Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6216911
-
Patent Number
6,216,911
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, July 7, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, April 17, 200123 years ago
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Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 222 1
- 222 54
- 222 642
- 222 1465
- 222 325
- 222 444
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of viscous fluid and dispensing it efficiently at one or more selected temperatures. The viscous fluid includes non-volatile constituent parts. In one embodiment, the predetermined volume of viscous fluid is partially housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. A heater assembly heats the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the composition of the viscous fluid. To avoid continually heating the viscous liquid, a timer circuit is used in one embodiment.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates in general to heating and dispensing apparatus used for fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts and more specifically to a hot fluid dispenser which only heats a portion of the fluid before it is dispensed.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Fluids such as body lotions and oils are commonly applied to the human skin to address dry skin problems, eczema and other skin disorders. These lotions are typically stored in containers at ambient air temperature and are applied to the body by means such as squirt bottles and hand pump dispensing apparatus. These lotion dispensers unfortunately produce the lotions at temperatures well below the normal skin temperature of the human body (i.e., somewhat less than 98.6°). Not only is the application of body lotions at cool temperatures uncomfortable for infants, the elderly and the general user, the cooler temperatures prevent the lotion from adequately penetrating the pores of the skin since the cool temperature makes the skin ports constrict rather than open up to receive the body lotions.
Although attempts have been made to heat fluids prior to this application, these devices generally heat the fluids in mass in a bulk storage container. Over time, this process resulted in separation and breakdown of the natural composition of the body lotions or fluids, thus reducing their effectiveness. For example, the paraffins in some lotions tend to break down when heated to temperatures above 110° F. for extended periods to time. Further, the continual heating and cooling of the lotion causes a coagulation of the non-volatile components when the solvents evaporate which over time can clog the pumping or dispensing mechanism, as well as destroy a larger portion of the lotion, which is expensive. Additionally, the amount of time required to heat larger containers of body lotions is not practical for a user which prefers the lotion to be heated in a matter of minutes or seconds. Leaving lotion heated for extended periods of time can also cause bacteria, algae and other undesired microorganisms to grow in the lotion.
In addition to heating the bulk storage container, some have also applied heat to a dispensing tube of commercial pumps. Fluid in the dispensing tube can cool between uses, so heat is applied to this tube to avoid cooling. However, heating a small portion of the fluid can evaporate the solvent components in the fluid which makes the remaining fluid more viscous. Maintaining a desired viscosity is important to avoid potential clogging of the dispensing tube and/or otherwise ruining the fluid. The heat is applied to the storage container and dispensing tube continually. However, applying heat continually consumes costly energy and is impractical for a consumer unit which may only be required infrequently.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention discloses a method and apparatus for quickly heating a predetermined volume of body lotion and dispensing the body lotion efficiently at a selected temperature. The predetermined volume of body lotion is housed in a predelivery chamber separate from the main fluid reservoir. The present invention is generally a portable device which may be operated manually, or more typically, electrically.
It is thus one object of the present invention to provide lotion heater assembly which heats the lotion in a short time period and in small volumes to prevent overheating and adversely effecting the lotion composition. Thus, in one aspect of the present invention, a heating element is coupled to the predelivery chamber as opposed to in a heating plate “jacket” or other device which heats the main fluid reservoir. The present invention heats only a predetermined volume of lotion in the predelivery chamber which is soon used by the consumer or masseuse applying the lotion. This avoids subjecting a volume of the lotion to heating over long periods of time.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a pumping assembly which either manually or automatically pumps a predetermined increment of lotion which has been spontaneously heated. In one aspect of the present invention, the heating element may be in operable contact with the predelivery chamber or dispensing spout to provide immediate heating of the lotion prior to dispensing.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a heated fluid pump which can be used with conventional lotions commonly purchased by the household consumers so as to not require unique and expensive compositions specialized for heating. Thus, the heating apparatus may be universally used with substantially all lotions currently sold over the counter. Conversely, specially formulated lotions specifically designed for heating may be sold either independently or in conjunction with the heated fluid pump.
