Patent · US Expired

Sealed actuator probe assembly for a bottled water station

US5464127A · kind A · utility

26Cited by
16References
22Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 28, 1994
Grant dateNov 7, 1995
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 28, 2014

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB67D3/0038
  • WIPO fieldHandling
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

An improved actuator probe assembly is provided for a bottled water station of the type having an actuator probe for engaging and opening a valved bottle cap on an inverted water bottle. The probe assembly comprises an inner support funnel and an outer adapter sleeve retained by a probe fitting in assembled relation with a cover plate adapted for mounting onto a station housing in a position over an upwardly open water reservoir. The support funnel extends downwardly through a central opening in the cover plate and defines a cup-shaped receiver structure for receiving and supporting an inverted water bottle, with the probe fitting positioned at a lower end of the support funnel and including the actuator probe. The adapter sleeve is carried about the support funnel and includes an outwardly radiating diaphragm member for closing the top of the reservoir when the cover plate is installed onto the station housing. A pair of annular seals located respectively on the support funnel and on the diaphragm member sealingly engage upper and lower surfaces of the cover plate. The seal on the diaphragm member additionally engages and seals with the reservoir. A vent path having a filter eleme…

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.