Air Valves for a Wireless Spout and System for Dispensing

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention provide a pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid. The pouring device has an improved air valve system that works via cooperation between a weighted magnetic component and a metal ball in order to control opening and closing of the air valve inlet.

1 . An air valve for use with a pouring device for the dosing of liquid from a container, the air valve comprising:
 (a) an air valve channel and an air vent tube, the air vent tube comprising an air inlet opening at one end;   (b) a weighted magnetic component comprising a magnet portion and a weighted portion; the weighted magnetic component positioned in the air valve channel;   (c) a metal ball positioned at the air inlet opening of the air vent tube;   wherein a magnetic force between the magnetic portion of the weighted magnetic component and the metal ball maintains the metal ball in a first position, and wherein when the air valve is tilted to a certain degree, gravity overcomes the magnetic force and pulls the weighted magnetic component away from the metal ball, allowing the metal ball to move to a second position.   
     
     
         2 . The air valve of  claim 1 , wherein when the air valve is positioned on a pouring device placed on a container in an upright position, the magnetic force maintains the metal ball in place over the air flow inlet. 
     
     
         3 . The air valve of  claim 1 , wherein when the air valve is positioned on a pouring device placed on a container that is tilted to a pouring position, gravity overcomes the magnetic force and causes the weighted magnetic component to move away from the metal ball. 
     
     
         4 . The air valve of  claim 1 , wherein the weighted magnetic component is freely slidable in the air valve channel. 
     
     
         5 . The air valve of  claim 1 , wherein the air valve is configured to be secured to an end of a pouring device spout via tubing. 
     
     
         6 . The air valve of  claim 1 , wherein the weighted magnetic component comprises a magnetic portion secured to a weighted metal component. 
     
     
         7 . The pouring device of  claim 6 , wherein the metal ball comprises a steel ball. 
     
     
         8 . A pouring device for a container for the dosing of liquid, the pouring device comprising:
 (a) a spout housing configured to seal an opening of the container;   (b) a conduit extending through the spout housing for liquid passage through the housing;   (c) an electrically operated valve disposed within the spout housing for selectively clamping the conduit so that a registerable amount of liquid can be dosed; and   (d) an air valve configured to be secured to the spout housing, the air valve comprising an air inlet opening, a weighted magnetic component, and a metal ball, wherein when the pouring device is positioned on a container in an upright position, a magnetic force maintains the metal ball in place over the air inlet opening.   
     
     
         9 . The pouring device of  claim 8 , wherein the weighted magnetic component comprises a magnetic portion secured to a weighted metal component. 
     
     
         10 . The pouring device of  claim 8 , wherein the air valve further comprises an air valve channel and wherein the weighted magnetic component is freely slidable in the air valve channel. 
     
     
         11 . The pouring device of  claim 8 , wherein the air flow inlet is in fluid communication with an air vent tube and wherein the metal ball is configured to open and close air access to the air vent tube. 
     
     
         12 . The pouring device of  claim 8 , wherein the metal ball comprises a steel ball. 
     
     
         13 . The pouring device of  claim 8 , wherein when the container is in an upright position, a magnetic force between the metal ball and the weighted magnetic component causes the metal ball to close the air flow inlet, and wherein when the container is tilted to a pouring position, the weighted magnetic component slides away from the metal ball, allowing air to flow into the air flow inlet. 
     
     
         14 . The pouring device of  claim 8 , wherein when the container is titled into a pouring position, the weighted magnetic component overcomes the magnetic force, causing the component to slide away from the metal ball, releasing the metal ball and allowing opening of the air flow inlet. 
     
     
         15 . The pouring device of  claim 8 , wherein the air valve further comprises an air valve channel and an air vent tube, the air vent tube comprising the air inlet opening at one end, wherein the weighted magnetic component slides freely in the air valve channel.