Fluid dispenser
An apparatus for dispensing a liquid can include a dispenser coupled to a container. The dispenser can be configured to move between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the dispenser can be configured to dispense the liquid. The container can be in an inverted position such that an opening of the container is facing downward.
1 . An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus comprising:
a dispenser configured to be coupled to a container and configured to move between an open position and a closed position, the dispenser comprising an outlet an air docking tube extending perpendicular to a length of the dispenser measured along an axis extending through the outlet of the dispenser and the container when the dispenser is coupled to the container,
wherein, in the open position, the dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid from the container through the outlet of the dispenser when the container is in an inverted position with an opening of the container facing downward, and
wherein the outlet of the dispenser is positioned below and aligned with the opening of the container when the container is in the inverted position.
2 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser comprises a cap and a tube.
3 . The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the cap comprises an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the inner wall and the outer wall are configured to be positioned on opposing sides of a lip of an opening of the container.
4 . The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a sealing plug and a check valve between the inner wall of the cap and the lip of the opening of the container, wherein the sealing plug and the check valve are removable from the dispenser.
5 . The apparatus of claim 4 , wherein the inner wall of the cap defines an aperture in fluid communication with the opening of the container.
6 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a sealing plug configured to engage with an inner surface of the opening of the container.
7 . The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the sealing plug comprises a central aperture.
8 . The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the central aperture of the sealing plug is configured to receive a tube.
9 . The apparatus of claim 1 , further comprising an air channel in fluid communication with an aperture of the air docking tube.
10 . The apparatus of claim 9 , further comprising an air curtain deflector configured to redirect air flowing through the air channel.
11 . The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the dispenser comprises a tube, wherein the tube comprises a plug configured to be positioned within an aperture of the dispenser to prevent flow through the aperture of the dispenser.
12 . An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus comprising:
a dispenser comprising:
a tube comprising a lumen with an inlet and an outlet;
a cross lumen intersecting with the lumen of the tube between the inlet and the outlet of the tube, wherein a length of the cross lumen extends substantially perpendicular to the lumen of the tube; and
a valve positioned within the cross lumen, the valve comprising a body having an enlarged portion configured to block the lumen of the tube and a neck portion configured to allow liquid to flow from the lumen of the tube and around the neck portion, wherein a diameter of the neck portion is smaller than a diameter of the enlarged portion,
wherein the dispenser is configured to receive a container in an upside down position, such that an opening of the container is positioned below a remainder of the container, the dispenser configured to move between an open position and a closed position,
wherein, in the open position, the dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid from the container.
13 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the enlarged portion is positioned adjacent to the neck portion, wherein the valve is configured to move laterally between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the enlarged portion is aligned with the lumen of the tube, wherein in the second position the neck portion is aligned with the lumen of the tube to allow liquid from the lumen of the tube and around the neck portion.
14 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the valve comprises a handle for moving the valve between a first position and a second position.
15 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the body of the valve further comprises a second enlarged portion.
16 . The apparatus of claim 15 , wherein the enlarged portion is positioned adjacent to the neck portion on a first side, wherein the second enlarged portion is positioned adjacent to the neck portion on an opposing second side.
17 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a spring positioned to bias the valve to a closed position.
18 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the dispenser further comprises an air docking tube extending substantially perpendicular to a length of the dispenser.
19 . The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the air docking tube extends substantially perpendicular to a length of the cross lumen.
20 . The apparatus of claim 18 , wherein the dispenser further comprises an air channel in fluid communication with an aperture of the air docking tube.
21 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a plenum connected to the aperture of the air docking tube and the air channel.
22 . The apparatus of claim 20 , wherein the dispenser further comprises a sealing plug.
23 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the cross lumen comprises a first open end to receive the valve and second closed end.
24 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the cross lumen comprises a first open end and a second open end.
25 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the valve is actuated by a motor.
26 . The apparatus of claim 12 , wherein the cross lumen comprises a first open end to receive the valve and second closed end.
27 . An apparatus for dispensing a liquid, the apparatus comprising:
a dispenser comprising:
a tube comprising a lumen with an inlet and an outlet;
a cross lumen intersecting with the lumen of the tube between the inlet and the outlet of the tube, wherein a length of the cross lumen extends substantially perpendicular to the lumen of the tube;
a valve positioned within the cross lumen, wherein the dispenser is configured to receive a container in an upside down position, such that an opening of the container is positioned below a remainder of the container, the dispenser configured to move between an open position and a closed position;
an air docking tube extending substantially perpendicular to a length of the dispenser;
an air channel in fluid communication with an aperture of the air docking tube; and
a sealing plug configured to prevent liquid from passing between the sealing plug and the opening of the container when the container is received by the dispenser, wherein the sealing plug comprises an inner protrusion that extends radially inward from an inner wall of the sealing plug,
wherein, in the open position, the dispenser is configured to dispense the liquid from the container.
28 . The apparatus of claim 27 , wherein the inner protrusion acts as a check valve for the air channel.