发明名称 |
Dispensing machine valve and method |
摘要 |
A one-way valve is connectable in fluid communication with a fluid-receiving chamber, such as a dilution chamber or a mixing chamber for diluting or mixing a perishable food product, such as a milk product or chocolate product, and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween. The valve comprises a relatively rigid valve seat, and a relatively flexible valve member overlying the valve seat and forming an axially-elongated, normally-closed valve opening therebetween defining an inlet at one end of the valve seat, an outlet at an opposite end of the valve seat, and an axially-extending seal therebetween that forms a fluid-tight seal between the inlet and outlet of the normally-closed valve opening. An axially-extending valve body is radially spaced relative to the valve member and forms a space therebetween allowing fluid-flow therethrough for cleaning the valve and the fluid-receiving chamber. A seal is engageable with the fluid-receiving chamber and forms a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween to seal the valve outlet and fluid-receiving chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere. The valve member is movable radially away from the valve seat in response to substance at the inlet to the valve opening exceeding a valve opening pressure to flow into the normally closed valve opening, through the outlet, and into the fluid-receiving chamber. |
申请公布号 |
US8910833(B2) |
申请公布日期 |
2014.12.16 |
申请号 |
US201313770593 |
申请日期 |
2013.02.19 |
申请人 |
ALPS, LLC |
发明人 |
Py Daniel |
分类号 |
B67D7/78 |
主分类号 |
B67D7/78 |
代理机构 |
McCarter & English LLP |
代理人 |
McCarter & English LLP |
主权项 |
1. A valve connectable in fluid communication with a fluid-receiving chamber and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween, the valve comprising a relatively rigid valve seat, a relatively flexible valve member overlying the valve seat and forming a normally-closed valve opening therebetween defining an inlet at one end of the valve seat, an outlet at an opposite end of the valve seat, and a seal therebetween that forms a fluid-tight seal between the inlet and outlet of the normally-closed valve opening, a valve body spaced relative to the valve member and forming a space therebetween, and a seal engageable with the fluid-receiving chamber and forming a substantially fluid-tight seal therebetween to seal the valve outlet and fluid-receiving chamber with respect to ambient atmosphere, wherein the valve member is movable away from the valve seat in response to substance at the inlet to the valve opening exceeding a valve opening pressure to flow into the normally closed valve opening, through the outlet, and into the fluid-receiving chamber. |
地址 |
New Milford CT US |