US2613108A - Fluid dispenser - Google Patents

Description

Oct. 7, 1952 G. F. KRAUS 2,613,108

FLUID DISPENSER Filed April 1, 1949 2 SHEETS--SHEET 1 INVENTOR.

Georg E Kra us Ah 4% vq ATTORNEYS.

G. F. KRAUS FLUID DISPENSER Oct. 7,1952

Filed April 1, 1949 2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 FIG.8

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' George F Kruus M. a @wq I ATTORNEYS.

Patented Oct. 7, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- FLUID DISPENSER George F. Kraus, Camden, N. J.

Application April 1, 1949, Serial No. 85,091 (01. 299-25) 6 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in means for the periodic and automatic dispensing of fluids.

The primary object of this invention is the provision of a relatively simple and compact mechanism for the automatic and periodic dispensing of fluids such as deodorants, air purifying agents, germicides, antiseptics, insecticides, etc.

A further object of thisinvention is the provision of improved means for the automatic dispensing of fluids which are normally maintained under superatmospheric pressure.

A further object of this invention isthe provision of improved means, adapted for use in laboratories, store rooms, theaters, auditoriums, restaurants, hospitals, transportation vehicles, hotels, etc., for the periodic dispensing of deodorants and air purifying and cleansing agents from automatic pressure type dispensers wherein the active fluid is maintained under superatmospheric pressure by means of a liquefied gas.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description.

In the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein similar reference characters designate corresponding parts thruout-the several views-- Figure 1 is a front elevation of the improved device.

- Figure 2 is a rear view of the device with the rear cover removed.

Figure 3 is a vertical cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 3-3 of Figure 1.

Figure 4 is an enlarged fragmentary view showing 'the gear train of a speed reduction mechanism associated with the improved device.

Figurev 5 is a fragmentary cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 5-5 of Figure 1.

Figure 6 is a cross sectional view taken substantially on the line 66 of Figure 3 showing the actuating mechanism.

Figure '7 is a fragmentary vertical-cross sectional view taken thru the speed reduction and other clockwork operated mechanism of the device.

Figure 8 is a fragmentary view showing a modifled formof operating mechanism.

Figure 9 is a fragmentary cross sectional View showing the means for actuating the valve mechanism of a fluid pressure dispenser of the oper- "ating mechanism of Fig. 8.

' In the drawings, wherein for the purpose of designate the improved device. It consists of a framework or casing structure B, adapted to support a pressure type fluid dispenser C. The framework or casing structure B also supports a clockwork mechanism D having means E associated therewith for operating the valve mechanism of the pressure dispenser C.

Referring to the dispensing receptacle C, the same includes a container body 20 of cylindrical form having a bottom wall 21 and a preferably reduced neck 22 which supports a valve mechanism (not shown) ordinarily operated by means of a laterally movable stem 23. One such type of receptacle is shown in U. S. Patent No. 1,892,750.

The receptacle is adapted to contain some solution of material to be atomized. It is hermetically sealed and the solution is maintained under superatmospheric pressure by means of a liquefied gas under pressure not less than the liquefaction pressure of the gas used. Upon tilting of the stem 23 the nozzle and valve mechanism (not shown) are actuated to release pressure so that the solution of material, Which may be a deodorant, air purifying agent, germicide. antiseptic, etc. is dispensed in an atomized condition.

The frame or casing structure B is provided with top and bottom walls 24 and 25, and side walls 25. The front wall 2! has an opening 23 cut to the contour or outline of the container C, just sufficient to permit a segment of the con tainer to rest therein with its bottom wall 2| upon the resting surface of the opening 28 and the reduced neck 22 seated at 30 in said opening. Thus the major portion of the dispensing receptacle and particularly the valve are in the clear so that the atomized fluid may be dispensed externally of the casing. The container C is supported in this position by means of a flexible band or loop 3%, shown best in Figure 5; the same being secured at 32 at one end and adapted to loop about the neck: 22 of the container C; the free end thereof being provided with an opening adapted to receive a'threaded shank 34 upon which a detachable nut 35 operates. Turning the nut 35 will permit the container to be clamped in position by the band 3! or released, as is quite obvious. I

The clockwork mechanism D preferably compr1ses a frame structure consisting of front, intermediate and rear plates or discs 46, 4| and 42,

of circular form, detachably connected in relatively spaced relation by bolt and nut means 42*. Thls framework is detachably connected by nuts 44 to a supporting plate or disc 45 which is detachably screwed or connected at 41 within the compartment of the casing B, so that the entire clockwork mechanism D may be disposed in said compartment, as shown in Figure 3. A detachable rear closure 50 is provided for closing the compartment.

