FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to pinch valves. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to pinch valves used in liquid dispensers.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Cleaning existing liquid dispenser pinch valves often requires that the entire assembly of the pinch valve be taken apart, using tools to remove fasteners, prior to cleaning. This requires time, tools, training, and tracking of the fasteners so they do not get lost. As such, the liquid dispensers can experience considerable downtime, which can result, for example, in coffee shops, in customers desiring cream dispensed in their coffee, to wait longer than necessary.

[0003] Additionally, existing pinch valves do not allow easy and quick removal/insertion of dispensing tubes when removing a spent liquid container from a liquid dispensing machine and installing a replacement liquid container.

[0004] Further, existing pinch valves often lack suitable control of the volume of liquid being dispensed.

[0005] Therefore, improvements in pinch valves are desirable.

SUMMARY

[0006] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a pinch valve that comprises a holder defining a recess; and an insert shaped to fit in the recess of the holder. The insert has an inner wall portion. The insert and the holder are structured for the insert to be moved, along an axis, from an installed position where the holder holds the insert, to a removed position, where the insert is removed from the holder. The holder and the insert are configured to receive a dispensing tube and to cooperate, when in the installed position, with a plunger assembly biased to push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert.

[0007] In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides a pinch valve that comprises a holder defining a recess; and an insert shaped to fit in the recess of the holder. The insert has an inner wall portion. The insert and the holder are structured for the insert to be moved, along an axis, from an installed position where the holder holds the insert, to a removed position where the insert is removed from the holder. The holder and the insert are configured to receive a dispensing tube. The pinch valve also comprises a plunger movable from a pinch position where the plunger pushes the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert, to a flow position where the plunger is retracted from the inner wall portion.

[0008] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the attached Figures.

[0010] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing machine fitted with an embodiment of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure

1.

[0012] Figure 2B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure 1 , with an insert of the pinch valve in a removed position, outside a holder of the pinch valve.

[0013] Figure 3A shows a top front perspective view of the insert shown at Figure

2B.

[0014] Figure 3B shows a back view of the insert shown at Figure 3A.

[0015] Figure 3C shows a top view of the insert shown at Figure 3A.

[0016] Figure 3D shows a bottom view of the insert shown at Figure 3A.

[0017] Figure 4A shows a bottom back perspecti e view of the holder shown at Figure 2B.

[0018] Figure 4B shows a back view of the holder shown at Figure 4A.

[0019] Figure 4C shows a top view of the holder shown at Figure 4A.

[0020] Figure 4D shows a bottom view of the holder shown at Figure 4A.

[0021] Figure 4E shows a top view of the insert of Figure 4A installed in the holder of Figure 4A

[0022] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing machine fitted with another embodiment of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 6A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure

5.

[0024] Figure 6B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure 5, with an insert of the pinch valve in an intermediary position and with a holder. [0025] Figure 6C shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure 5, with an insert of the pinch valve in an open position.

[0026] Figure 7 A shows a top front perspective view of the insert shown at Figure 6A.

[0027] Figure 7B shows a back view of the insert shown at Figure 7A.

[0028] Figure 7C shows a top view of the insert shown at Figure 7A.

[0029] Figure 7D shows a bottom view of the insert shown at Figure 7A.

[0030] Figure 8A shows a top front perspective view of the holder shown at Figure 6B.

[0031] Figure 8B shows a front view of the holder shown at Figure 8A.

[0032] Figure 8C shows a top view of the holder shown at Figure 8A.

[0033] Figure 8D shows a bottom view of the holder shown at Figure 8A.

[0034] Figure 8E shows a top view of the insert of Figure 6B installed in the holder of Figure 6B

[0035] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing machine fitted with another embodiment of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 10A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure

9.

[0037] Figure 10B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure 9, with an insert of the pinch valve in an intermediary position and with a holder.

[0038] Figure 10C shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure 9, with an insert of the pinch valve in an open position.

[0039] Figure 11 A shows a top front perspective view of the insert shown at

Figure 10B.

[0040] Figure 11 B shows a back view of the insert shown at Figure 11A.

[0041] Figure 11 C shows a top view of the insert shown at Figure 11 A.

[0042] Figure 11 D shows a bottom view of the insert shown at Figure 11 A.

[0043] Figure 12A shows a top front perspective view of the holder shown at

Figure 10B.

[0044] Figure 12B shows a front view of the holder shown at Figure 12A.

[0045] Figure 12C shows a top view of the holder shown at Figure 12A.

[0046] Figure 12D shows a bottom view of the holder shown at Figure 12A.

[0047] Figure 12E shows a top view of the insert of Figure 10B installed in the holder of Figure 10B. [0048] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing machine fitted with another embodiment of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0049] Figure 14A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure

13.

[0050] Figure 14B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure

13, with an insert of the pinch valve in an intermediary position and with a holder.

[0051] Figure 14C shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure

13, with an insert of the pinch valve in an open position.

[0052] Figure 15A shows a top front perspective view of the insert shown at Figure 14B.

[0053] Figure 15B shows a back view of the insert shown at Figure 15A.

[0054] Figure 15C shows a top view of the insert shown at Figure 15A.

[0055] Figure 5D shows a bottom view of the insert shown at Figure 15A.

[0056] Figure 16A shows a top front perspective view of the holder shown at Figure 14B.

[0057] Figure 16B shows a front view of the holder shown at Figure 16A.

