US2783704A - Beverage maker and dispenser - Google Patents

Description

March 5, 1957 Filed Dec. 15, 195] H. E. LIEBELT BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER 11 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR.

HowAR'o E. LIEBELT March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT 2,783,704

BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER Filed Dec. 15, 1951 11 Sheets-Sheet 2 March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT 2,783,704

BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER Filed Dec. 15, 1951 ll Sheets-Shet 3 INVENTOR. I7 HOWARD E. LIEBELT BY 5/ Anemia :7

March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT 2,733,704

BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER Filed Dec. 15, 195] ll Sheets-Sheet 4 IN V EN TOR.

HOWARD E. LIEBELT BY March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER 11 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 15, 1951 INVENTOR. HOWARD E. LIEBELT 4. WT RN y March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT 2,783,704

BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER ll Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Dec. 15, 1951 I INVENTOR.

HOWARD E. LIEBELT ATTO March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT 2,733,704

BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER Filed Dec. 15, 1951 11 Sheets-Sheet 7 INVENTOR.

HOWARD E. LIE BE LT BY [232 I ATT RNE March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT BEVERAGE MAKER 1ND DISPENSER ll Sheets-Sheet 8 Filed Dec. 15, 1951 INVENTOR. HOWARD E. LIEBELT BY ATTOR March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT 2,783,704

BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER Filed Dec. 15, 1951 ll Sheets-Sheet 9 O M M INVENTOR. HOWARD E. LIEBELT a; 5%deg 2%??2 March 5, 1957 H. E. LIEBELT BEVERAGE MAKER AND DISPENSER 11 Sheets-Shet 11 Filed Dec. 15, 1951 INVENTOR. HOWARD E. LIEBELT BY J A TO St s Pass- This invention relates to a method of and means for preparing individual servings of beverage by passing fluid through a cartridge containing fluid-soluble ingredients.

An object of the invention is to provide a device for enabling a layman, or other person unskilled in the culinary arts, to prepare an individual serving of beverage by simply associating a cartridge containing fluid-soluble ingredients with a fluid dispensing device which may be manually actuated for discharging a quantity of fluid directly into the cartridge for thereby enabling the fluid to dissolve the fluid-soluble ingredients of the material contained within the cartridge.

Another object of the invention is to provide such a device wherein a single lever is provided for controlling the various sequential operations performed on the cartridge, whereby the user of the device need not be concerned with manipulation of a plurality of items.

A further object of the invention is to provide a fluid dispensing nozzle having associated therewith a cartridge carrier reciprocably mounted for axial movement toward and away from the nozzle, wherein actuation of a single lever is utilized for sequentially moving the cartridge carrier for advancing the cartridge into connected relationship with the nozzle, and then operating a suitable valve for discharging a quantity of fluid through the nozzle directly into the cartridge; said cartridge being retractable from the nozzle only after the valve which controls the how of fluid through the nozzle has been closed.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a device having cartridge holding and advancing means which may be shifted to a cartridge releasing position incident to movement of the hereinabove mentioned manually operable lever or handle to a predetermined position, thereby enabling the user of the device to quickly and expeditiously discard a 'used cartridge without having to touch same.

Another object of the invention is to provide a beverage dispensing device which includes a container for fluid and means for heating fluid therein to temperatures high enough to dissolve the desirable fluid-soluble ingredients of material housed within a cartridge through which the heated fluid is discharged. Heretofore considerable difliculty has been experienced in those instances when the vapor pressure is reduced in a closed fluid container of the typ'evwherein vapor pressure is utilized to eject the heated fluid therefrom incident to removal of say 40% of the original volume of fluid, whereby the rate of fluid discharge is materially lessened, thereby impairing thevdesiredoperational characteristics of the prior art devices.

I have simply yet effectively alleviated this condition by providing means responsive to the pressure conditions existing within the fluid container for automatically genepating additional vapor pressure when the vapor pressure in the container falls below a certain predetermined value.

I have likewise provided alternate means for insuring the proper discharge of fluid, which means are entirely independent of the pressure conditions within the container.

A further object of the invention is to provide a vapor booster pump the operating characteristics of which are such as to materially increase the vapor pressure within the container without appreciably increasing the temperature of the fluid in said container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a cartridge for housing material containing fluid-soluble ingredients which is so constructed and arranged as to insure maximum turbulence of its contents incident to the passage of fluid therethrough.

