Multiple channel single spike for a liquid dispensing system.

(54) Title: SINGLE POINT OF MULTIPLE CHANNELS FOR LIQUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

(54) Title: MULTIPLE CHANNEL SINGLE SPIKE FOR A LIQUID DISPENSING SYSTEM.

(57) Summary

A tip or spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the tip includes multiple fluid channels that transfer the liquids from the bag into an enclosed distribution chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to allow and controlling the flow of fluid within the system. ^{57 * * *} (57) Abstract

A spike for dispensing fluids from a flexible bag, wherein the spike includes multiple fluid channels which transfer liquids from the bag to an enclosed dispensing chamber and air from the enclosed chamber to the bag to permit and control fluid flow within the system.

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PATENT TITLE No. 347648

Holders): INTERNATIONAL PACKAGING INNOVATIONS, LLC

Address: Rt L Box 1710, Tecumseh, Missouri, 65760, USA

<td>Denomination:</td><td>SINGLE POINT OF MULTIPLE CHANNELS FOR LIQUID DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM. . ':</td>

Classification;

CIP:

CPC:

B67D1 / 08; B67D7 / 06

B67D1 / 08; B67B7 / 28; B67D3 / 0029; B67D3 / 0035 lnventor (s):

JEFFREY MACLER

Number;

MX / a / 2015/008931 'Jf íF' international presentation '-í' - '2014

AJ.-...&gt;. '&lt;V kX. t J ír

PRIORITY

Country;

US: Date:

January 2013 you

Number:

13/738,725

Validity: Twenty years. '-.

Expiration Date: January 9, 2034 ..,

Issue Date: May 8, 2017, τ ~

The reference patent is granted based on articles 1, 2, section V, 6^or Section III, and 59 of the Industrial Property Law.

' ...........................................‘ ......... ·...

In accordance with article 23, the Industrial Property of the present patent has a validity of twenty years, non-extendable, counted from the date of filing of the selí &amp; h and stretched the pagfc of IsMaijfaípara rrtentefWTigentes los-deréphps.

Whoever signs this title does so based on the provisions of articles e 'fractions III and ΤΊΜβ 2 of the Industrial Property Law (Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF j 27/06/1901, amended on (52/0871994 25 / 1Q71996. 26/12/1997 17/05/1999 26/01/2004 16/06/2005 25/01/2006, 06/05 / 2009,06 / 01/2010, 18/06/2010. 28 / 06/2310, 01/27/20 «? 09704/2012). articles f / j »section V subsection a), 4 'and 12» sections I and III of the Regulations of the Mexican Institute of Legal Property (DO.F 14 / l2 / 1999qreformed on 07/01/2002, 07/15/2004 , 07/28/2004 and 09/07/2007); Articles 1 », 3 °, 4 °, 5» fraction V subsection a). 16 fractions Fy lll and 30 of the Organic Statute of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (DO F. 12/27/1999, amended on 10/10/2002, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/20Ó7): fl °, 3í and 5 “subsection a) of the Agreement that delegates powers to the Deputy General Directors, Coordinator, Divisional Directors, Head of Regional Offices. Divisional Deputy Directors, Departmental Coordinators and other subordinates of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property. (DOF 12/15/1999. Amended on 02/04/2000, 07/29/2004, 08/04/2004 and 09/13/2007),

This document is signed with an advanced electronic signature (FIEL), based on articles 7 BIS 2 of the Industrial Property Law; 3 of its Regulations, and 1 fraction lll, 2 fraction V, 26 BIS and 26 TER of the Agreement establishing the guidelines for the use of the Payment and Electronic Services Portal (PASE) of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, in the procedures indicated.

THE DIVISIONAL DIRECTOR OF PATENTS

NAHANNY CANAL REYES

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Original string:

NAHANNY MARISOL CANAL REYES | 00001000000403252793 | Administration Service

Tax | 1695 || MX / 2017/38307 | MX / a / 2015/008931 | PCT patent title | 1220 | RRGO | Page (s) 1 | ANr1dL287JAhbUecfbJyiCgjxpc =

Digital stamp:

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MX / 2017/38307

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SINGLE POINT OF MULTIPLE CHANNELS FOR DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM

OF LIQUID

Field of Invention

This description refers to systems for the distribution of liquids from bags, in particular, it refers to a system for the distribution of liquid where the liquid is distributed from a bag by means of a piercing device that uses a Single point or spike having a plurality of channels.

