US2654517A - Automatic sanitary apparatus for dispensing measured quantitites of liquid - Google Patents

Description

R. E. AUTOMATIC SANIT Oct. 6, 1953 CORRADINI ET AL 2,654,517 ARY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MEASURED QUANTITIES oF LIQUID 7 Sheets-Sheet l Filed May 5, 1946 l I VENTOBSH Oct. 6, 1953' R. E. coRRADlNl ET AL 2,654,517 AUTOMATIC SANITARY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MEASURED QUANTITIES oF LIQUID Filed May s, 194e 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 R. E. coRRADlNl ET AL 2,654,517 AUTOMATIC SANITARY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MEASURED QUANTITIES OF LIQUID 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Oct. 6, 1953 Filed may 3, 1946 Filed My 3, 194e;l

- R. E. CORRADINI ETAL AUTOMATIC SANITARY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MEASURED QUANTITIES OF LIQUID 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 rms INVE NToRs Oct. 6, 1953 R. E. coRRADlNl ETAL- AUTOMATIC SANITARY APPARATUS FUR nIsPENsING MEASURE@ QUANTITIEs oF LIQUID Filed May 3, 194e l 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 zu zas' azz/ l2! 76 70 INVENToRs I c I.

Tic'. ELL.

Oct. 6, 1953 R. E. coRRADlNl ET AL 2,654,517

' AUTOMATIC SANITARY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING MEASURED QUANTITIES 0F LIQUID Filed May 3, 1946 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTO R5 CORRADINI ET AL 2,654,517

RY APPARATUS FOR DISPENSING Oct. 6, 1953 R. E.

AUTOMATIC SANITA MEASURED-QUANTITIES OF LIQUID 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Filed May 3, 1946 .IA/mm1 rre/vr Maw Moron I PUMP opsen rs Back pook OPEN @552,550 FAo/v r Doo@ C1. ases x R Buck Doon OPEN, V sranr CLoss #Ra/vr Dao@ Feen-r Done 20550, v l/,vsEnLEo 5111er Stm.

Fmr 00a: sensa R Back Doop Sau so PUMP OPE-earn,- cz. ose .Sw/rauw;- Bar/J OPI/Pare' INVENTOES Patented Oct. 6, 1953 AUTOMATIC SANITA DISPENSING MEAS LQUID Robert E. Corradini,

Lynch, Flushing, York, N. Y., and N. J.; said Lynch,

RY APPARATUS FOR URED QUANTITES 0F Madison, N. J., and Leslie S. and Ottorino Bonomi, New G. Curtis Engel, Ridgewood, said Bonomi, and said Engel assignors to said Corradini Application May 3, 1946, Serial No. 667,064 36 Claims. (Cl. 226-46.4)

This invention relates to dispensing devices and has particular reference to dispensers for liquids.

One object of the invention is to provide improved means for dispensing liquids in highly sanitary, uniform, rapid and eicient manner.

The invention also embodies improvements on the devices of U. Si. Letters Patents No. 2,081,650 and 2,081,651 which are incorporated herein by reference.

With the advent of homogenized milk, it is no longer essential but remains highly desirable to blow air through this liquid because its condition is thereby improved, although the agitation may be only an incidental factor. Thus we have discovered that the palatability of the milk is improved, and more important, its bacteria count is markedly decreased, apparently by oxidation. With liquids containing elements that tend to settle out, such as chocolate milk mixtures, tomato juice and the like, agitation is essential, and when performed by air, the other advantages mentioned are also obtained. Hence it is highly feasible to use the simple one-conduit pressure-suction air pump system of the above mentioned patents with a selector valve acting at will to cause suction to produce a flow of the liquid from a storage container to a drinking receptacle such as a glass or paper cup. Where the latter consists of paper, we found that it tended to collapse under the suction and hence ought to be in a suction chamber which should preferably be stationary. In other Words, only lateral door means ought to be movable, especially if the chamber is associated in an improved manner with an automatic cup dispensing means to thus assure compactness, simplicity, durability and efficiency.

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a device of the nature set forth having improved means for realizing the advantages mentioned. In this regard, it will be noted that the chamber referred to is highly useful even if the liquid is caused to flow under pressure instead of by suction, since various sources of contamination are thus guarded against during the filling of the receptacle.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means sensitive to a film of milk on a wall of the chamber or on a portion adjacent tothe seat to render the dispenser inoperative whereby cleanliness can be assured.

Heretofore automatic measuring means for the quantity of liquid dispensed have been of the weight responsive type. But these have generally had a considerable lag, and sometimes the weight of the receptacle varied, so that measurement within sufiiciently close limits was unobtainable in commercial operation.

It is therefore an object of the invention to furnish improved means for measurement and control of the liquid dispenser; such means may be of a novel electrical capacitive type with the rapid, swirling flow of the liquid preferably uniformly circulariy distributed, or of a novel mechanical type responsive to the fall in the liquid head to vary the time period of the pump or the resistance or area of a fluid passage.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a machine of the class alluded to having improved means adapted for coin, push button or other intermittent operation, as distinguished from what may be termed continuous operation wherein the act of removing a filled receptacle automatically initiates another cycle of the machine, the improved means permitting the machine to be operated either way by a relatively simple change therein.

Another object is to provide an improved continuously operating machine of the character described in which each cycle terminated with the chamber open for immediate removal of the filled receptacle.

Another object is to furnish an improved continuously operative machine in which a small or minute time interval occurs between the termination of the suction-filling condition and the opening of the chamber during which the single conduit pump system causes air to be blown into the liquid in the storage container.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means which is not only responsive to the presence of a receptacle, but to an accurate seating thereof in filling position to control the flow of liquid whereby the accuracy of the automatic receptacle dispensing means may be checked; and a supplemental object is to furnish means whereby a receptacle which is highly pliant in character is adapted to cause a positive and reliable indicator or control operation.

Another object is to provide means so correlated that if the receptacle causes the liquid iiow producing means to lbe inoperative, the mechanism for actuating the door means will perform its cycle of operation to permit instant removal of the improperly seated receptacle.

Another object of the invention is to furnish a receptacle feeding means and a seating means for receiving the receptacle in filling relation to a discharge port or in flow control position, or for both purposes, wherein the different means are correlated in a novel manner, as by cooperating guides, to cause a reliable and rapid travel of the receptacle along its required path and preferably into a chamber, for instance, to laterally enter the same.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved means comprising a movable or tiltable receptacle seat with a guide or liquid ow control element or both, where the guide .embodying the invention, open and parts shown in 3 may serve as a chamber closure and the element may become operative by the tilting or other movement of the seat; the guide may cooperate with a lateral receptacle feeder or may serve to assure accurate seating of the receptacle or it may perform both these functions.

Because certain sanitary codes require that every-part of the apparatus contacted by milk must be shipped to a responsible bottling or canning plant, to be sterilized before it can be used with another can of milk,N difficulty was hereto;i fore encountered because each milk can had to have its individual metallic telescopio conduit and dispensing head or related elements, thus greatly increasing the cost of the device.

It is therefore another object of the invention to furnish a discardable telescopic conduit of a paper-like or composition material, v\ yl'1ich is very cheap in construction, involving very simple sealing joints, and being so associated with the milk container or its locked cover as to render it difficult to adulterate the milk, and being so c orrelated with the milk dispenser or its suction chamber as to be capable of discharging directly into the drinking receptacle and to be sealed in an air tight manner with the chamber.

Another object of the invention is the provision of an improved receptacle dispenser comprising a plurality of sections for stacks of the receptacles which are shifted to successively come into operative relation to a receptacle feed er only after exhaustion of a stack; if the shift of a section occurs ina series of steps during the corresponding dispensing of a plurality of receptacles, the invention provides a novel correlation of parts whereby the feeder has a reserve of receptacles for the interim.

Another object of the invention yis to furnish improved means for a novel succession or cycle of steps of liquid and receptacle dispensing means, with the provision of novel mechanical structures that are simple, compact, durable, reliable and efficient in use.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the specification proceeds.