Still a further object of the invention is to provide a device having the hereinabove described characteristics and which includes simple yet highly efifective means for enabling it to be supported by, or suspended from, practically any type of conveniently available support means, thereby greatly enhancing its utility. 1

Another object of the invention is to provide a waste receptacle in association with the device, wherein said waste receptacle is so disposed as to receive the spent cartridges, and provide a drip or catch pan for fluid accidentally or otherwise spilled incident to use of the device.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a de- I vice wherein the cartridge holding and advancing means with the actuating lever located in is operatively and structurally associated with the nozzle and its valve whereby to provide a compact, highly etiicient unit.

These and other objects are attained by the means described herein and as disclosed in the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a ing the teachings of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an elevational view on the left side of the device of Fig. l. I

Fig. 3 is a top elevational view of Fig. 2. v Fig. 4 is a sectional view on line 44 of Fig. 3,

device embody Fig. 5 is an enlarged front elevational view of one type" of valve and cartridge holding and advancing means comprising a detail of the invention.

Fig. 6 is an elevational view of the left side of Fig. 5.

Fig. 7 is a view similar to Fig. 6, but with the left side plate removed to reveal certain structural details.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view takenon line 8-8 of Fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a bottom elevational view of Fig. 5.

Fig. 10 is a view similar to Fig. 5 showing the cartridge carrier in its fully advanced position for disposing a cartridge in fluid-tight engagement with the nozzle.

Fig. 11 is an elevational view of the left side of Fig. 10, position with the valve, closed.

Fig. 12 is a view similar to Fig. ll but showing the actuating ever in position with the valve full open.

Pig. i3 is an elevational view similar to Fig. 5 showing the cartridge carrier in a cartridge releasing position.

Fig. 14 is an elevational view of the left side of Fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a side eievational view of a cartridge comprising a detail of the present invention. I

- Fig. 16 a top elevational view of Fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a bottom eievational view of Fig. 15; l i

Fig. 18 is a vertical section through Fig. 15. i

Fig. 19 is a side elevational view of a modified form 'br' or" cartridge.

Patented Mar. 5, 1957 'Zfis a'vertical sectionthrough the cartridge of Fig. 23'.

Fig. 25 is a vertical section through a modified form of cartridge operativcly associated with a fluid discharging nozzle;

Fig. 26 is a side elevational view, partly in section, iilustratin'ganother modification embodying the teachings of the present invention;

Fig. 27 is a front elevational view'of a modified form of al've'and cartridge carrier;

Fig. 28 is an elevational view of the left side of Fig. 27. Fig;29' is a view'similar to Fig. 27 showing the parts in position with the operating lever shifted to open the valve. Fig; 30 is a sectional view taken on line 30-30 of Fig. 29'.

Fig. 31 is anelevational view of the left side of the device ofFig. 29;

Fig'.'321is'a sectional view taken on line 32-32of Fig. 31', showing a cartridge operatively associated therewith.

Fig. 33 isa' view similar to Fig. 30 illustrating the valve mechanism in a partially open position.

Fig. 34 is a view similar to Fig. 28 illustrating the devicein a cartridge releasing position.

Fig. 35 is a front elevational view of the device of Fig. 34;

Fig. 36 is a sectional view taken on line 36-36 of Fig. 28.

Fig. 37 is a sectional view taken on line 37-37 of Fig. 28.

Fig. 38is a sectional view taken on line 38-38 of Fig. 28.

Fig. 39 is a sectional view taken on line 39-39 of Fig.

V Fig. 40 is a top elevational view of the top, nozzleen'gag'ing portion of a cartridge comprising a detail of the present invention.

Fig. 41 is a sectional view taken on line 41-41 of Fig. 40.

Fig. 42 is a sectional view of a device, embodying the teachings of the present invention, provided with means independent of the pressure conditions within the container for .efiecting a positive discharge of fiuid therefrom.

With particular reference now to Figs. 2 and 4, the

numeral 50 denotes generally a container for fluid such as, by way of example, water which is to be heated for use in the preparation of a hot beverage. This container may inclu'deintegrally formed side and bottom walls and atop closure plate 52 provided with an Opening 54 for the reception of a filler tube 56 depending from ferrule 58having an annular seat 59 suitably engageable by plate 60' of a suitable closure element indicated generally by the numeral 62.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention a tube orp'ipe' 6:4 interconnects the interior of the ferrule 58, above closure plate'6t with the interior of an open-bottom chamber denoted generally by the numeral 66, located beneath container 50, thereby normally venting the space immediately above closure plate 60 to the atmosphere. A conduit 68 (Fig. 2) terminates in a lower end 79 disposed interiorly of and adjacent the lower portion of the container, the opposite end of said conduit communieating with passageway 72 which is in open communication with a nozzle denoted by the numeral 80 in Fig. 5. Suitable means-such as, by way of example, a pair of independently operable heating coils '76 and 78 are provided for heatingfluid housed within container 50 and for generatinga vapor pressure within the container above the fluid sufficient to effect a discharge of heated fluid via conduit 68.

