Patent US3642176A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3642176A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Means for storing and dispensing heated liquid and system therefor
Assignee: Delta T Inc
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Filing: 1970-04-13
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Granted: 1972-02-15
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Expires: 1990-04-13
Abstract
Abstract A system for dispensing a supply of instant hot fluid more particularly water wherein a hot fluid storage tank having an expansion and accumulation chamber may be operatively associated with either an adjacent or a remotely disposed dispensing and control mechanism. The dispensing and control mechanism has a first connection to a source of fluid to be heated and dispensed normally maintained at pressures above that of atmospheric pressure, a second connection with valve means therein to direct and regulate the flow of source water to the hot water storage tank for displacement of heated water therefrom, a third connection between the outlet for the hot fluid storage tank and a spout means on the dispensing and control mechanism to permit heated fluid displaced from said hot fluid storage tank outlet to be passed to and discharged from the spout means, the third connection has port means therein disposed so that the expansion and accumulation chamber will collect backflow water from the spout and the third connection when dispensing is terminated or expanded hot fluid from the hot fluid storage tank when the system is at static conditions of operation, and a fourth connection between the upper end of the expansion and accumulation chamber and the spout means but isolated from said third connection to vent the expansion and accumulation chamber and act to maintain the entire system at atmospheric pressure. Additionally, the system includes in the dispensing means a valve means normally biased closed to block flow of water from the source into the system and cammed to move axially against the bias to an open position by an axial-acting actuator. The valve means disposed to be removably mounted through the upper face of the dispensing means. The spout is mounted by a tapered wring fit connection to allow for easy removal along the longitudinal line of the connection whereby access to the valve means for service, repair and replacement is facilitated.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard C Dreibelbis
- 👤 Warren E Turner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 22:53
CPC Classifications
F; F24; F24D; F24D17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
260 words
In a fluid-dispensing system to be operated at atmospheric pressure: a. a dispensing means including a normally closed control valve means having an inlet connected to a source of fluid to be dispensed and an outlet spaced from said inlet, and a spout means forming a discharge passage for fluid to be dispensed from said system, b. storage means for fluid to be dispensed including, a storage chamber having an outlet, and an expansion and accumulation chamber operatively associated with said storage chamber, c. means for heating and maintaining fluid in said storage chamber within a predetermined temperature range, d. first passage means connected between the outlet of said control valve means and the storage means to deliver fluid to be dispensed to the lower portion of said storage chamber, e. second passage means connected between the outlet for the storage chamber and said discharge passage in the spout means and disposed to extend through said expansion and accumulation chamber for a portion of its length, f. port means in said second passage means to permit continuous and direct flow communication between the expansion and accumulation chamber and the outlet for said storage chamber whereby fluid from said storage chamber and from said second passage means can pass freely to and from said expansion and accumulation chamber when said control valve means is opened and closed, g. and vent means connected at one end of the expansion and accumulation chamber and open to atmosphere at the end remote therefrom for maintaining the operation of said fluiddispensing system at atmospheric pressure.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
260 words
In a fluid-dispensing system to be operated at atmospheric pressure: a. a dispensing means including a normally closed control valve means having an inlet connected to a source of fluid to be dispensed and an outlet spaced from said inlet, and a spout means forming a discharge passage for fluid to be dispensed from said system, b. storage means for fluid to be dispensed including, a storage chamber having an outlet, and an expansion and accumulation chamber operatively associated with said storage chamber, c. means for heating and maintaining fluid in said storage chamber within a predetermined temperature range, d. first passage means connected between the outlet of said control valve means and the storage means to deliver fluid to be dispensed to the lower portion of said storage chamber, e. second passage means connected between the outlet for the storage chamber and said discharge passage in the spout means and disposed to extend through said expansion and accumulation chamber for a portion of its length, f. port means in said second passage means to permit continuous and direct flow communication between the expansion and accumulation chamber and the outlet for said storage chamber whereby fluid from said storage chamber and from said second passage means can pass freely to and from said expansion and accumulation chamber when said control valve means is opened and closed, g. and vent means connected at one end of the expansion and accumulation chamber and open to atmosphere at the end remote therefrom for maintaining the operation of said fluiddispensing system at atmospheric pressure.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
In a fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein said storage means has means providing a common wall between said expansion and accumulation chamber and said storage chamber to permit fluid in said expansion and accumulation chamber to be maintained at substantially the same temperatures fluid in said storage chamber.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
123 words
In a fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 2 wherein, a. tank means defines said storage chamber, b. said tank means including, a cylindrical member, and end closure means at each end of said cylindrical member, one of said end closure means of said tank means constitutes the common wall, c. said common wall end closure means domed, d. cup-shaped end closure means sealingly connected to the periphery of said common wall to define said expansion and accumulation chamber, e. said common wall end closure means forming the bottom wall for expansion and accumulation chamber lowest at its periphery to provide a trap for foreign materials, f. and the outlet for the storage chamber at the highest point on the domed common wall.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