Background of the Invention

Conventional household liquid dispensers used primarily to provide heated or chilled water are usually stand-alone devices that dispense sterile or mineral water from large rigid bottles of water. Rigid water bottles have a large body portion and a narrow neck portion having an inlet or mouth port, and are coupled with a water dispenser by inverting the bottle and positioning the bottle mouth in a chamber of the dispenser. of water. The air, introduced into the water bottle through the mouth, allows the water to be dispensed from the inverted bottle until the water level in the chamber reaches the mouth of the bottle. Because the water bottle

<img file="MX347648B_D0006.tif" />

it is rigid,

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INfflTVTOMUKANO DE Ut PRORKMD IHDUfT ^ Once the water level in the chamber reaches the mouth of the bottle, the air can no longer enter the bottle, so the remaining water in the inverted bottle is retained in the bottle due to to the difference between the air pressure outside the inverted bottle and the air pressure inside the bottle.

The water is then distributed from the chamber through a conduit coupled with a valve at the opposite end of the chamber from the mouth of the water bottle. When the water level in the chamber drops below the mouth of the water bottle, air enters the water bottle, allowing the water to flow out of the bottle until the water level in the chamber reaches the mouth again. Of the bottle.

Although conventional household water distributors are widely used, they are deficient in a number of respects. First, the water bottles used in conventional household water dispensers usually contain a large amount of sterile water, typically on the order of about 5 gallons (18,925 liters). A 3,785-liter (1-gallon) quantity of water weighs approximately 3.81 kilograms (8.39 pounds), and thus a full 18,925-liter (5-gallon) bottle weighs in excess of 18.16 kilograms (40 pounds). Due to the weight and size of the bottle that holds this amount of water, it is often difficult to invert and locate

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properly the mouth of the bottle into the chamber without spilling a quantity of water.

Second, to prevent water from continuously flowing from the water bottle while the water bottle is inverted, the water bottles used with these water dispensers are manufactured from a thick rigid plastic material that can maintain a vacuum. without collapsing. These bottles are expensive and because of their cost, they are usually re-sterilized and reused after initial use. Because the bottles are rigid and closed, they cannot collapse or stack, and require a large amount of space to transport, increasing the cost of shipping the empty water bottle that is returned to the supplier for sterilization and reuse. These costs are absorbed by the consumer through increased water costs.

Third, in order for the mouth of the water bottle to be positioned in the cooler chamber, the water bottles must have a neck, as described above. However, the presence of the neck increases the difficulty in sterilizing water bottles, because the neck could limit the ability of the sterilizing agents to reach all the interior parts of the bottle, even when large amounts of water are used. sterilizing agents. While using the

<img file="MX347648B_D0008.tif" />

IMPI ΙΝΤΤΤΤυΤΟ MEXICAN Μ ΙΛ YW *! * ® *? Industrial hot sterilization could overcome this problem to some extent, it is not generally possible to use hot sterilization on plastic bottles. Although sterilization using ultraviolet light is possible, ultraviolet light sterilization could lead to incomplete sterilization. It is particularly troublesome, once the bottle is inverted in the fluid dispenser, that the outside of the neck of the bottle can make contact with the fluid, and it is very difficult to keep this area of ​​the bottle sterile.

Fourth, with the need to sterilize water bottles after each use, rigid plastic water bottles may develop cracks or holes over time. If these failures occur while the water bottle is inverted in the water dispenser, air will enter the water bottle and allow the water to flow in an uncontrolled manner from the mouth of the water bottle, eventually allowing the camera spill. This overflow or spill of water can expose the buyer's premises to the risk of water damage.

A solution to the problem of possible overflow or overflow from the chamber, and the need to make bottles of rigid materials to allow for the pressure differential described above, is to add a valve in the flow path between the bottle and the camera. This valve allows

INSTITUTO MEXICANO Dt LA INOUSTUIAL nOFIIBAD that the water flow outlet of the bottle is closed, so that the chamber does not spill. This valve can operate automatically, opening and closing depending on the fluid level in the chamber.

A more recent development in fluid distribution systems has been the use of bags instead of bottles to transport and distribute water from an otherwise conventional fluid distribution system (office cooler). This system is described, for example, in US Patent Application Serial No. 10 / 940,057 to Macler, et al., The full disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Macler's application offers a device that delivers fluid from a disposable or recyclable bag, thereby offering some of the benefits associated with it.

As described in Macler's application, however, to overcome the problem of chamber overflow or spillage due to a collapsible bag not being able to hold a reduced pressure head space (as the rigid bottle does), the described device here it uses a vent to allow and control flow between the bag and the chamber. The vent runs parallel to the vertical axis of the cooler, in which the water flows as the water is dispensed until the water level in the vent is level with the water level in the cooler. This straw

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Ventilation equalizes the pressure inside the bag with the ambient pressure.

Summary of the Invention

The following is a summary of the invention for the purpose of providing a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not intended to identify key or critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. The sole purpose of this section is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.