With the aforesaid objects in view, the invention comprises the novel features, combinations and arrangements .of parts hereinafter described in their preferred embodiments, pointed out in the subjoined claims, and illustrated in the annexed drawing. wherein" line parts are desienated by the same reference characters throughout the several views.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a fragmentary view in side elevation, with parts in section showing an apparatus Y Y' 'with the front Ydoor n Y different positions in dot-dash lines.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary vertical approximately Central seotional view of the apparatus' with the front door open.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary top plan View of 'the apparatus with parts removed and the front door closed.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view in end elevation .of the apparatus, with parts omitted.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View in side elevation'gf a front door actuating structure in position for moving the same to inward sealing relation.

Fig. 6 is ka fragmentary enlarged top plan view as seenzapproximately on line E- of Fig..2 Yof cup stack changing structure at one endof vits path of operation.

Fig. 6A is a bottom ,nien view'oi the .structur of Fig. 6 in adifferent'p'osition in the absence of a stack of cups.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view on "1 of 5- y I Fig. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view on line a-s of Figi 6A,

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary View with certain parts in Ysection of certain details of a cup dispenser line structure.

Fig. 10 is a bottom plan view of a cup stack holder.

Figs.' 11, 12, and 13 are fragmentary views partly in .elevation and partly in section show'- ing certain cam switches in positions corresponding to that of Figs. 1 and 2.

Fig. 14 is an enlarged detail View of a dispenser tube.

Fie .15 is en enlarged fragmenten' .seetienel view of seating and locking structure at the upper end of the dispenser tube.

Fie- 16 ,is an enlarged perspective view the locking device of Fig. l5.

Figs. `17 and 18 are horizontal sectional views of the cup filling chamber with a cuD QSLSWSI in different positions according as the rear door is in closed or open position.

Fig. 19 is a View in side elevation of a ecmbined agitation and, liquid level control., seen online IE5-|79 of Fig. 3.

Fie.: 20 is .e ion nien view emitirse! Fig. 21 is a sectional view taken on line gif-2J of Fig. 20, with a different pcsition of yone of the parts shown in dot-dash 'ii-nes.

Fig. 22 is an enlarged fragmentary view as seen on line 22-22 of Fig. 19.

Fig. 2 3 is a schematic View vof the circuit with certain switches in position for `causing lling Qf liquid into a cup.

Fis- 2i is e erols .diagram of the operation of the apparatus.

'The advantages 0f the invention as here outlined are best realized when all of its features and instrumentalities are combined, but useful embodiments .may be produced involving less than the Whole,

it will 4be obvious. to those skilled in the ai to the invention entertains, that the same may be incorporated in several different -construeiions- The accompanying drawing there` milk .een

thereof with parts fer6. is ysubmitted merely es snowing a ereignen exemplication of the invention.

Referring in detail to. the draw-ing. VH3 denotes apparatus embodying. the invention. The .seine eoinprises ont suitable 'frame Work includ.- i-ne e base plete Il from which extends upwardly leri-ront well I2 and a pair 0i sensed, vertical walls I3, Il I at right angles to the front wall and spaced rearwardly thereof. Between the latter andthe iront, wall is a stationary oil-1o receiving Chamber I5 xedly mounted at I6 en tnefbase plate II,this engineer Vbeine in @liner-nent W-.itn ine scese 1dev.if-ined between 'the walls I3, I4. A t its front and rear; the chamber i5 is adapted Vio be whole opened respectively at I'I and 18 the Yharnber being otherwise clcsed. vEnr closing ythese' openings rdenis i9 en@ .2.0 are provided. Since the `front door I9 .is swingable about a-pivgt, as here.,- inafter describedthis l'door is curved .like assegnient of aeylinder Whose axis is at said pivot.,and .th opening I1. denes a surface oorresperidingly served 'for accurately seating the iront ldoor :in closed position- To en the iront door, the saine swung te e. fpgsition at least partially above the chamber I for free access of ones hand to the liquid filled cup seated therein. To accomodate the door I9, the front wall I2 is formed with an arcuate outwardly projecting track-like section I2a, having an opening 2I permitting full and free access into the chamber I5. To permit visibility of the contents of the chamber, the front door may have a generally rectangular frame 22 suitably carrying a transparent plate 23 of plastic or glass. To assure substantially gas-tight sealing of the opening I 1, the front door may have a suitable liner 24 of cushioning material such as rubber continuously, permanently adhesively or otherwise connected to the frame 22 at its rear face to form a uniform gasket between the door and the chamber when the former is in closed position. To prevent wear of the gasket 24 against the seating surface at the opening I1, the door I5 is adapted for radial movement away from the seat while it is in motion, and toward the seat to clamp the gasket when the front door is in closing position. Therefore, the front door is shown spaced from the seat at I1 in open position. The means by which these radial movements are accomplished is described hereinafter.

The rear door has a Xed pivotal mounting at 25 a little below its bottom edge, on the chamber supporting portion I6, this pivotal axis being in the plane cf the door and parallel to the axis of the front door I9 and to the plane of the rear opening I8 of the chamber I5. At its front side, the rear door is continuously marginally undercut to receive a packing or cushioning element 26 adhesively or otherwise permanently secured thereto whereby this door seats in a gas tight manner on the surface at the opening I8. Accordingly, when the front and rear doors are closed, the chamber I5 is adapted to maintain a suitable partial vacuum therein, hereinafter referred to as a gaseous suction condition, for the suction lling of liquid into a cup disposed in the chamber. The means for swinging the door to the closed dot-dash line position and powerfully to closed sealing position are described hereinafter.

4Also provided in the chamber I5 is a seating member 21 for a cup or other receptacle 28. This seating member is adapted to embrace the cup against lateral movement. In consequence it may be formed as a ring of tapered or angular form in cross section, as shown. The seat is angularly movable preferably with the rear door 20, and is therefore permanently secured to that door, desirably at right angles thereto. Acting in conjunction with the door 20 and the cup seat 21 is a track or concave guide element 29 at an angle thereto. The guide extends from an upper portion of the rear door downwardly and forwardly into the seating member 21. The arrangement is further indicated in that when the rear door is swung open to an upwardly rearwardly inclined position, at an angle of about degrees, a cup dropped on the door slides down the guide or chute 29 into the seating member 21, and when the door is righted to closed position, the seating member becoming horizontal, the cup is positioned in vertical generally centralrelation to the chamber I5 for the liquid filling operation. This construction permits the rear end of the chamber I5 and its opening I8 t0 be made narrower than the corresponding parts at the front of the chamber. The cup seating and guide portions 21, 29 are spaced above the bottom wall 30 of the chamber for adequate clearance. Secured in the bottom wall 30 of the chamber in insulated relation thereto is a plurality of spaced electrodes 3I, disposed below the cup seating member. If any liquid spills over onto the bottom wall it forms a circuit between the electrodes serving to indicate the unt'idy condition to the operator.

For indicating the presence of a properly seated cup 28, a feeler switch 32 may comprise a feeler nger or pin 33 slidably fitted in the rear door 20 in such snug relation thereto as to avoid any` door is in open cup guiding position, the feelerv pin is normally retracted as in Fig. 18 so as not to form an obstruction in the path of the cup. After the latter has engaged in the seating member 21, and as the rear door swings toward closed position, as in Fig. 17, the feeler pin is advanced yieldingly until it contacts the cup, whereupon further advance is prevented at a given indicator position. If there is no cup present, or if the cup is improperly seated, the pin continues its advance to a second indicator position; electrical indicator means are provided responsive to each of these positions.