47 words
In a fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the vent means comprises, conduit means, and said conduit means extends through said spout means to provide a vent flow path within and isolated from the fluid being discharged through said spout means from the storage means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
136 words
In a fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the dispensing means includes: a. body member having at least two spaced bores therein, b. one of said bores having the inlet communicating with the source of fluid to be dispensed, and the outlet for delivering fluid to said storage means, c. said control valve means axially mounted in said last-mentioned bore and axially movable in said bore to control flow of fluid to be dispensed from the inlet to the outlet associated with said bore, d. at least one other bore having a tapered seat at the upper end thereof, e. and said spout means having a tapered portion at the inlet end thereof adapted to be seated in any given circumferential position in said tapered bore to facilitate dispensing of fluid from said system.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
140 words
In a fluid-dispensing system in accordance with claim 5 wherein: a. cam means is Connected to said body member at the end of said bore remote from the inlet, b. said control valve means having a valve stem extending through the cam means and a valve head on said valve stem, c. spring means normally biasing said valve head to maintain the inlet closed, d. cam member means on said valve stem disposed to engage said cam means, e. and means mounted on said body member operatively connected for axial movement relative the longitudinal line of the valve stem to operate said cam means whereby the valve stem will be moved against the bias of the spring to provide a progressively increasing fluid flow path between said inlet and outlet for the bore in which the control valve is located.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
50 words
In a fluid dispensing system as claimed in claim 3 wherein said dispensing means includes: a. a control valve body member, b. said control valve body member connected to said tank means and disposed to extend for at least a portion of its length through said expansion and accumulation chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
In a fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 7 wherein said vent means comprises a passage means in said control valve body member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
333 words
In a fluid-dispensing system operated at atmospheric pressure: a. closed storage means for fluid to be dispensed having means thereon for heating and maintaining said fluid within a predetermined temperature range, b. means forming a closed expansion and accumulation chamber connected in heat exchange relation with said storage means, c. a dispensing means including a normally closed control valve means to regulate flow of fluid in said system, and a spout means having a discharge passage for dispensing fluid from said system, d. said control valve means including, a body member having an inlet connected to a source of fluid to be dispensed and an outlet for said fluid, e. said body member connected to the upper end of said closed storage chamber means and the upper end of said means forming said expansion and accumulation chamber so that portion of the body member lies in the expansion and accumulation chamber, f. means for delivering fluid to be dispensed from the outlet in said body member to the lower portion of the storage chamber means, g. said body member having restricted outlet means for said storage chamber means, and a connecting passage in the body member communicating at one end with the restricted outlet means and at the other end with the discharge passage in said spout for passing heated fluid from said system, h. port means in the body member to provide communication between the lower portion of said expansion and accumulation chamber means and said discharge passage to coact with the restricted outlet means to permit expansion fluid from said storage chamber and backflow fluid from said discharge passage in the spout to collect in and to pass from the expansion and accumulation chamber means when the control valve means is opened and closed, i. and vent means in said body member communicating with the expansion and accumulation chamber at one end and open to atmosphere at the end remote therefrom maintaining the operation of the fluid-dispensing system at atmospheric pressure
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
333 words
In a fluid-dispensing system operated at atmospheric pressure: a. closed storage means for fluid to be dispensed having means thereon for heating and maintaining said fluid within a predetermined temperature range, b. means forming a closed expansion and accumulation chamber connected in heat exchange relation with said storage means, c. a dispensing means including a normally closed control valve means to regulate flow of fluid in said system, and a spout means having a discharge passage for dispensing fluid from said system, d. said control valve means including, a body member having an inlet connected to a source of fluid to be dispensed and an outlet for said fluid, e. said body member connected to the upper end of said closed storage chamber means and the upper end of said means forming said expansion and accumulation chamber so that portion of the body member lies in the expansion and accumulation chamber, f. means for delivering fluid to be dispensed from the outlet in said body member to the lower portion of the storage chamber means, g. said body member having restricted outlet means for said storage chamber means, and a connecting passage in the body member communicating at one end with the restricted outlet means and at the other end with the discharge passage in said spout for passing heated fluid from said system, h. port means in the body member to provide communication between the lower portion of said expansion and accumulation chamber means and said discharge passage to coact with the restricted outlet means to permit expansion fluid from said storage chamber and backflow fluid from said discharge passage in the spout to collect in and to pass from the expansion and accumulation chamber means when the control valve means is opened and closed, i. and vent means in said body member communicating with the expansion and accumulation chamber at one end and open to atmosphere at the end remote therefrom maintaining the operation of the fluid-dispensing system at atmospheric pressure
