Vessel extraction apparatus and vessel therefore

Abstract

The present invention discloses a vessel, comprising: an essentially cylindrical vessel body having an opening, a cylindrical wall and a cylinder base; a first groove formed in the cylindrical wall and extending in axial direction at least a predetermined portion of the vessel body; and a second groove formed in the cylindrical wall and extending in axial direction at least a predetermined portion of the vessel body; wherein the first groove is an orientation groove defining the orientation of the vessel with respect to a guide of a fluid extraction apparatus; and wherein the second groove is a coding groove identifying the type of vessel; and
a vessel extraction apparatus, adapted to extract fluid form a plurality of vessels, comprising: a plurality of receiving openings, wherein each opening is adapted to receive one of the vessels; wherein a first protrusion and a second protrusion are associated to each receiving opening; wherein the first protrusion is adapted to engage with a first groove of a vessel; wherein the second protrusion is adapted to engage with a second groove of a vessel that is of a vessel type corresponding to the respective receiving opening;
wherein the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of a first receiving opening differs from the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of a second receiving opening.

Claims

1. A vessel, comprising: an essentially cylindrical vessel body having an opening, a cylindrical wall and a cylinder base; a first groove formed in the cylindrical wall and extending in axial direction at least a predetermined portion of the vessel body; and a second groove formed in the cylindrical wall and extending in axial direction at least a predetermined portion of the vessel body; wherein the first groove is an orientation groove defining the orientation of thevessel with respect to a guide of a fluid extraction apparatus; and wherein the second groove is a coding groove identifying the type of vessel.

2. The vessel according to claim 1, further comprising a septum closing the opening.

3. The vessel according to claim 1, wherein: at least one of the first groove and the second groove extends to the end of the cylindrical wall that is proximal to the opening of the vessel; at least one of the first groove and the second grove extends to a range of between 30% to 95% of the height of the cylindrical wall at least one of the first groove and the second groove does not extend to the end of the cylindrical wall that is distal to the opening.

4. A set of vessels comprising a plurality of vessels according to claim 1, wherein the set comprises at least two types of vessels, wherein each type of vessel is defined by a predetermined distance between the first groove and second groove.

5. A vessel extraction apparatus, adapted to extract fluid form a plurality of vessels, comprising: a plurality of receiving openings, wherein each opening is adapted to receive one of the vessels according to claim 1; wherein a first protrusion and a second protrusion are associated to each receiving opening; wherein the first protrusion is adapted to engage with a first groove of the vessel; wherein the second protrusion is adapted to engage with a second groove of the vessel that is of a vessel type corresponding to the respective receiving opening; wherein the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of a first receiving opening differs from the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of a second receiving opening.

6. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of the first receiving opening differs from the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of any other of the receiving openings.

7. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 5, wherein to each receiving opening a receiving element is associated, wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion associated to the receiving opening are located at the inner wall of the receiving element.

8. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the receiving element is supported by a guide that allows a movement in the axial direction of a vessel positioned in the receiving element.

9. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the receiving element is biased by an elastic element in the direction of the receiving opening.

10. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a latch that engages in its locked position in a locking opening of the receiving element, wherein a vessel positioned in the receiving element moves the latch into its unlocked position, in which the latch can disengage from the receiving element.

11. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the locking opening is arranged between the first protrusion and second protrusion.

12. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 8, further comprising a push-push locking mechanism that is adapted to hold in a fixed position the receiving element against the force of the elastic element, wherein the push-push locking mechanism allows the receiving element in the a movable position of the push-push locking mechanism to be moved in the axial direction of the vessel positioned in the receiving element and wherein the push-push locking mechanism is actuated by pushing the receiving element in axial direction of the vessel positioned in the receiving element.

13. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the push-push locking mechanism is arranged at the receiving element.

14. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a pair of needles positioned under the receiving element, wherein the pair of hollow needles comprises a first hollow needle and a second hollow needle and punctures the septum of a vessel positioned in the receiving element, when the receiving element is held in the locked position of the push-push locking mechanism.