With particular reference now to Figs. and 6, the numeral 80 denotes a nozzle and the numerals 82 and 84 denote a pair of side plates mounted for reciprocable motionvrelative to nozzle 80, the lower end of said side plates terminating in inturned members 86 and 88, re

spectively, for providing a cartridge carrier.

The upper portions of plates 82 and 8 may engage the outer'face of a pair of laterally spaced downwardlydepending duplicate cam plates 99 rotatable with and about the axis of shaft 92. which, in Figs. 5 through 13, comprises the axis of rotation of the plug of a standard two-way valve. Compression springs 94 interposed between washers 96 and cotter pins 98 secured to opposite ends of shaft 92 may be utilized for yieldingly maintaining plates 82 and 84 in desired relationship with cam. plates 99.

As best illustrated in Figs. 6, '7, l, 12 and i4, duplicam tracks 1&0 are provided in each of plates 90, said cam tracks including interconnected portions 102 hereinafter referred to as the cartridge carrier actuator portion and an arcuate portion 104 having its center on shaft 92, portion 104 being hereinafter referred to as the valve actuating portion.

A pin 106 spanningly engages the upper ends of the cartridge carrier plates 82 and 84, extending through suitable axially aligned apertures therein, said pin being IQ- ceived within vertical slot 1% provided in the valve housing cute for thereby limiting movement of the pin in a substantially vertical plane in axial alignment with the center of shaft 92, see Fig. 7.

The lower portions of the cartridge carrier plates 82" and 84 are normally and yieldably urged toward one another by means of a spring 110, the opposite ends of which are suitably anchored to said plates, see Figs. 6' and 7.

An element 112 is secured to and carried by the lower portion of the valve housing adjacent the nozzle, wherein the overall width of said element is of a dimension approximating the lateral spacing of the cartridge carrier plates 82 and 84 when they are in the position illustrated in Figs. 5 through 10. A pair of downwardly and outwardly inclined cumming ears 114 may be formed in tegral with element 112, said ears projecting outwardly through a substantially rectangular slot 116 provided in each of plates 82 and 84.

As best illustrated in Figs. 5, 7, 8 and 9, a stop member 120 is formed integrally with or secured to and carried by the rearward portion of each of inturned elements 86 and 88. A pair of inturned spring guide membars 122 are provided. for defining a throat. 124 into which the upper portion of a cartridge is receivable, members 122 functioning as resilient guide elements. One end of each guide member may be fixedly secured to a side plate such as by rivets 121, or the like, the other free end 123 abutting a stop member 120, as illustrated.

With reference now to Figs. 15-18, the numeral denotes generally a cartridge which includes a body portion 132 terminating in an upper portion 134 and a lower open bottom portion 136. The dimensional characteristics of upper portion 134 are such as to provide a neck 138 immediately below an enlarged bearing portion 140, it being noted that the neck portion 138 is receivable within throat 124 for thereby positioning the overhang ing portion 142. of portion 140 in overlapping relationship with portions of bottom plates 86 and 88 of the cartridge carrier plates 82 and 84.

. As best illustrated in Fig. 18, a quantity of fluid soluble material, indicated generally by the numeral 144, is housed within cartridge 130, being maintained there in by reason of a water pervious member 15%. Preferably a membrane 152 spans top opening 154 of the cartridge, thereby efiectively sealing the contents of the car' tridge against the effects of atmospheric conditions.

The structural characteristics of all of the cartridges are preferably such as to agitate the material housed therein incident to a flow of fluid therethrough. In the cartridge illustrated in Figs. 15 through 18 the maximum diameter is from 100 to percent of the height dimension, said maximum diameter being from 8 to'14 times the diameter of the upper portion at the neck.

