A device to operate a floating lid of a container, or tank, for housing a liquid

Abstract

A device (10) to operate a floating lid (12) of a container, or tank, (14) for housing a liquid (11), preferably in the form of an edible liquid, i.e., in the form of wine or the like, comprises means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of the inflatable and deflatable means defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12). Said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of an elastic tubular body, (161) defining, said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), comprise corresponding means (201, 202, 203, 204) that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body (161).

Description

[0001] A DEVICE TO OPERATE A FLOATING LID OF A CONTAINER, OR TANK, FOR HOUSING A LIQUID.

[0002] Field of application of the present invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a device to operate a floating lid of a container, or tank, for housing a liquid.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] Containers, or tanks, for housing wine or the like are known, that have corresponding floating lids provided with corresponding means for a peripheral sealing of the same floating lid against the inner perimetral surface of the container, or tank, which sealing means are in the form of inflatable and deflatable means by the action of a corresponding pressurized fluid, preferably in the form of a gas or air, and which said inflatable and deflatable means are in the form of a corresponding elastic tubular body.

[0006] In said already-known containers, a device is used to deflate said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e. , of said elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid, and which comprises a simple valve that is left open to promote the outflow of said pressurized fluid from said elastic tubular body.

[0007] However, in this manner, the deflating activity of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, is, for example, not very efficient. As a result, the elastic tubular body can remain adherent to the container with air that, when the liquid level decreases, enters beneath the same lid and may affect the preservation process of the same wine.

[0008] According to another issue, said elastic tubular body runs the risk to sticking to, or to remaining adherent to, the inner wall of the respective container, the tank, resulting in drawbacks, and also, at worst, the sealing elastic body of the lid may fall into the wine when forcing a detachment of the same lid from the container wall.

[0009] A further issue felt in the art is when the wine volume increases, in particular due to a temperature rise. In fact, this drawback is indirectly handled by the vent valve that is provided on the lid to vent the gas, in particular carbon dioxide, which is a residue of winemaking process, which vent valve in these cases outputs a corresponding amount of wine, which wine thus comes in contact with ambient air and degrades, thus becoming a pollutant to the same wine, as well as to the environment, with corresponding undesirable consequences for the producing companies.

[0010] Therefore, the need is felt in the art to take corresponding countermeasures in case of unexpected changes in the volume of the liquid inside the container, in particular due to the temperature, and which are particularly relevant in large containers.

[0011] The need is also felt in the art, to ensure that the deflation and the subsequent inflation of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of the elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid, occur properly without incurring the risk of possible oversights by the operator, while at the same time maximizing the persistence of the sealing condition of the lid, i.e., of non-contamination of the liquid, i.e., the wine, by the ambient air.

[0012] In addition, the need is also felt in the art, to improve containers, or tanks, for a liquid, in particular wine, that are already installed, without having to carry out complex, expensive interventions to the same containers, or tanks.

[0013] Summary of the invention

[0014] In any case, the present invention therefore aims to provide a new and alternative solution to the solutions hitherto known, and in particular aims to obviate one or more of the drawbacks or problems mentioned above and / or to meet one or more of the needs mentioned above, and / or in any case recognized in the art, and in particular derivable from the foregoing.

[0015] Therefore, a device is provided to operate a floating lid of a container, or tank, for housing a liquid, preferably said liquid being in the form of an edible liquid, preferentially being in the form of wine or the like; said floating lid being adapted to float on said liquid, defining, in particular superiorly, an inner volume for holding said liquid of said container, or tank; wherein said floating lid comprises means for a peripheral sealing of the same floating lid against the inner perimetral surface of the container, or tank, which sealing means are in the form of inflatable and deflatable means by the action of a corresponding pressurized fluid, preferably in the form of a gas or air, preferentially said inflatable and deflatable means being in the form of a corresponding elastic tubular body having and / or defining a chamber for holding said pressurized fluid; the device comprising means that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e. , of said elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid, and is characterized in that said means that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid, comprise corresponding means that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body.

[0016] In this manner, the deflating activity of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid can be made particularly efficient.

[0017] Brief description of the drawings

[0018] These and other novel aspects, in an appreciably advantageous manner, are nevertheless set forth in the appended claims, the specific technical features of which can be found, together with the corresponding advantages achieved, in the following description, illustrating in detail merely exemplary, non-limiting embodiments of the invention, and which is made with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

[0019] Fig. 1 A illustrates a schematic front elevation view, partially in section, of a first preferred embodiment of container, or tank, for a liquid, using a first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0020] Fig. 1 B illustrates a schematic front elevation view, partially in section, of the first preferred embodiment of container, or tank, for a liquid, using the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, in a second working condition;

[0021] Fig. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a container, or tank, in a better depiction of the lid of the first preferred embodiment of container;

[0022] Fig. 3A illustrates a schematic view of the valve means that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means for engaging the lid according to the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0023] Fig. 3B illustrates a schematic view of the valve means that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means for engaging the lid according to the first preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, in a different working condition;

[0024] Fig. 4A illustrates a schematic front elevation view, partially in section, of a second preferred embodiment of container, or tank, for a liquid, using a second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0025] Fig. 4B illustrates a schematic front elevation view, partially in section, of the second preferred embodiment of container, or tank, for a liquid, using the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, in a second working condition;

[0026] Fig. 5A illustrates a schematic view of a container, or tank, in a better depiction of the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0027] Fig. 5B illustrates a schematic view of a detail of the sensor means used in the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0028] Fig. 5C illustrates a schematic perspective view of a further version of the lid and related vent valve;

[0029] Fig. 5D illustrates a schematic view of the inside of the vent valve of Fig.

