Patent Grant
10384841
The invention relates generally to the extraction of liquids from a container. More particularly, the invention relates to apparatuses and methods for extracting liquids from a container, storing the liquids, and dispensing the liquids, while minimizing exposure of the liquids to an external environment.
The shelf life and/or usefulness of certain liquids can deteriorate upon exposure to environmental components external to the container storing the liquid. For example, the shelf life of wine significantly decreases upon being exposed to ambient air because chemicals in the wine can be oxidized by the air, which can alter the wine's taste. In addition to wine, other liquids that are stored in sealed containers can also be oxidized or otherwise affected by exposure to the air. Current liquid extraction and/or liquid preservation devices attempt to alleviate these problems in a variety of ways; however, some are difficult to operate and may not provide an adequate solution for dispensing liquid from a container without introducing excess air into the remaining liquid. Therefore, there is a need for a liquid extraction apparatus and method that can successfully extract and store liquid to increase its shelf life and/or usefulness.
In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for extracting a liquid from a container having an opening, the system comprises a liquid extraction member including a liquid extraction inlet and one or more liquid extraction outlets. The liquid extraction member is configured for insertion through the opening of the container and for positioning of the extraction inlet below a surface of the liquid. The system additionally includes one or more storage vessels each defining a liquid storage inlet coupled in fluid flow communication with the extraction member via one of the liquid extraction outlets, with each of the storage vessels comprising a variable internal storage volume. The system additionally includes a pressure differential device operable to cause liquid to flow from the container, through the liquid extraction member, and into one or more of the storage vessels. Furthermore, the system includes one or more fluid restrictors associated with the liquid extraction member and configured to prevent fluid flow in at least one direction through the liquid extraction member to prevent liquid in the liquid extraction member from receding from the liquid extraction member back into the container.
In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a process for extracting liquid from a container. The process comprising the initial step of inserting a liquid extraction member into the container to a depth such that a liquid extraction inlet of the liquid extraction member extends below a surface of the liquid in the container. An additional step includes priming the liquid extraction member by creating a pressure differential between the extraction inlet and an extraction outlet of the liquid extraction member to thereby cause liquid to flow from the container into the liquid extraction member at least as far as at least one of the liquid extraction outlets. An additional step includes preventing liquid within the extraction member from receding from the liquid extraction member back into the container. The preventing step is performed by one or more fluid restrictors associated with the liquid extraction member. A further step includes drawing the liquid held within the liquid extraction member into a storage vessel fluidly connected with the liquid extraction outlet of the liquid extraction member. The liquid drawn into the storage vessel during the drawing step does not make direct contact with ambient air.
Certain embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the following drawing figures, wherein:
The following detailed description of the invention references various embodiments. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the below described embodiments are not exclusive of one another, and any portion of the description, properties, and parameters of any one embodiment can be combined with any portion of the description, properties, and parameters of any other embodiment. Also, unless specifically stated otherwise, steps of the methods and processes described herein may be performed in various orders, with such orders potentially being different from the explicitly described order. Furthermore, some steps may be performed concurrently as opposed to sequentially. Furthermore still, some steps may be optional. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
The liquid extraction apparatus 10 of
The container 11 from which the liquid is extracted by the liquid extraction apparatus 10 can be any container suitable to contain or store a liquid. In certain embodiments, the container 11 can be a container for storing perishable liquids. In one or more embodiments, the container 11 can be a wine bottle. The liquid can be any liquid where it is desirable to extract such liquid from the container 11 with minimal to no contact with the external environment. In certain embodiments, the liquid can be a perishable consumable liquid, such as, for example, wine, juice, milk, or a medicament. In one or more embodiments, the container 11 can be a wine bottle, and the liquid can be wine. In certain other embodiments, the liquid can be a non-consumable liquid, such as, for example, industrial chemicals, or household chemicals.
In certain embodiments, the liquid extraction member 12 can be made of any material that is suitable for contacting a specific liquid stored in the container 11, such as, for example, stainless steel, glass, plastic, silicone or rubber-like material. In one or more embodiments, the liquid extraction member 12 can be coated in a substance that is suitable for contacting a specific liquid stored in the container 11. The liquid extraction member 12 can be any size and shape as long as a portion of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 11 and be positioned below a surface of the liquid inside the container 11. In certain embodiments, the liquid extraction member 12 may be shaped as a hollow cylinder. As such, the liquid extraction member 12 will present an interior volume for holding and transporting liquid. Nevertheless, it should be understood that the extraction member 12 is not necessarily required to have a cylindrical or a circular shape. For instance, the extraction member 12 may be shaped as a hollow polygon, such as a pentagon, hexagon, or the like. In certain embodiments, as described in more detail below, the liquid extraction member 12 will be used with a container 11 in the form of a standard bottle of wine. In such embodiments, the liquid extraction member 12 may have an inner diameter of between 0.25 and 1.25 inches, between 0.50 and 1.00 inches, or about 0.75 inches.
In some embodiments, such as illustrated in
The transference section 12b may extend at an angle from the extraction section 12a. In some embodiments, the transference section 12b may extend generally perpendicularly from the extraction section 12a, such that the transference section 12b extends generally horizontally. In other embodiments, the transference section 12b may extend at other angles from the extraction section 12a and/or may extend non-horizontally. The transference section 12b may include a liquid extraction outlet 12e that is presented by a surrounding connection member 12g extending from the transference section 12b. As such, the extraction member 12 may be configured to have the storage vessel 14 coupled thereto via the connection member 12g. In the embodiment depicted in
The dispenser section 12c may extend at an angle from the transference section 12b and may be configured for directing liquid from the liquid extraction member 12, via a liquid dispensing outlet 12f, into a receptacle 13, such as a wine glass. In some embodiments, the dispenser section 12c may extend generally perpendicularly from the transference section 12b, such that the dispenser section 12c extends generally vertically. In other embodiments, however, the dispenser section 12c may extend at other angles from the transference section 12b and/or may extend non-vertically. It should be understood that although certain embodiments detailed herein describe the extraction member 12 being segmented, embodiments of the present invention provide for the sections (i.e., 12a, 12b, and 12c) of the extraction member 12 to extend in a non-segmented shape, such as by extending in a continuous and/or curvilinear shape.
In some embodiments of the present invention, the storage vessel 14 can be configured in any rigid size or shape, and a particular size and shape can be chosen by one skilled in the art. In certain embodiments, such as the embodiment depicted in
As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in
The connection members 12g and 14a of the extraction member 12 and the storage vessel 14, respectively, can include any type of connection device or mechanism as long as the through-opening 14c permits liquid to flow from the extraction member 12 into the storage vessel 14. For example, in certain embodiments, the connection members 12g and 14a can be connected by complimentary threaded portions. In other embodiments, the connection members 12g and 14a can be connected by a friction-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, threaded connection, or the like.