Due to these and other problems in the art, described herein, among other things, a tip is provided for, dispensing a liquid from a bag, the tip comprises: a shaft comprising a proximal end and an end distant and an elongated body therebetween and having an outer surface; a piercing tip at the distal end; a first channel internal to the shaft, the first channel has a first fluid inlet at the piercing tip through which fluid can flow through the first channel when the fluid bag is pierced by the piercing tip; a second channel internal to the tip, the second channel is not contiguous with the first channel and has a second fluid inlet on the outer surface

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of fluid through which

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of the second channel when the tip of next that perforation; one allows the below the first inlet the fluid to flow through the fluid bag is perforated by first opening at the fluid end to flow through the first channel; a second opening at the proximal end further from the distal end than the first opening, the second opening allowing fluid to flow through the second channel.

In one embodiment, the tip further comprises: a piercing tip comprising: a generally cone-shaped portion having a base and an opposite truncated tip, the base is sized and configured to engage the first end of the shaft and is coupled with the first extreme; a drilling shaft having two opposite ends and an elongated body between them, a first end of the two opposite ends is sized and configured to engage the truncated tip and the first end engaged with the truncated tip, and a second end of the two opposite ends is a generally cone-shaped element sized and configured to pierce a collapsible bag of liquid.

In one embodiment, the drilling axis is generally cylindrical.

In one embodiment, the drill axis is generally a polygonal prism.

In one embodiment, the drilling axis is, so

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MtJUCAN INSTITUTE OF INDUSTRIAL FRONITY

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general, a hexagonal prism.

In one embodiment, the shaft is generally cylindrical.

In one embodiment, the axis is generally a polygonal prism.

In one embodiment, the axis is generally a hexagonal prism.

In one embodiment, the tip further comprises: the shaft further comprises a generally cylindrical hollow extension having an opening at each of the two opposite ends that allows fluid to flow through the extension, a first end of the two opposite ends it is coupled to the shaft so that the opening at the first end generally circumscribes the second fluid inlet.

Also as described herein, among other things, there is provided a system for the distribution of liquid comprising: a distribution base; an enclosed chamber that is positioned inside the distribution base; a support external to the dispensing base, the support provides the support for the bag containing liquid; a single tip comprising a plurality of non-contiguous internal channels, the single tip is positioned to pierce the bag containing liquid when the bag containing liquid is supported by the support and wherein the plurality of non-contiguous internal channels provides continuity of the air and fluid flow between the chamber

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enclosed and the bag containing liquid based on the perforation of the bag containing liquid; and, a distribution valve connected to the enclosed chamber that allows the distribution of the liquid from the enclosed chamber.

Also as described herein, among other things, a method is provided for the distribution of liquid from a collapsible bag containing liquid, the method comprises the steps of: providing a bag support capable of supporting a collapsible bag that contains liquid during liquid dispensing from the bag and that has a support surface defining a first space adjacent to a first side of the support surface and defining a second space on a second side of the support surface opposite the first side, the second space is an enclosed chamber; providing a single tip comprising a piercing tip and a plurality of non-contiguous internal channels, each channel of the plurality of non-contiguous internal channels has a plurality of openings on the outer surface of the tip that allows fluid to flow through each channel, the single tip is connected with the enclosed chamber, so that the piercing tip can pierce a collapsible bag containing liquid supported by the bag holder, and a first opening of the plurality of openings of each channel is in the second space; support a collapsible bag that contains liquid with the twyrmrroMixtCAMO DE LA rnoniDA * ^ i · INDUSTRIAL collapsible that contains a second opening channel is located in the bag support; pierce the liquid bag with the single tip, so that the plurality of openings of each collapsible bag contain liquid and the liquid flows from the collapsible bag into the enclosed chamber through a first channel of the plurality of non-contiguous channels and the air flows from the second space into the collapsible bag through a second channel of the plurality of non-contiguous channels; distribute the liquid from the collapsible bag containing liquid.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: providing a distribution valve connected to the second space; opening the distribution valve to cause the liquid to flow from the second space through the distribution valve and to cause the liquid to flow from the collapsible bag containing liquid into a second space; distribute the liquid from a collapsible bag containing liquid.

Brief Description of Figures

Figure 1 provides a side elevational view of a multi-way single tip embodiment used with a fluid distribution system.

Figure 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of an alternate embodiment of a single multi-way tip.

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Figure 3 provides a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a liquid distribution system utilizing a multi-way single tip embodiment.

Detailed description of the invention

It is understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art that while this description focuses on the storage and supply of water, it refers to any liquid that needs to be transported in volume, keeping it free from contamination, and dispensing it in smaller quantities. than the quantities in which it is transported.