The clockwork mechanism D furthermore includes an electric motor 55 detachably mounted upon thev rear surface of the rear plate as shown in Figure 7 of the drawings, and elsewhere. The motor 55 is provided with a shaft 56 having a pinion 51 keyed thereon lying between the frame plates 4| and 42. This pinion meshes with a larger gear 58 which is keyed upon a shaft 59 bearing upon and between the plates 4| and 42. To the shaft 59 is keyed a, pinion 60 whichmeshes with a larger gear 6| keyed upon a shaft 62 supported upon the plate 42, as shownin Figure 9. The shaft 62 has-a pinion 04 keyed therewith which meshes with a larger gear 65 keyed upon a shaft 6'! which bears-at one endupon the plate 42- and atits. opposite end has a step bearing in a rotatable shaft 68 to be subsequently described; the latter bearing in the frame plates or discs-40 and GI, as shown in Figure 7. Further gear reduction for the clockwork mechanism comprises av pinion l keyed upon the shaft 61 in mesh with a larger gear II keyed upon a shaft 'lfl which bears upon and between the plates All and 4:2.- The shaft I2 also has a pinion I4- keyed therewith: which meshes with a larger speed reducing gear 75 keyed upon that portion of the shaft 68 which lies between the plates 4| and 42.

Referring at this time to the mechanism E for actuating the valve stem 23 of the dispensing receptacle, the. same comprises a, shaft 80 rotatably bearing upon the frame structure B, preferably in the front wall 21' thereof, as shown in Figure 3. This shaft 80 is horizontally positioned and may also hear in the rear closure 50, as shown. It projects forwardly from the wall 21 and is provided with a, crank arm 82 adapted to engage and tilt the valve stem 23, for the purpose of actuating the valve of the dispensing container for atomizing release of the fluid to be dispensed. Within the compartment of the easingB-there is provided a depending arm 85 keyed uponthe shaft 80 which is adapted to be engaged by the trip lever 90 of the clockwork mechanism. The trip lever. 90, as is shown in various views of the-drawings, is pivoted at 0| (Fig. 6) upon a shaft" which is supported by the plates 40 and 0| of the clockwork frame.

The clockwork-shaft 60 which is driven at a very slow rate of speed thru the gear reduction mechanism above described has a hub I00 keyed therewith to which the inner end of a spiral spring I-Ill iskeyed or welded at I02. The spiral spring IOI at its opposite end is keyed or welded at I03 to a trip lever actuating arm or lug I05 whichv is fixedly connected upon a disc I06 form'- ing part of a nut I01 threaded upon the threaded portion I 08' of shaft 68-.

The trip lever actuating lug or arm I05 is nor- .mal-lyurged by the leaf spring IIlI in a direction to actuate the trip lever 90, so the latter willmove against the shaft operating arm 85 and throw the crank -82 into operation for tripping the stem 23' and actuating the valve mechanism of the atomizing container.

The normal. action of the spring |0I is restrained by a detent spring arm IIO which is fixedly secured at III upon the frame disc 4|. A. timingadjustmentscrew 2: may be provided,

4 in threaded relation upon the disc 4| for moving the inner end of the detent I|0 along the trip lever actuating lug I05, so the latter may be controlled as to its releasing action according to the periodicity with which it is desired to release the fluid from the pressure container.

The sequence of operation is as follows:

Thru the gearing and shafting above described the shaft 08 is rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow in Figure '7. The turning of the shaft is very slow and as it rotates it winds up the leaf spring IUI for storing up power therein. Of course the outer end of the spring is restrained from moving by engagement of the trip lever actuating lever arm I05 against the detent I"). As the'shaf-t 68 slowly rotates the nut I01 will be fed along the. shaft in the direction of the frame plate 40 and this moves the trip lever actuating. arm I05 in a direction away from the detent I In. When the tip end of the lug I05 has cleared the detent III] the spring IOI, which is secured to'the lug I05, will throw the'latter in-the direction of the trip lever 90 and engaging the trip lever will throw thelatter against thearm 85. The shaft ticis turned, and the crank 82.thr.own against the stem- 23 for releasingv the valve and dispensing the pressure fluid from thecontainer. The nut I01 rotatesupon the threaded portion of the shaft 08 incident to action of the spring IOI and will move along the threaded portion I03 in the direction of the-spring IIJI. This will bring the lug I05 again into position-for engaging thedetent I I0. The cycle, of course, is repeated according to the gearing setup. The timing may be varied thru the adjustment screw II 2 since thev spring end of the detent arm 0 may be moved along the lug. or arm |Il5 to vary the. dispensing period.