The feeler pin 33 may have a head 34y to which is connected by any suitable lost motion pivotal connection at 35 a lever 35 having a fixed pivot 31 carried by the door 20. The connection at 35 may include a pin and 9, slot or fork in the lever. Responsive to the latter is a switch 38 mounted on a side of the chamber I5 in stationary relation thereto. This switch may include spaced contacts 39, 40. A reciprocatory switch member 4I may move between these contacts to engage one or the other thereof. This switch may be insulatingly engaged with the free-end portion of a strip spring 42 xedly mounted at its other end. The free end portion of the lies in the path of the head 43 of the lever 36. Normally the switch member 4I is moved by the spring 42 to engage contact 40, but when the head 43 deflects the spring, the switch member 4I engages contact 39. Opposing the spring 42 is a, substantially weaker strip spring 44 mounted at one end on thev door 20, its other end bearing on the head 34 to serve to retract the pin 33. When the rear door 20 swings away from the main section of the chamber I5, the lever 35 releases the switch 38, and the spring 44 retracts the feeler pin 33. When the rear door swings to closed position, the lever 36 abuts the switch spring 42 which overcomes the spring 44 to advance the feeler pin. When the latter is stopped by the cup 23, the pressure on the lever 35 causes it to deflect the spring 42 for causing engagement between contacts 35, 4I. If no cup is present, the feeler pin continues to advance, and the lever merely swings without deecting spring 42 so that the switch contacts 40, 4I remain interengaged. The switch elements may be insulated in any feasible manner. The operation of the feeler switch device 32 will be described in connection with the circuit diagram hereinafter referred to.

The top wall 45 of the chamber I5 is provided with a liquid discharge port or opening 46 which is coaxial with the annular seating member 21 strip spring air sealed relation thereto. When the conduit is collapsed, the curved part T13 lies protectively within the cover `$6 as shown in dot-dash lines in Fig. 1. It may be enclosed in a sanitary manner by a secondary cover 15. The neck 65 may carry a bracket I6 to which the covers 66, 'l5 may be individually or collectively locked in any suitable releasable manner at '11. The can $8 and its associated parts is shipped in thoroughly sterilized condition, and at its destination, the cover 'I5 is removed whereupon the conduit El is pulled upward and locked to the chamber I5. Adulteration of the milk is not possible, since breaking of the seal and lock for the cover E is prohibited. Should water be poured into the compartment 'I of the cover, the raised boss G8 is a safeguard, and if the water level is higher than the boss, the sealing bushing 'I0 will prevent leakage into the can 48. If the conduit section 41 should be completely withdrawn for pouring water through the bushing, this tube cannot be reinserted into the rubber coupling "I2, which with its conduit section 1I will fall laterally out of line with the bushing 70. Thus means are provided to make it diicult to attempt to adulterate the milk. After the milk in the can has been consumed, the conduit or part thereof may be discarded and the can returned to the milk plant to be sterilized and relled.

By the provision of a discardable conduit 47, 'I I, considerable expense and trouble are avoided, since otherwise each can would require a telescopic vconduit of relatively costly permanent nature, with parts subject to loss or to breakage or distortion. The conduit may be made of any cheap material such as a paper-like substance. For instance, each of the sections 41 and 'II may be made of paper helically wound and adhesively united in a well-known manner to form tubes which may be finally coated with a waterproof adhesive, varnish or plastic to form as smooth a surface as possible. In making the curved portion 13, that portion of a straight tube may be wetted to soften it and then forced onto a curved mandrel, upon which it may be dried by the application of heat while pressure is applied 'by an external die to compress and smooth out the wrinkles formed in bending the tube. Before the tube is wholly dry, the mandrel and die are removed, after which the tube dries completely for a permanent rigid set of the curved portion. Now the grommet e9, I4 may be forced in place. Before or after application of the grommet the tube 4'! may be coated with a waterproofing material mentioned which tends to adhesively seal the grommet to the tube and smooths out the irregularities especially in the curved portion to minimize friction and hence turbulence of the liquid flow, permitting a relatively substantial flow velocity without undue irregular distortion of the liquid level in the cup 28.

The conduit @il is connected to a source of a1- ternating suction and pressure comprising a pump 8@ direct-connected to its driving motor 8 I mounted on a support 32 fixed on the base plate II to form a single-conduit pressure-suction air pump system. The pump may be of any rotary positive pressure type such as shown in Pat. No. 2,081,650 previously referred to, having intake and outlet conduits M, 83 connected to a solenoid operated reversing valve such as shown in that patent, and having an air lter similarly associated therewith. For convenience, the valve device is herein illustrated as having a cylindrical valve casing 85 having a central valve stem 86 carrying axially spaced disc valves 81, 88. As shown, the valve unit is downwardly retracted by an external expansion coil spring 89 acting between the valve casing and a head on the valve stem, the valves 8l, 88 being in such position that communication is established only between the conduit 60 and the pressure passage 83. When a solenoid 90, in an extension Sita of the valve casing, is energized, the valve unit is upwardly moved against the force of the spring 39, Cutting off the conduit 60 from the pressure passage 83 and connecting it to the suction passage 84. In this pressure position of the valve unit, air may leak in around the upper part of the valve stem through the casing extension 90a which may have a bleeder hole or may be skeletonized to supply air for the pump and when the valve unit is in suction position, air pressure may leak out about the lower part of the valve stem to permit the suction to be maintained. The circuit for the solenoid is described hereinafter. In the conduit 60 there may be any suitable bleeder valve device 9I which may include a needle point valve (not shown) settable by fine bleeder opening 93 and as the front door I9 opens for removal ofthe cup, the pressure causes an outward cleansing pufl of air. When the doors I 9, 20 are closed,` the air pressure flows through the conduit 41, 1I to bubble up through the liquid or milk in the can d8 for agltating the same and assuring an of particles or ingredients which tend to separate out. Such agitation may thus occur before or after a cup 2B is filled, and may also occur in both instances, while the chamber I5 remains closed. A single conduit is thus utilized for both suction filling and pressure agitation. The latter phase will be further discussed hereinafter.

The structure thus far described may operate according to different cycles which may be termed and continuous The intermittent cycle may be initiated manually by a simple or coin operated switch, with both doors I9, 20 closed and a cup 28 in operative position in the chamber I5. The latter is subject to suction and the cup is filled, whereupon the front door opens. Whenever the operator removes the cup, the rear door opens to receive another cup, and during or preferably before the rear door closes, the front door closes, completing the cycle. 'Ihe continuous vcycle is diierent in that the lling of the cup is initiated automatically and when the cup is full, the front door automatically opens. This condition of the apparatus marks the beginning of the continuous cycle, and the apparatus may remain in this condition as long as desired. Upon removal of the nlled cup, the front door I9 closes, the rear door 2Q opens to receive another cup, and then closes, and the cup is filled, whereupon the front door opens, completing the cycle. In the intermittent cycle, agitation of milk by the air pressure occurs automatically at regular in-V tervals while the chamber is closed. In the continuous cycle, the agitation occurs during a fraction f a minute after the cup has been filled and before the front door is opened for which reason the opening of the front door is suitably retarded. Since the continuous cycle contemplates a virtually continuous use oi the apparatus, ample agitation will occur.

` Certain devices and mechanism for causing the operations mentioned will now be described, followed by a description of the electrical circuit. The frame walls I3, I4 carry a main drive shaft 95 suitably journaled therein, and rotated by any suitable source of power such as an electrical motor indicated in the circuit drawing. The shaft has nXed thereon identical cams 06, one adjacent to each wall and outside of the frame. The cam rotates counter-clockwise and is shaped to cause rapid opening of the front door and to cause it to remain open, all in proper timed relation in the cycle, the door closing gravitationally, with its weight being continuously carried by the cam. Also journaled in the walls I3, I4 is ccuntershaft 91 carrying identical telescopic arms 98 that support the front door I9. The shaft 9-1 may be stationary or rockable, and constitutes a pivotal support for the arms, the latter being disposed at opposite sides of the door for a well-balanced support thereof. Each arm 08 may include a main Section 99 having a follower roller |00 for the cam 96. The latter may have a rapid rise for opening the door, a dwell |02 to keep the door open, and a dwell |03 to support the door closed. Each arm 98 has a companion arm section |04 extending along and slidable with relation to the section 09 by the provision of pin |05, on the latter engaging in slots |01 of the slidable section. The latter carries a pin |08 connected by a tension coil spring |09 with the pin |05, thus tending to elongate the arm to move the front door I9 away from its seat at the opening |1 of the chamber I5. At its front end portion, the arm section is enlarged to provide a seating engagement with the door I9, including three open ended slots I II) for engaging corresponding pins spaced lengthwise of the door. One of these pins III is central to the door, and is engaged in the central slot and the other lateral pins I I2 are engaged in the other slots. For releasably locking the door to the arm section |04, the latter may have a latch lever I I3 centrally slotted at I I4 to receive a pivot and guide pin |I5 on the arm section |04 and having at its forward end an angular or bayonet slot ||6 adapted to receive the pin I I I. At its other end, the latch lever is engaged at I I'I by a tension coil spring I|8 connected at |I9 to the arm section |04. Thus the spring I I8 serves the dual purpose of holding the pin III securely engaged in the bayonet slot I I6 to lock the door to the arm section |04 and to pull the door toward the latter with the pins I I I, I I2 snugly seated in slots I I0 to maintain the door in substantially rigid relation to the arm section. lThe springs I I8 have the additional purpose cf permitting some yield when the door is seated on the chamber I5 to allow for any slight misalinement and permit uniform seating engagement. The door I9 may be removed by merely sliding the levers I I3 f rontward and swinging them out of the way. As arranged, the telescopic arms 98 clear the conduits 41 and 60, and lie at opposite edges of the rear door, in spaced relation thereto.