In the depicted embodiment of Figure 1, a single multi-channel tip (101) is used in a fluid distribution system (100) that allows and controls the flow of fluid in the system (100) from a collapsible bag (123). One of ordinary skill in the art will understand that the term fluid as used herein includes liquids and gases. One of ordinary skill in the art will further understand that the term channel as used herein refers to an enclosed pathway or passage through a solid and having a plurality of access points. A person of ordinary skill in the art will further understand that the terms input and output

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as used herein, they refer to an access path to a channel for both entry and exit purposes in the system, and the intended flow of the fluid for clarity and understanding, although these terms do not have to be understood that they limit fluid flow to any direction. A person of ordinary skill in the art will further understand that the term envelope as used herein means a solid material that defines, in a general way, an interior space within the solid, and this term does not imply or suggest that this interior space is completely sealed; instead, an enclosure as used herein could have one or more openings or access points.

The depicted system (100) generally includes an enclosed chamber (135), a single multi-channel tip (101), a collapsible bag (123) containing the liquid (125), and a distribution valve (143 ). The tip (101) is comprised of a generally cylindrical shaft (103) and a disk-shaped packing (121) sealedly engaged therewith. In an alternative embodiment, the body of the tip could be of a shape other than cylindrical, such as a polygonal prism. In one embodiment, shaft 103 is in the shape of a hexagonal prism.

The packing (121) is coupled with the shaft (103),

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IMPI! ΗΪΤΤΠΓΓ · Μ £ ΧΚΛΝΟ Γ »LA RROFIÍDAC iwtnwnuAi the packing (121) is greater (161) than the axis (103), and is generally perpendicular so that the center of the axis is generally collinear with the major axis (161) of the shaft (103) to the radius of packing (121), and packing (121) circumscribes shaft (103). In one embodiment, the packing (121) and shaft (103) are constructed in one piece. In an alternative embodiment, the packing (121) and shaft (103) are separately constructed and secured together by any suitable method that maintains the coupling under the pressures in the system (100), including, without limitation to through hot molding and the use of adhesives.

The gasket (121) is generally disc-shaped or ring-shaped and is generally sized and configured to seal the tip (101) with the chamber (135) to establish a tight press fit. of air. In the embodiment shown, the packing (121) has a radius greater than the radius of the shaft (103), although in an alternative embodiment, the packing (121) could have a radius less than or the same as the radius of the shaft (103 ). In the embodiment shown, the radius of the packing (121) is approximately twice the radius of the shaft (103). The configuration of the packing. (121), including without limitation its radius and thickness, could depend on the size and shape of the hole (157) in chamber (135). The packing (121) could be made from any material not

IMPI πυτπυτο MEXICANO D »THE PROPERTY permeable rigid enough to maintain its own shape and withstand fluid pressure and vacuum forces in the system (100), such as glass, porcelain, ceramic, synthetic moldable organic solids, polymers, plastics, rubber and the like.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the packing (121) is coupled with the chamber (135), so that the major axis (161) is parallel to the force of gravity and the piercing point (159) of the point (101) is oriented upward, so that a collapsible bag (123) could be dropped or could be lowered onto the piercing tip (159) with the help of gravity. The gasket (121) is coupled, in a sealed manner, with the chamber (135), such as by plugging an upper hole (157) in the chamber in a generally air-tight manner, or it is constructed of the same piece with the same camera. The gasket (121) could be coupled with the chamber (135) by the method of heat molding, adhesive, or any other suitable method for use in conjunction with the working forces in the system (100). In one embodiment, the radius of the gasket (121) is larger than the radius of the upper hole (157). In the embodiment depicted, the gasket (121) is sized and configured to mate with the hole (157) in the chamber (135).

Tip (101) further includes a second

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OF HIOE1EDAD 'IMtHimiAl - rigid packing (122) located, generally, adjacent to the packing (121). The diameter of the rigid packing (122) is generally larger than the diameter of both the shaft (103) and the coupling packing (121), such that the bottom surface of the rigid packing (122) abuts against or next to the top of the chamber (135) when the tip (101) has been installed in the chamber (135). Because the diameter of the rigid packing (122) is generally larger than the diameter of the hole (157) the rigid packing (122) provides an additional air tight and water tight seal to the system (101). The large surface area of ​​the rigid packing (122) also provides a smooth and generally uniform surface that supports the perforated portion (129) of the bag (123), creating a stop distance for the bag (123) when it is lowered onto the tip (101).

Tip (101) includes a generally cylindrical shaft (103) having a smooth surface and two opposite ends extending generally collinear in opposite directions of packing (121), such that the major axis (161 ) of the shaft (103) is generally perpendicular to the packing (121) and the packing (121) circumscribes the shaft (103). When the tip (101) is installed in the chamber (135), the upper end of the tip (101) includes a piercing portion (153) and the lower end of the tip

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DE LA HtOrflDAD, ΐΝ&gt; υττιιΐΑΐ (101) includes a distribution envelope (117) and a ventilation envelope (119). Of way. ^ enei, the length of the shaft (103) is long enough to establish a water tight seal with the bag and to locate the inlets and outlets within the bag (123) when the bag (123) is perforated, As described in another side here, although it is short enough that the shaft does not pierce another surface of the bag 123, such as the opposite end of the pierced point.