15. The vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising at least one of the following: a fill level detection element that is adapted to detect the fill level of the liquid in the vessel; a fill level detection element that is adapted to puncture the septum in the locked position of the push-lock mechanism; a fill level detection element that protrudes in the locked position of the push-lock mechanism higher as at least one of the first and second hollow needle from the septum; a fill level detection element arranged between the first hollow needle and second hollow needle; a fill level detection element arranged at the upper portion of the first hollow needle; a fill level detection element arranged at the upper portion of the second hollow needle.

16. A beverage dispenser, comprising a vessel extraction apparatus according to claim 5; and a set of vessels wherein the set comprises at least two types of vessels, wherein each type of vessel is defined by a predetermined distance between the first groove and second groove.

17. The beverage dispenser according to claim 16, further comprising a filtering device for filtering water, wherein the outlet of the filtering device is connected to the outlet of a plurality of micro metering pumps, wherein the inlet of each micro metering pump is connected to a hollow needle of the pairs of needles.

18. A vessel configuration, comprising: a plurality of receiving openings, wherein each opening is adapted to receive one vessel according to claim 1; wherein a first protrusion and a second protrusion are associated to each receiving opening; wherein the first protrusion is adapted to engage with a first groove of the vessel; wherein the second protrusion is adapted to engage with a second groove of the vessel that is of a vessel type corresponding to the respective receiving opening; wherein the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of a first receiving opening differs from the distance from the first protrusion to the second protrusion of a second receiving opening wherein the vessel is introduced into a receiving opening of the vessel extraction apparatus such that the first groove and second groove of the vessel engage with the first protrusion and second protrusion of the vessel extraction apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES OF THE DRAWINGS

[0038] FIG. 1 shows a schematic overview of a water dispenser according to the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 2 shows a vessel according to the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 3 shows a side view of a vessel extraction apparatus according to the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 4 shows a sectional view through a receiving element.

[0042] FIG. 5a shows a latch and receiving element according to the present invention in its locked position.

[0043] FIG. 5b shows a latch and receiving element according to the present invention in its unlocked position.

[0044] FIG. 6 shows a partly cut away side view of the vessel extraction apparatus according to the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 7 shows the receiving element and the push-push locking mechanism.

[0046] FIG. 8 shows the vessel and the pair of hollow needles for extracting a fluid from the vessel.

[0047] FIG. 9 shows the hollow needles and a fill level detection element in more detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0048] A preferred embodiment of the invention is now described in detail. Referring to the drawings, like numbers indicate like parts throughout the views. Unless otherwise specifically indicated in the disclosure that follows, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below. As used in the description herein and throughout the claims, the following terms take the meanings explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise: the meaning of a, an, and the includes plural reference, the meaning of in includes in and on.

[0049] The vessel and the vessel extraction apparatus according to the present invention are described such that the vessel is introduced in the vessel extraction apparatus in a downward movement. It is be understood that the vessel can be moved in any direction such as horizontal, at any angle between horizontal and vertical, in the upward direction or the like into the vessel extraction apparatus. Consequently, the scope of protection of the appending claims covers all embodiments, independent of the angle in which the vessel is introduced into the vessel extraction apparatus. Drawings are not to scale and merely exemplary for understanding the principals of the present invention.

[0050] FIG. 1 shows a schematic of a water dispenser 100 using a fluid vessel extractor 300 according to the present invention. Tap water is filtered by a filtering device 102, such as a reverse osmosis filter. A plurality of metering pumps 104a-104g meter mineralization fluid and/or flavoring fluid into the water demineralized by the filter 102. The water is dispensed by a nozzle 108 into a user vessel. A controller 106 controls the metering pumps 104a-104g for delivering an appropriate amount of mineralization fluid and/or flavoring fluid into the demineralized water.

[0051] Reference is made to FIG. 2, showing the vessel 200 according to the present invention. The vessel comprises a vessel base 210, an essentially cylindrical vessel body 203 having a cylindrical wall 202, a septum 204 and a lid 212 closing the opening of the generally cylindrical vessel 200 by the septum 204 at the neck of the vessel 200. The cylindrical wall 202 and the base of the vessel 200 can be made of glass, ceramics or any chemically inert material. Thereby, high hygienic standards can be achieved.

[0052] The lid 212 can be made of glass or metal and can be glued or screwed to the essentially cylindrical vessel body 203. The septum 204 can be made of silicon.

[0053] According to the present invention the vessel 200 comprises a first groove 206 formed in the cylindrical wall 202. The first groove 206 is configured as an orientation groove defining the orientation of the vessel 200 with respect to a guide of a fluid extraction apparatus.

[0054] The vessel 200 further comprises a second groove 208 formed in the cylindrical wall 202. The second groove is configured as a coding groove identifying the type of vessel. A set of vessels comprises several types of vessels 200, wherein in each type of vessel a different fluid, such as a mineralization fluid, flavoring fluid can be filled. The distance between the first groove 206 and the second groove 208 determines the type of vessel.

[0055] The mineralization fluid is drawn from the plurality of vessels 200 located in the fluid extraction apparatus 300 according to the present invention. Each vessel 200 comprises a different type of mineralization fluid and/or flavoring fluid and/or supplementation fluid. Each micro metering pump 104a-104g is connected to a first hollow needle 324a-324g, which are each connected to one vessel 200 to draw a fluid therefrom. Each vessel 200 is also connected to a second hollow needle 326a-326g for venting the vessel in order to avoid negative pressure or a vacuum in the vessel.

[0056] Reference is made to FIGS. 3 to 8 showing an embodiment of the vessel extraction apparatus 300 according to the present invention.

[0057] The vessel extraction apparatus 300 comprises seven receiving openings 302a-302g, wherein in each receiving opening a particular type of vessel 200 can be inserted. Underneath each receiving opening 302a-302g a receiving element 304a-304g is arranged. The receiving element 304a-304g is movable in the axial direction of a vessel 200 inserted into the receiving element 304a-304g by a guide 306a-306g.

[0058] As is shown in FIG. 4, a receiving element 304a comprises a first protrusion 310a and a second protrusion 312a formed on the inner wall of the receiving element 304a and protruding in the radial direction of the receiving element 304a. The first protrusion 310a engages in the first groove 206 of the vessel 200 and the second protrusion 312a engages into the second groove 208 of the vessel 200. The first groove 206 acts as an orientation groove and the second groove 208 acts as a coding groove. The distance between the first groove 206 and the second groove 208 determines the type of vessel and consequently, which fluid is filled into the vessel. This ensures that only one type of vessel can be inserted in one type of receiving element 304a. In other words, only the type of vessel 200 can be inserted in the corresponding type of receiving element 304a. The distance between the first groove 206 and the second groove 208 of a vessel corresponds to the distance between the first protrusion 310a and the second protrusion 312a of the corresponding receiving element 304a.

[0059] As is shown in FIG. 5a, a latch 316a, 318a may protrude through a locking opening 317a, 319a into the receiving element 304a. The latches 316a, 318a prevent the receiving element 304a to be moved in a downward direction towards the hollow needles 324a, 326a. Thereby, injury of a user can be avoided. If a vessel 200 is inserted into the receiving element 304a (see FIG. 5b) the latch 316a, 318a is moved in radial direction away from the inner of the receiving element 304a such that the latch 316a, 318a is located in the locking opening 317a, 319a. If the user presses the vessel in the direction of the hollow needles 324a, 326a (see FIG. 8) the latch is moved in radially direction away from the outer wall of the receiving element 304a. This can be achieved, if the latch 316a, 318a has an inclined or tapered surface.