In use the neck of a cartridge may be introduced into throat '124 for association with lips 86 and 88 of the car- I tridge carrier plates 82 and 84 during those periods of time when handle 149 is in the neutral position illustrated in Figs. 5, 6 and 7. It will be noted that when the handle is in the neutral position the pin or cam follower 106 is disposed in cam slot 102 adjacent but spaced an appreciable distance from lower end 153 thereof. If lever 149 is now shifted in a clockwise direction, with reference to Figs. 6 and 7, cam follower pin 106 will be moved upwardly in slot 102 for thereby lifting plates 82 and S4 upwardly and the upper portion of the cartridge will be advanced to engagement with the lower end of nozzle 80.

The forward end of nozzle 80 may terminate in an outwardly projecting hollow stud 160 dimensioned to enter portion 154 of the cartridge whereby further movement of the cartridge toward the nozzle will result in membrane 152 being ruptured, sheared or displaced by stud 160 thereby establishing open communication between nozzle 8% and the interior of cartridge 130. Preferably resilient sealing means denoted generally by the numeral 170 be provided on nozzle 80 for effecting a fluid tight fit between the upper portion 140 of a cartridge and nozzle 80.

If handle 14? now be moved further in a clockwise direction, cam follower or pin 102 will ride within arcuate cam slot 104 for maintaining the cartridge carrier plates 82 and $4 in the fully elevated position illustrated in Figs. 10 through 12 while the valve is progressively opened for permitting discharge of hot fluid via conduit 68 and pipe 72 to nozzle 80, it being noted that such fluid will be discharged directly into the interior of the cartridge.

The fiow of hot fluid into and through the cartridge will permit the fluid-soluble ingredients of material 144 to dissolve and enter into solution and thence be discharged through member 150 thence into a cup or the like securely though releasably carried by a clamping member 180.

After the desired quantity of fluid has been passed through the cartridge, actuation of lever 149 toward the neutral position of Figs. 5, 6 and 7 will result in the closing of the valve and then a lowering of the cartridge carrier plates 82 and 84 for retracting the cartridge from the nozzle and returning same to the position illustrated in Figs. 5 and 7. After the flow of fluid has thus been terminated, the cup or other container into which the beverage has been dispensed may be removed, after which lever 149 may be shifted in a clockwise direction on the other side of its neutral position for thereby forcing the cartridge carrier plates 82 and 84 downwardly whereby the upper edge 172 of rectangular slots 116 will ride outwardly on cam ears 114 for shifting or spreading the lower portions of plates 82 and 84 apart for disengaging the upper portion of cartridge 130, see Fig. 13. Springs 122 are compressed, that is, spread apart when a cartridge is seated in notches 125 of inturned. members 86 and 88. When the lower ends of plates 82 and 84 are shifted apart as in Fig. 13, springs 122 eject the upper portion of the cartridge from notches 125.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, container 50 is housed within an outer unit or jacket 200 including top walls 202, side walls 204, rear wall 206 and a front wall 210, it being noted that suitable insulation means are provided between adjacent portions of contaiuer 5e and the housing. The lower ends of the housing may be reinforced by a panel including a top 177, sides 179 and a pair of laterally spaced inturned track members 181 which are dimensioned to engage the over hanging side edge or lip portions 182 of a waste receptacle 184 suspended therefrom, see Fig. 1. The waste receptacle includes an aperture in axial alignment with nozzle 80 for accommodating used cartridges and quantitles of waste fluid.

- a preferred embodiment of a combined valve Considerable difficulty was formerly encountered after a portion of the fluid initially housed within container 50 had been discharged through conduit 68 by reason of the reduction in the vapor pressure utilized to expel the hot fiuid from the container. I have simply and effectively obviated this difliculty by means of the vapor pressure booster pump illustrated in Fig. 4. The pressure within chamber 50 is transmitted to diaphragm 190 of an auxiliary chamber 192 in open communication with chamber 50 as at 194. A micro switch 196 having a contact finger is suitably mounted so that finger 198 will be elevated for thereby breaking the electrical circuit which would otherwise be established in conduits 230 and 232, which are series connected with a suitable heating element denoted generally by the numeral 234. This heating element is constructed and arranged whereby to provide a localized spot of high intensity heat within a domed chamber 236. A riser tube 238 extends between and is in open communication with the upper portion of chamber 236 and the upper interior of container 50. An aperture 240 is provided in the wall of chamber 236 for facilitating the introduction of small quantities of fluid from container 56 into chamber 236.

