Multiple fluid dispenser
First Claim
1. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of fluids, the dispenser comprising:
- a controller, the controller linked to a coordinator board, the controller having a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein, the coordinator board linked to a first module, the first module linked in series to a plurality of other modules, each module comprising a module board, each module board linked to at least one pump, each pump linked between its own reservoir and its own outlet nozzle, the controller, coordinator board and module boards being programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs and through the outlet nozzles in accordance with a selected recipe.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
An improved multi fluid dispenser for simultaneous dispensing of a plurality of fluids shown and described. The dispenser includes a controller that is linked to a coordinator board. The controller has a memory with a plurality of recipes stored in the memory. A coordinator board is linked to a first module. The first module may include one or two pumps, each connected to a fluid reservoir. The module is then linked in series to a plurality of other modules as well as a manifold module. Each module includes a module board for controlling the pump or pumps of that module. The controller, coordinator board and module boards are all programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs through outlet nozzles of the manifold in accordance with a recipe selected by the user and retrieved from the memory of the controller.
48 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A dispenser for dispensing a plurality of fluids, the dispenser comprising:
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a controller, the controller linked to a coordinator board, the controller having a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein, the coordinator board linked to a first module, the first module linked in series to a plurality of other modules, each module comprising a module board, each module board linked to at least one pump, each pump linked between its own reservoir and its own outlet nozzle, the controller, coordinator board and module boards being programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs and through the outlet nozzles in accordance with a selected recipe. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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8. The dispenser of claim 8 wherein the closure mechanism comprises:
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a supporting frame, the supporting frame being connected to a motor, the motor being connected to a threaded drive shaft, the drive shaft being directed towards the outlet end of the manifold block, the drive shaft being threadably coupled to a slide block, the slide block being slidably supported by the supporting frame, the slide block being pivotally connected to a bracket, the bracket being connected to an upwardly facing drip catcher, the bracket comprising a catch for engaging an abutment that pivots the bracket and drip catcher upward and towards the outlet end of the manifold block as the drip catcher and bracket approach the manifold block when the drive shaft is rotated to move the slide block, bracket and drip catcher towards the manifold block. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10)
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17. A closure system for a fluid dispenser, the closure system comprising:
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a supporting frame, the supporting frame being connected to a motor, the supporting frame also being connected to a manifold block, the motor being connected to a threaded drive shaft, the drive shaft being directed towards the manifold block, the drive shaft being threadably coupled to a slide block, the slide block being slidably supported by the supporting frame, the slide block being pivotally connected to a bracket, the bracket being connected to an upwardly facing drip catcher, the bracket comprising a catch for engaging an abutment that pivots the bracket and drip catcher upward and towards the outlet end of the manifold block as the drip catcher and bracket approach the manifold block when the drive shaft is rotated to move the slide block, bracket and drip catcher towards the manifold block. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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20. A dispenser for simultaneously dispensing a plurality of fluids, the dispenser comprising:
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a central controller, the controller linked to a coordinator board, the controller having a memory with a plurality of recipes stored therein, a user interface for selecting a recipe;
the coordinator board linked to a first module, the first module linked in series to a plurality of other modules, each module comprising a module board, a pair of pumps and pair of reservoirs, each module board linked to the pair of pumps of its respective module, each pump linked between its own reservoir and its own outlet nozzle, the controller, coordinator board and module boards being programmed for the simultaneous or sequential pumping of multiple fluids from the reservoirs through the outlet nozzles in accordance with a selected recipe, each module further comprising a module frame for supporting its respective module board, pair of pumps and pair of reservoirs, the dispenser further comprising a cabinet for housing the modules, the module frame being detachably connected to the cabinet so that the modules may be easily replaced or changed.
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Specification