[0030] 5C with a further version of the sensor means used in the device according to the present invention;

[0031] Fig. 5E illustrates a schematic perspective view of a sensor for detecting the volume of liquid present in the container;

[0032] Fig. 6A illustrates a schematic view of the valve means that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means for engaging the lid in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0033] Fig. 6B illustrates a schematic view of the valve means that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means for engaging the lid in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, in a different working condition;

[0034] Fig. 6C illustrates a schematic view of the valve means that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means for engaging the lid in accordance with the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention, in a further working condition; Fig. 7 illustrates a schematic view of a detail of a preferred embodiment of a spiral-wound unit member and consisting in the small tubes for the transport of the pressurized fluid and the transport of an electric signal used in the second preferred embodiment of device according to the present invention;

[0035] Fig. 8A illustrates a schematic view of a first graphic interface for the control means of the device according to the present invention;

[0036] Fig. 8B illustrates a schematic view of a second graphic interface for the control means of the device according to the present invention;

[0037] Fig. 8C illustrates a schematic view of a third graphic interface for the control means of the device according to the present invention;

[0038] Fig. 9A illustrates a schematic view of a first graphic interface of a further embodiment for the control means of the device according to the present invention;

[0039] Fig. 9B illustrates a schematic view of a second graphic interface for the further embodiment for the control means of the device according to the present invention;

[0040] Fig. 10A illustrates a schematic view of a first graphic interface usable in particular in a smartphone for controlling the device according to the present invention;

[0041] Fig. 10B illustrates a schematic view of a second graphic interface usable in particular in a smartphone for controlling the device according to the present invention;

[0042] Fig. 10C illustrates a schematic view of a third graphic interface usable in particular in a smartphone for controlling the device according to the present invention;

[0043] Fig. 10D illustrates a schematic view of a fourth graphic interface usable in particular in a smartphone for controlling the device according to the present invention.

[0044] Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

[0045] In the attached Figures 1A to 3B, a first preferred embodiment 10 is illustrated, of a device to operate a floating lid 12 of a container, or tank, 14 for housing a liquid 11 , wherein preferably said liquid is in the form of an edible liquid and preferentially is in the form of wine or the like.

[0046] In particular, said floating lid 12 is adapted to float on said liquid 11, defining, in particular superiorly, an inner volume 140 for holding said liquid 11 of said container, or tank, 14.

[0047] As can be seen from the Figures, said floating lid 12 comprises means 16 for a peripheral sealing of the same floating lid 12 against the inner perimetral surface 141 of the container, or tank, 14, which sealing means 16 are in the form of inflatable and deflatable means 161 by the action of a corresponding pressurized fluid, preferably in the form of a gas or air.

[0048] Preferentially, said inflatable and deflatable means 161 are in the form of a corresponding elastic tubular body 161 having and / or defining a chamber for holding said pressurized fluid, in particular, which elastic tubular body 161 is adapted to expand to engage the corresponding inner surface 141 of the container, or tank, 14, and to shrink to disengage from the same inner surface 141 and to be able to freely float on the free surface of said liquid.

[0049] As illustrated, the device 10 comprises means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e. , of said elastic tubular body, 161 defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12.

[0050] Advantageously, said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, comprise corresponding means 201, 202, 203, 204 that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161.

[0051] In this manner, the deflating activity of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid can be made particularly efficient.

[0052] As can be seen from said Figures, in particular, said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., said elastic tubular body, 161 defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12 are peripherally associated with, or supported by, the main body 120 of the same floating lid 12 and are, or is, adapted to contact the inner surface of said container, or tank, 14. In particular, said main body 120 has, as can be seen from the Figures, a respective surface with a generally planar-like configuration, with a slight slope of the upper surface thereof towards the center of the same lid. In particular, as can be seen from said Figures, said floating lid 12 has a body 120 of the floating lid 12, in particular having a general planar-like configuration, which has a lower surface 121 that is adapted to contact said liquid 11.

[0053] In particular, as can be seen from said Figures, said container, or tank, 14 comprises an arm 129 projecting above the same said container, or tank, 14 having a corresponding continuous member or rope or the like 129 to lift, respectively, lower said floating lid 12.

[0054] With appreciable advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, said floating lid 12 further has means 125 for the outflow of the liquid, i.e. , the wine, that is present within said chamber 140 for housing said liquid 11.

[0055] In fact, said outflow could occur, albeit accidentally, during the residence of the liquid or wine within the container.

[0056] In particular, said means for the outflow of the liquid are defined by the vent valve 125 that is provided for the outflow of gas, especially of a residue of carbon dioxide, which is produced during the winemaking process, especially due to the fermentation.

[0057] Preferably, as can be seen from said Figures, said means for the outflow of the liquid, i.e., the wine, that is present within said chamber 140 for housing said liquid 11 , i.e., said vent valve 125, are, or is, arranged at a corresponding hole 124 in said body 120 of the floating lid 12, in particular in an intermediate, or central, position of said body 120 of the floating lid 12, as clearly shown by said Fig. 2.

[0058] Especially, as can be seen from said Figures, said container, or tank, 14 for holding and storing said liquid 11, is in the form of a respective body 142 comprising a perimetral wall 143, having an inner perimetral surface 141, and a lower defining wall 144, from which said perimetral wall 143 extends, and which defines therewith an inner volume 140 for housing said liquid 11 of said container, or tank.

[0059] As illustrated, said perimetral wall 143 of said container, or tank, is superiorly open and is adapted to be engaged by said floating lid 12 to achieve the upper closing of said inner volume 140 for housing said liquid 11 of said container, or tank.

[0060] In particular, as can be seen from said Figures, said peripheral wall 143 of said container, or tank, 14 is preferably cylindrical, and however it can also be of a different shape, i.e., in particular in an oval-like or quadrangular cross-sectional shape.

[0061] Said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161, are in the form of corresponding valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204.

[0062] As can be seen from said Figures, advantageously, the device 10 comprises means 205 for driving said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., for driving said valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204, in particular for driving said means 201, 202, 203, 204 that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161.

