Multiple fluid space dispenser and monitor

• US 5,190,083 A
• Filed: 10/03/1991
• Issued: 03/02/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 02/27/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Coca-Cola Company (The Coca-Cola Company)
• Original Assignee: The Coca-Cola Company
• Inventors: Antao, Leonard F., Gupta, Ashis S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Recla, Henry J.
• Assistant Examiner(s): JACYNA, J CASIMER
• Application Number:
  US07/770,349
• Time in Patent Office: 516 Days
• Field of Search: 141/2, 141/18, 141/82, 141/83, 141/98, 141/346, 141/347, 141/348, 141/349, 141/351, 141/353, 141/360, 141/361, 99/323.1, 99/323.2, 222/23, 222/30, 222/36, 222/37, 222/325, 222/399, 222/564, 222/364, 364/465, 364/479, 364/550
• US Class Current: 141/18
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 1/0002 specially adapted to be used in microgravity conditions, e.g. in outer space

Abstract

A dispensing system is provided for dispensing and monitoring output and consumption of fluids in the microgravity conditions of outer space. The dispensing system conveniently dispenses a plurality of fluid from distinct output ports into a corresponding suitable receptacle. Each consumer is identified at a point of delivery of the fluid and fluid dispensing and/or consumption is monitored and displayed according to predetermined criteria.

Claims

1. A dispensing system for use in the microgravity conditions of outer space comprising:

a plurality of fluid supply containers, at least one of said plurality of fluid supply containers being filled with a carbonated pre-mix beverage, at least one being filled with water, and at least one being filled with blood plasma;

means for cooling said plurality of fluid supply containers;

means for maintaining the carbon dioxide in said carbonated pre-mix beverage in solution;

a plurality of fluid dispensing ports, connected to respective ones of said plurality of fluid supply containers, for dispensing fluids from said microgravity dispensing system;

a plurality of portable containers selectively connectable to said plurality of fluid dispensing ports for receiving the dispensed fluids, each said container including indicia thereon for identifying the user of the container;

means, associated with said container of carbonated pre-mix beverage, for controlling a dispensing flow rate therefrom thereby preventing carbon dioxide breakout from said carbonated pre-mix beverage, said means for controlling a dispensing flow rate includes an inverted conical valve member in-line with said carbonated beverage container, whereby an increasing annular cross-section of the valve enables a cross-sectional area of product flow to increase, thereby decreasing an atmospheric pressure of the fluid and maintaining a laminar flow;

scanning means associated with each dispensing port for reading said indicia on a container connected thereto and generating an identification signal;

means for monitoring dispensed fluids according to predetermined criteria, said means for monitoring including a computerized tabulation device for determining and storing a plurality of variable including type and quantity of dispensed fluids and processing the identification signal to determine the identity of users of said dispensed fluids, and a viewing screen in close proximity to the dispensing ports for displaying said variables and identity of users; and

means for initiating a dispensing operation, said means for initiating including a switch positioned in each of said plurality of fluid dispensing ports, said switch being actuated in response to insertion of said drinking container or other types of containers into any one of said fluid dispensing ports to initiate the dispensing operation, and the actuation of said switch further initiating a tabulation routine of said means for monitoring whereby consumption history is determined for the user identified by the identification signal and displayed on said viewing screen.

2. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said means for cooling includes a circulation fan and a heat exchange means in communication with said plurality of fluid supply containers.

3. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said means for cooling includes a cold plate surrounding at least one of said plurality of fluid supply containers.

4. The dispenser according to claim 1, wherein said means for maintaining said carbonated pre-mix beverage in solution includes a CO₂ supply for applying CO₂ gas to an interior portion of said carbonated pre-mix beverage container.