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
104 words
In fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 9 wherein: a. said closed storage means is defined by tank means having a cylindrical member, and end closure means for each respective end of said cylindrical member, b. cup-shaped chamber means connected to the periphery of one of said end closure means to define said expansion and accumulation chamber whereby said end closure means form a wall common to both the storage chamber means and the expansion and accumulation means, c. and said common wall is domed to trap foreign matter in said expansion and accumulation chamber at a point therein remote from the port means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
257 words
In a fluid-dispensing system operated at atmospheric pressure: a. closed storage means for fluid to be heated, b. means forming a cLosed expansion and accumulation chamber mounted in heat exchange relation with said storage means, c. a dispensing means including a normally closed control valve means to regulate flow of fluid in said system, and a spout means having a discharge passage for dispensing fluid from said system, d. said control valve having an inlet connected to a source of fluid to be dispensed and an outlet for said fluid, e. first conduit means operatively connecting the outlet of said control valve means to said closed storage means to deliver fluid to the lower portion of said tank means, f. said storage means having an outlet with a restricted orifice therein, g. discharge conduit means connecting the outlet of said storage means to the spout means whereby fluid will pass through the discharge passage of said spout means when said control valve is actuated to an open position. h. port means in said discharge conduit means adjacent the outlet for said tank and coacting therewith to provide communication substantially adjacent the bottom of said expansion and accumulation chamber means to permit expansion fluid from said tank and backflow fluid from said discharge passage to collect in said expansion and accumulation chamber when said control valve is closed and to pass therefrom when said control valve is opened, i. and vent means adjacent to top of said expansion and accumulation chamber to maintain the system at atmospheric pressure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
257 words
In a fluid-dispensing system operated at atmospheric pressure: a. closed storage means for fluid to be heated, b. means forming a cLosed expansion and accumulation chamber mounted in heat exchange relation with said storage means, c. a dispensing means including a normally closed control valve means to regulate flow of fluid in said system, and a spout means having a discharge passage for dispensing fluid from said system, d. said control valve having an inlet connected to a source of fluid to be dispensed and an outlet for said fluid, e. first conduit means operatively connecting the outlet of said control valve means to said closed storage means to deliver fluid to the lower portion of said tank means, f. said storage means having an outlet with a restricted orifice therein, g. discharge conduit means connecting the outlet of said storage means to the spout means whereby fluid will pass through the discharge passage of said spout means when said control valve is actuated to an open position. h. port means in said discharge conduit means adjacent the outlet for said tank and coacting therewith to provide communication substantially adjacent the bottom of said expansion and accumulation chamber means to permit expansion fluid from said tank and backflow fluid from said discharge passage to collect in said expansion and accumulation chamber when said control valve is closed and to pass therefrom when said control valve is opened, i. and vent means adjacent to top of said expansion and accumulation chamber to maintain the system at atmospheric pressure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
In a fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 11 wherein the vent means comprises, conduit means, and said conduit means extends through said spout means to provide a vent flow path within and isolated from the fluid being discharged through said spout means from the storage means.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
223 words
A storage means for a fluid-dispensing system to be operated at atmospheric pressure comprising: a. tank means forming a storage chamber for fluid to be dispensed defined by a cylindrical shell, an upper closure means, and a lower closure means connected to opposite ends of said cylindrical shell, b. means on said tank means disposed to form an inlet to deliver fluid to the lower portion of said tank means, c. said upper closure having an outwardly domed configuration, and outlet means for the storage chamber formed at the highest point of the domed portion of said upper closure member, d. cuplike closure means having its open end connected in fluid-type relationship with the periphery of said upper closure member to define an expansion and accumulation chamber, e. discharge connecting means connected to said outlet and extending a portion of its length through said expansion and accumulation chamber to provide a discharge flow path for fluid to be dispensed from said tank means, f. and port means in said discharge connecting means communicating between said expansion and accumulation chamber and said discharge connecting means to permit expansion fluid from the storage chamber of the tank and return fluid from said discharge connecting means collected in said expansion and accumulation chamber to be passed therefrom on discharge of fluid through said discharge connecting means.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
223 words