[0063] As can be seen from said Figures, with advantage, said means 205 for driving said means 201 , 202, 203, 204 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., for driving said valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204, are manually activable and especially comprise a respective actuating lever 205, i.e., a corresponding push button, however not particularly illustrated in the attached Figures.

[0064] As can be seen from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 205 for driving said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., for driving said valve means 201, 202, 203, 204, in particular for driving said means 201, 202, 203, 204 that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161, comprise time setting means, in particular to drive the return, after a predetermined time, to the regular inflating condition of the same inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161.

[0065] In this manner, in particular, the deflation and the subsequent inflation of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid is ensured, without incurring the risk of possible oversights by the operator in charge, while at the same time maximizing the persistence of the sealing condition of the lid, i.e., of non-contamination of the liquid, i.e. , the wine, by the ambient air.

[0066] As can be seen from said Figures, advantageously, the predetermined return time to the regular inflating condition of said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., of the corresponding valve means 201, 202, 203, 204, in particular for driving said means 201 , 202, 203, 204 that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161 , is adjustable and / or in any case ranges between 10 seconds and 3 minutes, preferably 10 seconds and 30 seconds.

[0067] As can be seen from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161 defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, are connected through a corresponding conduit 261 to the same inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12.

[0068] As can be seen from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., the corresponding valve means, define a corresponding Venturi device 204, schematically illustrated in Fig. 3B.

[0069] As can be seen from said Figures, advantageously, said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., the corresponding valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204, comprise a first valve, or electrovalve, 201, and a second valve, or electrovalve, 202, respectively on a corresponding first conduit 20T and on a corresponding second conduit 202’, converging in said first conduit 201’, downstream of said first valve, or electrovalve, 201 and of said second valve, or electrovalve, 202, with a configuration defining a corresponding Venturi connection 204.

[0070] As can be seen from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said first conduit 201’, for said first valve, or electrovalve, 201, and said second conduit 202’, for said second valve, or electrovalve, 202, are connected with a conduit 203’ extending in said conduit 261 for the circulation of said pressurized fluid with said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, in particular connecting to this circulation conduit 261 in corresponding first connection point 201” and second connection point 202”, the latter being provided downstream of said first connection point 201”.

[0071] As can be seen from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204, defining said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161 , comprise a third valve, or electrovalve, 203 which is provided for in said conduit 203’ of the same means 201 , 202, 203, 204, which is on the conduit 261 for the circulation of said pressurized fluid with said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, said third valve, or electrovalve, 203 being provided for between said first connection point 201” and said second connection point 202” with the same conduit 203’.

[0072] As is clear from said Fig. 3A, in the first preferred embodiment, advantageously, in a regular working or inflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, said third valve, or electrovalve, 203 is open in a passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12 and said first valve, or electrovalve, 201 and second valve, or electrovalve, 202 are closed in a non-passage condition of said pressurized fluid in the respective conduits 20T and 202’.

[0073] As is clear from said Fig. 3B, in an appreciably advantageous manner, in the first preferred embodiment, in a deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, said third valve, or electrovalve, 203 is closed in a non-passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12 and said first valve, or electrovalve, 201 and second valve, or electrovalve, 202 are open in a passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards the Venturi connection 204, resulting in a withdrawing, in particular a suctioning, of said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e. , from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161.

[0074] In this manner, the end result that is achieved is a device that is easily installable on containers or tanks for a liquid, in particular wine, which are already installed. An improved handling of the corresponding floating lid is achieved, without complex and expensive interventions to be carried out on the same containers, or tanks.

[0075] As mentioned, with appreciable advantage, i.e., maintained during a predetermined time interval, typically during a period of time ranging between 10 seconds and 3 minutes, preferably 10 seconds and 30 seconds.

[0076] In particular, as is clear from Fig. 1 A, the control module 22’ means the actuation control unit for said valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204.

[0077] As is clear from the following Figs. 4A to 7, in an advantageous manner, in accordance with a second preferred embodiment 100 of a device according to the present invention, the components of which that are similar or equivalent to those of the first preferred embodiment are marked with the same reference numerals used in the first preferred embodiment and that, in order not to unduly burden the present description, are not commented on in detail again, it is provided for the device 100 to comprise means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11.

[0078] As can be seen from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, in this manner, it is possible to promote the permanence of the lid in the desired position in contact with said liquid, thereby minimizing the contact of air with said liquid, or wine.

[0079] Said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, are adapted to detect a condition of non-contact or of exceeding a predetermined distance, of the lid 12, i.e., of the lower surface 121 thereof, with said liquid 11 within said housing chamber, i.e., with the free surface 110 thereof.

[0080] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , are arranged, or are adapted to be arranged, on said lid 12.

[0081] As can be seen from said Figures, with advantage, as can be seen from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11, are adapted to detect the distance of said liquid 11, i.e., of said free surface 110 of the same liquid 11, from said lid 12, i.e., from said lower surface 121 of the same lid 12. Said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , are arranged at means 125 for the outflow of the liquid, i.e., the wine, especially at the vent valve 125, and in particular are inserted, at least partially, inside the body thereof.

[0082] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , extend below said lid 12, in particular below said surface 121 for the contact with said liquid 11.

[0083] As can be seen from said Figures, in an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11, are in the form of respective sensor means 181. Said sensor means for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 , within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, are in the form of a single sensor 181, in particular adapted to sense the presence or absence of the liquid, especially at said floating lid 12.

[0084] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, said sensor means, or sensor, 181 comprise, or are in the form of, a capacitive, or ultrasound-type sensor, or of a type having a corresponding member floating on said liquid 11 , the latter however not being particularly schematized in the attached Figures. In any case, also a laser beam sensor can be used.

[0085] As can be seen from said Figures, in a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, advantageously, the device 100, of this second preferred embodiment, also comprises means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, in particular in the form of respective sensor means 221. Said sensor means 22 are in the form of a single sensor 221, in particular adapted to sense the presence of the liquid, or wine, in an upper position relative to that of the lower surface of the lid and / or at, i.e. , inside of, said vent valve of said floating lid 12.