Additionally, in another embodiment of the present invention a small container or tube with a predetermined volume of lotion may be sold which is designed to custom fit the interior of the heated fluid pump. This configuration allows the container or cup to be readily disposed of after use to avoid the need to clean or otherwise maintain the main fluid reservoir of the fluid pump. The cup, in one embodiment, may resemble a plastic cup with a foil cover, such as a yogurt cup, and the lotion may be exposed for use by either removing a pull tab cover or by piercing the foil cover with a sharpened suction tube at the bottom of the main fluid reservoir. A hole in the cup could be pierced by a sharp point on the inside of the lid so that pressure would not build in the cup.
Additionally, it is another object of the present invention to provide a thermostatically controlled heating element which assures the proper lotion temperature during all period of use. Thermostatic control reduces the risk of malfunction which could overheat the lotion. Thus, the device is safe for infants, the elderly and for others especially sensitive to heated products. Additionally, the pumping and dispensing apparatus of the present invention creates a predetermined even flow of heated lotion which prevents waste or overuse.
The advantages of using heated lotions are numerous over applying cold lotions to the human body. The advantages include:
1) Heated lotions tend to penetrate the skin better. The human skin temperature is approximately 95°. If 75° or cooler ambient air temperature lotion is applied to 95° skin, the ports of the human body tend to close. However, if 120° lotion is applied the ports tend to open, allowing for better and deeper penetration of the lotion.
2) Heated lotions have lower viscosity than cooler lotion which allows for better penetration. Lotions with lower viscosity are thinner and thus easier to apply and penetrate the skin better than cooler lotions.
3) Heated lotions have less drag or friction when applied by a masseuse or the user because of the lower viscosity. This allows less pulling on the skin or stretching and is applied easier and in a more desirable fashion than cooler lotions.
4) Heated lotions are cost effective since less lotion is more efficiently absorbed and the user thus saves money. Additionally, heated lotions cover more area and leave less waste atop the skin to evaporate based on the higher penetration rates.
5) Heated lotions have a therapeutic affect on joint aches for people suffering from arthritis, sore muscles, over exertion, and other afflictions. Some of these therapeutic effects may be attributed to the sensual appeal of heated lotions.
6) Heated lotions feel better when applied to cold skin whereas cold lotions have a shocking effect to the skin, especially to infants and the elderly. Thus, the present invention eliminates the need of parents to try to warm lotions by hand rubbing before applying lotions to a baby or other person. Additionally, the portable heating apparatus alleviates the problem of parents attempting to heat lotions by submerging bottles in hot water or using heating elements like ovens or microwaves which may potentially overheat lotions and may burn the child.
Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1
is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of a lotion pump which allows selecting at least two set temperatures for heating the lotion;
FIG. 2
is a right side elevational view showing the lotion pump of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 3
is a left side elevational view showing the lotion pump of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 4
is a front elevational view showing the lotion pump of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 5
is a back elevational view showing the lotion pump of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 6
is a top plan view showing the lotion pump of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 7
is a bottom plan view showing the lotion pump of
FIG. 1
;
FIG. 8
is a side-sectional view depicting an embodiment of the lotion pump which has a check valve and a resistance type heat element;
FIG. 9
is a block diagram of the electronics within an embodiment of the lotion pump;
FIG. 10
is a side-sectional view showing an embodiment of the fluid conduit;
FIG. 11
is a side view illustrating an embodiment of the check valve spring;
FIG. 12
is a side-sectional view illustrating a mushroom shaped embodiment of the check valve nozzle;
FIG. 13
is a top view showing the heater clip which used to hold the heating elements against the predelivery chamber;
FIG. 14
is a side view illustrating a predelivery chamber;
FIG. 15
is a top cross-sectional view schematically showing a first embodiment of the interior configuration of the predelivery chamber;
FIG. 16
is a top cross-sectional view schematically showing a second embodiment of the interior configuration of the predelivery chamber with additional heat-transfer surface area;
FIG. 17
is a top cross-sectional view schematically showing a third embodiment of the interior configuration of the predelivery chamber with additional surface area;
FIG. 18
is a top cross-sectional view schematically showing a fourth embodiment of the interior configuration of the predelivery chamber which has a heat retaining central portion;
FIG. 19
is a front elevational view showing another embodiment of a lotion pump which does not have a temperature select feature;
FIG. 20
is a top-sectional view of the lotion pump of
FIG. 19
which shows the pumping assembly; and
FIG. 21
is a side elevational view of a fluid conduit which does not have a check valve and has a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) heater.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The heated lotion pump is generally comprised of a main fluid reservoir, a pumping assembly, and a heater assembly which may be used is conjunction with a predelivery chamber to heat a predetermined volume of lotion. The apparatus is portable, and may be operated either manually (for dispensing), or more commonly operated electrically. The heated lotion pump is reusable, can be filled over and over again with various types of products and can be disassembled for easy cleaning.