During those periods of time when the vapor pressure existing within container 50 is equal to or in excess of a desired and predetermined amount, diaphragm 190 will be flexed outwardly thereby elevating finger 198 of the micro switch for breaking or interrupting the electrical circuit to heating element 234. However, whenever the vapor pressure within container 50 shall fall below a predetermined minimum, such as, by way of example, will occur when 40% or more of the fluid initially in the container has been withdrawn, diaphragm 190 will assume the condition illustrated in Fig. 4, thereby lowering finger 198 of the switch for thereby closing the electrical circuit to heater coil 234. Initial energization of coil 234 will result in heating of the fluid housed within chamber 236 whereby such fluid will be ejected upwardly through tube 238, thereby emptying the chamber. Additional fluid will then enter the chamber via opening 240 which fluid will be rapidly vaporized and discharged as a highly heated vapor upwardly through tube 238 for thereby increasing the vapor pressure existing within container 50. The operation of the vapor pressure booster pump does not appreciably increase the temperature of the residue of fluid in the container although it does materially increase the pressure head under which the fluid is ejected via conduit 68.

In this manner I have provided simple, effective, fully automatic means for compensating for the decrease in vapor pressure which would otherwise occur incident to operation of the device.

With reference now to Figs. 27-39, I have illustrated and car tridge carrier actuator. The numeral 300 denotes a housing having front, rear and side walls 302, 304 and 306 terminating in a tubular nozzle 308. An O-ring 310 is seated within an annular seat in the outer face of the nozzle. A chamber 312 has an inlet 314 and lower and upper bores or outlets 316 and 318 of the same cross sectional area. A slot 301 including side and bottom walls 320 and 322 is provided in the housing with side walls 320 in substantial parallelism with outer side walls 306.

A cam plate 326 is pivo-tally secured as at 328 to and between side walls 320 of slot 301. 1

A valve stem or plunger 330 is mounted for axial reciprocable movement within bores 316 and 318, said valve stem being provided with a pair of laterally spaced O- rings 332 and 334 seated within suitable annular seats provided in the outer face of the plunger.

As best illustrated in Fig. 32, O-ring 332 is adapted to make sealing engagement with bore 316 when the valve stem has been shifted to its lowermost, or closed position. O-ring 334 sealingly engages bore 318 thereby through conductors 536 and 538 whereby said pilot lamp will be energized whenever switch 518 has been closed, said switch and pilot light being illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 and denoted by the numerals 518 and 528, respectively. A resistor 540 interconnects conductor 516 with conductor 542 which is connected with contact arm 524, thereby reducing the voltage delivered to pilot lamp 528 from 110 to 27 /2 volts.

Closure of switch 518 energizes contact arms 544 and 546 of a pair of thermostats denoted generally by the numerals 548 and 550, respectively. Thermostat 548 is operatively associated with heater element 76 through contacts 552, conductor 554, 547, thence through heating element 78 and conductor 526, thereby completing a. series electrical circuit through heating elements 76 and 7 S.

\ In the preferred embodiment of the invention thermostat 548 may be set for temperature approximating 190 F. and thermostat 550 at 185 F. During those periods of time when the temperature of the fluid is less than 185 F. both thermostats will be closed, and an electrical circuit through a second pilot light 560 will be com pleted via contact point 562, conductor 564, 566, resistor 568 and conductor 570. Elevation of the fluid temperature above 185 F. will result in breaking the circuit to the pilot lamp at arm 546 and contact point 562.

In this manner I have provided simple yet highly effective means for visually indicating those periods of time when the electrical circuit is closed for operating the device and for further indicating when the fluid is above or below the temperature setting of thermostat 550.

When the device is operated on 27 /2 volts contacts 572, 574, 576 and 578 are suitably connected to one side of the circuit and contacts 580, 582 and 584 to the other side of the circuit. When switch 518 is closed pilot lamp 528 is placed in series with contacts 572 and 580 via conductor 542, arm 524, contact point 534 and conductors 536, 538 and 526 for indicating the electrical circuit has been closed.

When thermostat 548 is closed, relay 586 will be energized via contact 574, conductor 588, 590, 516, arm 520, contact 530, arm 544, contact 552, conductors 554, 592 and contact 584, thereby closing a circuit across points 594 and 596 to place resistor coil 500 in series with contacts 574 and 584 via conductors 598 and 592, and at the same time place resistor 502 in series with contacts 574 and 582 via conductors 598, 547 and 549. In this manner both resistors which collectively comprise heating unit 76 are simultaneously energized.