A storage means for a fluid-dispensing system to be operated at atmospheric pressure comprising: a. tank means forming a storage chamber for fluid to be dispensed defined by a cylindrical shell, an upper closure means, and a lower closure means connected to opposite ends of said cylindrical shell, b. means on said tank means disposed to form an inlet to deliver fluid to the lower portion of said tank means, c. said upper closure having an outwardly domed configuration, and outlet means for the storage chamber formed at the highest point of the domed portion of said upper closure member, d. cuplike closure means having its open end connected in fluid-type relationship with the periphery of said upper closure member to define an expansion and accumulation chamber, e. discharge connecting means connected to said outlet and extending a portion of its length through said expansion and accumulation chamber to provide a discharge flow path for fluid to be dispensed from said tank means, f. and port means in said discharge connecting means communicating between said expansion and accumulation chamber and said discharge connecting means to permit expansion fluid from the storage chamber of the tank and return fluid from said discharge connecting means collected in said expansion and accumulation chamber to be passed therefrom on discharge of fluid through said discharge connecting means.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
59 words
A storage means for fluid to be dispensed as claimed in claim 13 wherein: a. the outlet constitutes a restricted orifice, b. and the port means coacts with the outlet when fluid is passed from the tank to move fluid from the expansion and accumulation chamber and mix the same with the fluid being passed to the discharge-connecting means.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
166 words
Means for controlling fluid flow in a fluid dispensing system comprising: a. valve body member defining a valve chamber having an inlet port at one end and a discharge outlet axially spaced from said inlet port, b. control valve means axially moveable in said valve chamber for controlling the rate of fluid flow from said inlet port to said discharge outlet, c. means biasing said control valve means towards said inlet port to maintain said inlet port noRmally closed, d. manually operable means mounted for axial movement on the end of said housing means opposite from said inlet, e. said control valve means extending through the end of said chamber opposite from said inlet and towards said manually operable means, f. and cam means provided at the end of said housing means opposite from said inlet causing one of said control valve means and said manually operable means to move axially in one direction in response to axial movement of the other in the opposite direction.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
166 words
Means for controlling fluid flow in a fluid dispensing system comprising: a. valve body member defining a valve chamber having an inlet port at one end and a discharge outlet axially spaced from said inlet port, b. control valve means axially moveable in said valve chamber for controlling the rate of fluid flow from said inlet port to said discharge outlet, c. means biasing said control valve means towards said inlet port to maintain said inlet port noRmally closed, d. manually operable means mounted for axial movement on the end of said housing means opposite from said inlet, e. said control valve means extending through the end of said chamber opposite from said inlet and towards said manually operable means, f. and cam means provided at the end of said housing means opposite from said inlet causing one of said control valve means and said manually operable means to move axially in one direction in response to axial movement of the other in the opposite direction.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
172 words
In the means for controlling fluid flow in a fluid-dispensing system as claimed in claim 15 wherein said cam means comprises: a. pair of diverging annular cam surfaces one encircling the other. b. one of said cam surfaces being provided by said control valve means and the other being provided by said manually operable means, c. a plurality of cam members constrains between said cam surfaces and move towards each of said cam surfaces by axial movement of the other of said cam surfaces causing said control valve means to move axially away from its closed position against said biasing means when said manually operable means is moved axially towards said housing means, d. said manually operable means to move axially away from said housing means when said control valve means is moved towards its normally closed position by said biasing means, e. and means providing a surface transverse to the axis of movement of said control and manually operable means which engages and constrains said cam members between said cam surfaces.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
181 words
Connecting means for the spout in a dispensing system including: a. dispensing valve body, b. a plurality of longitudinally disposed bores in said dispensing valve body, c. at least one of said bores having control valve means disposed to be mounted in and removed from the upper face of said dispensing valve body, d. at least one of said bores spaced from said control valve bore having tapered seat adjacent the upper face of the e. and spout means having a tapered section herein mated for a wring fit connection in said tapered seat to permit removal of said spout means along its longitudinal axis, f. removably mounted cover means on the upper face of the dispensing valve body having openings therein disposed in alignment with said bores, g. an actuator operatively and removably connected to said control valve means and in pivotal engagement with the cover means in assembled position, h. and said actuator formed to extend in part about said spout means to prevent rotation of the actuator when said spout is in assembled position in the tapered bore.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
181 words
Connecting means for the spout in a dispensing system including: a. dispensing valve body, b. a plurality of longitudinally disposed bores in said dispensing valve body, c. at least one of said bores having control valve means disposed to be mounted in and removed from the upper face of said dispensing valve body, d. at least one of said bores spaced from said control valve bore having tapered seat adjacent the upper face of the e. and spout means having a tapered section herein mated for a wring fit connection in said tapered seat to permit removal of said spout means along its longitudinal axis, f. removably mounted cover means on the upper face of the dispensing valve body having openings therein disposed in alignment with said bores, g. an actuator operatively and removably connected to said control valve means and in pivotal engagement with the cover means in assembled position, h. and said actuator formed to extend in part about said spout means to prevent rotation of the actuator when said spout is in assembled position in the tapered bore.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-02-14 | 1975-08-16 | 1976-02-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-02-14 | 1979-08-16 | 1980-02-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-02-14 | 1983-08-16 | 1984-02-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |