FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to flow restriction valve. Particularly, the present invention discloses mechanisms, apparatuses and method to restrict flow of the ingredients from containers. Also, this invention discloses mechanism which may act as a security layer to separate the dry storage container storing the raw ingredients for grinding and the dry/wet grinding container that grinds the raw ingredients to prevent any contamination in both the storage and the grinding areas.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] The subject matter discussed in the background section should not be assumed to be prior art merely as a result of it being mention in the background section. Similarly, a problem mentioned in the background section or associated with the subject matter of the background section should not be assumed to have been previously recognized in the prior art. The subject matter in the background section merely represents different approaches, which in and of themselves may also correspond to implementations of the claimed technology.

[003] A mixer-grinder is a portable mill that combines the mixing and grinding operations. Grinding of ingredients generally improves feed digestibility, acceptability, mixing properties and palatability. Grain is typically pulverized in a mixer-grinder either by hammer mills or roller mills.

[004] Hammer mills are impact grinders with swinging or stationary steel bars forcing ingredients against a circular screen or solid serrated section designated as a striking plate. Material is held in the grinding chamber until it is reduced to the size of the openings in the screen. The number of hammers on a rotating shaft, their size, arrangement, and sharpness, the speed of rotation, wear patterns, and clearance at the tip relative to the screen or striking plate are important variables in grinding capacity and the appearance of ground feed. [005] A combination of cutting, attrition, and crushing occurs in roller mills. These are smooth or corrugated rolls rotating at the same speed set at a pre-determined distance apart with material passing between the two. A tearing action may be added by operating the rolls at different speeds and by different number of rotations for each roll.

[006] Mixer grinder is an electronic kitchen appliance that used to mix and grind various food items. It is compact on size and plays a major role in preparation of food. It usually comes with three jars crafted out of high-quality stainless steel. These jars are incorporated with multifunctional blades that can perform all sorts of chores; it takes a few seconds to minutes to complete.

[007] However, there may be leakage of ingredient stored in the containers or leakage of ingredient from grinding Container during the grinding process. These traditional mixer grinders fail to provide any automatic mechanism to prevent any leakage (or) to restrict the flow of the grinded ingredients.

[008] Therefore, there is a need in the art for blocking mechanisms that do not suffer from the above-mentioned deficiencies or at least provide a viable alternative.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[009] An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to restrict flow of any ingredient from a container.

[010] Another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic blocking mechanism to restrict the flow of any ingredient or any fluid from the grinding container. [011] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an automatic blocking mechanism to separate the dry storage container area storing the raw ingredients used in grinding and the wet/dry grinding container the grinds the raw ingredients.

[012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide an apparatus that may act as a security later restricting the flow of the dry raw ingredients from the dry storage container and also the wet/dry grinded ingredients from the grinding area to prevent any contamination.

[013] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method of separation to separate two containers during, before or after the grinding process. [014] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a flow restriction valve to separate two containers or units.

[015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a pipe that incorporates the flow restriction valve to restrict the flow of fluid or ingredients.

[016] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mechanism to restrict the flow of any ingredient from the storage container (or) the grinding container and also acts as a security layer to separate the dry storage container from the wet grinding container to prevent any contamination.

[017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular design of the flow restriction valve apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[018] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simple manner, which is further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the subject matter, nor to determine the scope of the invention.

[019] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mechanism to restrict flow of any ingredient from a container. The mechanism comprises a flow pipe having an opening, connected with the container at first end, adapted to flow ingredients contained in the container, a flexible tube, placed inside the flow pipe, exposed through the opening, forming a flexible diaphragm, a lead nut, a push key comprising, a protrusion disposed in front of the flexible tube exposed through the opening, a hole for fixing the lead nut, a lead screw placed inside the lead nut, a geared motor having axle connected with axis of the lead screw, configured to rotate the lead screw inside the lead nut, and one or more switches, connected with the geared motor, configured to rotate the geared motor and eventually the lead screw in a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction. Further, the lead screw on rotation in the anti-clockwise direction, is configured to move inside the fixed lead nut, thereby pushing the lead nut and the push key along with the protrusion onto the flexible tube exposed through the opening and closing the flexible diaphragm, thereby restricting or limiting the flow of the ingredients from the container. Furthermore, the lead screw on rotation in the clockwise direction, is configured to move inside the fixed lead nut, thereby pulling the fixed lead nut and the push key along with the protrusion away from the flexible tube exposed through the opening and opening the flexible diaphragm, thereby allowing the flow of the ingredients from the container.

[020] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism comprises a grinding unit disposed at the bottom of the flow pipe. Further, the container is configured to dispense ingredients to be grinded into the grinding unit through the flexible tube fitted flow pipe.

[021] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the geared motor is a stepper motor, configured to control movement of the protrusion on the flexible tube thereby controlling the flow of the ingredients inside the flexible tube and the flow pipe.

[022] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible tube is made of materials selected from a group comprising rubber, silicon, cloth, mesh wire, metal, or a combination thereof.