The one or more valves 16 can be any type of device(s) capable of controlling the flow of liquid through the extraction member 12. For example, the valves 16 can include various types of check valves, such as one-way check valves (e.g., ball check-valves, diaphragm valves, duckbill valve, mushroom valve or the like), electrically/manually switched valves (e.g., swing check-valves, shut-off check-valves (i.e., stop check-valves), pinch valves, etc.), or the like. In certain embodiments, such as illustrated in
The pressure differential device 18 may be shiftably disposed in the storage vessel 14. The pressure differential device 18 can be any device capable of generating a pressure differential between the liquid extraction apparatus 10 and the container 11, and a specific device can be chosen by one skilled in the art for a particular purpose. In the embodiment depicted in
Given the liquid extraction apparatus 10 discussed above, to extract liquid from the container 11, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 11 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 11. Additionally, portions of the pressure differential device 18 will be positioned within the storage vessel 14, with the base portion 18a positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a. As such, the pressure differential device 18, can be shifted away from the connection member 14a, to thereby create a pressure differential between the extraction inlet 12d and the through-opening 14c causing the liquid (and any air within the extraction member 12) to flow through the extraction section 12a, through a portion of the transference section 12b, through/past the first valve 16a, and into the storage vessel 14. Once liquid has begun to flow into the storage vessel 14, the base portion 18a of the pressure differential device 18 can be shifted back toward the connection member 14a, to expel all of the liquid (and any air) that was received in storage vessel 14. In particular, the liquid will flow out of the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 13. It should be understood that because the valves 16a, 16b are configured to only allow liquid to flow in a single direction (i.e., from the container 11 to the storage vessel 14 and/or from the storage vessel 14 to the receptacle 13), the liquid that is forced from the storage vessel 14 and into the receptacle 13 will not be allowed to flow in the opposite direction past the first valve 16a in the direction of the container 11.
Furthermore, it is understood that after the liquid has been drawn into and then ejected from the storage vessel 14, portions of the extraction member 12, e.g., the portion extending from the extraction inlet 12d to the liquid extraction outlet 12e, will remain filled with liquid. In more detail, the valves 16a, 16b are configured to allow liquid to flow only in a single first direction, i.e., from the container 11 to the storage vessel 14 and/or from the storage vessel 14 to the receptacle 13 as described in the previous paragraph. As such, the valves 16a, 16b may be configured to restrict liquid from flowing in an opposite, second direction i.e., away from the liquid extraction outlet 12e toward the container 11 and/or away from the dispenser section 12c toward the extraction outlet 12e. The valves 16a, 16b accomplish such by blocking fluid flow in such opposite direction and/or by maintaining a pressure differential across the valves 16a and/or 16b that may attempt to inhibit liquid from flowing in the opposite second direction. As such, while the liquid that was drawn into the storage vessel 14 can be forced out through the second valve 16b, the remaining liquid that was drawn up through the extraction member 12 from the container 11 will remain in place within the extraction member 12 (i.e., between the container 11 and the storage vessel 14) due to the liquid-blocking and/or pressure-maintaining effects of the valves 16a, 16b. Such a configuration (i.e., with liquid being maintained within the extraction member 12 from the extraction inlet 12d to the liquid extraction outlet 12e) is hereinafter referred to as a “primed configuration.” It is understood that in the embodiments in which the valves 16a, 16b are one-way check valves received entirely within the extraction member 12, the vales 16a, 16b are configured to retain liquid within the extraction member without a user having to actuate and/or physically operate the valves 16a, 16b. In such a primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be re-filled with the liquid from the extraction member 12 and from the container 11 by shifting the base portion 18a of the pressure differential device 18 away from the connection member 14a. This time, however, the storage vessel 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
With the storage vessel 14 filled with the liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 10 is operable to dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 13, simply by depressing the base portion 18a of the pressure differential device 18 toward the connection member 14a, to expel liquid stored within the storage vessel 14 and into the receptacle 13. In particular, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 13.
In alternative embodiments, once a storage vessel 14 has been filled with liquid, the storage vessel 14 can alternatively dispense the liquid by removing the storage vessel 14 from the extraction member 12. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the pressure differential device 18 can be moved toward the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c. In some alternative embodiments, the pressure differential device 18 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14. Furthermore, once removed from the extraction member 12, the storage vessel 14 may be stored for future dispensing of the liquid therein. Beneficially, because the fluid contained within the storage vessel 14 is sealed therein, and because such fluid has not been in contact with the ambient environment, the fluid can be stored within the storage vessel 14 for an extended period (e.g., weeks, months, years, etc.)
In even further alternative embodiments, with the liquid extraction apparatus 10 in the primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 12 by disconnecting the connection members 12g and 14a, and a different storage vessel 14 can be connected to the extraction member 12 to be filled with liquid. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into/onto or incorporated within connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, a plurality of different storage vessels 14 can be attached to the extraction member 12 and filled with liquid from the container 11. Beneficially, however, each of the different storage vessels 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
In part, the liquid extraction apparatus 20 functions entirely the same as the liquid extraction apparatus 10, as was previously described. For example, the liquid extraction apparatus 20 can initially withdraw a portion of liquid from a container 21 and house such portion of liquid in the storage vessel 14. Thereafter, the storage vessel 14 can eject the portion of the liquid from the storage vessel 14 and into a receptacle 23. After performing such steps, the liquid extraction apparatus 70 will be in the primed configuration, i.e., with liquid being maintained (by way of the valves 16a, 16b and/or 26a, 26b) within the portion of the extraction member 12 that extends between the extraction inlet 12d and the through-opening 14c of the storage vessel 14. Thus, in the primed configuration, both the storage vessel 14 and the second storage vessel 24 can be used to withdraw liquid from the extraction member 12, with such liquid not having been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air). In some embodiments, however, the liquid extraction apparatus 20 may function as described above without the inner valves, i.e., first and second valves 16a, 26b.
In more detail, the second storage vessel 24 may, in some embodiments, have the same parameters and characteristics as the storage vessel 14 discussed above with reference to
The connection members 12i and 24a can include any type of connection device or mechanism as long as there is a through-opening 24c for a liquid to flow from the extraction member 12 into the second storage vessel 24. For example, in certain embodiments, the connection members 12i and 24a can be connected by complimentary threaded portions. In other embodiments, the connection members 12i and 24a can be connected by a friction-fit connection, a snap-fit connection, or the like. In certain embodiments, the liquid extraction apparatus 20 is configured to maintain liquid within the extraction member 12 via the first and second valves 26a, 26b, which are positioned on either side of the connection member 12i. As such, liquid extraction apparatus 20 can perform entirely the same as liquid extraction apparatus 10 if the storage vessel 14 is removed from the extraction member 12.
Given the liquid extraction apparatus 20 described above, once the liquid extraction apparatus 20 is in the primed configuration, the second storage vessel 24 can be independently filled with the liquid from the extraction member 12 and the container 21 by shifting the base portion 28a of the pressure differential device 28 away from the connection member 24a. As such, the second storage vessel 24 can be filled with liquid without having to manipulate and/or remove the storage vessel 14. Furthermore, the second storage vessel 24 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air). In the primed configuration, and with the second storage vessel 24 filled with the liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 20 is operable to dispense liquid from the second storage vessel 24 into the receptacle 23, simply by depressing the base portion 28a of the pressure differential device 28 toward the connection member 24a, to expel liquid stored within the storage vessel 24 and into the receptacle 13. In particular, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 24, through/past the second valve 26b, through a portion of the transference section 12b, past valves 16a, 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 23. If the storage vessel 14 is removed, such liquid transference can take place if a seal device is placed into or onto connection member 12g of the extraction member 12 to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12 via the liquid extraction outlet 12e.
In alternative embodiments, after filling the second storage vessel 24, the second storage vessel 24 can be removed and one or more additional storage vessels 24 can be individually connected to the connection member 12i of the extraction member 12 so as to also be filled with liquid. Between the transitioning of storage vessels 24, a seal device may be placed into or onto connecting member 12i to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like.
Regardless, once a second storage vessel 24 has been filled with liquid, the second storage vessel 24 can, alternatively dispense the liquid by removing the second storage vessel 24 from the extraction member 12, as previously described. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 24a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the second storage vessel 24. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto connecting member 22i to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the second storage vessel 24, the base portion 28a of the pressure differential device 28 can be moved toward the connection member 24a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 24c of the second storage vessel 24.
In more detail, the liquid extraction member 32 includes a first end 32a that defines a liquid extraction inlet 32b and a second end 32c that defines a liquid extraction outlet 32d. The liquid extraction member 32 may not include a dispensing outlet. The second end 32c of the extraction member 32 may be removably coupled to the storage vessel 14. For example, in one or more embodiments, the second end 32c of the extraction member 32 can be coupled to a connection member 14a of the storage vessel 14 by complimentary threaded portions. The connection member 14a may define through-opening 14c, through which liquid can flow from the extraction member 32 to within the storage vessel 14. It is understood, however, the extraction member 32 can be removably coupled to the storage vessel 14 in a variety of other ways, and a particular method can be chosen by one skilled in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the extraction member's 32 second end 32c and the connection member 14a can be connected by friction-fit connection, snap-fit connection, or the like.
The valve 36 may be positioned within the extraction member 32 anywhere along the extraction member's 32 length. However, as illustrated in
In certain embodiments, to extract a liquid from the container 31, the extraction member 32 can be inserted into the container 31 so that the extraction inlet 32b is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 31. As such, base portion 18a of the pressure differential device 18, which is located inside the storage vessel 14, can be shifted away from the connection member 14a, to create a pressure differential between the extraction inlet 32b and the through-opening 14c causing the liquid (and any air within the extraction member 32) to flow through the extraction member 32, through/past the valve 36, and into the storage vessel 14. Once liquid has begun to flow into the storage vessel 14, the storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 32 to dispose of the liquid and any air that was extracted into the storage vessel 14.
Because the valve 36 is configured to only allow liquid to flow in a single direction (i.e., from the container 31 to the storage vessel 14), once liquid has been drawn into the storage vessel 14, even if the storage vessel 14 is subsequently removed, liquid within the extraction member 32 will be prevented from falling back into the container 31 due to the liquid-flow restricting and/or pressure-maintaining effects of the valve 36. Such a configuration, i.e., with liquid being maintained within the extraction member 32 between the second end 32c and the extraction inlet 32b is referred to as a “primed configuration.” In such a primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 (now emptied), can be reattached to the extraction member 32, such that the storage vessel 14 can be refilled by extracting the liquid from the extraction member 32 and from the container 31. This time, however, the extracted liquid will not have been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air). In additional embodiments, one or more additional storage vessels 14 can, alternatively, be attached to the extraction member 32 to extract liquid that has not been exposed to air.
Once the storage vessel 14 has been filled with liquid, the storage vessel 14 can, dispense the liquid by removing the storage vessel 14 from the extraction member 32. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a of the storage vessel 14 to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto the liquid extraction outlet 32d of the extraction member 32 to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 32. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the storage vessel 14, the pressure differential device 18 can be moved toward the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c of the storage vessel 14.
In more detail, and with reference to
As illustrated in
The position of the base portion 48a can be controlled by the actuator 48c, which is configured to actuate the shaft 48b that in turn actuates the base portion 48a. In the embodiments illustrated in
In operation, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 41 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 41. Additionally, portions of the pressure differential device 48 will be positioned within the storage vessel 14, with the base portion 48a positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a (as shown in broken line in
With the storage vessel 14 filled with the liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 40 is operable to dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 43, simply by causing the base portion 48a of the pressure differential device 48 to be shifted toward the connection member 14a, to expel part or all of any liquid stored within the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 43. In particular, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 43.
In alternative embodiments, as with the liquid extraction apparatus 10 described above, once the storage vessel 14 of extraction apparatus 40 has been filled with liquid, the storage vessel 14 can alternatively dispense the liquid by removing the storage vessel 14 from the extraction member 12. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the actuator 48c can actuate the base portion 48a of the pressure differential device 48 to be shifted toward the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c. In some alternative embodiments, the pressure differential device 48 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14.
In even further alternative embodiments, with the liquid extraction apparatus 40 in the primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 12 by disconnecting the connection members 12g and 14a, and a different storage vessel 14 can be connected to the extraction member 12 to be filled with liquid. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, a plurality of different storage vessels 14 can be attached to the extraction member 12 and filled with liquid from the container 41. Beneficially, however, each of the different storage vessels 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
The actuator 48c of the pressure differential device 48 may be powered electrically, pneumatically, hydraulically, or the like. Similarly, the actuator 48c may be controlled by various control methods, such as a physical control system or an automated control system. For the physical control system, embodiments of the present invention may provide for one or more push-buttons, knobs, dials, touchscreen, or other similar controls from which a user can actuate the pressure differential device 48. For example, embodiments may provide a first push-button that causes the base portion 48a to be actuated away from the connection member 14a of the storage vessel 14 and a second push-button that causes the base portion to be actuate towards the connection member 14a. The push-buttons may be in communication with the actuator 48c via a wired connection (e.g., via physical wires/cables) or wirelessly (e.g., radio-frequency, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).
For the automated control system, the actuator 48c may be in communication with one or more sensors and/or inputs that provide automated instructions for controlling the position of the base portion 48a. Certain embodiments may provide for the automated control system to include a programmable logic controller (PLC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a microprocessor, processor(s) and associated memory elements, or the like for obtaining information from the sensors and/or inputs and providing instructions to the actuator 48c based on the inputs. In some embodiments, the sensors and/or inputs may comprise a position sensor, a pressure sensor, or a timer. The position sensor may comprise an optical sensor, a mechanical switch, a magnetic sensor, or the like and may be operable to sense a position of any of the one or more components of the pressure differential device 48. For instance, the position sensor may be capable of sensing when the base portion 48a is positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a and/or when the base portion 48a is positioned at a maximum distance from the connection member 14a. The position sensor may also determine when the base portion 48a is positioned anywhere in between such extreme positions. Alternatively, the pressure sensor may be capable of sensing a pressure within an interior of the storage vessel 14. As such, the pressure sensor may be capable of sensing when the pressure within the storage vessel 14 is at a minimum such that the base portion 48a is positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a (e.g., no liquid in the storage vessel 14). Similarly, the pressure sensor may be capable of sensing when the pressure within the storage vessel is at a maximum, such as when the base portion 48a is positioned at a maximum distance from the connection member 14a (i.e., the storage vessel filled with liquid). The pressure sensor may also determine pressures between the minimum and maximum, such as when the base portion 48a is positioned anywhere in between. Furthermore, embodiments of the present invention may include a safety shut-off valve connected to the pressure sensor, such that if an over and/or an under-pressure are detected, the actuator 48c can be stopped so as to prevent failure of or damage to the liquid extraction apparatus 40. In still further alternatives, the timer may be used to determine when the base portion 48a has travelled from a positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a to the maximum distance from the connection member 14a, and vice-a-versa. The timer may take into consideration an actuation speed of the actuator 48c. Given the automated control system components described above, the liquid extraction apparatus 40 can be used to fill the storage vessel 14, as previously described, in an automated fashion with liquid that has not been in contact with external contaminates (e.g., air). Similarly, the automated control system can be used to dispense liquid to the receptacle 43, as previously described, in an automated fashion.
As with the embodiments previously described, it is understood that the liquid extraction apparatus 40 can include any number of storage vessels 14 secured to the extraction member 12. For instance, as was illustrated in
As illustrated in
In more detail, and with reference to
The position of the base portion 58a can be controlled by the pump 58c, which is configured to actuate the base portion 58a. In the embodiments illustrated in
In operation, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 51 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 51. Additionally, the base portion 58a of the pressure differential device 58 will be positioned within the storage vessel 14, with the base portion 58a positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a (as shown in broken line in
In the primed configuration, and with the storage vessel 14 filled with liquid obtained from the container 51, the liquid extraction apparatus 50 is operable to dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 53. Such dispensing may be performed simply by shifting the base portion 58a of the pressure differential device 58 towards the connection member 14a, via the pump 58c, so as to expel any liquid stored within the storage vessel 14. In more detail, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 53.
In alternative embodiments, as with the liquid extraction apparatus 40 described above, once the storage vessel 14 of extraction apparatus 50 has been filled with liquid, the storage vessel 14 can alternatively dispense the liquid by removing the storage vessel 14 from the extraction member 12. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the pump 58c can shift the base portion 58a of the pressure differential device 58 toward the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c. In some alternative embodiments, the base portion 58a of the pressure differential device 58 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14.
In even further alternative embodiments, with the liquid extraction apparatus 50 in the primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 12 by disconnecting the connection members 12g and 14a, and a different storage vessel 14 can be connected to the extraction member 12 to be filled with liquid. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, a plurality of different storage vessels 14 can be attached to the extraction member 12 and filled with liquid from the container 51. Beneficially, however, each of the different storage vessels 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
The first pump 68c may be similar to the pump 58c of the liquid extraction apparatus 50, except that the first pump 68c may be configured to only provide an overpressure to the storage vessel 14 and may not provide a partial vacuum. As such, the pump 68c may be configured as an air pump, a hydraulic pump, or the like. As mentioned above, the second pump 68d is configured to provide an overpressure to the container 61. Because of the pump's 68d interaction with the liquid within the container 61, it may be preferable for the pump 68d to comprise an air pump. To create the overpressure within the container 61, the liquid extraction apparatus 60 may include a container connector 69 configured to allow an overpressure to be provided to the container 61 via the second pump 68d, while allowing liquid to exit from the container 61 through the extraction member 12 and into the storage vessel 14. In more detail, as shown in
In operation, the container connection 69 can be inserted within the opening (i.e., the neck portion) of the container 61. In addition, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 61, via the first through-opening of the container connection 69, so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 61. In addition, the tubular component of the second pump 68d can be inserted through the second flow-through opening of the container connection 69 and into the interior of the container 61. Additionally, the base portion 68a of the pressure differential device 68 will be positioned within the storage vessel 14, with the base portion 68a positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a (as shown in broken line in
Once liquid has flowed into the storage vessel 14, the first pump 68c can create an overpressure within the storage vessel 14 so that the base portion 68a is shifted back toward the connection member 14a, thereby expelling all of the liquid (and any air) that was received in storage vessel 14. In particular, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 63. To accomplish such, and in embodiments in which the second valve 16b is a shut-off-type check valve, the second valve 16b should be shifted to the open position so as to allow liquid to flow through/past the second valve 16b. It should be understood that because the valves 16a, 16b are configured to only allow liquid to flow in a single direction (i.e., from the container 61 to the storage vessel 14 and/or from the storage vessel 14 to the receptacle 63), the liquid that is forced from the storage vessel 14 and into the receptacle 63 will not be allowed to flow past the first valve 16a in the direction of the container 61. Furthermore, with the liquid extraction apparatus 60 in the primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be re-filled with the liquid from the extraction member 12 and from the container 61 by creating an overpressure within the container 61 via the second pump 68d. This time, however, the storage vessel 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
In the primed configuration, and with the storage vessel 14 filled with the liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 60 is operable to dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 63, simply by causing the base portion 68a of the pressure differential device 68 to be shifted toward the connection member 14a, via the first pump 68c, to expel any liquid stored within the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 63. In particular, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 63.
In alternative embodiments, as with the liquid extraction apparatus 40 described above, once the storage vessel 14 of extraction apparatus 60 has been filled with liquid, the storage vessel 14 can alternatively dispense the liquid by removing the storage vessel 14 from the extraction member 12. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the first pump 68c can actuate the base portion 68a of the pressure differential device 68 to be shifted toward the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c. In some alternative embodiments, the pressure differential device 68 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14.
In even further alternative embodiments, with the liquid extraction apparatus 60 in the primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 12 by disconnecting the connection members 12g and 14a, and a different storage vessel 14 can be connected to the extraction member 12 to be filled with liquid. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, a plurality of different storage vessels 14 can be attached to the extraction member 12 and filled with liquid from the container 61. Beneficially, however, each of the different storage vessels 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
In some alternative embodiments of the liquid extraction apparatus 60, instead of individual pumps 68c and 68d, a single pump may be used. To accomplish the same functionality as described above, the single air pump may first be removably attached to the container 61 via the container connection 69 so as to provide an overpressure within the container 61 to force liquid into the storage vessel 14. Thereafter, the single air pump can be removed from the container and coupled with the storage vessel 14 so as to provide an overpressure within the storage vessel to force liquid from the storage vessel and into the receptacle 63. Alternatively, the single pump may be simultaneously fluidly connected to each of the container 61 and the storage vessel 14, and the single pump may selectively provide an overpressure to either the container 61 or the storage vessel 14 through use of a directional valve. Furthermore, as previously indicated, the embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive of one another. As such, for instance, the pump 68c may be replaced with the shiftable plunger illustrated in
In more detail, in place of the base portion 58a, the pressure differential device 78 may comprise an expandable pouch 78a. As such, the pressure differential device 78 comprises the expandable pouch 78a and a pump 78c. The expandable pouch 78a may be comprised of any flexible or rigid material that is capable of expanding and contracting within the storage vessel 14. For example, the expandable pouch 78a can be selected from any sufficiently flexible and water-tight material, such as, for example, plastics, latex, rubber, and/or a rubber-like material. The pump 78c may be similar to the pump 58c previously described with respect to the liquid extraction apparatus 50 illustrated in
In more detail, with the pump 78c operating to create an underpressure within the storage vessel 14, the expandable pouch 78a will be caused, under the force of the underpressure, e.g., by pumping air out of the storage vessel 14, to expand from an initial size that does not fill a substantial volume of the interior of the storage vessel 14 to a secondary size that fills at least a substantial volume of the internal storage chamber 14e of the storage vessel 14. As used herein, the term substantial volume is defined to mean at least 20 percent, at least 30 percent, at least 40 percent, at least 50 percent, or at least 60 percent of the volume of the internal storage chamber 14e of the storage vessel 14. Contrastingly, with the pump 78c operating to create an overpressure, e.g., by pumping air into the storage vessel 14, the expandable pouch 78a will be caused, to contract from the secondary size that fills at least the substantial volume of the internal storage chamber 14e of the storage vessel 14 to the initial size that does not fill a substantial volume of the internal storage chamber 14e of the storage vessel 14.