[0086] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figures, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14 comprise a respective sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of the liquid, or wine, in an upper position relative to that of the lower surface 121 of the lid and / or at, i.e., inside of, said vent valve 125 of said floating lid 12.

[0087] In this manner, when the volume of the liquid increases, the outflow thereof can be avoided.

[0088] As can be seen from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, in this second preferred embodiment 100, it is provided that said means for driving said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., for driving said valve means 201, 202, 203, 204, in particular for driving said means 201 , 202, 203, 204 that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161, comprise, or are defined by, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, or sensor means 181 , and / or comprise, or are defined by, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or respective sensor 221, in particular which sensors 18 and 20 are in connection, as is clear from Fig. with the control module 22” for the actuation of said valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204.

[0089] In particular, once the absence of liquid at said floating lid 12 has been detected, or the presence of the liquid, or wine, has been detected in an upper position relative to that of the lower surface 121 of the lid and / or at, i.e., inside of, said vent valve 125 of said floating lid 12, emit a corresponding signal that is especially adapted to activate the deflating condition of, or suctioning condition from, said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, by the same means 201, 202, 203, 204, in particular said valve means 201 , 202, 203, 204, that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161 defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, and the resulting movement of the lid relative to the tank.

[0090] As can be seen from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, the device 100 comprises means, in particular a microprocessor, 24 for transmitting a corresponding signal, especially to a corresponding device or electronic appliance, preferably having at least one microprocessor, such as a smartphone, a computer, or other, in particular of the operator in charge, who can therefore carry out corresponding operations, optionally protection actions, on said container, or tank, 14.

[0091] As can be seen from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 24 for transmitting a corresponding signal are adapted to transmit the signal by corresponding radio waves, i.e., in a WiFi or wireless mode.

[0092] As can be seen from said Figures, advantageously, said means 24 for transmitting a corresponding signal are adapted to transmit a corresponding signal emitted by said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14 or sensor means 18.

[0093] As can be seen from said Figures, with appreciable advantage, said means 24 for transmitting a corresponding signal are adapted to transmit a corresponding signal emitted by said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14.

[0094] As can be seen from said Figures and in particular from Fig. 7, with advantage, the device 100 comprises means 26 for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12.

[0095] As is clear from said Fig. 6A, with advantage, as can be seen from said Figures and in particular from Fig. 6, advantageously, the device 100 comprises means 26 for the electrical connection of said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14 or respective sensor 18 and / or of said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or respective sensor 22. In a regular working condition or an inflation condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, said third valve, or electrovalve, 203 is open in a passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12 and said first valve, or electrovalve, 201 and second valve, or electrovalve, 202 are closed in a non-passage condition of said pressurized fluid.

[0096] In an advantageous manner, as is clear from said Fig. 6B, in second preferred embodiment, similar to the first preferred embodiment, in a deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, said third valve, or electrovalve, 203 is closed in a non-passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12 and said first valve, or electrovalve, 201 and second valve, or electrovalve, 202 are open in a passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards the Venturi connection 204, resulting in a withdrawing, in particular a suctioning, of said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e. , from the inside of said elastic tubular body, 161.

[0097] In this manner, the end result that is achieved is a device that is easily installable on containers or tanks for a liquid, in particular wine, which are already. An improved handling of the corresponding floating lid, without complex and expensive interventions to be carried out on the same containers, or tanks, is achieved.

[0098] As mentioned, also in this second preferred embodiment, this deflating condition can advantageously be time controlled, i.e., maintained during a predetermined time interval, typically during a period of time ranging between 10 seconds and 3 minutes, preferably 10 seconds and 30 seconds. As is clear from said Fig. 6C, in an advantageous manner, in the second preferred embodiment, in a condition of maintaining the deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, said third valve, or electrovalve, 203 is closed in a non-passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12 and said first valve, or electrovalve, 201 and second valve, or electrovalve, 202 are also closed.7C

[0099] In this manner, it is possible to keep the elastic tubular body in a deflated condition, and the lid freely movable as the liquid or wine level changes, which is particularly useful in the case when the liquid or wine is drawn from the container.

[0100] In a particularly advantageous manner, this condition of keeping the deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means can be advantageously time controlled, i.e. , maintained during a predetermined time interval, in particular settable in a selective manner, preferably during a period of time ranging between 1 minute and 10 hours.

[0101] In this manner, the personnel no longer need, at the end of the drawing or other operations, to remember to activate the inflation condition again, since the inflation condition automatically activates once the pre-set time has elapsed.

[0102] As is clear in particular from said Fig. 7, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 26 for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, comprise a corresponding small tube, in particular a small flexible tube, 261.

[0103] As is clear in particular from said Fig. 7, in an appreciably advantageous manner, a small flexible tube 263 is provided, which has an electric conductor wire 264 therein, defining said means 26 for the electrical connection of said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14 or sensor means 18 and / or of said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14.

[0104] As can be seen from said Figures, in an appreciably advantageous manner, as is clear in particular from said Fig. 7, with appreciable advantage, said small tube, in particular a small flexible tube, preferably in plastic material, 261, defining said means 26 for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161 , defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, is associated with a small flexible tube 263, in particular with an electric conductor wire, 264, preferably in plastic material, and are together wound in a spiral to define a corresponding spiral-wound unit member 262. Said spiral unit member 262 defining said small tube, in particular a small flexible tube, 261 defining said means 26 for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, and defining said means 26 for the electrical connection of said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14 or respective sensor 181 and / or said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or respective sensor 22, is configured so as not to rest on said floating lid 12.

[0105] In this manner, an unbalance of the same floating lid is avoided, and in addition the cleaning operation of the upper surface of the lid is also made easier, also avoiding to create build-ups of pollutants, such as bacteria or the like, on the same lid, which lid would thus became unsuitable to be used in environments in which food liquids are used, where hygiene has to be highly preserved.