As previously indicated, when the front door I9 is in open or partially open position, it is spaced from the seat at the chamber opening I1 to avoid frictional war on the gasket 24. The telescopic arms 98 are then held expanded in length by the springs |09. When the 'door is in closed, sealing position it has been moved radially inward, toward the chamber I5, to tightly engage the seat at the opening I1. To effect such radial movement, means such as identical bell cranklever are provided on the Walls I3, I4 pivcted thereon at I2I.

Provided on the arm section |154 is a pin |22 movable into cooperation with the bell crank lever |20 when the arms 38 move downward into door closing position. In such position of the pin |22,` the bell crank lever is movable clockwise to engage the pin |22 and move the arm section |34 rearward against the force of spring |09 for'causing the front door I9 to move toward its seat at the opening I1 for vair tight sealing of the chamber I5. For positive actuation of the bell crank lever, its arm |23 may carry a roller 123s engageable with a cam |24 rigid on the main shaft 95. A tension coil spring |25 interconnects the arm |23 with a point on an adjacent frame wall I3 or I4 to maintain the roller in engagement with its cam |24 and to retract the bell crank lever |29 out of the path of the pin |22 for purposes of clearance. The cam |24 may have a dwell |25 to permit the retraction to occur, and a dwell |21 for advancing the bell crank lever to engage the pin |22 and cause the movement of the arm section |34. After the front door has fully closed the cam face |21 engages the roller |2311. and maintains such engagementuntil the suction filling of the cup 28 has been completed and the front door is ready to open. Then the cam face |21 releases the roller |23@ whereupon the bell crank lever |20 is actuated by the spring |25 to release the pin |22, and the spring |09 acts to longitudinally expand the arm 98, spacing the front door from its seat at I1. The identical operations Yoccur at both arms 98 to produce a fully balanced operation of the door |9.

For actuating the rear door 25, a spring expanded telescopic linkage |30 is provided pivotally connected thereto at |3I. The linkage includes a main link |32 pivotally mounted at its rear end on the rod or countershaft 91 and having a roller |33 engaging a cam |34 fixed on the main shaft 95. Spaced from its front end, this link has a pin |35 engaging in the slot |36 of a companion link |31 pivoted to the door at I3I. The pin |35 serves to hold the links |32, |31 together in side by side, relatively sliding relation to each other. A tension coil spring |38 interconnects the forward end of the link |32 with the rear end of the link |31 to cause expansion of the linkage |30 for pressing the rear` door 20 into closed sealing relation to the chamber I5. When the door is thus closed, the links form a small angle with each other to facilitate instant downward breaking of the linkage for opening the door, and this action may be accelerated by the spring |39 which interconnects the link |31 with the base plate |I in a downward and rearward direction. When the rear door is closed, cam dwell |40 engages the roller |33, and when the rear door is to be opened, the roller enters the cam recess |4I. In the latter position, the spring |39 causes the linkage |30 to break downward, this being assisted by the spring |38 which is thus relieved of its tension. The slot |3t` may have sufficient length to permit the rear door to open to an angle of about degrees.

When the rear door is thus opened, it is adapted to receive cups such as 2S manually or automatically, as by any conventional dispensing unit |45 for paper cups, well known in the art. This 13 unit is adapted for use with a stack of nested cups, and discharges one at a time.

The cup dispenser unit may be arranged to discharge cups onto the track 29 of the open door 29. Preferably, a concaved guideway |45 is connected to said unit to assure that the cups will fal1 in accurate upright position. Automatic operation of the dispensing unit |45 may be had by a lever |48 having a fixed pivot |49 on the frame wall I4. At its lower end, this lever includes a roller |59 engaging a cam |5| fixed on the main shaft 95, and a tension coil spring |52 interconnecting the lever with a point |53 on the base to hold the roller against the cam. At its upper end, the lever may have a slot |54 engaging a pin |55 on an arm or link |58 connected to the dispenser unit |45 or to an actuator thereof. The lever moves counterclockwise to prepare the actuator to discharge a cup and when the roller |59 enters the cams recess |54, the lever swings rapidly clockwise to cause discharge of the cup, this occurring almost immediately upon full opening of the rear door.

Since the usual stack of cups is quickly exhausted, means is provided whereby a plurality of the stacks can be mounted simultaneously and automatically shifted to dispensing position as a previous stack becomes exhausted. Accordingly there is provided a cylindrical casing member |58 having therein three tubular equally angularly spaced sections |59 open at the top and being internally shouldered at |59 to slidably receive and seat vertical receptacles |6| having therein stacks of nested paper cups such as 28. When the receptacles |6| yare inverted and mounted as shown, each communicates with its tubular section |59 to form therewith a relatively smooth continuous passage for the paper cups. Centrally formed in the casing |58 is a tubular hub |62 adapted to receive a shaft |63 `about which the casing rotates. The lower ends or mouths of the tubular portions |59 terminate in a plate |64 aixed thereto and serving as a base for casing |58. This base rests slidably on a stationary plate |65 which serves as a support for the casing |58 and also as a closure for the sections |59 except at the opening |65 alined with the dispenser unit |45 which may be aiiixed to the plate |65 as by brackets |61. The opening at |66 may be so shaped or lipped as to prevent the marginal lip of a cup from accidentally catching thereon. Thus cups 28 are discharged intoV the dispenser unit as consumed. Since the latter is spaced considerably below the plate |65 for a purpose hereinafter described, a coaxial tube |58 is aflixed to the dispenser unit to bridge at least part of the gap. This tube I 58 may have a slightly flared or beveled mouth to avoid catching the lip of a cup. The plate |65 is also provided with a central opening |59 sufciently large to freely pass a ratchet wheel that is rigid on the hub or bearing |62. With the plate |65 aiiixed to and resting on the frame walls, I3, I4, assembling is facilitated, and the casing |58 including the ratchet wheel |19 can be readily removed if desired. This ratchet wheel is utilized to rotate the casing |58 at selected times to shift a new stack of cups into feeding relation to the dispenser unit |45 as presently described.

Spaced below the top frame plate |65 and parallel thereto is a mechanism carrier plate |1| aiixed to the frame members i3, I 4. The staticnary shaft |83 is undercut to rest on this carrier plate, its undercut portion |12 passing through a hole in the plate and being secured thereto by a fixed head I 13 of any suitable character. Journaled on the portion |12 between the elements |1| and |13 is a lever |15 adapted to be oscillated to actuate the ratchet wheel. For this purpose a link |16 is connected to one end af the lever |15 at |11a and to an upright lever |11 at |18. This lever |11 has a fixed pivot |19 on the frame wall I4 and is pivotally connected at its lower end at |88 to a link |8I having a slot |82 for slidably receiving a pin |83 on the lever |48. At its other end, the lever |15 is provided with a pair of radially spaced pins |84, |85 extending upward through individual arcuate slots |86 in the carrier plate |1| 'Ihe former of these pins Ycarries a pawl |81 maintained in engagement with the ratchet wheel |18 by a tension coil spring |88 connected to the pawl and to a point or pin on the carrier plate |1I. The opening |69 in plate |55 is made sufciently large to clear the pins, the pawl and the spring thereof. Extending in the path of the other pin |85 is a longitudinally slidable strip element |90 having a plurality of slots |9| receiving headed pins |92 on the underside of the plate |65 whereby the element |98 is mounted to overlie the carrier plate |1|. At its extreme outer end, the element |99 may have an upwardly bent finger piece |83, the plate |65 being cut away at |94 to provide clearance therefor. This finger |93 is engageable in any one of three equally angularly spaced notches |95 disposed along the periphery of the bottom plate |64 of the cup stack casing |58. These notches are cut at an angle to the tangent for proper engagement with the nger piece |93 and for easy release therefrom. A tension coil spring |99 interconnects the element |99 with a stationary part so as to move the element toward its actuator pin |85 with the finger 93 entering one of the notches |95 to thus lock the casing |58 against rotary movement except when the stack of ycups has been exhausted. A tension coil spring |91 interconnects the lever |15 with a relatively stationary part to tend to retract the pawl |81 and to actuate the pin 85 in opposition to the spring |96, Whereby pin |85 and the latch element |99 are always in contact with each other. However, the tension of spring |91 is superior to that of spring |98 and the action of the former is thus to normally maintain the pin |83 at the forward end of the slot |82.

