 112 moves from the open position to the closed position to restrict the flow of fluid from said dispenser 108 on de-energization of said solenoid unit 110 which occurs on switching-off of electric current to said solenoid unit 110 through the controller unit 12.

4. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the controller unit 12 switches-off the electric supply to said solenoid unit 110 based on the signal received from a sensor.

5. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 4 includes a resilient means adapted to be loaded between said movable member 112 and a movable member sleeve,
wherein
said resilient means is adapted to provide return force to said movable member 112 to move said movable member 112 from the open position to the closed position on de-energization of said solenoid unit 110

6. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein said resilient means is at least a spring,
wherein said movable member 112 is at least a plunger,
wherein said movable member sleeve 114 is at least a plunger sleeve.
7. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 6 includes a movable member seating element 114 adapted to be connected inside said dispenser 108,
wherein
said movable member seating element 114 is adapted to provide seating for said movable member 112, where said movable member seating element 114 is a plunger seating element.

8. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the movement of said movable member 112 between at least one of the open position and the closed position is controlled by at least one of an electro-hydraulicactuator mechanism, an electro-pneumatic actuator mechanism, a telescopic adjustable arrangement, an adjustable extendable and retractable arrangement, an adjustable screw arrangement, an electric motor with an extendable and retractable shaft, a linear adjustable arrangement, an adjustable linear actuator, a hydraulic actuator, a pneumatic actuator, a telescopic cylinder mechanism, an electro-hydraulic actuator system, an electro-pneumatic actuator system, an adjustable linear actuator and an adjustable linear control mechanism.

9. The apparatus 100 as claimed in claim 1 is configured to be provided in at a vending machine.

10. An apparatus 100 for dispensing fluid, said apparatus 100 comprising:
a conduit 102 adapted to be provided in fluid communication with a fluid container F;
a dispenser 108 adapted to be provided in fluid communication with said conduit 102; and
at least one movable member 112 adapted to be movably connected inside said dispenser 108,
wherein
said movable member 112 is configured to move from a closed position to an open position to facilitate dispensing of fluid from said dispenser 108.

11. A vending machine 10 comprising:
a controller unit 12; and
an apparatus 100 comprising a conduit 102; a holding element 104 adapted to hold a fluid container F; a piercer 106 adapted to pierce corresponding portion of the fluid container F therein to enable fluid communication between the fluid container F and said conduit 102; a dispenser 108 adapted to be provided in fluid communication with said conduit 102; a movable member 112 adapted to be movably connected inside said dispenser 108; and a solenoid unit110,
wherein
said controller unit 12 receives at least one user input, and accordingly said controller unit 12 switches on the electric current supply to said solenoid unit 110 to energize said solenoid unit 110 which in turn moves said movable member 112 from a closed position to an open position to facilitate dispensing of fluid from said dispenser 108.

12. The machine 10 as claimed in claim 11, wherein said controller unit 12 switches-off the electric current supply to said solenoid unit 110 to de-energize said solenoid unit 110 which in turn moves said movable member 112 from the open position to the closed position to restrict the flow of fluid from said dispenser 108 based on the information provided by a sensor to said controller unit 12.

13. The machine 10 as claimed in claim 11 includes a main frame structure 14 adapted to support said apparatus 10.

14. The machine 10 as claimed in claim 11 includes a plurality of height adjusters 22 adapted to be adjust the height of the machine 10.

15. A method 200 of dispensing fluid, said method 200 comprising:
allowing the fluid from a dispenser 108 to flow out of said dispenser 108 on movement of a movable member 112 from a closed position to an open position; and
restricting the flow of fluid from said dispenser 108 on movement of said movable member 112 from the open position to the closed position.

16. The method 200 as claimed in claim 15 includes connecting a piercer 106 to a holding element 104.

17. The method 200 as claimed in claim 16 includes loading the fluid container F onto said holding element 104 to facilitate piercing of the fluid container F by said piercer106 to enable fluid communication between the fluid container F and said dispenser 108 through a conduit 102.

18. The method 200 as claimed in claim 17 includes energizing a solenoid unit 110 by switching on the electric current supply to said solenoid unit 110 through a controller unit 12 to move said movable member 112 from the closed position to the open position to facilitate dispensing of fluid from said dispenser 108.

19. The method 200 as claimed in claim 18 includes de-energizing said solenoid unit 110 by switching-off the electric current supply to said solenoid unit 110 through said controller unit 12 based on the information received by said controller unit 12 through a sensor to move said movable member 112 from the open position to the closed position to restrict the flow of fluid from said dispenser 108.