In operation, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 71 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 71. The pump 78c can create an underpressure in the storage vessel 14 so as to cause the expandable pouch 78a to be shifted from its initial size to its secondary size, to thereby create a pressure differential between the extraction inlet 12d and the through-opening 14c, causing liquid (and any air within the extraction member 12) to flow through the extraction section 12a, through a portion of the transference section 12b, through/past the first valve 16a, and into the expandable pouch 78a and, thus, into the storage vessel 14. It should be understood that although the liquid is held within the expandable pouch 78a, because the expandable pouch 78a is positioned within the storage vessel 14, the liquid can be considered to be simultaneously held within the expandable pouch 78a and the storage vessel 14. Once liquid has begun to flow into the storage vessel 14, the pump 78c can create an overpressure within the storage vessel 14 so that the expandable pouch 78a is shifted back from its secondary position to its initial position (or a position therebetween), so as to expel some or all of the liquid (and any air) that was received in the expandable pouch 78a and, thus, the storage vessel 14. In particular, the liquid will flow out the expandable pouch 78a and/or the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 73. It should be understood that because the valves 16a, 16b are configured to only allow liquid to flow in a single direction (i.e., from the container 71 to the storage vessel 14 and/or from the storage vessel 14 to the receptacle 73), the liquid that is forced from the expandable pouch 78a and/or the storage vessel 14 and into the receptacle 73 will not be allowed to flow past the first valve 16a in the direction of the container 71. Furthermore, with the liquid extraction apparatus 70 in the primed configuration, the expandable pouch 78a and/or the storage vessel 14 can be re-filled with the liquid from the extraction member 12 and from the container 71 by shifting the expandable pouch 78a of from its initial position to its secondary position. This time, however, the expandable pouch 78a and/or the storage vessels 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
In the primed configuration, and with the expandable pouch 78a and/or storage vessel 14 filled with the liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 70 is operable to dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 73, simply by causing the expandable pouch 78a to be shifted from its secondary position toward its primary position, via the pump 78c, to expel some or all of the liquid stored within the expandable pouch 78a and/or storage vessel 14 and into the receptacle 73. In particular, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 73.
In alternative embodiments, as with previous embodiments described above, once the storage vessel 14 of extraction apparatus 70 has been filled with liquid, the storage vessel 14 can alternatively dispense the liquid by removing the storage vessel 14 (including the expandable pouch 78a) from the extraction member 12. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the pump 78c can actuate the expandable pouch 78a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c. In some alternative embodiments, the pressure differential device 78 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14.
In even further alternative embodiments, with the liquid extraction apparatus 70 in the primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 12 by disconnecting the connection members 12g and 14a, and a different storage vessel 14 (including its own expandable pouch 78a) can be connected to the extraction member 12 to be filled with liquid. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, a plurality of different storage vessels 14 (including their own expandable pouches 78a) can be attached to the extraction member 12 and filled with liquid from the container 71. Beneficially, however, each of the different storage vessels 14 and/or expandable pouches 78a will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
In more detail, the pressure differential device 88 may include an expandable pouch 88a, which is similar or the same as the expandable pouch 78a of liquid extraction apparatus 70. In contrast from liquid extraction apparatus 70, the liquid extraction apparatus 80 may not include the storage vessel 14. As such, the expandable pouch 88a is configured to act as a storage vessel and individually maintain any liquid extracted from the container 81. In addition, the pressure differential device 88 may include a pump 88d (and an associated tubular connection component) and a container connector 89, which such components configured for providing an overpressure within the container 81 so as to facilitate extraction of liquid from the container 81 and into the expandable pouch 88a. The pump 88d and the container connector 89 may be similar (or the same) as the second pump 68d and the container connection 69 of the liquid extraction apparatus 60 of
In operation, the container connection 89 can be inserted within the opening (i.e., the neck portion) of the container 81. In addition, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 81, via a first through-opening of the container connection 89, so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 81. In addition, the tubular connection component of the pump 88d can be inserted through a second flow-through opening of the container connection 89 and into the interior of the container 81.
As such, the pump 88d can create an overpressure in the container 81 to thereby create a pressure differential between the extraction inlet 12d and the expandable pouch 88a, causing liquid (and any air within the extraction member 12) to flow through the extraction section 12a, through a portion of the transference section 12b, through/past the first valve 16a, and into the expandable pouch 88a. The expandable pouch 88a will expand from an initial size, wherein it contains no liquid, to a secondary size, wherein the expandable pouch 88a contains liquid. It is understood that that the secondary size will be greater than the initial size. Additionally, however, certain embodiments may require that the second valve 16b of liquid extraction apparatus 80 additionally comprise components that selectively provide for it to operate as a shut-off-type check valve, similar to second valve 16b described in liquid extraction apparatus 60. As such, when the valve 16b has been closed, no liquid can travel past/through the valve 16b in either direction. When the pump 88d is creating an overpressure within the container 81, the valve 16b should be closed such that liquid will flow into the expandable pouch 88a and not through the valve 16b.
Once liquid has begun to flow into the expandable pouch 88a, the expandable pouch 88a may need to be manually compressed, such as by a hand-squeeze, so as to expel all of the liquid (and any air) that was received in the expandable pouch 88a. In particular, via such a compression, the liquid will flow out the expandable pouch 88a, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 83. In embodiments in which the second valve 16b is a shut-off-type check valve, the second valve 16b should be opened so as to allow liquid to flow through past the second valve 16b when dispensing into receptacle 83. It should be understood that because the valves 16a, 16b are configured to only allow liquid to flow in a single direction (i.e., from the container 81 to the expandable pouch 88a and/or from the expandable pouch 88a to the receptacle 83), the liquid that is forced from the expandable pouch 88a and into the receptacle 83 will not be allowed to flow past the first valve 16a in the direction of the container 81. Furthermore, with the liquid extraction apparatus 80 in the primed configuration, the expandable pouch 88a can be re-filled with the liquid from the extraction member 12 and from the container 81 by creating an overpressure within the container 81 via the pump 88d. This time, however, the expandable pouch 88a will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
In the primed configuration, and with the expandable pouch 88a filled with the liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 80 is operable to dispense liquid from the expandable pouch 88a into the receptacle 83, simply by compressing the expandable pouch 88a, such as by a hand-squeeze, to expel any liquid stored within the expandable pouch 88a into the receptacle 83. In particular, the liquid will flow out the expandable pouch 88a, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 83. As previously described, it should be understood that the second valve 16b will need to be closed while the expandable pouch 88a is being filled, and the second valve 16b will need to be opened while the expandable pouch 88a is being evacuated.