In order to ascertain whether a stack of cups has been exhausted, a feeler finger 298 is mounted on a vertical pivot pin 29| on an extension 262 of the carrier plate I1|. This feeler finger may be in part on the underside of the latter, but in general it is mounted to clear the rotary base |64 of the cup stack casing |58 and as closely as practical thereto. The elongated free end portion 298m of the feeler pin may be of increased thickness beveled or triangular lin cross section so as to facilitate downward movement of the cup without forming an obstruction that might catch the rim lips thereof. The movement of this beveled portion is pproximately radial to the downward path of the cups as the linger pivots in its horizontal path. A light tension coil spring 283 is connected to the finger and to an extension 204 of the Wall I4. Thus the nger is constantly in contact with the side walls of descending cups. When the stack of cups is exhausted, the finger may move into the path thereof so that it can be readily seen in part through the opening |66 of the plate |65. At certain times the finger is fully retracted, and a clearance notch 295 may mfom-M time @marient the'ffeoees' the steek or f te" la'fhJmmber, sur it. 'rmermet when @..tfs 0f ,cups Present prventingfllll .Qutwrd @tement Qr the feler .20,0 vsrrrmtttre ...rafnet ,whtlllo not turned, .thesteck casing L-'Eownneteq mento., remaine stationery. preyem iomibleettemptrat. manuarturning yof tpg casing I 5I! With conseguentdstQrtonor jamlIlling of merope, *the ne'erwllremains lconstantlyl engaged ,infime ofthe notchesjISEmat the .base Qi that, Casing to; prevent :rotation .'therof.

ems/60 ""Ihe pam: lever 115 being j relatively `Slizttonary as wise movement, the D .ill4 |85 is` at the. front end o f its argate path, ther,eby 1earng.thpth of theV latch 1.911 which isfthus, held inA locking: posiil s `vabsent, yand the feeler .1,09 adyances ,fu1ly, perrpittng fullnosillattorrofvthe p aWLIeyer I`I5...the counter-clockwise movement of the latter, causes the pin |85 to move rea'rvszgrd-V toetractd moves; boni the-pamflet@ v| 152111@ the' lever V51 former must be sufficiently rearward to clear the notch |95 while the rotation is occurring to move the notch out of register with said finger. When the notch |95 has cleared linger |93 in the clockwise rotation of plate |64, the linger |93 may then ride along the arcuate edge of plate |64 until it comes into register with the next succeeding notch |65, when another cup compartment |59, ISI has moved into alinement with the dispenser unit |45, and since a stack of cups is now present, oscillation of the pawl lever |i ceases and the latch member |66 remains in stationary locked position.

Because the particular mechanism disclosed provides for a rather small throw of the pawl lever |15, a multiplicity of teeth are required on the ratchet wheel |19. In this particular case, with three stacks of cups, the ratchet wheel has fteen teeth. Since the stack casing |53 is moved one tooth on each cycle or cup filling operation of the machine, it requires five cycles of the machine for replacement of a stack of cups. Therefore a reserve of at least ve cups must be provided for the interim, and the tubular section |58 afiixed to the dispenser unit |45 is utilized for this purpose.

While the apparatus includes an electrical sysvtern including wiring and switches, it is considered to be sufficient to show these in the circuit diagram, except that it is instructive to show here certain switches which are operated by the main shaft 95. These include conventional switches 225, 226, and 221 iixedly mounted on the main base plate I, having spring arms 223 carrying rollers 229 engageable with the respective cams 239, 23|, 232 mounted on said main shaft. Of these, the switches 225 and 221 are single pole, single throw switches and the switch 226 is a single pole double throw switch. The switch 225 serves to cut out the circuit to the main shaft motor and to the pump motor 8| when the front door I9 is open. The switch 226 is normally closed at one of its poles for cornpleting a circuit to a periodic agitator control switch when there is no filling of a cup in the chamber I5, and which opens said circuit and closes a circuit through its other pole for energizing said motors subject to switch `225. Switch 221 is a safety switch for opening a circuit to prevent an unlimited flow of liquid in the event that the level control means lfor the liquid in the cup 28 fails to operate; this switch is therefore a timing switch whose period of operation is somewhat greater than the maximum time for normally filling the cup and it closes just before the filling begins and opens a little after lthe filling ceases under the control of the level control means.

A structure 235 providing a periodic agitation control and a different liquid level control for the cup 26 will now be described. These controls are functionally independent except as coordinated in the system as a whole, but they are arranged and constructed as a compact unit. The device 235 includes parallel metal plates or walls 236, 231 interconnected at one end by a suitable insulator block 238 and by other means (not shown) to provide a rigid frame. An agitator control switch 239 includes generally horizontal vertically spaced spring arms 249, 24| mounted on the insulator panel 238. These arms are in laterally offset relation to each other, but include laterally projecting portions carrying in- -sulated alined contacts 242, 243. The latter are connected by wire coils 244 to the switch arm arate the contacts 242, 243.

18 mounting screws 245 which serves as terminals for connection into a circuit hereinafter described. Mounted on the wall 231 is a horizontal shaft 246 carrying spaced cams 241, 248 for the respective switch arms 249,- 24| for controlling lthe switch 239. These cams rotate continuously counterclockwise.

Each cam has a tooth-like portion 249 forming a sharp drop to a recess 255 leading onto a relatively long dwell 25|. Both cams are identical except that one cam is angularly advanced through a certain small time angle with respect to the other. The switch arm 24| is formed with an upwardly bent finger 252 to engage its cam and to bring about a certain operation of the switch that will now be described. In the position shown, the contacts 242, 243 engage each other and the switch 239 is closed. From this position, when a small angular movement occurs, the cam 241 releases the switch arm 240 which springs upwardly separating the contacts 242, 243, the switch arm 24| maintaining its position or following slightly to a degree less than the movement of the arm 240. The latter now lies in the recess 250 of its cam 241, and as rotation continues, the high dwell 25| of cam 248 engages the finger 252 to spring the arm 24| downwardly to further sep- Still further rotation causes the dwell 25| of cam 241 to engage the top switch arm 240 to spring it downwardly, but the switch remaining open until the lower switch arm 24| snaps off the tooth-like portion 249 of its cam 259 for again closing the switch in the position shown. It is thus clear that the switch 239 is closed during an angular movement` of about 30 degrees and is open during the rest of the rotation. Hence if the shaft 245 makes a rotation in three minutes, the switch will be closed for only one-half a minute, during which agitation of liquid occurs by air pressure blown into the liquid. The shaft 246 may be rotated by any suitable clock or timing device such as any synchronous electrical motor 255 having a drive shaft 256 journaled in the frame wall. 236 and carrying a pinion 251 engaging a gear 258 carried by a-shaft 259 that is journaled in. vthe walls 236, 231. Also carried by the shaft |259 is a pinion 269 engaging a gear 26| mounted on the cam shaft 246. Thus the motor 255 causes 4continuous rotation of the cam shaft for accurate timed operation of the switch.