[0060] FIG. 8 shows the vessel 200 in its fixed position, in which a locking mechanism and 308a, 320a (see FIG. 7) holds the vessel 200 in its fixed position in which the hollow needles 324a, 326a puncture and penetrate the septum 204 held by the lid 212 at the neck of the vessel 200. In the fixed position, fluid can be drawn by the hollow needle 324a to a micro metering pump and air can be vented into the vessel 200 by the hollow needle 326a in order to avoid a negative pressure or vacuum in the vessel 200.

[0061] FIGS. 7 and 8 show a spring 322a pushing the receiving element 304a to the receiving opening 302a in a movable position. If the vessel 200 is inserted into the receiving element 304a and the receiving element is pushed downwards, the second push-push element 322a touches the housing 330 and causes that the first push-push element 308a is rotated about a predetermined angle. After the first push-push locking element 308a has been rotated a predetermined angle, the second push-push element 308a engages with a part of the housing 340a and holds the locking element in the fixed position shown in FIG. 8. If the vessel 200 in the receiving element 304a is pressed towards the spring 322a, the second push-push element 320a contacts the housing 303 and causes the first push-push locking element 308a to be rotated. This rotation disengages the first push-push locking element 308a from the housing and the receiving element 304a is pushed by the spring 322a in its movable position towards the receiving openings 302a.

[0062] Reference is made to FIG. 9 showing details of the hollow needles 324a, 326a and a fill level detection element 328a in more detail. The fill level detection element 328a protrudes over a longer distance from the base as compared to the hollow needles 324a, 326a. The upper portion of the fill level detection element 326a may comprise a fill level electrode 330a, wherein current can flow between the fill level electrode 330a and one of the hollow needles 324a, 326a. As soon as the current cannot flow between the fill level electrode 330a and one of the hollow needles 324a, 326a the vessel 200 is depleted and a controller of the vessel extraction device 100 informs a user to change the vessel 200. The controller of the vessel extraction device 100 can also store on a memory device, such as an RFID tag, attached to the vessel that the vessel is empty.

[0063] The hollow needles 324a, 326a are made of metal or any other chemically inertial material. Also the vessel 200 and the septum 204 are made of a chemical inertial material. Thereby, high hygienic standards can be fulfilled.

[0064] The push-push locking mechanism 308a, 320a holds the vessel securely in its fixed position, in which the hollow needles 324a, 326a penetrate the septum 204. Further, the latches 316a, 318a prevent injury of a user by the needles 324a, 326a by abusing the vessel extraction apparatus 300.

[0065] The distance between the first groove 206 and the second groove 208 defines the type of vessel 200 and which type of fluid is filled into the vessel 200. A plurality of protrusions 310a, 312a are associated to each receiving opening 302a-302g. The protrusions 310a, 312a, particularly the distance between the protrusions define(s), which type of vessels 200 can be introduced into the receiving opening 302a-302g. Since a distinct pair of needles 324a, 326a is associated to the protrusions 310a, 312a and the receiving opening 302a-302g, the pair of protrusions and grooves can define, which type of vessel and type of fluid in the vessel 200 can be extracted by the respective pair of needles 324a, 326a.

[0066] Although specific advantages have been enumerated above, various embodiments may include some, none, or all of the enumerated advantages. Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It is understood that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein without departing from the scope of the invention. The components of the systems and apparatuses may be integrated or separated. The operations of the systems and apparatuses disclosed herein may be performed by more, fewer, or other components and the methods described may include more, fewer, or other steps. Additionally, steps may be performed in any suitable order. As used in this document, each refers to each member of a set or each member of a subset of a set. It is intended that the claims and claim elements recited below do not invoke 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the words means for or step for are explicitly used in the particular claim. The above described embodiments, while including the preferred embodiment and the best mode of the invention known to the inventor at the time of filing, are given as illustrative examples only. It will be readily appreciated that many deviations may be made from the specific embodiments disclosed in this specification without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is to be determined by the claims below rather than being limited to the specifically described embodiments above.