The present invention allows delivery of heated lotion on demand in just a few seconds or up to 30 minutes with temperatures varying from 80° to 180°, depending upon factory installed components and end use. Additionally, the lotion pump has safeguards to prevent overheating and/or electrical shock. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a manually controlled thermostat may be used to adjust the lotion temperature to the specification and comfort of the user. A number of temperatures could be utilized which would be selected by way of a hi/low switch, a slider switch, a rotary potentiometer, or the like. Further, a thermal cut-out (TCO), bi-metallic switch or the like can be used as a thermal fuse which trips when the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold. In other embodiments, a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) which is capped to provide less than 300° F. heat could also provide further safeguards.
With reference to
FIGS. 1-8
, the heated lotion pump
100
is respectively illustrated in a perspective, right side, left side, front, back, top, bottom, and side-sectional views. The plastic enclosure includes a main portion
104
, a front portion
108
and a exterior top or lid
112
. Preferably, the main body portion
104
, front portion
108
and lid
112
are injection molded with a composite plastic. In this embodiment, the front portion
108
includes a base portion
120
. The main portion
108
may also have a molded-in tank to serve as the main fluid reservoir
800
and which may have various configurations depending on the specific application of the present invention. For example, a masseuse may order an enclosure with a main fluid reservoir
800
that has a much larger storage volume as compared to a consumer model which may need the lotion pump
100
for home use only. The main fluid reservoir
800
generally has a high polish finish and funnels towards an outlay
804
near the bottom where the lotion is directed toward the gear pump spur
808
. Thus, gravity is used to provide the lotion to the feed pump
808
, although alternatively a siphon type feed mechanism could be used. The gear pump spur
808
has two interlocking gears (see
FIG. 16
) which serve to pump the lotion through the fluid conduit. The temperature of the main fluid reservoir
800
is largely unaffected by the heating element and is generally an ambient temperature. In one embodiment, a battery box
700
with, for example, two AA batteries, an electrical outlet
116
and enclosure for the gear pump assembly
812
also are molded into the main body for simplicity and economy. The materials for the enclosure preferably will be ABS plastic in a number 2 finish or polycarbonates for parts exposed to heat, although any numerous types of materials may be used. For parts exposed to the heated lotion, nylon and/or polypropylene is preferred.
A single injection molded part in the same finish and material as the main body makes up the front portion
108
of the finished unit
100
as well as a bottom portion or base plate
120
. In other embodiments however, the bottom portion
120
could be separate to ease manufacturing. Additionally, a single injection plastic molded cap or lid
112
may be utilized which has the same material and finish of the main body portion
104
. The lid
112
is generally a user removable cover to close the lotion tank
800
and which also permits access for cleaning purposes. The bottom portion
120
of the enclosure may also include one or more leg portions and/or non-skid rubber feet for resting the dispensing unit on furniture. In one aspect of the present invention, an insulating wall
2100
(see
FIG. 21
) could be used to isolate the heater assembly
816
of the product from the main fluid reservoir
800
, to further reduce unintentional heat coupling to the main fluid reservoir
800
. The insulating wall
2100
may also support and attach to the heater assembly
816
.
The tank body
820
is generally plastic, metal or any combination of metals and plastics. Preferably the plastics proximate to the heating area contain a polycarbonate or the like to meet code requirements related to fire or overheating. In some embodiments, the tank
820
may be interchangeable to allow changing of the contents and may include a storage portion to receive a disposable bag and/or yogurt cup type container with a seal that can be pierced by a portion of the pumping/dispensing assembly
100
. Additionally, the tank
820
may have a level indicator and a filling port to quickly allow the addition of new lotion. Furthermore, the tank
820
may have a pressure device to provide better flow in the unit, a preheater and/or a special coupling valve for removal or flow control. Preferably, the tank/body
820
is constructed of a shatter resistant plastic, and holds a volume of between about 2 and 20 ozs. of lotion in a consumer design or more in a commercial design.