In Figures 8 andv 9 is shown another form of invention. In this form of invention the dispensing container C is provided with a. depressible ball 23 which causes the fluid to be dispensed from the pressure container. To that end the shaft is provided with a crank 82 having a roller 82 on the end thereof normally urged against and in' the direction of the ball 23 by means of a spring 82 which is attached to the shaft arm 85 as shown in Figure8. The trip lever and operating mechanism are the same as above described. When the trip lever 00 moves to throw over the arm 85- against the. tension of the spring 82, the shaft 80 will be rotated to throw the roller 82" across the'ball 23 and depress the same to cause the pressure fluid to be dispensed from the container C. Of course the spring 82 returns the roller 82 to a reset position.

Various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be made to the form of the invention herein shown and described without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the following claims.

Iclaim:

1. In an automatic dispensing. device thecombination of a supporting frame, clockwork mechanism supported by said frame including gear reduction mechanism and a shaft slowly driven thereby, said shaft having-a screw threaded portion, a nut threaded upon said shaft for movement therealong as the shaft rotates, a spring normally rotatably urging said nut to rotate in one direction upon said shaft, a'fluid dispenser carried by said frame havingv a fluid releasing member, movable means carried by the frame to operate said member, said. nut having. means associated therewith to engage and operate the movable means upon rotation of the nut by said spring, and detent means to restrain rotation of the nut until said shaft has been turned to a predetermined extent ,suflicient to feed the nut along the screw threaded portion of the shaft out of the path of said detent means.

2. In a device for dispensing fluids under pressure the combination of a supporting casing, a dispensing container carried by the casing having a fluid therein under superatmospheric pressure and valve means including an actuating member movably supported by the container, means to detachably support said container upon said casing, means mounted upon the container for actuating said valve actuating member, and clockwork actuated means mounted upon the easing for actuating the last mentioned means periodically.

3. In a dispenser for period release of fluids, the combination of a supporting frame, a trip lever movably mounted upon said frame, clockwork mechanism carried by the frame, a shaft, gear reduction mechanism actuated by the clockwork mechanism to rotate the shaft at a slow rate of speed, said shaft having a screw threaded portion thereon, a nut threaded upon the threaded portion of the shaft for movement therealong, a spiral spring keyed at one end to the shaft, means keying the other end of the spring with the nut so that as the shaft rotates the spring will be wound for the purpose of storlng power therein, detent means carried by the frame, and means carried by the nut associated with the detent means to restrain said rotation of the nut under influence of the spring until the nut has moved a predetermined distance along the threaded shaft as an incident of rotation of the shaft, said nut having means thereon to actuate said trip lever when the last mentioned means as an incident of movement of the nut along the shaft has moved out of the 6 spring with the nut so that as the shaft rotates the spring will be wound for the purpose of storing power therein, detent means carried by the frame, and means carried by the nut associated with the detent means to restrain said rotation of the nut under influence of the spring until the nut has moved a predetermined distance along the threaded shaft as an incident of rotation of the shaft, said nut having means thereon to actuate said trip lever when the last mentioned means as an incident of movement of the nut along the shaft has moved out of the path of path of the detent means, and means mounted upon the frame having a fluid under pressure therein including a valve in position to be periodically operated by said trip lever to release said fluid.

4. Ina dispenser for period release of fluids, the combination of a supporting frame, a trip lever movably mounted upon said frame, clockwork mechanism carried by the frame, a shaft, gear redaction mechanism actuated by the clockwork mechanism to rotate the shaft at a slow rate of speed, said shaft having a screw threaded portion thereon, a nut threaded upon the threaded portion of the shaft for movement therealong, a spiral spring keyed at one end to the shaft, means keying the other end of the the detent means, the spring actuating to rotate the nut upon the shaft and return the nut to a reset position of the means carried by the nut with respect to the detent means, and means mounted upon the frame having a fluid under pressure therein including a valve in position to be periodically operated by said trip lever to release said fluid.

5. In a dispensing device the combination of a supporting frame, a container having a sanitizing fluid hermetically sealed therein in association with a liquefied gas under pressure suflicient to maintain the gas liquefied until released from the container, valve means upon the container, means for supporting the container upon the supporting frame, and clockwork means carried by the frame to periodically actuate said valve for pressure release of said sanitizing fluid as gaseous vapor from the container.

6. In a dispensing device the combination of a supporting frame, a container having a sanitizing fluid hermetically sealed therein in association with a liquefied gas under pressure sufficient to maintain the gas liquefied until released from the container, valve means upon the container, means for supporting the container upon the supporting frame, clockwork means carried by the frame to periodically actuate said valve for pressure release of said sanitizing fluid as gaseous vapor from the container, and means for varying the period during which the clockwork mechanism actuates said valve.

GEORGE F. KRAUS.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the flle of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 324,612 Thickins Aug. 18, 1885 441,078 Upward Nov. 18, 1890 1,460,486 Harvey July 3, 1923 2,145,082 Grayson Jan. 24, 1939 2,252,125 Hauser Aug. 12, 1941 2,534,464 Marini et a1. Dec. 19, 1950

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