The piercing portion (153) comprises a truncated cone-shaped portion (131) coupled with the shaft (103), such that the base (147) of the cone-shaped portion (131) is coupled with the end of the shaft (103) distant from packing (121). In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the base (147) of the cone-shaped portion (131) is generally the same as the diameter (147) of the shaft (103) and the cone-shaped portion (131) is coupled with the axis (103), so that the central axis of the cone-shaped portion (131) is generally collinear with the central axis (161) of the axis. The tip (14 5) of the cone-shaped portion (131) is truncated generally parallel to the base (147), which has a flat circular surface.

The tip (101) further includes a second generally cylindrical shaft (133) coupled with the tip (145) of the truncated cone-shaped portion (131). The diameter of the

INSTITUTO MVUCANO M LA RROHiDA · ^^. 9 *

INDUSTRIAL second shaft (133) is generally the same as the diameter of the tip (145) of the truncated cone-shaped portion (131), and the second shaft (133) is coupled with the tip (145), so that The central axis of the second axis (131) is generally collinear with the central axis of the main axis (103) and the truncated cone-shaped portion (131). The diameter of the second shaft (133) is smaller than the diameter of the main shaft (103).

The distal end of the second shaft (133) includes a piercing tip (159) for piercing a collapsible bag (123) of liquid (125). The piercing tip (159) of the embodiment shown is generally a truncated cone shaped element and is coupled with the second shaft (133), so that the base (145) of the piercing tip (159 ) is coupled with the upper part of the second shaft (133). In the embodiment shown, the diameter of the base (145) of the piercing tip (159) is generally the same as the diameter of the second shaft (133) and the piercing tip (159) is coupled with the second shaft (133 ), so that the central axis of the drilling tip (159) is collinear with the central axis (161) of the axis (103). In the embodiment shown, the piercing tip (159) is generally a truncated cone-shaped element having a narrow, flat top, although in an alternative embodiment, the piercing tip (159) is pointed. or

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sheets. In one embodiment, the drilling portion (153) is constructed in a monolithic fashion, such as from a single block of material, or a single piece of work. In another embodiment, the piercing portion (153) and the shaft (103) are constructed in a monolithic fashion.

In the embodiment shown, the portion of the shaft (103) that extends below the packing (121) includes a distribution shell (117) and a vent shell (119). When the tip (101) is engaged with the upper hole (157) in the chamber (135), the distribution envelope (117) further extends into the chamber (135) as does the vent envelope (119). The distribution envelope (117) encloses a hollow distribution channel (107), and the ventilation envelope (119) encloses a hollow ventilation channel (105). Ventilation channel (105) and distribution channel (107) are not contiguous with each other within tip (101).

Each of the distribution shell (117) and the vent shell (119) is generally in the form of a half cylinder mutually coupled at the bases and each has generally the same radius. In an alternative embodiment, the shells (117 and 119) are sized and configured differently, including without limitation that they have different radii, to regulate and facilitate the amount, speed, or type of fluid that flows through each. .

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<img file="MX347648B_D0017.tif" />

The combination of the distribution shell (117) and the vent shell (119) forms a generally cylindrical axis. The diameter of the cylinder formed by the combination of the distribution shell (117) and the vent shell (119) is generally the same as the diameter of the main shaft (103). In one embodiment, the diameter of the cylinder formed by the vent shell (119) and the distribution shell (117) could be larger or smaller than the diameter of the main shaft, although it will generally be smaller than the diameter of. the packing (121) and the rigid packing (122). In one embodiment, the combination of the distribution shell (117) and the vent shell (119) forms a generally cylindrical axis in the packing (121), although one of the two shells (117 and 119) is longer than the other. , resulting in a generally cylindrical shaft that becomes a generally half-cylindrical shaft at the distal end of the packing (121). In an alternative embodiment, the shaft (103) does not have a packing. In still a further embodiment, the shaft (103) includes one or more tongue protrusions, the gasket is sized and configured to engage and / or interconnect with the chamber (135).

In the embodiment shown, the ventilation channel (105) is a generally cylindrical passageway that extends through the tip (105) and has an air inlet (115)

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at the distal end of the vent casing (119) through which air (141) in chamber (135) could enter vent channel (105) and which has an air outlet (109) above the packing (121) through which the air in the ventilation channel (105) could enter the collapsible bag (123). In the embodiment depicted, the ventilation channel (105) is generally a straight channel through the tip (101) that runs generally parallel to the central axis (161) of the tip (101) and not necessarily collinear with the central axis (161) of the tip (101), but rather offset from the central axis (161) of the tip (101), so that the central axis (161) of the tip (101) is not within the channel ventilation (105).