Operating conjointly with the capacitance control indicated at 63, or as a substitute therefore is a liquid level control for the cup 23 which is responsive to the drop in liquid level in the can 48 upon each liquid dispensing operation, or to the increased time required for filling the cup due to the drop in head in the can 48. The timing liquid level control, namely time switch 265, hereinafter described, may be used with-out removing the capacitance plates 63 if the capacitance control is out of order or is not used,

f and in that case the plates 63 may serve as an anti-friction covering for the cup guide 26.

The time switch 265 may include an extension of the main constant speed shaft journaled in the wall 231 and carrying a finger 266 rotated clockwise thereby. This finger engages a pin 261 of an arm 268 having a hub 1259 journaled on the shaft 259 retained by a spacer collar 21| pinned or otherwise fixed to the shaft, and by an adjoining collar 2591s, between which the hub 269 is freely rotatable. Journaled on the shaft 259 is a clutch plate 216. Between the plate 215 and the gear 258 is a-centrally convexed spider "aceai'r thus creating a frictional resistance spring 212 218 and the pinned collar 21| offset to carry a pin may be a spring wound motor 213a and carried by the shaft 214 at the other end thereof is a gear 213 engaging a pinion 214a on a shaft 214D journaled in the wall 236. Also carried by the shaft 2141) is a ratchet wheel or gear 216, and a pawl lever 211. The latter carries a pawl 218 mounted thereon at 219 and connected to the lever by a tension coil spring 280 urging the pawl into engagement with the gear 216. A second pawl 28! is pivotally mounted on a pin 282 secured to the wall 236 and urged into engagement with the gear 216 by a leaf spring 283 mounted on a bracket 284 secured to the wall 236. Adjacent to its upper end, the downwardly inclined pawl lever 211 is enlarged in width to form a head or finger piece 285 carrying a cam portion 286 of like width engageable by a finger 281 carried by the shaft 85. The pawl lever 211 is held upward by a tension coil spring 288 interconnecting the head 285 with a point on the wall 236 `at a cut out 289 which allows room for the spring.

This upward movement of the lever under the influence of the spring 288 is limited by a stop pin 298 fixed on the front wall 236 and engaging the lever in a recess thereof, whereby the cam 286 and the nger 28-1 are maintained in operative relation to each other. In this operative relation, the pawls 218, 28| serve as a pawl actuated spring motor wind as well as an escapement-like means for the gear 216 to actuate the latter and to prevent the spring motor 2130. from suddenly unwinding. This pawl actuated spring motor wind is operated once whenever the main shaft 95 makes a rotation, the finger 281 engaging the cam 286 to cause oscillation of the lever 211 against the force of to cause the pawls 218, 28| to avdance one tooth of the gear 216. Since the latter is connected to the timing cam 215 by the gear train 213, 214:1, the cam 215 is caused to have precisely equal angular movements upon each cycle of the mal chine as exemplified by the rotation of the main shaft 95. Because the timing cam 215 should turn clockwise, the movement of the gear 216 under the control of the escapement should be counterclockwise.

If a quick re-setting or" the timing cam mechanism is desired, itshould be possible to easily release the escapement to return the timing cam 215 to an initial position. For this purpose a pin 291 is amxed to the front wall 236 in the path of the cam shaped tail 292 of the pawl 218; and on the pawl 281 there is fixed a pin 293 engageable with the cam end face 294 of the pawl lever 211. Now when the operator depresses the finger piece 235, the lever 211 is moved clockwise against the force of spring 288 and the cam portions 292 and 294 engage their respective pins 29! and 293 to angularly move the corresponding pawls 218 and 28| out of engagement with the gear 216, whereby the gearing spins freely under the influence of the motor 213a until the timing cam 215 arrives at a desired position, whereupon the pawl lever 211 is released. It will be understood that the spring motor was wound up when the spring 288 just enough 20 the escapement rotated the gear 216 and hence the cam shaft 214.

For the purpose of setting the timer cam 215 to a desired initial position, an arm 295 is provided, freely journaled on the cam shaft 214 and having an angular section 296 formed with a slot 29611 concentric with said shaft. A headed screw 291 is threadedly connected into a boss 298 of the wall 236. A stop pin 299 fixed on the gear 213 lies in the path of the arm 295. The latter may be set at any desired position or angle by means of the set screw 291 which clamps the arm 295 against the adjacent wall 236. When the finger piece 285 is depressed to release the escapement, the spring motor causes rotation until the stop pin 299 engages the arm 295. Such rotation involves counterclockwise movement of the timer cam 215 for resetting the same to a desired initial position. Thus any desired portion of the timer cam 215 may be used according to the head of liquid in the can 48 and the elevation thereof relative to the liquid discharge outlet of the dispensing chamber l5. For instance, if the chamber I5 is higher at one installation than at another, relatively to the can 48, where the difference in head is greater, the timer cam 215 is set to afford a correspondingly greater period of time for the constant pressure pump 86 to fill the cup 28.

The timer switch includes any conventional normally closed spring switch 398 Xedly mounted on extension 313i of the clutch plate 218. To clearly show the operation, the switch 35i! may include a casing 362 having a strip spring switch arm 383 connected at one end therein and serving to normally close the switch contacts 334. For opening the switch, a rod or plunger 395 is slidably mounted in any suitable manner in the path of the spring arm 393, for example, in a hole in the bottom wall of the casing 382. The plunger 305 is urged downward by the switch spring 383, so as not to interfere with the normal interengagement of the contacts at 384, and there may be suitable means such as a collar on the plunger to prevent it from falling out of the casing. The plunger lies in the path of the arm 268 so that the latter is adapted to press on the plunger and upwardly defiect the spring arm 393 to open the contacts 364. The switch 368 may include any suitable insulation, and the parts 362 and 305 may consist of insulator material.

Since the shaft 259 turns clockwise, the clutch plate 218 acts to constantly urge the switch 399 clockwise, so that thev plunger 385 engages the arm 268 to keep the switch 399 open. When the finger 266, turning clockwise swings the arm 268 upwardly, it pushes the switch 389 counterclockwise to an upraised position. Because the speed of the main shaft 95 is substantially greater than that of the shaft 259, the finger 266 quickly releases the arm 269 and the latter quickly drops, disengaging the plunger 385, Vwhereupon the switch 389 is in normally closed position while it relatively slowly descends until the plunger 365 again engages the arm 268 to open the switch 360. The clutch plate yields easily under the force of the arm 2 68, but is held sufciently tightly frictionally to overcome the spring arm 393.

In the cycle of the machine as hereinafter described in connection with the circuit, it is noteworthy that the timer switch 265 causes the switch 300 to be open at the end of each cycle, at which times the pump 86 is adapted to apply pressure. The switch 366 is closed at an intermediate point in each cycle during which the valve device 85 is in position to cause the pump to create a suction for lling a cup 28. As soon as the latter is filled, the switch 388 is opened. While the switch 368 is closed, the solenoid 96 is energized to hold the valve device 85 in suction position. When the switch 368 opens, it cuts olf the current to the solenoid, whereupon the valve discs 81, 88 are shifted to pressure position by the spring 89 to thus cut off the flow of liquid.

' The key to the structure 285 is the timer cam 215. The latter is designed according to the cylindrical can 48 that is used, and related conditions. Where the amounts of liquid to be dispensed are uniform, and the container 48 is of any suitable design, such that it suffers an equal drop in head upon each dispensing operation, the number of such equal quantities of liquid to be dispensed to empty the can 48 is computed. Assume that 100 cups 28 can be lled from one can 48. This involves 100 cycles of the machine and hence 100 operations of the train of elements 95, 281, 211, 218, and 28| causing the gear 216 to advance 160 teeth and the timer cam 215 to have 100 successive equal movements. The operative cam surface of the cam 215 is provided with a uniform slope, so that its radius changes by an equal amount upon each of the 100 movements. As the liquid level in the can 48 drops, and because the pump 86 creates a uniform suction, the time required for pumping out the same amount of liquid increases. We have discovered that this increment of time is directly and precisely proportional to the change in liquid head. Thus there are 100 equal increments in time in filling 100 cups. The slope of the timer cam varies in relation to a switch such as 366 to produce G increments in the time during which the switch is closed. In other words, as the liquid level in can 48 drops, the point of time at which the switch opens to deenergize the solenoid 98 and cause the liquid lling suction to be cut off, is advanced.