[0106] As is clear in particular from Fig. 7, with appreciable advantage, said unit member 262 has a spiral-shaped portion and extending to a portion where the same small tubes 261 and 263, respectively for the pressurized fluid and for the conductor wire, are detached from one another.

[0107] In particular, the spiral-shaped portion extends, in use, between the projecting arm 129 and the lid, and preferably has a length that is less than the portion with small tubes 261 and 263, respectively for the pressurized fluid and the conductor wire that are detached from one another, and especially has a length sufficient to elastically compensate for the height oscillations of the lid within the container.

[0108] Advantageously, according to a further and different preferred embodiment, not particularly illustrated in the attached Figures, it is provided for said means for driving said valve means 201, 202, 203, 204, comprise microprocessor control means, e.g., in the form of a PLC, a PC, a smartphone, a laptop, or the like. With appreciable advantage, said microprocessor control means are configured, in particular through a corresponding programme, to manage the deflation and the inflation of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, in particular starting from said signal emitted by said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14 or sensor means 181, and / or from the signal emitted by said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or sensor 221.

[0109] In practice, when a signal is emitted by said detecting means 18 and / or said detecting means 22, the software of said processor means provides for automatically activate the deflation and inflation cycle, i.e. , the re-inflation, of said elastic tubular body of the lid, in particular to re-position, preferably in a condition of engagement with the free surface of the liquid, the same lid.

[0110] With advantage, said microprocessor control means can be those of the plant, or winery, where the container, or tank, 14, for housing said liquid 11 is places.

[0111] As is clear in particular from Fig. 5B, in practice, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or the respective sensor 221 , are, or is, arranged at means 125 for the outflow of the liquid, i.e., the wine, especially at the vent valve 125, in particular being inserted, at least partially, inside the body thereof, especially, as illustrated, together with said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , or the respective sensor 181.

[0112] Advantageously, as can be seen from the Figs. 5C and 5D, in accordance with a further version of a lid, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , are in the form of a sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 18T.

[0113] In this manner, the detection of the liquid is particularly facilitated.

[0114] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figs. 5C and 5D, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , or sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 18T, are, or is, connected with a respective, in particular circumferential, wall 125p extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface 121 of the lid 12, and defining a respective cavity 125c, preferably a corresponding vent valve 125.

[0115] As can be seen from the Figs. 5C and 5D, in an advantageous manner, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11, or sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 18T, are, or is, passing through a corresponding hole 1218 provided for in the respective, in particular circumferential, wall 125p extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface of the lid, and defining a respective cavity 125c, preferably configuring said vent valve 125, in particular to which hole 1218, the detecting means 18, or sensor 181, are, or is, secured through a corresponding thread. As will be best understood from the following of the present description, said hole extends obliquely, in particular from the top down starting from the outer surface of the same wall 125p.

[0116] In this manner, the assembly of the detecting means, or sensor, is particularly facilitated.

[0117] Advantageously, as can be seen from the Figs. 5C and 5D, said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , or sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 18T, are, or is, in the form of an elongated member, in particular extending obliquely, and arranges the respective sensing end 18T at, or slightly beyond, the lower surface 12 of said lid 12.

[0118] In this manner, the assembly of the detecting means, or sensor, is particularly facilitated. In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from the Figs. 5C and 5D, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, are in the form of a sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 22T.

[0119] In this manner, the detection of the liquid is particularly facilitated.

[0120] As can be seen from the Figs. 5C and 5D, in a particularly advantageous manner, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 221’, are, or is, connected with a respective, in particular circumferential, wall 125p extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface 121 of the lid 12, and defining a respective cavity 125c, preferably of a corresponding vent valve 125.

[0121] Advantageously, as can be seen from Fig. 5C, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 22T, are, or is, passing through a corresponding hole 1222 provided for in the respective, in particular circumferential, wall 125p extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface of the lid, and defining a respective cavity 125c, preferably configuring said vent valve 125, especially, to the hole 1218 of which said detecting means 22, or sensor 221, are, or is, secured through a corresponding thread. As will be best understood from the following of the present description, said hole 1222 extends horizontally.

[0122] In this manner, the assembly of the detecting means, or sensor, is particularly facilitated.

[0123] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from the Figs. 5C and 5D, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 22T, are, or is, in the form of an elongated member, in particular extending transversally, or horizontally, and arranges the respective sensing end 18T at an intermediate zone in height of said cavity 125c.

[0124] In this manner, the assembly of the detecting means, or sensor, is particularly facilitated. As can be seen from the Figures 5C and 5D, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 221’, are , or is, arranged at a higher level in height of said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , or sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 18T.

[0125] Advantageously, said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 , or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, or sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 22T, and / or of said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11, or sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end 18T, extend, or extends, outside said wall 125p, in particular for said vent valve 125.

[0126] In this manner, the connection of the corresponding detecting means or respective sensor is particularly facilitated.

[0127] In an appreciably advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, the device 10 comprises graphic interface means 28 that can be displayed on a display 29 of corresponding microprocessor control means, e.g., in the form of a PLC, a PC, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, or other.

[0128] As can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, with appreciable advantage, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 280, in particular in the form of an active zone, which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of the device 10, i.e. , to start or stop a respective operational procedure of the device.

[0129] In this manner, the operator is able to easily and quickly activate or deactivate the present device.

[0130] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 281 that highlights a normal working condition, or an emergency or alarm condition of said device 10, and in particular highlighting a sufficient inflating or insufficient inflating condition of said elastic tubular body 161 defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12.

[0131] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control the operational, i.e., sealing, operation at which the present device is.

[0132] With appreciable advantage, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a respective zone 282, 283, 284 which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., of the corresponding valve means 201, 202, 203.

[0133] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control the operation of the present device.