In the embodiment shown, the air outlet (109) is an opening in the outer surface of the truncated cone-shaped portion (131) of the perforation portion (153), although in an alternative embodiment, the air outlet ( 109) could be located anywhere on the surface of the shaft (103) or the piercing portion (153), generally above the packing (121). It is preferred that the air outlet (109) be located in this way so as not to compromise the structural integrity of the tip (101), and that the air outlet (109) be sized and configured to allow an effective amount of air exit the vent channel (105) at a flow rate

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M INDUSTRIAL NORBITY ^M of effective air to allow and control the flow of fluids (125) in system (100) as described elsewhere herein and in incorporated references.

The distribution channel (107) is a generally cylindrical passageway that extends through the tip (101) and has a liquid inlet (111) above the packing (121) through which the liquid (125) into the bag (123) could enter the distribution channel (107), and having a liquid outlet (113) at the distal end of the distribution envelope (117) through which the liquid in the distribution channel ( 107) could enter the chamber (135). In the embodiment shown, the distribution channel (107) is a generally straight channel that extends through the tip (101) to a point above the packing (121), at this point, the distribution channel (107 ) rotates approximately ninety degrees (90 °) and continues generally out of the central axis (161) of the tip (101) and through a fluid inlet shell (127) engaged with the outer surface of the shaft ( 103). In the embodiment shown, the fluid inlet (111) is an opening at the distal end of the fluid inlet casing (127) distal from the shaft (103). The distribution channel portion (107) from the liquid outlet (113) to the fluid inlet shell (127) is generally a straight channel through the tip (101) which

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runs generally parallel to the central axis (161) of the tip (101) and is generally not collinear with the central axis (161) of the tip (101), but rather is offset from the central axis (161) of the tip (101), so that the central axis (161) of tip (101) is not within the distribution channel (105). Still in an additional mode, channels (105 and

107) could be placed, differently. By way of example and not limitation, the channels (105 and 107) could be positioned in a V-shape orientation.

In the embodiment shown, the fluid inlet (111) is an opening in the fluid inlet casing (127) and the fluid inlet casing (127) is located adjacent to the gasket (121). This has the advantage of minimizing the waste liquid in the system (100). In an alternative embodiment, the fluid inlet (111) could be located anywhere above the packing (121), or could include or use a different structure not shown in Figure 1. In one embodiment, the tip (101 ) does not include a fluid inlet housing (127). For example, in the alternate embodiment of Figure 2, the fluid inlet (111A) could be an opening in the outer surface of the shaft (103), or it could be an opening (111B) in the outer surface of the shaped portion. of truncated cone (131) of the perforation portion (153). It is preferred that the fluid inlet (111) be located in this way so as not to compromise the

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that the fluid inlet (111) be dimciuiuiiuild 7 UühiiguxTda to allow an effective amount of liquid to enter the distribution channel (107) at an effective flow rate to allow and control the flow of fluid in the system (101) as it is described elsewhere herein and in the incorporated references.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the distribution envelope (117) and the ventilation envelope (119) are contiguous, although in an alternative embodiment, such as the alternative embodiment of Figure 2, the distribution envelope (117) and the vent enclosure (119) are not contiguous.

In one embodiment, there could be a plurality of inputs or outputs for one or both of the channels (117 and 119). Still in a further embodiment, tip (101) could still enclose additional channels (not shown) in addition to channels (117 and 119). Although the channels are generally described as cylindrical channels, the channels are dimensioned and shaped to facilitate fluid flow in the system and could have other configurations or shapes, including without limitation, polygonal prisms.

In the embodiment shown, the bag (123) of liquid (125) is suspended from a support (not shown) and is dropped onto the tip (101), so that the tip of

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Perforation (159) pierces the outer surface of bag (123) and tip (101) penetrates bag (123). The tip (101) only needs to penetrate the bag (123), so that the liquid inlet (111) and the gas outlet (109) are within the interior space of the bag (123), although the tip will generally penetrate the bag (123) so that the perforated portion (129) of the bag (123) is at or adjacent to the rigid packing (122).

In the preferred embodiment, the bag 123 is made from a material with inherent elastic and tensile properties. Some suitable materials are described in the Macler '096 patent. As the piercing is performed, the piercing tip (159) creates a small hole or tear from the outer surface to the inner surface of the bag (123). Generally, this hole (129) is similarly sized and configured as the piercing tip (159). In one embodiment, the hole (129) in the bag (123) is gradually elongated as the bag (123) is pushed through the perforation portion (153) and onto the shaft (103).