More specicallly, if an empty cup 28 is in proper position in the sealed chamber I5, and a cycle is initiated, the main shaft 95 begins to turn. Initially the switch 360 was in downward position in engagement with and held open by the arm 268. Now the finger 266 on the main shaft causes the arm 268 and switch 388 to swing upward, with the switch elevated always to the same point, the arm 268 quickly dropping, whereupon the switch 306 is closed and descends slowly. The closing of the latter initiates the filling of the cup 28. The point to which the arm 268 dropped is determined by the position of the timer cam 215, and as the radius of the point of contact therewith diminishes upon successive filling cycles, the distance between the arm 268 and the cam 215 for the fall of switch 386 increases; in the example given, there are |69 such increments. With the timer motor 255 turning the shaft 259 at constant speed, the time for engagement of the switch 388 with the arm 268 for opening of the switch thus reects the design and position of the cam 215. The switch now remains in this open position until the next cycle.

The operating surface of the cam 215 is made considerably longer than a particular can 48 may require. If the latter is normally positioned lower relatively to the chamber l5 at one installation than at another, a lower section of the cam 215K is utilized to allow for the increased time consumed in dispensing the liquid. This can be ascertained by calculation or by calibration of the stop arm 295. With the linger piece 285 depressed .and thence at 822 to to release the escapement, the spring motor 213e moves the gear 213, rapidly counterclockwise until the pin 299 abuts the arm 295, and the thumb screw is utilized to secure the arm 295 in set position, the follower pin 2681) being at a relatively high point of the timer cam, which thus becomes the constant starting point for the particular installation. Whenever a can 48 is empty and is replaced, the finger piece 285 is depressed to reset the timer cam to the position determined by the arm 295.

, It will be appreciated that the liquid level control means may also be coordinated in principle with a condition which is not constant but which` varies with the liquid head in the can 48. Thus the degree of suction may be varied by varying the speed of the pump or by bleeding the suction'line or by varying the pump outlet to thus changev the suction so that the time for the cup filling operation may be constant or may vary according to the control used. With the time constant, the suction would be increased by equal increments upon each cycle, as the liquid head in the can 48 drops. For this purpose the cam 215 may be regarded as an energy control valve for controlling the iiow of air as well as of electrical current; and it may constitute a valve disc for controlling an air inlet or outlet port. However,. the control is more dificult to realizeii` used directly on the air flow than if a constant air pressure is utilized as herein described.

Electrical circuit The electrical circuitof the machine will now be described, from which the coordination of various parts will ce further apparent. The main line from any suitable source of current is indicated at 3i D, and the return line at 8 i i Current is fed to a panel terminal Si and thence along a line 3l3 to the cup test switch and along a line 354 to a double pole, double throw toggle switch 315 and to a push button or coin operated switch 3 I8, the latter being used for the intermittent as distinguished from the continuous operation of the machine. As shown in full lines the switch arms SI1, 358, and Isig are set for the intermittent operation (the fourth arm of the switch is not used). In the intermittent operation, the cycle begins with the chamber l5 closed and the cup 25 in operative filling position whereby the cup test switch is closed at contacts 39, 4|, closing a circuit 328 to a panel terminal 623i the normally closed liquid level switch 285 or 388 which is held open by the arm 288, breaking the circuit. In series Vwith the switch 388 is the normally open switch 221. The lead 8&4 includes a section 928 con-u nected to a switch terminal and by switch arm 8 l 9 to a terminal 825 from which a connected to the switch 3i6; a return line 321 from the latter is connected to switch terminal 828, whence the circuit is made to the switch tern minals 329, 338 by the arms 318, 861. From the terminal 3.38 a lead 33! extends to normally open switch-225 which is closed Yby its cam 238 timed line 325 is .with the front door i9. From the switch 225,2.

lead 382 connects to the panel terminal 835. From the lattei` extends a lead 39e to the contact 48 which is open; also a lead to the main motor 3138 which rotates the drive shaft 55; a third lead 331 from terminal 883 extends to a switch 338 of which the contacts 388 are normally closed, and the contact 813i open. From the contact 38) extends a lead 942 to the pump motor. Because the push button switch 316 is open the motors ass and al are normally deenereiaed. but while that switch remains open, current will flow along a circuit 343 from switch terminal 32,5 to the switch 223. The latter has contacts 34,4, 345 and 345, of which the contacts 345, 345 are normally closed while the contact 35B is open` From the contact 345, a lead 341 extends to the agitator switch 239 which is open most of the time but which closes at regular intervals f or causing agitation of the liquid in can 48. From the agitator switch 233 extends a lead 348 to a panel ter.- minal 350, whence a lead 35| connects to a relay 352 that controls the switch arm 339 to move the same to release contact 333 and engage contact 35|, thus opening the line 331.A However, cure rent from the terminal .350 will flow through the lead 355 to the contact 33| and thence through the line 352 to energize the pump motor 8| while the main motor 336 remains idle. The solenoid 93 being deenergized, the valve device 85 is in position so that the pump blows air into the liquid to agitate the same whenever the agitator switch is closed. When that switch is open, the pump motor 8| and relay 352 are deenergized.

In the intermittent operation, to start a cycle of the machine. Accordingly, the push button switch is closed momentarily to start the main motor until the cam 23| closes contacts 332, 335 of the switch 226, whereupon the switch 3|E may be released and the operation will continue to complete the cycle. is closed, the current from terminal 3 2 has a circuit through the switch 225 to terminal 333 and thence by parallel circuits to the main motor 1336 and to the pump motor 8| as described. The VA;

agitator switch circuit 341 is now open, and the relay 352 deenergized. Current from terminal 3|2 flows through a circuit 3m, 322, 319, 325, 353, 343, .335, and thence through a line 35S connected to the terminal 328, 33|), and 33| to the closed switch 225, and along lead 332 to the panel terminal 333 which is the supply source for the motors 8| and 336.

AS the main shaft 35 moves through a certain small angle, it causes switch 335. Current from terminal 3|2 now flows through circuit elements 3|3, 4|, 39, 32D, panel terminal 32 i, and elements 322, 221 through a line 3573 and a normally closed switch y33,0 to the solenoid 33 causing the valve device 85 to reverse so that the pump 80 now exerts suction for liquid filling of a cup. This continues until the timer cam 215 opens the switch 35D, whereupon the solenoid is deenergized, the valve device now ser-ving to feed pressure into the chamber l5. It is noted that the switch 221 closes just before the timer switch 35|), and opens after the latter has opened. The cam 232 is designed to keep the switch 22'! closed for a time period a little greater than the maximum time during which the timer switch may be expected to remain closed. Should the timer switch fail to operate for any reason, the switch 221 assures a cut off of the liquid flow to prevent a substantial overflow and loss of the liquid. rfhis is further guarded against bythe switch 355, the of opening when a film of liquid for any cause deposits on the floor of the chamberv and creates an unsanitary condition. Such a film bridges the electrodes 3|, which are in a low voltage circuit 3'B| supplied by a step down transformer 35,2 that is in a circuit 363 which may be connected to the line 3I, 3H. In the circuit `36| is a relay 334 which opens the switch 35,0. when energized, and which is deenergiaed when the film it is now desired When svi/itch` 315 then by way of 328, 329,

closing of the liquid level latter having the added function of liquid is removed. By opening the switch 360 the pump 8|!v immediately supplies pressure instead of suction, so that the flow of liquid ceases.

The cup V2t having been filled, the motor 335 continues to turn the main drive shaft 95 to open the front door I9 for removal of the cup at any time. Now the switch 225 has opened cutting o l the iiow of current to the terminal 333 and thus causing the main motor 335 and the pump motor 8| to cease operation. While the contacts 34d and 345 of switch 225 remain closed, this is immaterial as they are subject to switch 225. The cup testl switch contacts 39, il remain closed, but the agitator switchv 239 is cut out at contact 345 of switch 225, and the liquid level Switch 311|)v is Open.