[0134] As can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, with advantage, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a plurality of zones, in particular a first zone 282, a second zone 283 and a third zone 284 that highlight an activation or deactivation condition, respectively of said first valve, or electrovalve 201 , of said second valve, or electrovalve 202, and of said third valve, or electrovalve, 203 of said valve means, or of said means 20 that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, 161, defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12.

[0135] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control the specific operation status of the present device.

[0136] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a respective zone 285, 286 which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of corresponding detecting means or a sensor, respectively 18 and / or 22 of the device 10.

[0137] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control the occurrence or not of corresponding undesired events.

[0138] With advantage, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 285 which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11 , i.e., of the corresponding sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid.

[0139] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control the detachment condition of the lid from the free surface of the liquid.

[0140] As can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, in an advantageous manner, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 286 which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, 14, i.e., of the corresponding sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid.

[0141] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control whether the liquid is in an outflow condition from the lid.

[0142] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a plurality of zones, in particular active zones, 288, 288, 288, 288 which allow to time-set, according to a plurality of predefined timings, e.g., as illustrated with respect to a time interval of 1 minute, 2 hours, 3 hours, or 4ore, a respective working condition of the device, i.e., a free floating condition of the lid with the liquid inside said container, or tank, 14.

[0143] In this manner, the operator is able to easily schedule a timing to remove liquid, or wine, from said container, or tank, before the sealing of the lid is automatically activated.

[0144] In an advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 287 which highlights the working time that has elapsed since the start of a given operation, e.g., since the start of a liquid or wine removal step, and thereof, in association with the specific zone 288 chosen, how much time remains until the end of the same operation.

[0145] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control the present device and to assess whether the working activity has to be possibly rescheduled.

[0146] As can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, in a particularly advantageous manner, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 289 which indicates the condition, in particular the pressure, of inflation of said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, i.e., of said elastic tubular body 161 defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12.

[0147] In this manner, the operator is able to easily control the sealing, or tightness, condition of the lid.

[0148] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 2810 which indicates the amount, in particular the volume, of liquid that is contained within said container, or tank, 14, which is detected by the sensor 2810’, illustrated in Fig. 5E, that is applied at the peripheral wall 141 of said container, or tank, 14.

[0149] In a particularly advantageous manner, as can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 2811 that indicates the type of liquid, or wine, that is contained within the container, or tank, 14.

[0150] As can be seen from said Figs. 8A to 8C, in an appreciably advantageous manner, said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 2812 that indicates which container, or tank, 14, of the respective plant, is under control.

[0151] In an appreciably advantageous manner, in the Figs. 9A and 9B, a second preferred embodiment 28’ of an interface is illustrated. In this second preferred embodiment, those parts that are similar or equivalent to those of the first preferred embodiment are marked with the same numeral references that have been used in the previous preferred embodiment 28 and, in order not to unduly burden the present description, are not commented up in detail again. Advantageously, this interface 28’ is in the form of a simplified interface compared to the interface 28.

[0152] With appreciable advantage, as can be seen from said Figs. 9A and 9B, said simplified interface 28’ essentially comprises a respective zone 285, 286 which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of corresponding detecting means or a sensor 18 and / or 22 of the device 10, in particular a zone 285 which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11 within said inner volume 140 of said container, or tank, 14, in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface 121 of the lid 12 with respect to the free surface 110 of the same liquid 11, i.e., of the corresponding sensor 181 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, and / or a zone 286 which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11, or wine, from said container, or tank, 14, i.e., of the corresponding sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid.

[0153] With appreciable advantage, as can be seen from said Figs. 9A and 9B, said simplified interface 28’ essentially comprises a zone 281 that highlights a normal working condition, or an emergency or alarm condition of said device 10, and in particular highlighting a sufficient inflating or insufficient inflating condition of said elastic tubular body 161 defining said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12.

[0154] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figs. 9A and 9B, said simplified interface 28’ essentially comprises a corresponding zone 2811 that indicates the type of liquid, or wine, that is contained within container or tank and / or a corresponding zone 2812 that indicates which container or tank of the respective plant is under control.

[0155] With advantage, in practice, according to a preferred operation of the device, with said means 18 for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid 11, i.e., with the corresponding sensor 181 adapted to sense the presence of liquid, emitting a corresponding signal, a deflating cycle is activated, of said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, or elastic tubular body 161, so that said lid 12 can arrange in a floating condition on the liquid, and thus the re-inflation is activated, of the same means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, or elastic tubular body 161, resulting in the restoration of the sealing condition.

[0156] With advantage, in practice according to a preferred operation of the device, with said means 22 for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid 11 from said container, or tank, 14, i.e., with the respective sensor 221 that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, emitting a corresponding signal, a deflating cycle is activated, of said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, or elastic tubular body 161, so that said lid 12 can arrange in a floating condition on the liquid, and thus the re-inflation is activated, of the same means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, or elastic tubular body 161 , resulting in the restoration of the sealing condition.

[0157] Advantageously, as can be seen from said Figures, according to a further preferred operation of the device, with the tap 14r for drawing the liquid from said container, or tank, 14 being opened, the corresponding sensor means for detecting the outflow of the liquid, that are not particularly illustrated in the attached Figures, emit a corresponding signal that activates a deflating cycle of said means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, or elastic tubular body 161 , so that said lid 12 arranges in a floating condition on the liquid, and when the tap 14r for drawing the liquid from said container, or tank, 14 is closed again, the corresponding sensor means for detecting the outflow of the liquid emit a corresponding signal, a re-inflating cycle is activated, of the same means 16 for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid 12, or elastic tubular body 161 , resulting in the restoration of the sealing condition.

[0158] In an advantageous manner, as is clear from Fig. 10A, where an interface of a display 29 is illustrated, which is particularly suitable for a remote control, in particular through a smartphone or the like, it is provided that said graphic interface means 28 comprise one or more zones 2813, 2814 indicating one or more containers, or tanks, 14 of a respective plant or winery that are in an alarm or emergency condition.