[0058] Figure 16C shows a top view of the holder shown at Figure 16A.

[0059] Figure 16D shows a bottom view of the holder shown at Figure 16A.

[0060] Figure 16E shows a top view of the insert of Figure 10B installed in the holder of Figure 14B.

[0061] Figure 17 show a top, front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a pinch valve of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 18 shows the pinch valve assembly of Figure 17, with the insert in an intermediary position.

[0063] Figure 19 shows the pinch valve assembly of Figure 17, with the insert in an open position.

[0064] Figure 20 shows the pinch valve assembly of Figure 17, with the insert in an open position.

[0065] Figure 21 shows front view of the pinch valve of Figure 17, with the insert in the open position.

[0066] Figure 22 shows a top view of the pinch valve of Figure 17, with the insert installed in a holder.

[0067] Figure 23 shows a perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure 17, with the insert ready to be removed from the holder. [0068] Figure 24 shows another perspective view of the pinch valve of Figure 17. with the insert ready to be removed from the holder.

[0069] Figure 25 shows a top view of the pinch valve of Figure 17, with the insert ready to be removed from the holder.

[0070] Figure 26 shows an embodiment of a plunger assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0071] Figure 27 shows an exploded view of the plunger assembly of Figure 26.

[0072] Figure 28 shows another embodiment of a plunger assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0073] Figure 29 shows an exploded view of the plunger portion of the plunger assembly of Figure 28.

[0074] Figure 30 shows another embodiment of a plunger assembly in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 31 shows another embodiment of a pinch valve of the present disclosure with the plunger assembly of Figure 30.

[0076] Figure 32 shows a bushing used to align the plunger of Figure 30 with a solenoid.

[0077] Figure 33 shows a top perspective view of holder of the pinch valve of

Figure 31.

[0078] Figure 34 shows a side view of holder of the pinch valve of Figure 31 .

[0079] Figure 35 shows a bottom view of holder of the pinch valve of Figure 31 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0080] The present description relates to a pinch valve for dispensing liquids. The pinch valve comprises a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The insert, the holder, or both, define an aperture in which a dispensing tube can be installed. The insert, the holder, or both, also define a throttle region along which dispensing tu e is deformed and has a reduced cross-section. When the pinch valve is in an open state, the flow of liquid through the dispensing tube is reduced compared to what it would be if the pinch valve did not have a throttle region. This reduced flow of liquid, caused by the throttle region, allows for greater dispensing accuracy with respect to the volume of liquid dispensed. Further, the insert of the pinch valve of the present disclosure can be easily removed from the holder to allow for quick and easy cleaning.

[0081] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a liquid dispensing machine 30 having a refrigerated area 32 where a container of liquid to be dispensed (e.g., milk, cream, etc.) can be refrigerated. Also shown is a refrigeration unit compartment 34 where a compressor and condenser, used to refrigerate the refrigerated area 32, are housed. Further shown in Figure 1 is an example of a pinch valve 36 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 2A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve 36 where an insert 38 is shown in an installed position where the insert 38 is installed in a holder (not shown). An axis 37 is also shown. As described further below, the insert 38 can be moved along the direction defined by the axis 37 in order to remove the insert 38 from the holder. Figure 2A also shows a part of a plunger 42, which will be described in detail further below.

[0083] Figure 2B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve 36 where the insert 38 is shown, in a removed position, outside the holder 40. Figure 2B further shows the plunger 42, the tip 44 of which is for pushing a dispensing tube (not shown}, installed in the pinch valve 36, against an inner wall of the insert 38. The plunger 42 is part of a plunger assembly 46 that, in this embodiment, is a soienoid activated plunger assembly (a solenoid unit 39 is shown mounted to a bracket 47). Other types of plunger assembly can be used such as, for example, a manually activated plunger assembly, stepper motor plunger assembly, or any other suitable electro-mechanical plunger assembly.

[0084] The holder 40 can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine 30 through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners {bolts, nuts, screws, etc.).

[0085] Figure 3A shows a front perspective view of the insert 38. The insert 38 defines a front opening 48, which, in collaboration with an opening defined in the holder 40 (the opening defined by the holder 40 is described below), allows for a dispensing tube (not shown) to be easily installed in the pinch valve 36, and removed from the pinch valve 36, without requiring the dispensing tube to be unduly bent.

[0086] Figure 3B shows a back elevation view of the insert 38, which has a top

50, a bottom 52, sidewalls 54, and a window 56. The window 56 defined by the insert 38 is to allow through, when the insert 38 is in the installed position, the tip 44 of the plunger 42. The insert 38 also defines a recessed bottom perimeter region 55 that allows the insert 38 to be held in the holder 40, when the insert 38 is in the installed position.