In alternative embodiments, and similar to the storage vessels 14 of previous embodiments described above, once the expandable pouch 88a of extraction apparatus 60 has been filled with liquid, the expandable pouch 88a can alternatively dispense the liquid by removing the expandable pouch 88a from the extraction member 12. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto an opening associate with the expandable pouch 88a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the expandable pouch 88a. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Similarly, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. To dispense the liquid stored in the removed expandable pouch 88a, the expandable pouch 88a may be compressed, such as by a hand-squeeze, to force some or all of the liquid out through the opening of the expandable pouch 88a.
In even further alternative embodiments, with the liquid extraction apparatus 80 in the primed configuration, the expandable pouch 88a can be removed from the extraction member 12, and different expandable pouches 88a can be connected to the extraction member 12 to be filled with liquid. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, a plurality of different the expandable pouch 88a can be attached to the extraction member 12 and filled with liquid from the container 81. Beneficially, however, each of the different expandable pouches 88a will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air).
In more detail, and with reference to
The position of the base portion 98a can be controlled by the combination of the spring 98b and the pump 98c, which are configured to actuate the base portion 98a. In the embodiments illustrated in
The multi-port valve 96 may comprise a mechanically or electro-mechanically operated multi-port valve (or a combination of multiple single-port valves) configured to be selectively positioned in one of an extracting orientation (e.g.
In operation, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 91 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 91. In some embodiments, the liquid extraction apparatus 90 may include a container connection (not shown in
In an alternative operational embodiment, liquid from the container 91 may not be required to be first extracted from the container 91 and into the storage vessel 14 for purposes of configuring the liquid extraction system 90 in the primed configuration. In more detail, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 91 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 91, as was described above. The multi-port valve 96 can be selectively positioned in the second dispensing orientation, so as to fluidly connect the receptacle 93 with the pump 98c and the container 91. As such, the pump 98c can pump liquid (and any air within the extraction member 12), via peristaltic action, from the container 91, through the extraction section 12a, through the transference section 12b, through/past the pump 98c, through/past the multi-port valve 96, through the dispenser section 12c, and into the receptacle 93. As liquid begins to flow into the receptacle 93, the multi-port valve 96 can be shifted to the extraction orientation or to the first dispensing orientation. The pump may optionally be stopped during said shifting. It should be understood that because the multi-port valve 96 and/or the pump 98c seals the portion of the extraction member 12 between the multi-port valve 96 and the container 91, any liquid forced from the container 91 and into the extraction member 12 will be prevented from receding back through the extraction member 12 down into the container 91. As such, the liquid extraction apparatus 90 will be in the primed configuration having liquid (and no air) held within the portion of the extraction member 12 between the multi-port valve 96 and the container 91. In such a primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be filled with liquid within the extraction member 12 and within the container 91 by shifting the multi-port valve 96 to the extracting orientation (if it was not already in the extracting orientation) and by re-activating the pump 98c (if it had previously been stopped). As such, liquid is pumped from the container 91 and into the storage vessel 14 in such a manner that the base portion 98a is forced away from the connection member 14a and the spring 98b is compressed within the storage vessel. The storage vessel 14 is, thus, filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air). Upon completion of filling the storage vessel 14 with a desired amount of liquid, the multi-port valve 96 can be shifted to the second dispensing orientation, such that any remaining liquid in the container 91 can be sent to the receptacle 93. Given the operation described above, the storage vessel 14 can be filled with liquid that has not contacted the external environment, while any liquid that was in the container 91 and that may been exposed to the external environment (e.g., the first portion and the last portion of the liquid extracted from the container 91) will be sent to the receptacle 93 for immediate consumption. A similar operation is possible for priming the liquid extraction apparatuses 60 and 80 of
With the storage vessel 14 filled with liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 90 is operable to either (1) immediately dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 93, or (2) store the liquid within the storage vessel for future dispensing. To immediately dispense the liquid, the multi-port valve 96 can be shifted to the first dispensing orientation, thereby causing the base portion 98a to be shifted toward the connection member 14a, via the force of the spring 98b, to expel any liquid stored within the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 93. As such, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the multi-port valve 96, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 93. The multi-port valve 96 may be held open until the entire amount of liquid within the storage vessel 14 has been dispensed, or alternatively, at any time during the dispensing of the liquid from the storage vessel 14, the multi-port valve 96 can be shifted to the second dispensing orientation so as to cut-off the liquid from being dispensed from the storage vessel 14. In the second dispensing orientation, the base portion 98a will remain generally in a stationary position, with the pressure of the liquid within the storage vessel being counterbalanced by the force of the spring 98b and the sealed position of the multi-port valve 96. Alternatively, the storage vessel 14 may, in some embodiments, have an internal shut-off type stop valve 99 (See
To store the liquid within the storage vessel 14 for future dispensing, the storage vessel 14 can optionally be removed from the extraction member 12, similar to previous descriptions related to the liquid extraction apparatuses 40 and 50. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Alternatively, as described above, the storage vessel 14 may have its own internal shut-off valve 99 (See
To thereafter dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the seal device can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and/or the shut-off valve 99 can be actuated to the open position, such that the spring 98b can actuate the base portion 98a towards the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c. In some alternative embodiments, the base portion 98a and/or the spring 98b of the pressure differential device 98 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14.
In further alternative embodiments, with the liquid extraction apparatus 90 in the primed configuration, the original storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 12 by disconnecting the connection members 12g and 14a, and a different storage vessel 14 can be connected to the extraction member 12 to be filled with liquid. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. In further alternatives, a stop valve (not shown) could be positioned within the connection member 12g to selectively seal and unseal the connection member 12g. As such, a plurality of different storage vessels 14 can be attached to the extraction member 12 and filled with liquid from the container 91. Beneficially, however, each of the different storage vessels 14 will be filled with liquid that has not been exposed to the external environment (e.g., air). As provided above, liquid can be dispensed from each of the storage vessels 14 either by (1) removing the sealing devices from and/or opening the shut-off valves 99 of the storage vessels 14 that have been removed from the extraction member 12 or, (2) by shifting the multi-port valve 96 to the first dispensing orientation for the storage vessel 14 that is coupled with the extraction member 12.