The pump assembly
812
is used to dispense the lotion from the tank body
820
and may be manually operated or electrically powered. The electric power could be supplied by 120 or 240 V
AC
power supply, batteries (3 V
DC
), a 12 V
DC
power supply, and/or other known power sources. The pump spur
808
is preferably a gear type, but may be an impeller, a diaphragm, a piston, or a roller and tube (no touch) type which could be driven by a rotary motor, piston motor, linear magnetic device or vibrator. One or more check valves
828
could be used to control backflow and prevent air lock and nozzle drip. Furthermore, the pump assembly
812
could have special amounts of insulation to reduce noise. The pump assembly
812
may additionally include numerous disassembly features to allow for cleaning and maintenance.
The heating element
832
is a PTC type, a variety of resistance types which may be printed/laminated to a flexible film or fabric, or the like. The heating element
832
preferably is adjacent to a predelivery chamber
836
, i.e., a chamber of a pipe to allow heating only a portion of the lotion which will immediately be dispensed as opposed to heating the total volume of lotion
800
maintained in the tank body
820
. The embodiment in
FIG. 8
shows a resistance type heating element
836
clamped to the predelivery chamber
836
. The shape of the chamber
836
or pipe can be straight or varied to improve efficiency of heat transfer and may contain a baffle system for internal heating. The baffle system would serve to increase the ratio of surface area to chamber volume so that heat transfer is maximized. Additionally, various conducting materials may be used to store heat and make the heat transfer more evenly to the lotion. Accordingly, a heat conducting material which is known in the art such as stainless steel, aluminum with a protective coating and/or other conductive materials could be used. Further, the wall of the predelivery chamber
836
is thin to more easily conduct heat. The heating element
832
is preferably thermostatically controlled and is preferably interactive with the controls for the pump to allow the heating of the lotion to be controlled between a temperature of between about 80° and 180° F. Preferably, when the tank body
820
and/or predelivery chamber
836
is empty, the heating element
832
will automatically shut off to prevent overheating of the unit. Additionally, a circuit breaker, such as a TCO, is provided to prevent electrical overloading of the heater and which may include a fuse to prevent overheating. The heater assembly
816
is additionally insulated for optimum performance and to again prevent overheating of the tank body
820
, pump
812
and/or other components of the lotion pump
100
. After the last activation of the pump, the temperature of the predelivery chamber
836
is maintained for period of time, for example, 20 or more minutes.
A thermal sensor
840
may be utilized to allow the pump to be operational only when the lotion in the predelivery chamber
836
is at its proper delivery temperature. The thermal sensor
840
may be any number of thermostats commonly known in the art, such as a solid state device, thermistor or bi-metallic switch. The thermal sensor
840
works in concert with the heating element
832
under the direction of a control circuit to thermostatically regulate the temperature of the dispensing chamber
836
. Preferably, the range of set temperature is adjustable. Additionally, the thermal sensor
840
could be monitored to prevent activation of the pump assembly until the lotion is properly heated.
The lotion would preferably be heated “in-line” on its way to the delivery point where the lotion will be delivered at a temperature preferably at about 115°. Thus the temperature inside the dispensing chamber tube
836
is to be somewhat higher and in the range of between 120 and 140° F. The gear pump spur
808
pushes the lotion into the dispensing chamber
836
which has an accommodation on the side for a heating element
840
to be press fitted. Generally, the PTC heating element consumes about 5-40 watts while active. To direct the flow of the heated lotion from the top of the dispensing chamber
836
to the delivery point, the dispensing chamber
836
is fitted with a dispensing spout
844
.