[0087] Figure 3C shows a top view of the insert 38. The front 58, the back 60, the sidewalls 54, and the opening 48 are shown in Figure 3C. Further, Figure 3C identifies where, along the back 60, the window 56 is located. To install a dispensing tube in the insert 38, the dispensing tube is placed at the opening 48 from where it is moved to the position identified at reference numeral 62. Once at position 62, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip 44, which can traverse the window 56 and push the dispensing tube against an inner wall portion 64 of the insert 38. The plunger 42 is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip 44 pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall 64 to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger 42 and plunger tip 44 can be said to be in a pinch position, from where they can move to a flow position where the plunger 42 and plunger tip 44 are retracted from the inner wall portion 64, the dispensing tube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

[0088] With reference to Figure 3C, the inner wall portion 64 and an opposite wall portion 65 define a throttle portion 61 of the pinch valve 36. When a dispensing tube is inserted at position 62, the dispensing tube will have a circular cross-section from the top 50 of the insert down to where the inner wall portion 64 and the opposite wall portion 65 begin, which can be referred to as the throttle input section 57, shown at Figure 3B. From the throttle input section 57 down to the bottom 52 of the insert 38, the dispensing tube will have an oval-type cross-section. The throttle portion 61 allows for greater control of the amount of fluid being dispensed through the dispensing tube. Further, the pinch valve 36 can be designed to have a throttle portion that has a width, which is the spacing between the inner wall portion 64 and the opposite wall portion 65, selected for any one of the viscosity of a specific fluid being dispensed, the material (e.g., Kryton™ or Surgical Tubing) of the dispensing tube being used, the inner diameter of the dispensing tube, the outer diameter of the dispensing tube, the thickness of the wall of the dispensing tube, or any combination thereof.

[0089] Figure 3D shows a bottom view of insert 38. Shown in this figure are the sidewalls 54, the recessed bottom perimeter region 55, the front 58, the back 60, the location of the window 56, the opening 48, and the position 62.

[0090] Figure 4A shows a bottom perspective view of the holder 40, of the pinch valve 36 of Figure 2A. The holder 40 defines and opening 66, which, together with the opening 48 of the insert 38, allows for a dispensing tube (not shown) to be easily installed in the pinch valve 36, and removed from the pinch valve 36, without requiring the dispensing tube to be unduly bent and without requiring that the insert 36 be removed from the holder 40.

[0091] Figure 4B shows a back view of the holder 40 where the top 68, the bottom 70, the back 72 and the sidewalls 74 are shown. Further shown is a channel 76 defined by the holder 40. The channel is configured to allow therethrough the tip 44 of the plunger 42. This is shown clearly in Figure 2B.

[0092] Figure 4C shows a top view of the holder 40 where a recess 78, defined by the holder 40, is shown. Figure 4C also shows a shelf portion 41 onto which the insert 38 is positioned when the insert 38 is in the installed position. In this position, the recessed bottom perimeter region 55 (shown at Figure B and Figure 3D) of the insert 38 sits on the shelf portion 41 . The recess 78 is located between inner sidewalls 43 and the inner back wall 82. Figure 4C also shows the sidewalls 74 of the holder 40, the back 72, and the location of the channel 76 along the back 72.

[0093] Figure 4D shows a bottom view of the holder 40 where the channel 76, the opening 66, the recess 78, the bottom 70, the inner sidewalls 43 and the sidewalls 74 are shown.

[0094] Figure 4E shows a top view of the insert 36 in the installed position; that is, installed in the holder 40. Shown in Figure 4E is the throttle portion 61 , defined as the space between the inner wall portion 64 of the insert 38 and the opposite inner wall portion 65 of the insert 38.

[0095] When the insert 38 is in the installed position as shown at Figure 2A, it can be moved upwardly, along the axis 37 (also shown at Figure 2A) to a removed position where the insert is removed from the holder, as shown at Figure 2B. The removal of insert 38 from the holder 40, i.e., moving the insert 38 from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert 38 through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, the insert 38 can be put back in the holder 40. Further, as the dispensing tubing does not come in contact with the inner back wall 82 and the tapered walls 80 of the holder 40 (shown at Figure 4C), there should be no accumulation of fluid on these surfaces, which reduces the amount of cleaning required and thereby minimizes the downtime of the liquid dispensing machine 30 of Figure 1 .

[0096] Figure 5 shows perspective view of the liquid dispensing machine 30 of

Figure 1 but this time having, in another example of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure, a pinch valve 84.

[0097] Figure 6A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve 84 where an insert 86 is shown in an installed position where the insert 86 is installed in a holder (not shown). In this embodiment, the holder and the insert 86 are dimensioned to interfere with each other when the insert 86 is in the installed position. The insert 86 is thus held in the holder by an interference fit. [0098] Figure 6A also shows a dispensing tube 37 installed in the pinch valve 84, and a bracket 88 onto which the insert 86 can be pivotally mounted through

complementary mating features defined by the bracket 88 and the insert 86. In this example, the bracket 88 defines (or has) a cylindrical post 90 and the insert 86 defines a cylindrical opening (not shown) that receives the cylindrical post 90 when the insert is pushed down from the installed position to an intermediary position, as will be described further below. Further shown in Figure 6A is a portion of a plunger 92.

[0099] The pinch valve 84 can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine 30, in close proximity to where the dispensing tube 87 joins the container from which fluid is to be dispensed. As is known in the art, the storage of such containers prior to being installed in a liquid dispensing machine sometime leads to the dispensing tube being unduly bent near where the dispensing tube joins the container, which can cause a kink to be formed in that portion of the dispensing tube. Such a kink causes the dispensing tube to have a reduced cross-section in the kink region; the reduced cross-section produces a diminished liquid flow through the dispensing tube.

[00100] By securing the pinch valve 84 to the liquid dispensing machine, close to where the dispensing tube joins the container, and by installing the dispensing tube in the pinch valve, the kinked portion of the dispensing tube will be positioned, in many cases, within the pinch valve. The pinch valve will typically squeeze out the kink, thereby allowing for normal liquid flow through the dispensing tube. That is to say, the design of the pinch valve, namely the vertical length of the pinch valve and the diameter of the passageway of the pinch valve, traversed by the dispensing tube, causes the pinch valve to reform the kinked section and the dispensing tube to conform to the passageway.