In an alternative embodiment, the hole 129 is not significantly elongated. In this embodiment, as the bag (123) is pushed over the tip (101), the tip (101) of the portion of the bag (123) that forms the hole (129) circumscribes the second axis (133). When the hole (129)

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ΙΝΤΓΤΠΤΤΟ MWICAHO Dt LA FWmtAD reaches the truncated cone-shaped portion Γ131Τ, the material that forms the hole (129) is spread around the increment circumference of the truncated cone-shaped portion (131), although the hole (129) it generally does not tear or elongate due to the elastic properties of the bag material (123). In turn, this stretching generates a tensile force exerted by the bag material (123) on the portion of the tip (101) with which the hole (129) is in contact, improving the water-tight seal between the bag (123) and tip (101). When the bag (123) has been lowered into its proper position on the tip (101), the material that forms the hole (129) in the bag (123) is stretched to approximate the circumstance of the shaft (103).

Chamber (135) is generally contained within a support structure such as water cooler (300) as in Figure 3. Generally, chamber (135) is internally cleaned and sterilized. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 3, the chamber (135) is connected to a distribution valve (143) through a distribution channel (147). When the distribution valve (143) is actuated, the water flows out of a faucet or similar distribution structure. Because the distribution channel (147) is connected to the chamber (135), the liquid outlet (137) from the distribution channel (147) in turn causes the liquid level (151) in the

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chamber (135).

As described elsewhere herein, the tip (101) is positioned relative to the chamber (135), such that the ventral portion of the tip (101) below the gasket (121) is generally within of the inner portion of the chamber (135), and the connection between the tip (101) and the chamber (135) is generally air-tight and water-tight. In general, the inside of the bag (123) is also cleaned and sterilized. In this way, when the bag (123) is perforated, the combination of the bag (123), the tip (101) and the chamber (135) creates a sanitary, sterilized, air-tight, and water-tight system that is generally internally sealed. In the embodiment shown, the distribution envelope (117) further extends towards the chamber (135) than does the ventilation envelope (119). This allows air (141) to be forced into vent enclosure (119) to maintain adequate pressure within system (100), as described elsewhere herein. In general, the length of the envelopes (117 and 119) will be such that both of the envelopes (117 and 119) end inside the chamber (135) and do not make contact with any interior surface of the chamber (135) , allowing the fluid to enter / exit the channels (107 and 105) through the inlets (113 and 115).

ΙΝΤΤΓΠΙΤΟ MUKXNO Μ THE MOHSDAT

The chamber (135) could be of any shape or size. In one embodiment, ΰϊΐ system is included for heating or cooling the liquid in chamber (135), and chamber (135) will be sized and configured to accommodate this system, and to retain a sufficient quantity of cooled or heated liquid (137 ) in order to provide an adequate supply or cooled and / or heated liquid for the particular environment in which the device will be used.

In the depicted embodiment of Figure 1, the liquid channel (107) is larger in diameter than the air flow chamber (105), and the flow rate for the water (125) from the bag (123) a Chamber (135) is higher than the flow rate of air (141) from chamber (135) to bag (123). This configuration allows adequate fluid flow within the system and prevents ejection or leakage whereby water (125) from bag (123) is drained into chamber (135) in an intermittent start-up mode. -stop as the air pressure between bag (123) and chamber (135) rapidly oscillates between equal and unmatched pressure, which in turn causes noise, vibration and erratic distribution behavior.

In general, the liquid inlet (111) is closer to the rigid packing (122) than to the upper hole (109) for the air flow chamber (105), so that, among other things, a greater amount of water (125) in

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO de la ntomnAD INDUSTRIAL bag (123) can flow into the chamber (135). That is, once the water level (149) in the bag (123) is below the liquid inlet (III), there will be no liquid (125) in the bag (123) that is capable of entering the the fluid flow chamber (107) because the water line (149) in the bag (123) is below the orifice (III). While some amount of water (148) could be splashed into the fluid flow chamber (107) through the orifice (III), such as by shaking or pushing the water cooler (300), this is not preferred and it could cause damage to the system. In this way, to the extent that the water (125) remains in the bag (123) at a level (149) below the level of the liquid inlet (III), in which the water (12 5) it is not generally capable of being distributed by system (100). At this point, the bag (123) is effectively emptied and has to be replaced. The more closed the liquid inlet (III) to the rigid packing (121), the less wasted water (125) that will exist in the bag (123) when the bag (123) is effectively empty.

In general, the distribution envelope (117) extends further towards the chamber (135) than the ventilation envelope (119), as illustrated in Figure 1, although both of the envelopes (117 and 119) are part single axis. When bag 123 is initially perforated and positioned,

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INÍTfTUTO MtXJCANO M LA FROPWOAn INtMimjAL 0 way that the flow of fluid out of the bag is favored by gravity, pressure, or any other means, the fluid (125) in the bag (123) enters the holes (111 and 109 ) on both of the channels (105 and 107). The chamber (135), closed in the tap (143), is filled with the fluid (137) released through both of the channels (107 and 109). However, this will generally occur mainly through the distribution channel (107) which is generally adapted to allow the flow of water more easily than the ventilation channel (105) does.