Upon removal of the filled cup 28, the cup test switch 33 closes at its contacts 43, 3|, contact 39 being open, whereby current from panel terminal 3|2 flows to panel terminal 333, supplying the motors 8| and 335, the current to motor 3| passing through contacts 339, 330 of switch 338. Next, a new cup is being supplied at the rear door 20, and the front door closes whereupon the switch 226 is actuated to cause opening of the Contacts 35,4 and 346 and closing of contacts 3M, 345, to supply current to the agitator switch 239. When the,y rear door closes, the cup test switch 33 opens its contact 55 and closes itscontacts 39, di so as to place the liquid level switch 330 in circ it,J but the latter is open due to the position of the arm 253. rbhe main motor 335 is now idle while the pump motor 8| is periodically operated by current from the agitator switch to the relay 352 and through contacts 333, 32| as previously described.

If the liquid level switch 393 be responsive to changes in capacitance between vthe condenser platesy 6,3, the operation will be the same as de.- scribed.

The circuits may be completed by anyv suitable return lines 355 to 35S inclusive leading respectively from the pump motor 8|, solenoid 9,3, relay 352 and the main motor 336 to a panel terminal 313 connected to they line wire 3| l.

For the continuous operation of the machine, it will be recalled that the cycle begins and ends with the front door- IS of chamber i5 open, ready for the removal of a filled cup 28. For this cycle, the toggle switch 3&5 is shifted to merely bridge the contacts 324, 333 as shown in dotted lines at 31|. Now current from panel terminal 3-|2 will now along a circuit 3|4, 3.23 31 |,v 33t to switch 225 which is open when the front door is open, thus breaking the circuit to the main motor 335y and the pump motor 8|. Cup test switch contacts 39, 4| being closed, the liquid level switch 333 is connected, but is open. Upon removal of the lled cup, switch contacts to, :il close, supplying current to the panel terminal 333 and thus to the main and pump motors, initiating closing ofthe front door which may be retarded oy the design of its cam 9B to afford time ior the cup to clear thel door. When the front door is closed, current from terminal 312 also flows through circuit 315, 323, 321i, 31|. 33t, 33|r and` switch 22e t0v panel terminal 333, so that there are now two circuits feeding the motors 8| and 335. A new cup being in place, with the rear door closed, the cup test switch terminal d is open, cutting out the. supply circuit 3,34, and closing contacts 39, 2|, to close the circuit 372|),A 32|, 322 to the liquid level switch 3mi. The operation of the latter is the same as before;l it is initially open,y and when it closes, the solenoid 9c is energized to cause Suction filling,

25 after which the switch 30@ opens. Now the pump 80 supplies pressure to the chamber I5 causing agitation of the liquid in the container it during the few seconds before the front door opens to complete the cycle.

Operation The operation of the machine will now be briefly described. The milk or other liquid container i3 and its associated parts are assembled at a milk or other liquid plant, in sterile condin tion. Each can is supplied with a new, discardable telescopic conduit 431, 1l of paper-like inaterial, interconnected by the rubber coupling tube 12, which with the conduit section 1i is within the can, while the upper sectionlil is sealingly engaged in the rubber bushing 1d. W ith the conduit collapsed and the cover t6 locked to the can, the goose-neck curve 13 of the conduit with its grommet 419, lies enclosed in a sanitary manner in the cover chamber 61, which is closed by the auxiliary cover 15. The water-proofing coating of the conduit will not be affected by prolonged contact with the liquid. In this condition, the can 43 is shipped.

On arriving at its destination, the can lli? is placed in a refrigerator (not shown), the cover 15 is removed, and the conduit section i1 is moved upwardly, sliding through the elements 'it and 12, for attachment of the curved portion to the chamber l5 at its discharge port 13S. Such attachment is eected by the locking device 52 Whose lever is swung about its vertical axis to engage around the conduit, the cam 5? being then moved to tilt the lever relative to the horizontal at its loose fitting pivot, whereby the ear portion 54 bears down on the flange 49 so that the packing 56 effects a tight seal.

If it be attempted to adulterate the liquid, this is rendered difficult by the raised boss 68 and by the sealing bushing 1:1. If the conduit section 41 were completely removed, it could not be reentered into the contractile coupling 12 which would tend to tilt aside in the hollow boss or within the main body of the can li8.

Y With a cup 28 in place in the chamber l5 in central relation to the conduit outlet,. the liquid, without touching any part of the chamber, flows in a rapid stream into the cup, without uneven swirling, so that the liquid level rises relatively uniformly circularly of the cup; this is assisted by the smooth coated surface of the conduit, reducing eddying. Thus the rising liquid affects the capacitance of a condenser device, including plates c3 to cut ofi the liquid fiow at a predetermined level. Alternatively, a switch device 265 responsive to the uniform drop in head in the cylindrical can lili upon successive dispensing operations serves to measure the amount of liquid in the cup 2t. The switch device is based upon the principle of supplying increased pump ing energy proportional to the increased resiste ance caused by the drop in head, and such icreased pumping energy may take the form of a changing pump pressure but preferably it involves the use of constant pump pressure for an increasing time period for which the timer cam 215 is designed. Thus a normally closed switch is maintained open by the pressure of a switch arm 268 against which it is held by a clutch plate 210 driven by a relatively slow, constant speed shaft 259. On each cycle the arm 25S is caused to rapidly push the switch away to a uniform position from which the clutch plate moves the switch to again engage the arm 258, the intersliquid to substantially intermittent operation, the

vening space being increased on each cycle by the timer cam effecting the return position of the arm 268. During the return travel of the switch 300, the same is closed, and at the end of that travel it is open to cut off the liquid flow.

While the liquid flow may be caused by any suitable pressure, preferably an air pump 8E is used because with a reversing valve it can supply pressure for agitation as well as suction for pumping out the liquid, through the simple one conduit means 41, 1|. This agitation is caused by air bubbling up through the liquid thereby thoroughly mixing the elements in liquid food and other mixtures, such as chocolate milk, tomato and fruit juices, etc., and aerating the reduce its bacterial count and to increase the palatability of the liquid. The last two features afford striking advantages with milk, including homogenized milk. The air for agitation may be suitably filtered and may be taken from the refrigerator to maintain the liquid in cool condition. The agitation may be effected at regular intervals except as interrupted by the filling of the cup. In the case of milk, the agitation may occur for one-half minute in every three minute period without producing excessive butter fat. Such agitation may be controlled by an agitator switch l239v operated by the constant speed means used for the liquid level control switch 30B.

The chamber l5 is so constructed that when a cup 28 is properly seated therein, its upper portion is out of contact with all parts of the chamber for sanitary reasons. Its mouth is well below the liquid discharge and suction ports so that they will not obstruct removal of the cup and so that any froth on the liquid shall not be drawn into the suction port. When the suction is replaced by pressure, this is done before the chamber l5 is opened, so that any liquid in the conduit curve 13 is blown back into the can 48, and so that there is a puff of pressure when the. chamber opens, tending to blow out any ies that may be present therein. In the so-called cup remains empty in the sealed chamber I5 and agitation occurs, until a cycle is started, whereupon fresh cold liquid is discharged. In the so-called continuous operation, intended for very busy restaurants and the like, the cycle ends with a filled cup and the chamber l5 open, and is again started by removal of the cup. In this cycle, the agitation occurs after the .cup has been nlled and just before the chamber opens. The agitation, though for a very short time, is sufficient be cause the machine is almost constantly in use. To maintain sanitary conditions, if a film of liquid forms on the bottom of the chamber, such as may attract ies, the electrodes 3l will prevent filling of the cups until `wiped olf. A low voltage is employed on these electrodes to prevent possible short-circuiting, and hence the relay 364 is used to open switch 35D.

While cups 28 may be supplied to the chamber l5 manually, this is preferably done automatin cally for sanitary reasons. To assure a compact, continuous operation, the chamber is provided with a rear door ZG for receiving the empty cup, and a front door I9 for removal of the filled cup, the chamber being otherwise stationary. Such a chamber is simple and highly advantageous for rapid dispensing operations, and is desirable for sanitary reasons even if suction filling be not used. The sanitary code especially in con-

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