When thermostat 550 is closed, relay 608 is energized via contact 578, conductors 602, 604, 564, contact 562, arm 546, contact 552, arm 552, conductor 606, 516, arm 520, contact 530, arm 544, contact 552, conductor 592 and contact 584 for closing a circuit across points 608 and 610 to place resistor coil 504 in series with contacts 578 and 580 via conductors 612 and 526, while simultaneously placing resistor coil 506 in series with contacts 578 and 582, via conductors 612, 547, and 549.

From the foregoing it will be observed that resistor coils 504 and 506 can be energized only when both thermostats are calling for heat, however coils 504 and 506 will be de-energized whenever either of the thermostats are opened thereby affording an appreciable saving in electrical energy.

In the lower part of Fig. 22 the electrical circuit to resistor element 234 is disclosed, it being noted that the resistor comprises coils 568 and 510 in series for enabling operation on 27 D. C. or 110 v. A. C.

When operated on 27% volts, coil 508 is placed in series with contacts 620 and 622 via conductors 626, 230, switch 196 and conductor 628.

On 110 volts coils 508 and 510 are series connected across contacts 622 and 624 via conductors 232, 230, switch 196 and conductor 628.

In Figs. 19-21 I have illustrated a modified 'formof cartridge denoted generally by the numeral 1300 which comprises a body portion 1320 including an upper portion 134 similar to the upper portion of the cartridge illustrated in Figs. 15-18. A fluid pervious member 1500 is suitably associated with the lower peripheral edge of body 1320 for retaining fluid soluble material, thereby completing the cartridge assembly.

In Figs. 24 and 25 I have illustrated a cartridge having an upper portion 700 dimensioned to engage an O-ring 310 of nozzle 308. Tabs 702 are provided in wall 704 for imparting a definite nozzle-action to fluid discharged into the interior of the cartridge.

If desired the body 705 of the cartridge may be domeshaped and fabricated from any suitable material. A

sheet of fluid pervious material 706 may be secured to and across the open bottom edge of the housing by any suitable means, such as, by way of example, an inturned lip 708 of a peripheral flange 710. This flange may be engaged by or received between a pair of spaced members 720 and 722 secured to and carried by each of a pair of reciprocably mounted cartridge carrier plates 712 and 714.

in Fig. 25 the numeral 730 denotes a fluid pervious housing which is substantially bag-shaped with its upper end secured to a cap member 732 as at 734. A fluid conduit 736 is secured to and projects through the cap, terminating well within the housing in a deflector element 738. The opposite end of the conduit projects outwardly from cap 732 for insertion into an O-ring 740 carried by lips 742 of reciprocable plates 744. Upward movement of plates 744 will compress the O-ring against the free lower end of nozzle 746 and onto conduit 736 there by providing a fluid tight connection between the cartridge and nozzle.

A shield 748 may be provided for guiding the upper end of conduit 736 into axial alignment with the nozzle and O-ring assembly, and by mounting the shield to plates 750 reciprocable with plates 744 automatic ejection of a cartridge may be expeditiously effected.

In Fig. 26 I have illustrated a manually operable latchtype of cartridge clamp which includes a cartridge carry-' ing element 760 pivotally secured at 762 to a flange 764 surrounding the fluid discharge nozzle 766 for movement between the operative position indicated in solid outline, and the inoperative position in broken outline.

A cartridge 768 having a hollow body portion 770, a fluid pervious member 722 and a recessed nozzle receptive portion 744 is receivable within element 760 which may be securely though releasably locked relative to the nozzle by means of latch member 776, for disposing the cartridge in fluid tight relationship with the nozzle.

Upon release of latch 776 element 760 will swing downwardly under its own weight to the position illustrated in broken outline for automatically ejecting the cartridge as it strikes against abutment 778 projecting from side wall 780 (see also Fig. 1).

, With reference now to Fig. 42, I haveillustrated meansv for insuring discharge of fluid from container to the valve, via conduit 68, which is entirely independent of the pressures within the container. Such alternate fluid delivery means comprises, generally speaking, a suitable fluid pump, such as, by Way of example, a so-called centrifugal pump, denoted generally by the numeral 820 having an impeller 822 in driven connection with shaft 816v the upper end of which is suitably connected in driven relationship with an electric motor 810.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, shaft 816 is housed within a tube 814 suitably sealed as at 812 and 818 for precluding the escape or venting of fluid and/ or vapor pressure from the interior of the container 50.

A switch 800 having a spring loaded, reciprocably mounted, actuator pin or arm 802 may be mounted adjacent valve lever 149 for opening the switch during those l1 Q 91 tim when the ,er is in its vneutral and/or oantridgerelease position. -Whenever.lever 149 is pulled forwardly from its neutral position for advancing or elevating the cartridge carrier and then opening the valve, the switch will be automatically closed for completing an electrical circuit via conductors 80d and 808 to the ot0r'8 0- In this manner i have provided positive means for etfecting discharge of fluid within the container regardless of the temperature of the fluid and independent of the vapor pressure within said container.

From the foregoing it will be noted that .I have provided simple yet highly effective meansfor attaining the stated objects.

it should be understood that "various changes in the structural details of the device may be made, within thescope of the appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What

l. palatus of the character disclosed, the combination of a fixed nozzle, a cartridge including an upper end terminating in an upstanding neck portion dimensioned to receive the end of the nozzle, a cartridge carrier reciarocably mounted relative to the nozzle, said carrier including separable jaws for securely though releasablyengagingthe neck portion of a cartridge for disposing it in axial alignment with said nozzle, a valve for controlling flow of fluid through said nozzle, a lever pivotally mounted relative to said carrier and valve, means operatively interconnecting said lever with means for reciprocating the cartridge carrier and with means for actuating the valve and for correlating the operational characteristics of said last two mentioned means, said lever having a neutral position in which the carrier is disposed in retracted relationship with said nozzle and with the valve closed, said lever shiftable in one direction for initially advancing the carrier toward the nozzle for introducing and then sealing the end of said nozzle into the neck portion of a cartridge suspended from said jaws, and for locking said carrier and cartridge in advance position relative to the nozzle, said lever shiftable further in the same direction away from its neutral position to progressively open the valve for discharging fluid from the nozzle into the neck of the cartridge associated therewith, said lever shiftable back toward its neutral position for sequentially closing the valve and then retracting the carrier for withdrawing the cartridge from the nozzle, and means operable incident to shifting the lever in the other direction from its neutral position for shifting apart the separable cartridge engaging jaws for releasing the cartridge.

2. In apparatus of the character disclosed, the combination of a valve comprising a body portion including a depending nozzle having an axial bore therethrough with the lower end of the bore tapering toward the free end of the nozzle, a valve stem axially shiftablc in said bore, sealing means secured to and carried by the valve stem engageable with the bore for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough, spring means normally shifting said stem to retracted valvcopening position, a cartridge carrier including a pair of depending jaws carried by and slidable on said body portion, a first cam for advancing said stem to valve closing position, a second cam for selectively advancing and retracting the jaws relative to the housing, saidgiirst and second cams mounted for concurrent movement about a common pivotlseoured to and carried by said housing, the actuating characteristicstof said cams being correlated whereby the valve stem will be positively maintained in a fully lowered, valve-closing position until after the other cam has been actuated for fully advancing the cartridge carrier toward the'valve and for locking samein ully advanced position.

3. .In an infusion unit for a beverage maker-pf the typecmploying a dispensiole cartridge containing fluid soluble'ingredients, the combination of a valve comprislug a body portion including adepending nozzle, a can tridge carrier including a pair .of depending, laterally separable jaws which define a throat arranged to receive the neck of a cartridge, means normally and yieldably urging said jaws to a closed cartridge-supportingposition, said cartridge carrier carried by and slidable axiallytof said body portion, valving means within said body portion operable for controlling the flow of liquid through said nozzle, cartridge carrier shifting means operable for axially advancing and retracting the jaws relative to the housing, a common actuating lever for said valving means and said cartridge carrier shifting means, means interconnecting said lever to each of said last two mentioned means whereby upon movement .of said lever the valving means remains inoperable for dispensing -liquid through the nozzle until after the lever has been advanced until the cartridge carrier shifting means has been fully advanced toward the valve housing and then looked in said fully advanced position against further axial move ment, and whereby reverse movementof said lever actuates the wiring means for interrupting the flow of liquid through the nozzle while the cartridge carrier remains in its fully advanced position, said cartridge carrier shifting means being then operable upon further reverse movement of the lever for lowering the carrier away from the valve housing.