[0159] In this manner, the plant control is particularly easy even remotely from the plant. In an advantageous manner, as is clear from Fig. 10A, where an interface of a display 29 is illustrated, which is particularly suitable for a remote control, in particular through a smartphone or the like, it is provided that said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 2815 indicating the activation status of a remote communication of the smartphone or the like with the device 10.

[0160] Advantageously, as can be seen from the Figs. 10B and 10C, where an interface of a display 29 is illustrated, which is particularly suitable fora remote control, in particular through a smartphone or the like, it is provided that said graphic interface means 28 comprise a zone 2816 that allows to open a further interface having a zone 2817 suitable for composing a message made of corresponding words to be sent to the plant, i.e. , to the respective operator working there, , which can be displayed on a corresponding display at the plant or winery.

[0161] In a particularly advantageous manner, as is clear from Fig. 10D, where an interface of a display 29 is illustrated, which is particularly suitable fora remote control, in particular through a smartphone or the like, it is provided that said graphic interface means 28 comprise a page 2818 to allow modifying, in particular directly remotely, the operation or programming of a respective device 10, especially providing a plurality of corresponding data, to be inputted in a special table, in particular for example consisting in the following data: WIFI mode = Client MQTT, the name of the network of the client or plant using the device, the password of the network of the client or plant using the device, static IP and Gateway, the name of the supporting cloud, e.g., Broker or other, and other data and passwords that prevent third-party access to the system.

[0162] In practice, as is clear, the above-illustrated technical features allow, individually or in a respective combination, the achievement of one or more of the following advantageous results:

[0163] - The deflation and subsequent inflation of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e. , of said elastic tubular body, defining said means for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid is ensured, without incurring the risk of possible oversights by the operator in charge, while at the same time maximizing the maintenance of the sealing condition of the lid, i.e., of non-contamination of the liquid, i.e., the wine, by the ambient air;

[0164] - The end result is a device that is easily installable on containers, or tanks, for liquid, in particular wine, which are already installed;

[0165] - An improved handling of the corresponding floating lid is achieved, without having to carry out complex, expensive interventions on the same containers, or tanks;

[0166] - It is possible to facilitate the permanence of the lid in the desired position in contact with said liquid, thereby minimizing the contact of air with said liquid, or wine;

[0167] - when the liquid volume increases, the outflow thereof can be avoided;

[0168] - An unbalance of the same floating lid is prevented, i.e., the floating lid is kept fixedly in place;

[0169] - The cleaning of the upper surface of the lid is also promoted;

[0170] - Build-ups of pollutants, such as bacteria or the like, on the same lid are prevented;

[0171] - A lid is achieved, which is particularly suitable for use in environments where food liquids are used, where the hygiene has to be highly preserved;

[0172] - During drawing or other operations, the lid can be kept in a disengaged and movable condition with the level of the liquid within the container or tank;

[0173] - The personnel no longer need, at the end of drawing or other operations, to remember to reactivate the inflation condition, since the inflation condition automatically activates once the pre-set time has elapsed;

[0174] - the detection of the liquid is particularly facilitated;

[0175] - the assembly of the detecting means, or sensor, is particularly facilitated; - the connection of the corresponding detecting means, or respective sensor, is particularly facilitated;

[0176] - The operator is able to easily and quickly activate or deactivate the present device;

[0177] - The operator is able to easily control the operational, i.e., sealing, operation at which the present device is; - The operator is able to easily control the operation of the present device; - The operator is able to easily control the specific operation status of the present device;

[0178] - The operator is able to easily control the occurrence or not of corresponding undesired events;

[0179] - The operator is able to easily control the detachment condition of the lid from the free surface of the liquid;

[0180] - The operator is able to easily control whether the liquid is in an outflow condition from the lid;

[0181] - The operator is able to easily schedule a timing to remove liquid, or wine, from said container, or tank, before the sealing of the lid is automatically activated;

[0182] - The operator is able to easily control the present device and to assess whether the working activity has to be possibly rescheduled;

[0183] - The operator is able to easily control the sealing, or tightness, condition of the lid;

[0184] - the plant control is particularly easy.

[0185] The present invention is susceptible of evident industrial application. Those skilled in the art may also envisage a number of modifications and / or variations to be made to the same invention, while still remaining within the scope of the inventive concept, as extensively described. Furthermore, those skilled in the art may envisage further preferred embodiments of the invention comprising one or more of the aboveillustrated features of the preferred embodiment mentioned above, in particular as set forth in the appended claims. It should also be understood that all details of the invention may be replaced by technically equivalent elements.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A device (10) to operate a floating lid (12) of a container, or tank, (14) for housing a liquid (11), preferably said liquid being in the form of an edible liquid, preferentially being in the form of wine or the like; said floating lid (12) being adapted to float on said liquid (11), defining, in particular superiorly, an inner volume (140) for holding said liquid (11) of said container, or tank, (14), wherein said floating lid (12) comprises means (16) for a peripheral sealing of the same floating lid (12) against the inner perimetral surface (141) of the container, or tank, (14), which sealing means (16) are in the form of inflatable and deflatable means (161) by the action of a corresponding pressurized fluid, preferably in the form of a gas or air, preferentially said inflatable and deflatable means (161 ) being in the form of a corresponding elastic tubular body (161) having and / or defining a chamber for holding said pressurized fluid; the device (10) comprising means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, and is characterized in that said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), comprise corresponding means (201 , 202, 203, 204) that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, (161 ).

2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., said elastic tubular body, (161) defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12) are peripherally associated with, or supported by, the main body (120) of the same floating lid (12) and are, or is, adapted to contact the inner surface of said container, or tank, (14).

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, (161), are in the form of corresponding valve means (201, 202, 203, 204).

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that the device (10) comprises means (205) for driving said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e. , of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., for driving said valve means (201, 202, 203, 204), in particular for driving said means (201 , 202, 203, 204) that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, (161).