In certain embodiments, the above-described filling of and dispensing from the storage vessel 14 can be at least partially automated. For instance, the pump 98c, the multi-port valve 96, and/or the internal shut-off valve 99 can each be controlled via an electrical and/or an electro-mechanical control system. As such, once the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 has been inserted into the container 91, the control system can shift the multi-port valve 96 into the extracting orientation and can cause the pump 96c to begin pumping liquid from the container 91 into the storage vessel 14. As described above, the amount of liquid initially pumped into the storage vessel 14 may only be enough to ensure that all of the air within the portion of the extraction member 12 between the storage vessel 14 and the container 91 has been forced into the storage vessel 14. In some embodiments, the amount of liquid initially pumped into the extraction member 14 may be no more than 20 percent, no more than 10 percent, no more than 5 percent, or no more than 1 percent of a total volume of liquid originally held within the container 91. In certain embodiments, the control system may be programmed to command the pump 98c to actuate for a predetermined amount of time such that that the appropriate amount of liquid has been initially removed from the container 91 so as to ensure that generally all of the air within the extraction member 12 has been forced into the storage vessel 14. Thereafter, the control system may instruct the pump 98c to stop pumping liquid from the container 91 and for the multi-port valve 96 to shift to the first dispensing orientation, such that the liquid (and any air) within the storage vessel 14 is dispensed into the receptacle 93. With liquid (and no air) within the portion of the extraction member 12 between the multi-port valve 96 and the container 91, the liquid extraction apparatus 90 is in the primed configuration. To alternatively place the liquid extraction apparatus 90 in the primed configuration, instead of extracting an initial portion of liquid from the container 91 to the storage vessel 14, the control system could initially shift the multi-port valve 96 to the second dispensing orientation and, thereafter, cause the pump 96c to begin pumping liquid from the container 91 directly into the receptacle 93. Once an initial portion of liquid has been pumped into the receptacle 93, the control system can shift the multi-port valve 96c into the extracting orientation, such that the liquid extraction apparatus 90 is in the primed configuration. As previously discussed, in the primed configuration, the storage vessel 14 can be filled with liquid from the container 91 that has not been exposed to air simply by insuring the multi-port valve 96 is in the extracting orientation and activating the pump 98c.
Furthermore, the dispensing of the liquid from the filled storage vessel 14 can be at least partially automated. In particular, once the storage vessel 14 has been filled with an amount of liquid, a specific amount of the liquid can be dispensed into the receptacle 93. To accomplish such, the control system may control the multi-port valve 96 via a timing mechanism that instructs the multi-port valve 96 to be positioned in the first dispensing orientation for a given amount of time. The given amount of time may correspond to a given volume of liquid that will be dispensed from the storage vessel 14. For instance, if the storage vessel 14 contains approximately 750 mL of liquid, a user of embodiments of the present invention may select, via a pushbutton, a dial, a touchscreen, or the like, for the liquid extraction apparatus 90 to dispense 1 glass of the liquid equaling approximately 150 mL of liquid. As such, the control system may instruct the multi-port valve 96 to shift from the second dispensing orientation to the first dispensing orientation for a specific amount of time that corresponds to 150 mL being dispensed from the storage vessel 14 to the receptacle 93. After the specific amount of time has transpired, the control system may instruct the multi-port valve 96 to shift back to the second dispensing orientation to seal the remaining amount of liquid within the storage vessel 14. Alternatively, the liquid extraction apparatus 90 may include one or more sensors for measuring the amount of liquid being extracted or dispensed. Such sensors may comprise for instance, mechanical flow meters (e.g., piston meters, gear meters, etc.), pressure meters (e.g., venture meter, pitot tube, etc.), optical flow meter (e.g., laser-based meters or other optical sensors), electrical flow meters (e.g., magnetic, Doppler, etc.).
The pressure relief section 12k may have an inlet extending from the transference section 12b between the pump 98c and the second valve 16b. The pressure relief section 12k may extend to an outlet between the second valve 16b and the liquid dispensing outlet 12f. The pressure relief section 12k includes a third valve 16c in the form of a pressure relief valve. The third valve 16c may be configured to permit liquid to flow from the inlet to the outlet of the pressure relief section 12k only if a cracking pressure exists between the inlet and the outlet. The cracking pressure may be selected as necessary for particular application, but may, in some embodiments be between 25 and 5 p.s.i., between 20 and 10 p.s.i., or about 15 p.s.i.
In operation of the apparatus 120, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 121 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 121. In some embodiments, the liquid extraction apparatus 120 may include a container connection (not shown in
With the liquid extraction apparatus 120 in the primed configuration, the second valve 16b can be shifted to the closed position. Thereafter, the pump 98c can pump liquid from the container 121 to within the storage vessel 14. Initially, the base portion 98a of the pressure differential device 98 will be positioned within the storage vessel 14, with the base portion 98a positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a (as shown in broken line in
The liquid extraction apparatus 120 can be configured in a manner so as to permit the entire contents or a portion of a specific container 121 to be stored within the storage vessel 14 and/or extracted into the receptacle 123. For example, when the container 121 is a wine bottle, the liquid extraction apparatus 120 may be configured to initially store all but one glass of liquid from the wine bottle within the storage vessel 14, such that the remaining one glass of liquid can be sent to the receptacle 123 for immediate consumption. Some portion of said one glass of liquid may travel through the pressure relief path 12k and another portion may pass through the entirety of the transference section 12b without entering the pressure relief path 12k. In addition, pressure relief section 12k may be operable to act as a safety mechanism to provide a safety outlet for liquid to flow during an overpressure within the liquid extraction apparatus 120.
With the storage vessel 14 filled with liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 120 is operable to either (1) further dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 123, or (2) store the liquid within the storage vessel 14 for future dispensing. To further dispense the liquid for immediate consumption, the second valve 16b can be shifted to the open position, thereby causing the base portion 98a to be shifted toward the connection member 14a, via the force of the spring 98b, to expel liquid stored within the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 123. As such, the liquid will flow out the storage vessel 14, through/past the second valve 16b, through a remaining portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, out the liquid dispensing outlet 12f, and into the receptacle 123. It is understood that the first valve 16a prevents the liquid stored within the vessel 14 from exiting in an opposite direction through the transference section 12b. The second valve 16b may be held open until the entire amount of liquid within the storage vessel 14 has been dispensed, or alternatively, at any time during the dispensing of the liquid from the storage vessel 14, the second valve 16b can be closed so as to cut-off the liquid from being dispensed from the storage vessel 14. With the second valve 16b in the closed position, the base portion 98a will remain generally in a stationary position, with the pressure of the liquid within the storage vessel being counterbalanced by the force of the spring 98b and the first and second valves 16a,b.
To store the liquid within the storage vessel 14 for future dispensing, the storage vessel 14 can optionally be removed from the extraction member 12, similar to the liquid extraction apparatuses previously described herein. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Once the storage vessel 14 has been removed from the extraction member 12, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, the storage vessel 14 can be removed, such that the liquid within the storage vessel 14, which has not been in contact with the external environment (e.g., air), can be stored for an extended period, such as weeks, months, or years. To thereafter dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the seal device can be removed from the storage vessel 14, such that the spring 98b can actuate the base portion 98a towards the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening 14c. In some alternative embodiments, the base portion 98a and/or the spring 98b of the pressure differential device 98 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14.