The drive train used for the pump assembly
812
includes molded plastic gears. The gears are preferably made of Delrin™ because of its lubricity and wear resistance properties. Although, other known compositions could also be used. The gears are designed to fit the size and output requirements of the pump assembly
812
. A motor
824
with a pinion gear
848
drives a first gear
852
which drives a second gear
856
. Two pump spur gears
808
are driven by the second gear
856
. An o-ring
860
seals the drive train from the lotion conduit to avoid possible leakage. In a preferred embodiment a check valve
828
may be interconnected to the dispensing spout to prevent lotions from inadvertently dripping during periods of non-use. Additionally, the check valve
828
keeps air from interacting with the lotion in the lotion conduit which keeps the lotion from drying out and possibly plugging the lotion conduit.
Additionally, there is an accommodation to fit a printed circuit board (PCB)
864
in lower part of the front of the lotion pump
100
. The PCB
864
generally accommodates the electronic functions of the lotion pump
100
. With reference to
FIG. 9
, a block diagram of the electronic functions is shown. The power switch
136
activates a power supply
900
to condition and convert the input power from any of the various sources to the proper output power. A control circuit
904
manages the operation of the lotion pump
100
which includes such operations as the thermostat function and automatic power-down function.
The thermostat function controls the temperatures of the predelivery chamber
836
and avoids overheating. A set temperature switch
128
allows selecting the desired set point for the lotion. The set temperature switch
128
could be a slider switch allowing a variable range or is preferably a two position switch allowing two set points. In embodiments with a single set temperature, the set temperature switch
128
is not required. The control circuit
904
reads the set temperature select switch
128
to activate the heat element
832
accordingly. To known when the predelivery chamber
836
is adequately heated, the temperature sensor
840
is monitored. The status LED
132
be used to indicate when the desired temperature of the lotion is achieved and/or that the power switch
136
has activated the pump
100
. The lotion pump
100
takes approximately 60 seconds to reach temperature after activation of the power switch
136
. If an overheat sensor
908
, such as a TCO, indicates a thermal run-away condition, the control circuit
904
can deactivate the heat element
832
in order to reduce the risk of fire or burns.
The control circuit
904
also manages the automatic pumping function. When the pump button
124
is activated, the pump assembly
812
is powered which causes flow in the lotion conduit. To prevent not adequately cooled lotion from being dispensed, the control circuit
904
could prevent activation of the pump
812
if the lotion has not reached its set point. In other embodiments however, the pump button
124
could avoid the control circuit
904
and directly activate the pumping assembly. The pump button
124
is preferably a momentary switch that indicates to the control circuit
904
a predetermined volume should be dispensed.
The timer circuit
912
saves energy and prevents continual heating of the lotion in the predelivery chamber
836
. Continual heating can reduce the lotion to its non-volatile constituent parts. The timer is preferably set for 20 or more minutes. After the power switch
136
is activated, the starts counting its 20 minutes, for example. Each depression of the pump button
124
resets the 20 minute timer. If the 20 minutes expires, the lotion pump
100
is automatically powered down. This power down function saves energy and avoids ruining the lotion with excessive heating. Additionally, activating the power switch
136
a second time could immediately power down the lotion pump
100
. The power switch
126
is preferably a momentary switch that activates the lotion pump
100
for a short period of use (e.g., 20 or more minutes).
The momentary power switch
136
effectively is the mechanism which first applies power to the heat element
832
. It is a momentary contact, i.e. touch on/touch off (power relay). Preferably it
136
has a very light touch so that its
136
use does not tend to skid the lotion pump
100
on the support surface and so that lotion saturated hands can activate it
136
without slipping. Although a custom molded square shape is proposed for the power switch
136
, as appreciated by one in the art, the actual geometric configuration of the switch
136
is not important to the functional attributes of the product
100
. The momentary pump button
124
is preferably a soft touch switch that allows power to be delivered to the pump motor
824
as long as its is depressed. No specific switch
124
is proposed or is required although a custom molded “button” which is sealed against lotion intrusion is preferred.
Additionally, the status LED
132
preferably has the ability to glow either a red or green color to respectively indicate that the lotion is being heated and the lotion is ready for use. The color change is accomplished by the reverse polarity of the LED
132
. Although other embodiments could have a single color LED which only indicates power is active. Further, any display which allows display of this information could be used.