[00101] Other embodiments of the present disclosure can also be secured to a liquid dispensing machine, close to where the dispensing tube 87 joins the container from which fluid is 1o be dispensed, in order to remove kinks from the dispensing tube.

[00102] Figure 6B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve 84 where the insert 86, the bracket 88, and a holder 94 are shown. The insert 86 is shown in the intermediary position where the insert 86 is pivotally connected to the bracket 88. Further shown in Figure 6B is the tip 96 of the plunger 92. The tip 44 of the plunger is for pushing a dispensing tube (not shown), installed in the pinch valve 84, against an inner wall of the insert 86.

[00103] Figure 6C shows yet another perspective view of the pinch valve 84 with the insert 86 pivoted 90 degrees to an open position. Pivoting the insert 86 to the open position can facilitate the insertion of a dispensing tube {not shown) in the pinch valve 84 and can also facilitate the removal of the dispensing tube from the pinch valve 84.

[00104] Figure 6C further shows a plunger assembly 100 that comprises the plunger 98 and the tip 96 of the plunger.

[00105] The holder 94 and the bracket 88 can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners {bolts, nuts, screws, etc.)

[00106] Figure 7 A shows a top, back perspective view of the insert 86. As shown in Figure 7A, the insert 86 has a tab 102, which can facilitate the manipulation of the insert 86 by a user. The insert 86 defines a top recess 110, which, as will be described further below, is to accommodate a dispensing tube.

[00107] Figure 7B shows a front elevation view of the insert 86 where the top 104, the bottom 106, and the sidewalls 108 are shown. Figure 7B also shows the top recess 110 and an inner wall portion 1 12.

[00108] Figure 7C shows a bottom view of the insert 86 where the inner wall portion 112 is shown as well as part of the top recess 110. Also shown in Figure 7C is a cylindrical hole 1 14. The insert 86 can be pivotally connected to the bracket 88 (Figure 6A) by pushing down on the insert 86 from the installed position to the intermediary position to fit the cylindrical post 90 into the cylindrical 114.

[00109] Figure 7D shows a top view of the insert 86 where the top recess 1 10, the inner wall portion 1 12, the sidewalls 108, and the tab 102 are shown.

[00110] Figure 8A shows a top front perspective view of the holder 94, which defines an opening 118 that allows passage to the tab 102 of the insert 106 as the insert 86 is inserted into and removed from the holder 94.

[00111] Figure 8B shows a front elevation view of the holder 94. The holder defines a recess 120 that aligns, in concert with the recess 1 10 of the insert 86 {see Figures 7B), a dispensing tube into the pinch valve 84. The holder 94 defines a channel 130 for the tip 96 of the plunger 98 to penetrate the pinch valve 84. Figure 8B also shows the top 122, the bottom 124, and the sidewalls 126 of the holder 94. The holder 94 also defines an opposite wall portion 1 3, which, when the insert 86 is in the installed position, is opposite the inner wall portion 1 12 of the insert 86.

[00112] Figure 8C shows a top view of the holder 94 where the recess 120, the opening 1 18, the opposite wall portion 1 13, and the sidewalls 126 are shown.

[00113] Figure 8D shows a back elevation view of the holder 94. [00114] Figure 8E shows a top view of the insert 86 in the installed position; that is. installed in the holder 94. Shown in Figure 8E is a throttle portion 127, defined as the space between the inner wall portion 1 2 of the insert 38 and the opposite inner wall portion 113 of the holder 94.

[00115] To install a dispensing tube in the pinch valve 84, the pinch valve is arranged with the insert 86 in the open position shown at Figure 6C. The dispensing tube is placed in the holder 94 with the dispensing tube disposed to be aligned with recess 120 of the holder 94 and the recess 1 10 of the insert 86 when the insert 86 is moved back to the installed position by is pivoting the insert 86 from the open position to the intermediary position shown at Figure 6B, and from the intermediary position, moving the insert 86 upwardly to the installed position. Once at the installed position, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip 96, which can push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion 112 of the insert 86. The plunger 92 is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip 96 pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall 112 to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger 98 and plunger tip 96 can be said to be in a pinch position, from where it can move to a flow position where the plunger 98 and plunger tip 96 are retracted from the inner wall portion 112 of the insert 86, the dispensing tube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

[00116] When the insert 86 is in the installed position as shown at Figure 6A, it can be moved upwardly, along an axis (in this embodiment, a vertical axis) to a removed position. In this embodiment of the pinch valve of the present disclosure, the vertical axis along which the insert is moved upwardly is parallel to the pivot axis defined by the cylindrical post 90 shown at Figure 6A. The removal of the insert 86 from the holder 94, i.e., moving the insert 86 from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert 86 through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, insert 86 can be put back in the holder 91.

[00117] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing machine 30 of Figure 1 but this time having, in another example of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure, a pinch valve 150.

[00118] Figure 10A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve 150 where an insert 152 is shown in an installed position where the insert 152 is installed in a holder (not shown). In this embodiment, the holder and the insert 152 are dimensioned to interfere with each other when the insert 152 is in the installed position. The insert 152 is thus held in the holder by an interference fit.