[023] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more switches are tactile switches.

[024] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism comprises one or more containers having respective lids, connected with the flow pipe, configured to contain and dispense a variety of ingredients to be grinded together.

[025] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism comprises a motor casing configured to fix the position of the geared motor.

[026] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism comprises a casing box adapted to enclose the mechanism.

[027] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism comprises a lid adapted to close the casing box.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[028] So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present invention can be understood in detail, a more particular to the description of the invention, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

[029] These and other features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will become apparent by reference to the following text figure, with like reference numbers referring to like structures across the views, wherein:

[030] Fig. 1 illustrates components of a mechanism to restrict flow of any ingredient from a container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[031] Fig. 2a illustrates working of the mechanism as shown in figure 1 , where a lead screw rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[032] Fig. 2b illustrates working of the mechanism as shown in figure 1 , where a lead screw rotates in a clockwise direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[033] While the present invention is described herein by way of example using embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to the embodiments of drawing or drawings described and are not intended to represent the scale of the various components. Further, some components that may form a part of the invention may not be illustrated in certain figures, for ease of illustration, and such omissions do not limit the embodiments outlined in any way. It should be understood that the drawings and detailed description thereto are not intended to limit the invention to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modification/s, equivalent/s and alternative/s falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claim. The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claim. As used throughout this description, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e. , meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). [034] Further, the words "a" or "an" means "at least one” unless otherwise mentioned. Furthermore, the terminology and phraseology used herein is solely used for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as limiting in scope. Language such as "including", "comprising", "having", "containing", or "involving" and variations thereof, is intended to be broad and encompass the subject matter listed thereafter, equivalents, and additional subject matter not recited, and is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps. Likewise, the term "comprising" is considered synonymous with the terms "including" or "containing" for applicable legal purposes. Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the likes are included in the specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention.

[035] In this disclosure, whenever an element or a group of elements is preceded with the transitional phrase “comprising”, it is understood that we also contemplate the same composition, element or group of elements with transitional phrases “consisting of”, “consisting”, “selected from the group of consisting of”, “including”, or “is” preceding the recitation of the composition, element or group of elements and vice versa.

[036] This invention described herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the following description, numeric values and ranges are provided for various aspects of the implementations described. These values and ranges are to be treated as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the claims. In addition, a number of materials are identified as suitable for various facets of the implementations. These materials are to be treated as exemplary and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[037] Figure 1 illustrates components of a mechanism (100) to restrict flow of any ingredient from a container, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 1 , the mechanism (100) comprises a flow pipe (6) having an opening (5.1 ), a flexible tube (5), a lead nut (3), a push key (4), a protrusion (4.1 ), a hole (4.2), a lead screw (2), a geared motor (1 ), and one or more switches (7).

[038] As shown in figure 1 , the flow pipe (6) connected with the container at first end may have an opening (5.1 ). The material for the flow pipe (6) may have the properties of being anti-corrosive, and temperature resistant. The material may be, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate, nylon, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bulk moulding compound (BMC). The opening (5.1 ) may be cut out on the surface of the flow pipe (6). As shown in figure 1 , the opening (5.1 ) is rectangular.

[039] Further, the flexible tube (5) may be placed inside the flow pipe (6). The flexible tube (5) may be made of materials selected from a group comprising, but not limited to, rubber, silicon, cloth, mesh wire, metal, or a combination thereof. The flexible tube (5) may be placed in a way that the tube is exposed through the opening (5.1 ) in the flow pipe (6), forming a flexible diaphragm.

[040] Further, as shown in figure 1 , in front of the flexible tube (5) exposed through the opening (5.1 ) disposed a protrusion (4.1 ) of the push key (4). The protrusion (4.1 ) may be designed in a way such that it can easily fit inside the cut out of the flow tube. The length of the protrusion (4.1 ) may be same as the depth of width of the flow tube. As shown in figure 1 , the protrusion (4.1 ) is cuboidal to fit inside the flow pipe (6) through the opening (5.1 ).

[041] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 1 , the push key (4) may comprise a hole (4.2) for fixing the lead nut (3). The hole (4.2) may be an exact cut out of the lead nut (3) to fit the lead nut (3) and restrict the motion such as lateral or rotational motion of the lead nut (3). The hole (4.2) is designed to let pass through the lead screw (2) via the lead nut (3). Further, as shown in figure 1 , the lead screw (2) placed inside the lead nut (3). Thread of the lead screw (2) may match threads on the lead nut (3) for easy moment of the lead screw (2) inside the lead nut (3). The lead screw (2) and the lead nut (3) may be made of non-corrosive, high strength and hard material such as steel, alloy, aluminium, titanium and like. [042] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, axis of the lead screw (2) may be connected with an axle of the geared motor (1 ). The geared motor (1 ) may be configured to rotate the lead screw (2) inside the lead nut (3) using the threads. The geared motor (1 ), may be a stepper motor, is configured to control movement of the protrusion (4.1 ) over the flexible tube (5). In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the geared motor (1 ) may be connected with the one or more switches (7). The one or more switches (7) may be tactile switches (7) or DPDT switches (7) or any user interface, configured to rotate the geared motor (1 ) and eventually the lead screw (2) in a clockwise direction or an anti-clockwise direction.