In further alternative embodiments, embodiments of the present invention may include a dispensing topper. One possible embodiment of said dispensing topper is illustrated in
The latching end 126a includes a spring-loaded latching mechanism 128, as perhaps best shown in
To secure the dispensing topper 126 onto a storage vessel 14, the latching mechanism 128 is depressed within the receiving area, such that the latching mechanism 128 is not in the centered position, and the center of the latching mechanism 128 is out of alignment between the protuberances 126a. As such, the connection member 14a of a storage vessel 14 can be inserted within the opening presented by the latching mechanism 128. Thereafter, the depression of the latching mechanism 128 can be released, such that the latching mechanism 128 returns (under the force of its springs) to the centered position with respect to the latching end 126a of the dispensing topper 126. In such a centered position, the center of the latching mechanism 128 is aligned between the protuberances 126c. With the connection member 14a received within the opening of the latching mechanism 128, the protuberances 126c function, by reducing the internal diameter of the opening of the latching end 126a near the center of the opening, to sealingly secure the connection member 14a, and thus the storage vessel 14, to the latching end 126a of the dispensing topper 126. To remove the storage vessel 14 from the dispensing stopper 126, the latching mechanism 128 can again be depressed such that it is not in the centered position and is out of alignment between the protuberances 126a. As such, the connection member 14a can be removed from within the opening of the latching mechanism 128 and from the dispensing topper 126.
With the dispensing topper 126 secured to the connection member 14a of the storage vessel 14, liquid can be selectively dispensed from the storage vessel 14. In more detail, the dispensing topper 126 includes a dispensing assembly 129, as illustrated in
In more detail, the pressure relief section 12k may have an inlet extending from the extraction member 12 at any position between the pump 98c and the liquid extraction outlet 12e. The pressure relief section 12k may extend to an outlet, which extends from the dispenser section 12c between the valve 16a and the liquid dispensing outlet 12f of the dispenser section 12c. However, the pressure relief section 12k may have an outlet that is not connected to the liquid extraction member 12, but that empties directly into the receptacle 163. In some embodiments, the inlet of the pressure relief section 12k may be positioned at a higher elevation than the outlet of the pressure relief section 12k. The pressure relief section 12k includes a valve 16c in the form of a pressure relief valve, positioned therein. The valve 16c may be configured to prevent liquid from flowing from the inlet to the outlet of the pressure relief section 12k unless a cracking pressure exists between the inlet and the outlet. The cracking pressure may be selected as necessary for particular application, but may, in some embodiments be between 25 and 5 p.s.i., between 20 and 10 p.s.i., or about 15 p.s.i.
In operation of the apparatus 160, the extraction section 12a of the extraction member 12 can be inserted into the container 161 so that the extraction inlet 12d is positioned below the surface of the liquid in the container 161. In some embodiments, the liquid extraction apparatus 160 may include a container connection (not shown in
With the liquid extraction apparatus 160 in the primed configuration, including with the valve 16a in the closed position, the pump 98c can pump liquid from the container 161 into the storage vessel 14. Initially, the base portion 98a of the pressure differential device 98 will be positioned within the storage vessel 14, with the base portion 98a positioned adjacent to the connection member 14a (as shown in broken line in
The liquid extraction apparatus 160 can be configured in a manner so as to permit the entire contents or a portion of the contents of a specific container 161 to be stored within the vessel 14 and/or extracted into the receptacle 163. For example, when the container 161 is a wine bottle, the liquid extraction apparatus 160 may be configured to initially store all but one glass of liquid from the wine bottle within the vessel 14, such that the remaining one glass of liquid can be sent to the receptacle 163, via pressure relief section 12k, for immediate consumption. In addition, pressure relief section 12k may be operable to act as a safety mechanism to provide a safety outlet for liquid to flow during an overpressure within the liquid extraction apparatus 160.
With the storage vessel 14 filled with liquid, the liquid extraction apparatus 160 is operable to either (1) further dispense liquid from the storage vessel 14 into the receptacle 163, or (2) store the liquid within the storage vessel 14 for future dispensing. To further dispense the liquid, the valve 16a can be shifted to the open position, thereby causing the base portion 98a to be shifted toward the connection member 14a, via the force of the spring 98b, to expel liquid stored within the storage vessel 14 through the connecting member 12g, through a portion of the transference section 12b, through the dispenser section 12c, and into the receptacle 163. It is understood that the valve 16c prevents the liquid stored within the vessel 14 from passing through the pressure relief section 12k unless the cracking pressure is achieved between the inlet and the outlet of the pressure relief section 12k. The valve 16a may be held open until the entire amount of liquid within the storage vessel 14 has been dispensed, or alternatively, at any time during the dispensing of the liquid from the storage vessel 14, the valve 16a can be closed so as to cut-off the liquid from being dispensed from the storage vessel 14. With the valve 16a in the closed position, the base portion 98a will remain generally in a stationary position, with the pressure of the liquid within the storage vessel being counterbalanced by the force of the spring 98b and the pump 98c, the valve 16a, and/or the valve 16c.
To store the liquid within the storage vessel 14 for future dispensing, the storage vessel 14 can be removed from the extraction member 12, similar to the liquid extraction apparatuses previously described herein. In such embodiments, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 14a to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the storage vessel 14. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a threaded cap, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. Alternatively, a dispensing topper 126, as previously describe, may be used. Once the storage vessel 14 has been removed from the extraction member 12, a seal device may be placed into or onto connection member 12g to block air from contacting the liquid and/or to block the liquid from exiting the extraction member 12. Any type of common seal device can be used, such as, for example, a rubber or silicone stopper, a plug, a selectively-actuated valve, or the like. As such, the storage vessel 14 can be removed, such that the liquid within the storage vessel 14, which has not been in contact with the external environment (e.g., air), can be stored for an extended period, such as weeks, months, or years. To thereafter dispense the liquid stored in the removed storage vessel 14, the seal device can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and/or the dispensing topper 126 may be actuated, such that the spring 98b can actuate the base portion 98a towards the connection member 14a to force some or all of the liquid out through the through-opening of connection member 14a and/or through the dispensing topper 126. In some alternative embodiments, the base portion 98a and/or the spring 98b of the pressure differential device 98 can be removed from the storage vessel 14 and the liquid can be poured from the storage vessel 14.
It is the inventor's intent to rely on the Doctrine of Equivalents to determine and assess the reasonably fair scope of the present invention as it pertains to any processes and systems not materially departing from but outside the literal scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. For example, the liquid extraction apparatus 90 of
In additional alternative embodiments of the liquid extraction apparatus described in the preceding paragraph, the pump 98c may be replaced with an air pump in communication with the container 91, such as air pump 88d illustrated with respect to the liquid extraction apparatus 80 illustrated in
As further examples of alternative embodiments, certain of the valves described herein may be replaced with QD (i.e., quick disconnect) couplers. As previously described, QD couplers may be configured to restrict liquid flow when disconnected. As such, for example, the one-way check valve 36 of liquid extraction apparatus 30 of
Finally, embodiments of the present invention may include a cleaning process whereby components of the liquid extraction apparatus can be cleaned/sanitized before and/or after the apparatus has been used to extract, store, and/or dispense wine or other fluids. To perform such a cleaning process, water, sanitizer, or mixtures thereof may be passed through the liquid extraction apparatus to clean the components thereof. In embodiments in which components of the liquid extraction apparatus are modular, such components may be separated and cleaned individually. In other embodiments, the process for extracting wine from a wine bottle (as described above) may be similarly used to extract water (and/or sanitizer) from a water source, with such water being used to clean the liquid extraction apparatus. For example, with reference to the liquid extraction apparatus 10 of
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