[00119] Also shown in Figure 10A is a bracket 154 onto which the insert 152 can be pivotally mounted through complementary mating features defined by the bracket 154 and the insert 152. In this example, the bracket 154 defines {or has) a cylindrical post 156 and the insert 152 defines a cylindrical opening (not shown) that receives the cylindrical post 156 when the insert is pushed down from the installed position to an intermediary position, as will be described further below. Further shown in Figure 10A is a portion of a plunger 158.

[00120] Figure 10B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve 150 where the insert 152, the bracket 154, and a holder 160 are shown. The insert 152 is shown in an intermediary position where the insert 1 52 is pivotally connected to the bracket 154. Further shown in Figure 10B is the tip 162 of the plunger 158. The tip 162 of the plunger is for pushing a dispensing tube (not shown), installed in the pinch valve 150, against an inner wall of the insert 152. The plunger 158 and tip 162 of the plunger are part of a plunger assembly shown at reference numeral 164 in Figure 10C.

[00121] Figure 10C shows yet another perspective view of the pinch valve 150 with the insert 152 pivoted 180 degrees to an open position. Pivoting the insert 152 to the open position can facilitate the insertion of a dispensing tube (not shown) in the pinch valve 150 and can also facilitate the removal of the dispensing tube from the pinch valve 150.

[00122] Figure 10C further shows the plunger 158, the tip 162 of the plunger, and the plunger assembly 164.

[00123] The holder 160 and the bracket 154 can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine 30 through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners (bolts, nuts, screws, etc.)

[00124] Figure 11A shows a back perspective view of the insert 152. As shown in Figure 1 1A, the insert 152 has a tab 166, which can facilitate the manipulation of the insert 152 by a user. The insert 152 defines a top recess 168, which, as will be described further below, is to accommodate a dispensing tube.

[00125] Figure 11 B shows a front elevation view of the insert 152 where the top 170, the bottom 172, and the sidewalls 174 are shown. Figure 11 B also shows the top recess 168 and an inner wall portion 176.

[00126] Figure 1 1 C shows a bottom view of the insert 152 where the inner wall portion 176 is shown. Also shown in Figure 1 1 C is a cylindrical hole 178. The insert 152 can be pivotally connected to the bracket 154 (Figure 10A) by pushing down on the insert 152 in the installed position to fit the cylindrical post 156 into the cylindrical hole 178.

[00127] Figure 11 D shows a top view of the insert 152 where the top recess 168, the inner wall portion 176, the sidewalls 174, and the tab 166 are shown.

[00128] Figure 12A shows a top front perspective view of the holder 160, which defines an opening 180 that allows passage to the tab 166 of the insert 152 as the insert 152 is inserted into and removed from the holder 160.

[00129] Figure 12B shows a front elevation view of the holder 160. The holder defines a recess 182 to align, in concert with the top recess 168 of the insert 152 (see Figure 1 B), a dispensing tube into the pinch valve 150. The holder 160 defines a channel 184 for the tip 162 of the plunger 158 to penetrate the pinch valve 150. Figure 12B also shows the top 186, the bottom 188, and the sidewalls 190 of the holder 160. The holder 160 also defines an opposite wall portion 192, which, when the insert 152 is in the installed position, is opposite the inner wall portion 176 of the insert 152.

[00130] Figure 12C shows a top view of the holder 160 where the recess 182, the opening 180, the opposite wall portion, and the sidewalls 190 are shown.

[00131] Figure 12D shows a bottom view of the holder 160.

[00132] Figure 12E shows a top view of the insert 152 in the installed position; that is, installed in the holder 160. Shown in Figure 12E is a throttle portion 194, defined as the space between the inner wall portion 176 of the insert 152 and the opposite inner wall portion 192 of the holder 160.

[00133] To install a dispensing tube in the pinch valve 150, the pinch valve is arranged with the insert 152 in the open position as shown at Figure 10C. The dispensing tube is placed in the holder 160 with the dispensing tube disposed to be aligned with recess 182 of the holder 160 and the recess 168 of the insert 152 when the insert is pivoted back to the intermediary position shown at Figure 10B. From the intermediary position, the insert 152 is moved upwardly to the installed position. Once at that installed position, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip 162, which can push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion 176 of the insert 152. The plunger 158 is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip 162 pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion 176 to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger 158 and plunger tip 162 can be said to be in a pinch position, from where it can move to a flow position where the plunger 158 and plunger tip 162 are retracted from the inner wall portion 176, 1he dispensing lube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

[00134] When the insert 152 is in the installed position as shown at Figure 10A, it can be moved upwardly, along an axis (in this embodiment, a vertical axis) to a removed position. In this embodiment of the pinch valve of the present disclosure, the vertical axis along which the insert is moved upwardly is parallel to the pivot axis defined by the cylindrical post 156 shown at Figure 10A. The removal of insert 152 from the holder 160, i.e., moving the insert 152 from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert 152 through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, insert 152 can be put back in the holder 160.

[00135] Figure 13 shows a perspective view of the liquid dispensing machine 30 of Figure 1 but this time having, in another example of a pinch valve in accordance with the present disclosure, a pinch valve 200.

[00136] Figure 14A shows a close-up perspective view of the pinch valve 200 where an insert 202 is shown in an installed position in a holder (not shown). In this embodiment, the holder and the insert 202 are dimensioned to interfere with each other when the insert 202 is in the installed position. The insert 202 is thus held in the holder by an interference fit.

[00137] Also shown in Figure 14A is a button and bead unit 204, which will be described in more detail further below. The button and bead unit 204 is integral with the insert 202. The button and bead unit 204 includes a button 205. Figure 16A further shows a portion of a plunger 206.