As the liquid continues to flow from the bag (123) into the chamber (135), the level (151) of liquid contained in the chamber (135) continues to rise. The water (137) in the chamber (135) will displace the air (141) in the chamber (135), forcing the air (141) to seek to escape from the chamber (135). The only hole not only effectively blocked with water (137) is the ventilation channel (105), which causes the air (141) to pass generally upwards through the channel (105) and with some amount of air passing through the channel (107). In general, the flow of fluid and air continues through both of the channels (105 and 107) until the liquid (137) in the chamber (135) accumulates to the point of reaching the end (113) of the channel. distribution channel (107) at this point the air (141) can no longer flow towards the distribution channel (107). However, as the water

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continues to flow since there is no vacuum in the bag (123) the air (141) will be forced to pass in a larger quantity towards the ventilation channel (105). Once the water reaches the bottom of the ventilation channel (105), the air (141) can no longer escape from the chamber (135). At this point, some amount of air (141) remains in chamber (135). Water (137) will continue to flow into chamber (135) which will pressurize the remaining air (141), which cannot escape, since the level (151) of water (137) in chamber (135) continues to increase. Eventually, this pressure will equal that exerted by gravity and external pressure on the water (125) feeding the chamber (135), and the flow of water will stop as the pressure equalizes.

As a function of the perforation of a sealed bag (123) by the tip (101), the fluid path outside the chamber (135) through the tip (101) has become sealed relative to the environmental environment outside the system (100). That is, after perforation of the bag (123), there is no connection between the external environment and the chamber (135). Then, the ventilation channel (105) becomes the only passage through which the pressure between the chamber (135) is equalized and the air (141) is vented into the bag (123).

In this way, if the pressure in chamber (135) is less than the pressure exerted by bag (123), the liquid continues to flow into chamber (135). However, the

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INSTITUTO MEXICANO DE LA PHOfaDAD pressure in chamber (135) begins to rise ^ s ^^T.^MAIThe liquid flows into chamber (135) and the pressure till la ' ¹ (Ub) * rises to the point where the pressure in chamber (135) equals the pressure of water in bag (123). At this point, the flow from bag 123 to chamber 135 will stop as the pressure equalizes.

Now with the liquid (137) in the chamber (135), the same liquid (137) can be distributed through the distribution valve (143). When dispensing valve (143) is opened to allow liquid (137) to be dispensed from chamber (135), the level of water (151) in chamber (135) drops, eventually until the level of Liquid (151) in chamber (135) is lower than inlet (115) of vent channel (105). During the distribution, the pressure in the chamber (135) is reduced from the equilibrium value (no flow), in this way the liquid (125) is allowed to begin to flow again from the bag (123) towards the chamber (135) . Provided that the volume liquid flow through the channels (105 and 107) is less than the volume liquid flow through the distribution valve (143), the liquid level (151) in the chamber (135) continues to decrease as liquid (137) continues to be distributed. Provided that the flow volume velocity out of the distribution valve (143) (that is, out of the chamber (135)) is greater than the

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combined velocity of flow volume into chamber (135) through distribution channel (107), the pressure in chamber (135) will also continue to decrease.

When the distribution valve (143) is finally closed, the reduced pressure in chamber (135) will add to the total force that works to move liquid from bag (123) into chamber (135). Not only will gravity be pulling the liquid through the distribution channel (107), but also the pressure outside the bag (123) will be pushing the liquid (125) through the distribution channel (107) towards the chamber (135 ). This chamber (135), in which the pressure is reduced during distribution, is beneficial for the evacuation of liquid (125) from the bag (123) to the greatest extent, in effect due to the fact that the reduced pressure in the Chamber (135) creates a larger net force that works to push liquid (125) out of bag (123). As noted above, these forces will work to move liquid 125 from bag 123 toward chamber 135 until all forces are balanced. In the event that the liquid (125) in the bag (123) is exhausted, the vacuum in the chamber (135) will generally pull the air (127) from the bag (123) into the chamber (135), collapsing the bag ( 123) and draining any remaining water into the distribution channel (107).

In the case where a new bag (123) filled with

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liquid (125) is perforated by the tip (101), it is possible that there will be a short-lived increase in pressure in the chamber (135), especially if the bag (123) is dropped on the tip (101), as in the preferred mode.

While the invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, this is not to be taken as a limitation for all the details provided. Modifications and variations of the described modalities could be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and it should be understood that other modalities are included in the present description as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.