Automatic dispenser

Abstract

An automatic dispenser that is operated by pressure conveying a fluid from a reservoir. The system includes a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet. A pump is disposed in fluid communication with the reservoir. A first conduit is in fluid communication with the inlet to the reservoir and the pump. A second conduit is in fluid communication with the outlet of the reservoir. While the reservoir is being pressurized, a valve in the second conduit is closed. After the reservoir is pressurized, the valve is opened and the fluid in the reservoir is conveyed through the second conduit. The fluid is typically gravity fed from the second conduit to a fixture such as a urinal or toilet.

1 . An automatic dispenser system, comprising: 
 a reservoir having an inlet, an outlet, and a bottom wall, the reservoir capable of holding a supply of a liquid;    a pump disposed in fluid communication with the inlet of the reservoir via a first conduit, the pump capable of pressurizing the reservoir;    a second conduit having an inlet and an outlet, the inlet disposed in fluid communication with the outlet of the reservoir;    a valve disposed in operative relation to the second conduit;    a controller capable of controlling the pump and the valve; and,    a power supply capable of supplying power to the controller;    wherein the pump pressurizes the reservoir for a predetermined period of time until the valve is opened such that liquid is conveyed by pressure through the second conduit to the outlet of the second conduit.    
   
   
       2 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is normally closed.  
   
   
       3 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the valve is a pinch valve disposed external to the second conduit.  
   
   
       4 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the second conduit has a pick-up section disposed in proximity to the bottom wall of the reservoir.  
   
   
       4 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the second conduit has a pick-up section disposed in proximity to the bottom wall of the reservoir.  
   
   
       5 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 1 , wherein the controller operates the pump on a periodic predetermined basis to pressurize the reservoir.  
   
   
       6 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 1 , further comprising a fixture gravity fed by the outlet of the second conduit.  
   
   
       7 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 6 , wherein the fixture is a urinal.  
   
   
       8 . The automatic liquid dispenser system of  claim 6 , wherein the fixture is a toilet.  
   
   
       9 . An automatic dispenser system for use with a bathroom fixture such as a toilet or urinal, the system comprising: 
 a reservoir having an inlet, an outlet, and a bottom wall, the reservoir capable of holding a supply of fluid;    a pump disposed in fluid communication with the inlet of the reservoir and capable of pressurizing the reservoir;    a normally closed valve disposed in operative relation to the second conduit, the valve capable of mechanically shutting off flow through the conduit without coming into contact with the fluid;    a controller capable of operating the pump on a predetermined periodic basis and capable of opening the valve after the reservoir is pressurized such that fluid is conveyed through the second conduit to the fixture; and,    a power supply capable of supplying electrical power to the controller.    
   
   
       10 . The automatic dispenser system of  claim 9 , wherein the liquid is gravity fed from the second conduit to the fixture.  
   
   
       11 . The automatic dispenser system of  claim 9 , wherein the valve is a pinch valve disposed external the second conduit.  
   
   
       12 . The automatic dispenser system of  claim 9 , wherein the second conduit has a pick-up section disposed near the bottom wall of the reservoir.  
   
   
       13 . The automatic dispenser system of  claim 9 , further comprising a check valve between the pump and reservoir.  
   
   
       14 . The automatic dispenser system of  claim 13 , wherein the fluid in the reservoir only contracts the reservoir and the second conduit.  
   
   
       15 . A method of automatically dispensing a fluid, the method comprising: 
 providing a supply of a fluid in a reservoir having an inlet and an outlet;    providing a pump in fluid communication with the inlet of the reservoir, the pump capable of pressurizing the reservoir;    providing a first conduit between the pump and the inlet of the reservoir;    providing a second conduit in fluid communication with the outlet of the reservoir pressurizing the reservoir containing the fluid by means of the pump;    providing a valve in operative relation with the second conduit; and,    opening the valve to allow the fluid to pass from the outlet of the reservoir through the second conduit.    
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the fluid only contacts the reservoir and the second conduit.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the valve is a pinch valve disposed external to the second conduit.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the pump is actuated periodically at predetermined intervals.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the pump pressurizes the reservoir with air.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the pump pressurizes the reservoir with nitrogen with an inert gas.