[00138] Figure 14B shows a further perspective view of the pinch valve 200 where the insert 202 and a holder 208 are shown. The insert 202 is shown in an intermediary position where the insert 202 is pivotally connected to the insert 208. A bead 207 of the button and bead unit 204 is also shown. Further shown in Figure 14B is the tip 210 of the plunger 206. The tip 210 of the plunger is for pushing a dispensing tube {not shown), installed in the pinch valve 200, against an inner wall of the insert 202. The tip 210 of the plunger is part of a plunger assembly.

[00139] Figure 14C shows yet another perspective view of the pinch valve 200 with the insert 202 pivoted 180 degrees to an open position. Pivoting the insert 202 to the open position can facilitate the insertion of a dispensing tube (not shown) in the pinch valve 200 and can also facilitate the removal of the dispensing tube from the pinch valve 200. [00140] Figure 14C further shows the plunger 158 and the tip 162 of the plunger, which are part of the plunger assembly 203. Figure 6C also shows the bead 207.

[00141] The holder 160 can be secured to the liquid dispensing machine 30 through any suitable means such as, but not limited to, fasteners {bolts, nuts, screws, etc.)

[00142] Figure 15A shows a top, back perspective view of the insert 202. As shown in Figure 15A, the insert 202 has a tab 212, which can facilitate the manipulation of the insert 202 by a user. The insert 202 defines a top recess 214, which, as will be described further below, is to accommodate a dispensing tube. Figure 15A further shows the button and bead unit 204, the button 205, and the bead 207.

[00143] Figure 15B shows a front elevation view of the insert 202 where the top 216, the bottom 218, and the sidewalls 220 are shown. Figure 15B also shows the top recess 214 and an inner wall portion 222.

[00144] Figure 15C shows a bottom view of the insert 202 where the inner wall portion 222, the tab 212, the button 205, and the bead 207 are shown.

[00145] Figure 15D shows a top view of the insert 152 where the top recess 214, the inner wall portion 222, the button, and the tab 212 are shown.

[00146] Figure 16A shows a top, front perspective view of the holder 208, which defines an opening 224 that allows passage to the tab 212 of the insert 202 as the insert 202 is inserted into and removed from the holder 208. Also shown at Figure 16A is a channel 209 defined by the holder 208. The channel 209 allows passage of the button 205 when the insert 202 is moved from the installed position to the intermediary position.

[00147] Figure 16B shows a front elevation view of the holder 208. The holder defines a recess 226 to align, in concert with the top recess 214 of the insert 202 (see Figure 15B), a dispensing tube into the pinch valve 200. The holder 208 defines a channel 228 for the tip 210 of the plunger 206 to penetrate the pinch valve 200. Figure 16B also shows the top 230, the bottom 232, and the sidewalls 234 of the holder 208. The holder 208 also defines an opposite wall portion 236, which, when the insert 202 is in the installed position, is opposite the inner wall portion 222 of the insert 202. Additionally, the holder 208 defines a button housing 238 in which the button 205 of the insert 202 is received when the insert 202 is in the intermediary position shown at Figure 16B. The button 205 and the button housing are dimensioned to allow the button 205 to rotate in the button housing 238 when the insert 202 is moved from the intermediary position to the open position shown at Figure 14C. [00148] Figure 16C shows a top view of the holder 208 where the recess 226, the opening 224, the sidewalls 234, the opposite wall portion 236, and the button housing 238 are shown.

[00149] Figure 16D shows a bottom view of the holder 208.

[00150] Figure 16E shows a top view of the insert 202 in the installed position; that is, installed in the holder 208. Shown in Figure 16E is a throttle portion 240, defined as the space between the inner wall portion 222 of the insert 202 and the opposite inner wall portion 236 of the holder 208.

[00151] To install a dispensing tube in the pinch valve 200, the pinch valve is arranged with the insert 202 in the open position shown at Figure 14C. The dispensing tube is placed in the holder 208 with the dispensing tube disposed to be aligned with recess 226 of the holder 208 and the recess 214 of the insert 202 when the insert is pivoted back to the intermediary position shown at Figure 14B. From the intermediary position, the insert 202 is moved upwardly to the installed position. Once at that installed position, the dispensing tube is aligned with the plunger tip 210, which can push the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion 222 of the insert 202. The plunger 158 is configured to generate sufficient force for the plunger tip 162 pushing the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion 176 to cause the dispensing tube to collapse on itself and prevent liquid from flowing through the dispensing tube. In this position, the plunger 206 and plunger tip 210 can be said to be in a pinch position, from where it can move to a flow position where the plunger 206 and plunger tip 210 are retracted from the inner wall portion 222, where the dispensing tube is no longer collapsed onto itself, and liquid can flow through the dispensing tube.

[00152] When the insert 202 is in the installed position as shown at Figure 14A, it can be moved upwardly, along an axis (in this embodiment, a vertical axis) to a removed position. In this embodiment of the pinch valve of the present disclosure, the vertical axis along which the insert is moved upwardly is parallel to the channel 209 shown at Figure 16A. The channel 207 also defines the pivot axis about which the insert 202 pivots when moved from the intermediary position (Figure 14B) to the open position (Figure 14C). The removal of insert 202 from the holder 208, i.e., moving the insert 202 from the installed position to the removed position can be done by hand, without having to use any tools. Cleaning of the insert 202 through any suitable means, for example, soap and water, can then be carried out and, once clean, insert 202 can be re-instalied in the holder 208.