With reference to
FIG. 10
, a side-sectional view of the fluid conduit
1000
is shown. The fluid conduit
1000
is defined by an elbow joint
1004
, the predelivery chamber
836
, the dispensing spout
844
, and the check valve
828
. The elbow joint
1004
begins with a diameter which is less than the predelivery chamber
836
and the dispensing spout
844
ends with a diameter which is less than the predelivery chamber
836
. The diameter of the predelivery chamber
836
is larger to accommodate a predetermined volume of lotion which is heated. Having a larger diameter predelivery chamber
836
allows for more efficient heating of the lotion with the heating element
832
. The dispensing spout
844
is molded to include a means for attaching the heat sensor
840
. Lotion resistant plastic nylon or polypropylene is preferably used to make the dispensing spout
844
and elbow joint
1004
.
FIGS. 10-12
show two embodiments of the check valve
828
which is used to seal the end of the dispensing spout
844
. In
FIG. 10
, the check valve is comprised of a ball bearing nozzle and spring and in
FIGS. 11 and 12
the check valve is comprised of a mushroom shaped rubber nozzle
1200
and spring
1100
. The nozzle seal prevents air from entering the liquid conduit
1000
. A stem
1204
of the mushroom shaped rubber nozzle
1200
rests inside the spring
1100
to form the valve. While being disassembled, the mushroom shape keeps the spring
1000
and nozzle
1200
together. During dispensing, the pressure created by the pump assembly
812
compresses the spring
1100
by pushing the nozzle
1200
away from the dispensing spout
844
. Once the pressure subsides, the nozzle
1200
presses against the delivery end of the dispensing spout
844
to seal the fluid conduit
1000
.
With reference to
FIG. 13
, a heater clip
1300
is depicted from a top view. The heater clip
1300
clamps two resistive heating elements to the predelivery chamber
836
. Spring steel is the preferred material for the heater clip
1300
, but other materials and clamps could be used.
FIG. 14
shows a side view of the predelivery chamber
836
. A single tube of stainless steel or coated aluminum is preferred for the predelivery chamber
836
. Preferably, the chamber
836
can hold a predetermined volume of lotion of 10-20 cc. With references to
FIGS. 15-18
, sectional views of the predelivery chamber
836
are shown. The various configuration in
FIGS. 16-18
maximize the surface area and heat transfer from the metal to the fluid conduit
1000
. The embodiments in
FIGS. 16 and 17
have additional surface area
1604
,
1700
which thermally conducts with the outside of the chamber
1600
. When the outside of the chamber
1600
is heated, the additional surface area
1604
,
1700
conducts this heat to the interior of the chamber more efficiently than the embodiment in
FIG. 15
, for example. The embodiment in
FIG. 18
has a heat retaining core
1800
which retains heat to more quickly bring lotion entering the chamber
836
to the set point temperature.
With reference to
FIGS. 19-21
, another embodiment of the invention is shown. This embodiment has neither a set temperature select button
128
nor a check valve
828
. Accordingly, only one predetermined set point is available and air can enter the fluid conduit
1000
. Referring specifically to
FIG. 20
, a cross-section which reveals the gear pump spurs
808
is illustrated. Next,
FIG. 21
shows the fluid conduit
1000
attached to an insulating wall
2100
. The insulating wall
2100
helps shield the main fluid reservoir
800
from the heating elements
832
. The absence of a check valve
828
allows the lotion to at least partially drain from the predelivery chamber
836
back into the main fluid reservoir
800
. The embodiment in
FIG. 21
uses a PTC heater as the heating element
832
.
The above discussion generally discussed dispensing of body lotions, however other fluids (e.g., moisturizers, shaving cream or hair conditioners), oils (e.g., massage oil), food products (e.g., cheese, syrup or chocolate), and other items which are commonly used in households and require heating in small portions could also be dispensed. Any liquid which has substantial non-volatile constituent parts which will not evaporate is a candidate for this invention. In other words, liquids which would tend to concentrate if the solvents contained therein evaporate would benefit most from this invention. For example, liquids such a tap water, salt water, or relatively pure alcohol would not have substantial non-volatile constituent components.
Even though the temperature sensor is shown outside the predelivery chamber, other embodiments could embed the sensor inside the predelivery chamber. Integrating the temperature sensor in this way would provide for more accurate measurements.