4. In an infusion unit for a beverage maker of the type employing a dispensible cartridge containing 'fluidsoluble ingredients, the combination of a valve comprising a body portion including a depending nozzle, a-cartridge carrier including a pair of depending jaws carried by and slidable axially of said body portion, a valving means within said body portion operable or controlling the flow of liquid through said nozzle, cartridge carrier shifting means operable for axially advancing and retractingthe jaws to positions above and below an initial position below the nozzle, means normally urging said jaws to a-closed cartridge-supporting position, jaw'separating means operable to open the jaws to a cartridgereleasing position, a common actuating lever for said valving means, said cartridge carrier shifting means and said jaw separating means, means interconnecting said lever to said last three mentioned means whereby upon movement of the lever the valving means remains inoperable for dispensing liquid through the nozzle until after the cartridge carrier shifting means has been fully advanced toward the valve housing and then locked in said fully advanced position against further axial movement, and whereby reverse movement of said lever actuates the valving means for interrupting the flow of liquid through the nozzle while the cartridge carrier remains locked in fully advanced position, said cartridge carrier shifting means being then operable for lowering the carrier away from the valve housing to its initial position below the nozzle, said cartridge carrier shiftable below its initial position and said jaw separating means rendered pperative upon further reverse movement of the lever for automatically releasing a cartridge suspended from said jaws.

5. in an infusion unit for a beverage maker of the type employing a dispensible cartridge containing fluid-soluble ingredients wherein the cartridge includes an upper fluid-inlet portion defined by an upstanding neck circumscribed by a peripheral lip and having a rupturable seals m ra e r aius se d sk .scdtbinafipp o a valve comprising a body portion including a depending nozzle terminating in a shearing surface, a cartridge carrier including a pair of depending, laterally separable jaws which define a throat arranged to receive the neck of a cartridge, means normally and yieldably urging said jaws to a closed cartridge-supporting position, said car tridgecarrier carried by and slidable axially of said body portion, valvingmeans within said body .portion operable for controlling the flow of liquid through said nozzle, cartridge carrier shifing means operable for axially ad vancing and retracting the jaws relative to the housing, a common actuating lever for said valving means and said cartridge carrier shifting means, means interconnecting said lever to each of said last two mentioned means whereby upon movement of said lever the valving means remains inoperable for dispensing liquid through the nozzle until after the lever has been advanced until the cartridge carrier shifting means has been fully advanced toward the valve housing for introducing the nozzle into the neck of the cartridge and forcing the shearing surface of the nozzle through the sealing membrane of the cartridge for establishing open communication between the interiors of the nozzle and cartridge and after the carrier has been locked in said fully advanced position against further axial movement, and whereby reverse movement of said lever actuates the valving means for interrupting the flow of liquid through the nozzle while the cartridge carrier remains in its fully advanced position, said cartridge carrier shifting means being then operable upon further reverse movement of the lever for lowering the carrier away from the valve housing and removing the cartridge from the nozzle.

6. In apparatus of the character described, the combination of a fixed nozzle, a disposable cartridge containing fluid-soluble ingredients, said cartridge including an upper fluid inlet portion comprising an upstanding neck circumscribed by an overhanging peripheral lip, said neck receivable over the end of the nozzle, a valve for controlling passage of fluid through the nozzle, a cartridge carrier reciprocably suspended from said valve, said carrier including a pair of depending, laterally separable jaws having inturned lower ends receivable under the overhanging lip of a cartridge for suspending the cartridge therefrom, a lever, a cam, means interconnecting the lever to said jaws through said cam and actuated by said lever for advancing the carrier axially toward the nozzle for inserting the end of the nozzle into and in fluid-tight engagement with the neck of the cartridge, said cam including means for locking said carrier in advanced, elevated position relative to the nozzle during further movement of the opening and closing the References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 582,285 Henes et al. May 11, 1897 1,032,687 Lindahl July 16, 1912 1,075,727 Reichert Oct. 14, 1913 1,226,005 Rathman May 15, 1917 1,324,206 Nickell Dec. 9, 1919 1,377,316 Clermont May 10, 1921 1,668,312 Gruenberg May 1, 1928 1,805,159 Bauer et al. May 12, 1931 1,809,899 Heroy June 16, 1931 1,859,566 Konikow May 24, 1932 1,947,523 Hirschhorn Feb. 20, 1934 2,243,895 Brown June 3, 1941 2,283,967 Brown May 26, 1942 2,288,240 Herman June 30, 1942 2,359,561 Kantor Oct. 3, 1944 2,451,195 Brown Oct. 12, 1948 2,484,054 Sharp Oct. 11, 1949 2,529,395 Hummel Nov. 7, 1950 2,589,783 Crossley et al Mar. 18, 1952 2,615,384 Ranz Oct. 28, 1952 FOREIGN PATENTS 18,168 Great Britain Oct. 19, 1916 19,876 Great Britain 1904 21,469 Great Britain 1901

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