[00153] Figure 17 shows a top, front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a pinch valve of the present disclosure. The pinch valve 242 shown at Figure 17 has an insert 244 installed in a holder 246. The insert 244 defines a button and bead unit 248, which comprises the button 249, configured to allow the insert 244 to be pushed downward into an intermediary position, shown at Figure 18. Figure 18 also shows a bead 250 of the button and bead unit 248. From the intermediary position shown at Figure 18, the insert 244 can be rotated or pivoted to an open position shown at Figures 19 and 20.

[00154] The holder 246 defines a channel 252 that guides the button 249 (or allows passage of the button 249) as the insert 244 is moved from the installed position shown at Figure 17 to the intermediary position shown at Figure 18. The channel 252 has a diameter that, in some embodiments, is reduced at the top portion 254 to prevent passage of the button 249. That is, to prevent the insert 244 from being removed by lifting the insert 244 along the direction indicated by the arrow 256 {Figure 1 ). Figure 19 also shows an inner wall portion 260 of the insert 244, an arrow 264, and a groove 264.

[00155] Figure 21 shows a front view of the pinch valve 242 with the insert 244 in the open position. The holder 246 defines a recess 258 that allows for passage of a plunger tip. The plunger tip is to collapse a dispensing tube against the inner wall portion 260 (shown at Figure 19) of the insert 244.

[00156] Figure 22 shows a top view of the insert 244 in the installed position. That is, installed in the holder 246. As in some of the other embodiments, the insert 244 and the holder 246 define a throttle portion 262, which is defined as the space between the inner wall 260 of the insert 244 and an opposite wall portion 261 of the holder 246.

[00157] To remove the insert 244 from the holder 246, the insert 244 can be placed in the open position shown at Figures 19 and 20. Then, the insert 244 is moved in the direction of the arrow 264 shown at Figure 19. Movement of the insert 244 is possible due to a groove 266 (shown at Figure 19) defined by the holder 246 that allows passage of the button 249 when the insert 244 is moved from the open position to the position shown at Figures 23, 24, and 25, from which the insert 244 can be moved out of the holder 246 to a removed position.

[00158] Figure 26 shows an embodiment of the plunger assembly 46 previously shown, at Figure 2B, as part of the pinch valve 36 of Figure 1. The plunger assembly 46 can be used with any of the pinch valve embodiments described in the present disclosure. The plunger assemblies 100, 164, and 203 shown at Figures 6C, 10C, and 14C respectively, are similar to the plunger assembly 46. Other types of plunger assemblies can be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, manually activated plunger assemblies, stepper motor plunger assemblies, or any other suitable electro-mechanical plunger assemblies can be used. The plunger assembly 46 comprises the plunger 42, the plunger tip 44, a sleeve 132, a retaining ring 136, and a movable actuator 134. In this embodiment, the movable actuator 134 is configured to fit into a solenoid core (not shown) which, when energized, creates a magnetic field that pulls the movable actuator in the direction of the arrow 138.

[00159] Figure 27 shows an exploded view of the plunger assembly 46 with a helical spring 140 and a threaded stud 142. The threaded stud 142 is fixedly secured to the movable actuator 134. The plunger 42 has defined therein threads that allow the threaded stud 142 to be screwed to the plunger 42. Prior to screwing the threaded stud 142 into the plunger 42, the helical spring 140 is placed over the threaded stud 142 and the sleeve 132 is placed over the helical spring 140 and the threaded stud 142. The sleeve 132 has an insert portion 138 that inserts into the plunger 142. The movable actuator 134 defines a groove 144 into which the retainer ring 136 is secured. The retainer sleeve 132 abuts the retainer ring 136.

[00160] tn this arrangement, the helical spring 140 biases the plunger 42 away from the movable actuator 132. This allows for the helical spring 140 to be pre-loaded to a predetermined spring pressure prior to further compression caused when the dispensing tube is inserted into a pinch valve, between the inner wall portion of the insert and the plunger tip 44. The advantages of having the helical spring 140 pre-loaded are that there is less travel required by the plunger to generate the required force, which allows the movable actuator to be well inserted into a solenoid for maximum pull back force when the solenoid is energized. Because the helical spring 140 is pre-loaded (compressed), the plunger tip 144 is pulled back to a lesser distance than in plunger assemblies where the distance between the plunger tip and the movable actuator is fixed. With the reduced travel of the plunger tip 144, comes a less violent closing sequence (where the plunger tip 144 collapses the dispensing tube against the inner wall portion of the insert), which reduces the impact on the dispensing tube and subsequently the splashing of the residual product in the dispensing tube.

[00161] Figure 28 shows another embodiment of a plunger assembly 300 that can be part of the pinch valve of the present disclosure. The plunger assembly 300 comprises most of components of the plunger assembly of Figures 27 and 28, except that the plunger 42 is replaced with a plunger 302, to which a false wall 304 component is secured. The false wall component 304 cooperates with the opposite walls portions, shown in the examples at Figure 4E (reference numeral 61 ), Figure 8E {reference numeral 127), Figure 12E (reference numeral 194), Figure 16E (reference numeral 240), and Figure 22 (reference numeral 262), to abut the dispensing tube located in the respective pinch valve. That is, a given opposite wall portion by itself abuts the dispensing tube along a length of the tube equal to the height of the opposite wall portion. However, using a plunger assembly that has a false wall component such as false wall component 404, causes the dispensing tube to be abutted along a length equal to the height of the opposite wall section plus the height of the false wall component. Having such an extended abutment length causes the normally circular cross-section of the dispensing tube to be deformed - and to have a reduced cross-section area - along a greater length of the dispensing tube then when a plunger assembly without a false wall component is used. This can further diminish the flow of liquid from the dispensing tube and can improve dispensed liquid volume accuracy.