While various embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it is apparent that modifications and adaptations of those embodiments will occur to those skilled in the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that such modifications and adaptations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
Claims
- 1. A fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts, comprising:a main fluid reservoir which is substantially unheated; a pumping assembly; a predelivery chamber; a heating assembly having a heating element coupled to the predelivery chamber; a dispensing spout which dispenses the viscous fluid; and a power button coupled to the heating assembly which activates the heating assembly upon demand, wherein the viscous fluid stored in the main fluid reservoir is transferred to the dispensing spout upon receiving heat energy within the predelivery chamber.
- 2. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising a timer which powers-down the heating assembly after a period of nonuse.
- 3. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising a control circuit which thermostatically controls the temperature of the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber.
- 4. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, wherein the heating assembly includes a temperature sensor which allows feedback on a temperature of the viscous fluid.
- 5. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising an insulating wall between the heating assembly and the main fluid reservoir.
- 6. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising an overheat sensor which powers-down the heating assembly if a temperature reaches a predetermined temperature.
- 7. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising additional surface area in the predelivery chamber wherein the additional surface area thermally conducts to an interior surface of the predelivery chamber.
- 8. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising a fluid conduit which includes the predelivery chamber and said dispensing spout, wherein:a first internal diameter of at least a portion of the dispensing spout is less than a second internal diameter of at least a portion fo the predelivery chamber; and a predetermined volume of viscous lotion is heated in the predelivery chamber.
- 9. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, wherein the pumping assembly includes:a gear pump spur; a motor; and a drive train including a plurality of gears, wherein the motor is interconnected to the drive train which is interconnected to the gear pump spur.
- 10. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, wherein the main fluid reservoir is a disposable container.
- 11. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising a fluid conduit which extends from the main fluid reservoir to the dispensing spout, the fluid conduit having a first internal diameter, a second internal diameter and a third internal diameter along the fluid conduit, wherein the second internal diameter having a larger internal diameter than the first internal diameter.
- 12. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising a non-conductive housing comprised of a plastic material.
- 13. The fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing the viscous fluid of claim 1, further comprising a LED for indicating at least one of:the pump and delivery system is powered, and the viscous fluid is heated to a predetermined set point.
- 14. A method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts, comprising the steps of:storing the viscous fluid in a main fluid reservoir at an ambient temperature; pumping a portion of the viscous fluid into a predelivery chamber; heating the portion of the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber beyond the ambient temperature; dispensing the portion of the heated viscous fluid stored in the predelivery chamber through a dispensing spout; and discontinuing the heating step after a predetermined time period following the dispensing step.
- 15. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, further comprising the step of sealing an end of the dispensing spout near a delivery point with a check valve.
- 16. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, wherein the heating and dispensing steps are battery powered.
- 17. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, wherein:the predelivery chamber has an interior wall which includes additional surface area for heating the viscous fluid.
- 18. The method for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid of claim 14, wherein the pumping step is performed electrically.
- 19. A fluid pump and delivery system for heating and dispensing a viscous fluid which includes substantial non-volatile constituent parts, comprising:a main fluid reservoir which is substantially unheated; a pumping assembly; a predelivery chamber; a heating assembly having a heating element coupled to the predelivery chamber and a temperature sensor which allows feedback on a temperature of the viscous fluid; a control circuit which thermostatically controls the temperature of the viscous fluid in the predelivery chamber; an overheat sensor which powers-down the heating assembly if a temperature reaches a predetermined temperature; a timer which powers-down the heating assembly after a period of nonuse; a dispensing spout which dispenses the viscous fluid; a power button coupled to the heating assembly which activates the heating assembly upon demand, wherein the viscous fluid stored in the main fluid reservoir is transferred to the dispensing spout upon receiving heat energy within the predelivery chamber; and a fluid conduit which includes the predelivery chamber and a dispensing spout, wherein a first internal diameter of at least a portion of the dispensing spout is less than a second internal diameter of at least a portion of the predelivery chamber.
PCT Information
Filing Document |
Filing Date |
Country |
Kind |
102e Date |
371c Date |
PCT/US99/07540 |
|
WO |
00 |
7/7/1999 |
7/7/1999 |
Publishing Document |
Publishing Date |
Country |
Kind |
WO99/51947 |
10/14/1999 |
WO |
A |
US Referenced Citations (7)