[043] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the mechanism (100) may comprise a grinding unit disposed at the bottom of the flow pipe (6). The container is configured to dispense ingredients to be grinded into the grinding unit through the flexible tube (5) fitted flow pipe (6).

[044] Further, in accordance with an embodiment, as shown in figure 1 , the mechanism (100) may comprise one or more containers having respective lid (10)s, connected with the flow pipe (6). The one or more containers may be configured to contain and dispense a variety of ingredients to be grinded together. The ingredients contained in the one or more containers may be controlled using the opening (5.1 ) or closing of the lid (10).

[045] Furthermore, as shown in figure 1 , the mechanism (100) may comprise a motor casing (8) configured to fix the position of the geared motor (1 ). The motor casing (8) may be made of, but not limited to, metal, steel, glass, fiber glass, polypropylene, polybutylenes terephthalate, nylon, and the like. The motor casing (8) may absorb vibrations from the geared motor (1 ) and provide a smooth operation of the mechanism (100).

[046] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, as shown in figure 1 , the mechanism (100) may comprise a casing box (9) adapted to enclose the mechanism (100). Further, the mechanism (100) may comprise a lid (10) adapted to close the casing box (9). The casing box (9) and the lid (10) may be made of, but not limited to, polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polybutylene terephthalate, Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), and Polyethylene terephthalate (PET), bulk moulding compound (BMC), metal, steel, glass, fiber glass, polypropylene, polybutylenes terephthalate, nylon, and the like.

[047] The invention works in following manner:

[048] Figure 2a illustrates working of the mechanism (100) as shown in figure 1 , where a lead screw (2) rotates in an anti-clockwise direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2a, the lead screw (2) on rotation in the anti-clockwise direction with the help of the geared motor (1 ) (direction of rotation as shown in figure 2a), is configured to move inside the fixed lead nut (3) on their respective threads. The movement of the lead screw (2) inside the fixed lead nut (3) thereby pushing the lead nut (3) and the push key (4) along with the protrusion (4.1 ) horizontally onto the flexible tube (5) exposed through the opening (5.1 ) (towards direction of arrows as shown in figure 2a). The protrusion (4.1 ) on moving inside the flow pipe (6) over flexible tube (5) closes the flexible diaphragm, thereby restricting or limiting the flow of the ingredients from the container.

[049] Further, figure 2b illustrates working of the mechanism (100) as shown in figure 1 , where a lead screw (2) rotates in a clockwise direction, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 2b, the lead screw (2) on rotation in the clockwise direction (direction of rotation as shown in figure 2b), is configured to move inside the fixed lead nut (3). Movement of the lead screw (2) on the lead nut (3) thereby pulling the fixed lead nut (3) and the push key (4) along with the protrusion (4.1 ) horizontally away from the flexible tube (5) exposed through the opening (5.1 ) (towards direction of arrows as shown in figure 2b). The movement of the lead screw (2) in this manner opens the flexible diaphragm, thereby allowing the flow of the ingredients from the container.

[050] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the flexible diaphragm acts as a security layer, separating the dry storage container unit storing the raw ingredients which is stored for grinding and wet/dry grinding area grinding the raw ingredients preventing any contamination both in the stored raw ingredients and also the grinded ingredient in the grinding area.

[051] The present invention offers a number of advantages. Firstly, it provides a cost- effective and technologically advanced solution to the problems of the prior art, the solution provided herein is easy to understand and implement. Then, the present invention provides an automatic blocking mechanism (100) to restrict the flow of any ingredient or any fluid from the containers. Further, the present invention separates the dry storage unit and the grinding unit during the grinding process (or) as and when required to prevent the flow of the raw ingredients to the grinding unit (or) the flow of the grinded ingredients to the dry storage container. Further, the present invention ensures elongation of the rubber using a lead screw (2) operated by the motor to restrict the flow of any ingredient. Additionally, the present invention provides a modular design for the passage pipe (or) the flow restriction valve apparatus so that it can be easily removed and fit back inside the grinding machine for cleaning and other purposes. It will be appreciated by a skilled addressee that the present invention may also be used in applications other than grinding machine that require to prevent leakage or restrict the flow of the ingredients/fluids from the containers/machines, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[052] Various modifications to these embodiments are apparent to those skilled in the art from the description and the accompanying drawings. The principles associated with the various embodiments described herein may be applied to other embodiments. Therefore, the description is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown along with the accompanying drawings but is to be provided broadest scope consistent with the principles and the novel and inventive features disclosed or suggested herein. Accordingly, the invention is anticipated to hold on to all other such alternatives, modifications, and variations that fall within the scope of the present invention and the appended claims.