[00162] Figure 29 shows an exploded view of the plunger 302 of Figure 28. In this embodiment the plunger 302 defines an aperture 303 and includes a body 305, the false wall component 304, a plunger tip 306, and a pin 308. The false wall component 304 defines a pair of opposite grooves 310. The pin 308 is dimensioned to fit through the grooves 310 and through the aperture 303 to secure the false wall component 304 to the body 305. When secured to the body 305, the false wall component 304 can be moved back and forth with respect to the body 305, along the axis shown at 312. The false wall component 304 has false wall portion 314 that is for abutting a dispensing tube. The false wall portion 314 has a height 316.

[00163] In some embodiments of the plunger assembly, the plunger can have an extended tip. Figure 30 shows such a plunger assembly 320, which has a plunger 322, with an extended plunger tip 324. Also shown is a movable actuator 325.

[00164] Plunger assemblies with extended plunger tips, such as shown at Figure 30, can be used in pinch valves provided with a plunger cover. Figure 31 shows such a pinch valve 326, which comprises a holder 328, an insert 330, and the plunger assembly 320. The holder 328 defines a plunger tip cover 332. Figure 31 also shows a dispensing tube 321 and a solenoid 334, attached to a bracket 336. The top portion of the dispensing tube connects to a container (not shown) containing a liquid to be dispensed. When the pinch valve 326 is in an open configuration, liquid is dispensed out of the bottom of the dispensing tube 321 The holder 328 and the bracket 336 can be secured to a liquid dispensing machine through any suitable means such as, for example, screws, bolts, etc. The plunger assembly can include a bushing 338, which is secured to the bracket 336. The bushing allows for precise alignment of the movable actuator 325 (Figure 30} of the plunger assembly with the solenoid 334. Such alignment allows for greater pull back of the movable actuator upon energizing the solenoid. Figure 32 shows a perspective view of the bushing 338 and a partial view of the movable actuator 325.

[00165] Figure 32 shows a top, front perspective view of the holder 328, which comprises the plunger tip cover 332. Figure 32 shows a side view of the holder 328, with the plunger tip cover 332. Figure 33 shows a bottom view of the holder 328, with the plunger tip cover 332. The plunger tip cover 332 defines a recess 334, within which the plunger tip 324 (Figure 30) can move.

[00166] Although the pinch valve embodiments described above used either a shelf defined in the holder to hold the insert in the holder in the installed position, or an interference fit to hold the insert in the holder in the installed position, any other suitable type of fit can be used. For example, the holder and the insert can held together, in the installed position, using a ball detent mechanism where a small ball bearing secured on one of the holder and insert is aligned, in the installed position, with a corresponding indentation on the other of the holder and the insert (the ball bearing is biased away from the object - the holder or the insert - to which it is secured). In another example, the insert and the holder can be held together, in the installed position, through a magnet assembly formed in the insert an holder (e.g., a small magnet in the holder can aiign with a magnetic material in the insert when the insert is in the installed position). In yet another example, the insert can have tapered outer walls and the holder can have tapered inner walls angled to abut the tapered outer walls to the insert when the insert is in the installed position.

[00167] Although, in some of the embodiments, pivoting of the insert from the intermediary position to the open position is enabled by a post defined on a bracket cooperating with an aperture defined in the insert, or by a button sitting in a button housing, any other suitable mechanism that allows the insert to be pivoted from the intermediary position to the open position is also within the scope of the present disclosure. That is, any insert and holder pair that include complementary pivoting features that allow the insert to be pivoted with respect to the holder from the intermediary position to the open position is within the scope of the present disclosure, and, any insert and other part (e.g., a bracket) that include complementary pivoting features that allow the insert to be pivoted with respect to the other part from the intermediary position to the open position is within the scope of the present disclosure.

[00168] The insert and the holder of the pinch valve can be made of any suitable material such as, for example, acetal, high-density polyethylene, etc. [00169] As described above, the present description relates to a pinch valve for dispensing liquids. The pinch valve comprises a holder and an insert that fits in the holder. The insert, the holder, or both, define an aperture in which a dispensing tube can be installed. Advantageously, the insert, the holder, or both, also define a throttle region along which dispensing tube is deformed and has a reduced cross-section. When the pinch valve is in an open state, the flow of liquid through the dispensing tube is reduced compared to what it would be if the pinch valve did not have a throttle region. This reduced flow of liquid, caused by the throttle region, allows for greater dispensing accuracy with respect to the volume of liquid dispensed. As a further advantage, the insert of the pinch valve of the present disclosure can be easily removed from the holder to allow for quick and easy cleaning.

[00170] In the preceding description, for purposes of explanation, numerous details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that these specific details are not req ired. In other instances, well-known electrical structures and circuits are shown in block diagram form in order not to obscure the understanding. For example, specific details are not provided as to whether the embodiments described herein are implemented as a software routine, hardware circuit, firmware, or a combination thereof.

[00171] The above-described embodiments are intended to be examples only. Alterations, modifications and variations can be effected to the particular embodiments by those of skill in the art. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the particular embodiments set forth herein, but should be construed in a manner consistent with the specification as a whole.