5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that said means (205) for driving said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., for driving said valve means (201, 202, 203, 204), are manually activable and especially comprise a respective actuating lever (205), i.e., a corresponding push button.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 4 and 5, characterized in that said means (205) for driving said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., for driving said valve means (201, 202, 203, 204), in particular for driving said means (201 , 202, 203, 204) that are adapted to draw back, in particular to suction, said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body, (161 ), comprise time setting means, in particular to drive the return, after a predetermined time, to the regular inflating condition of the same inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161).

7. The device according to claim 6, characterized in that the predetermined return time to the regular inflating condition of said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., of the corresponding valve means (201, 202, 203, 204), is adjustable and / or ranges between 10 seconds and 3 minutes, preferably 10 seconds and 30 seconds.

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatsaid means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., the corresponding valve means, define a corresponding Venturi device (204).

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., the corresponding valve means (201 , 202, 203, 204), comprise a first valve, or electrovalve, (201), and a second valve, or electrovalve, (202), respectively on a corresponding first conduit (20T) and on a corresponding second conduit (202’) converging in said first conduit (20T) with a configuration defining a corresponding Venturi connection (204).

10. The device according to claim 9, characterized in that said first conduit (20T), for said first valve, or electrovalve, (201), and said second conduit (202’), for said second valve, or electrovalve, (202), are connected with a conduit (203’) extending in said conduit (261) for the circulation of said pressurized fluid with said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), in particular connecting to this circulation conduit (261) in corresponding first connection point (201”) and second connection point (202”), the latter being provided for downstream of said first connection point (201”).

11. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said valve means (201, 202, 203, 204), defining said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), comprise a third valve, or electrovalve, (203) which is provided for in said conduit (203’) of the same means (201 , 202, 203, 204), which is on the conduit (261) for the circulation of said pressurized fluid with said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), said third valve, or electrovalve, (203) being provided for between said first connection point (201”) and said second connection point (202”) with the same conduit (203’).

12. The device according to claim 11 , characterized in that, in a regular working or inflating condition, said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161),defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), said third valve, or electrovalve, (203) is open in a passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12) and said first valve, or electrovalve, (201) and second valve, or electrovalve, (202) are closed in a nonpassage condition of said pressurized fluid in the respective conduits (20T and 202”).

13. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 11 and 12, characterized in that, in a deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), said third valve, or electrovalve, (203) is closed in a non-passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12) and said first valve, or electrovalve, (201) and second valve, or electrovalve, (202) are open in a passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards the Venturi connection (204), resulting in a withdrawing, in particular a suctioning, of said pressurized fluid from the same inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., from the inside of said elastic tubular body (161 ).

14. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that the device (100) comprises means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11 ).

15. The device according to claim 14, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11 ) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), are adapted to detect a condition of noncontact or of exceeding a predetermined distance, of the lid (12), i.e., of the lower surface (121) thereof, with said liquid (11) within said housing chamber, i.e., with the free surface (110) thereof.

16. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 14 and 15, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11 ) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12)with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), are arranged, or are adapted to be arranged, on said lid (12).

17. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 16, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121 ) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11 ), are adapted to detect the distance of said liquid (11), i.e. , of said free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), from said lid (12), i.e., from said lower surface (121) of the same lid (12).

18. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 17, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121 ) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), are arranged at means (125) for the outflow of the liquid, i.e., the wine, especially at the vent valve (125), and in particular are inserted, at least partially, inside the body thereof.

19. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 18, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121 ) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), extend below said lid (12), and in particular below said surface (121) for the contact with said liquid (11).

20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 19, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121 ) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11 ), are in the form of respective sensor means (181).

21. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that the device (100) comprises means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14).

22. The device according to claim 21, characterized in that said means (22) fordetecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14) comprise a respective sensor (221) that is adapted to sense the presence of the liquid, or wine, in an upper position relative to that of the lower surface (121) of the lid and / or at, i.e., inside of, said vent valve (125) of said floating lid (12).

23. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 4 to 22, characterized in that said means for driving said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., fordriving said valve means (201, 202, 203, 204), comprise, or are defined by, said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), or sensor means (181), and / or comprise, or are defined by, said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or respective sensor (221).

24. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that the device (100) comprises means (24) for transmitting a corresponding signal, especially to a corresponding device, preferably having at least one microprocessor, such as a smartphone, a computer, or other; and / or in that said means (24) for transmitting a corresponding signal are adapted to transmit a corresponding signal emitted by said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11 ) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14) or sensor means (18), and / or in that said means (24) for transmitting a corresponding signal are adapted to transmit a corresponding signal emitted by said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14).

25. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that the device (100) comprises means (26) for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12).

26. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that the device (100) comprisesmeans (26) for the electrical connection of said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14) or respective sensor (18) and / or of said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or respective sensor (22).

27. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 25 and 26, characterized in that said means (26) for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), comprise a corresponding small tube, in particular a small flexible tube, (261), and in that a small flexible tube (263) is provided for, having an electric conductor wire (264) therein, defining said means (26) for the electrical connection of said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14) or sensor means (18) and / or of said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11 ), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14).

28. The device according to claim 27, characterized in that said small tube, in particular a small flexible tube, preferably in plastic material, (261 ), defining said means (26) for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), is associated with a small flexible tube, in particular with an electric conductor wire, (263), preferably in plastic material, and are together wound in a spiral to define a corresponding spiral-wound unit member (262).

29. The device according to claim 28, characterized in that said spiral unit member (262) defining said small tube, in particular a small flexible tube, (261) defining said means (26) for transporting said inflating and deflating pressurized fluid of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), and defining said means (26) for the electrical connection of said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11 ) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), or respective sensor (181), and / or said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or respective sensor (221), is configured so as not to rest on said floating lid (12).

30. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 28 and 29, characterized in that the spiral-shaped portion extends, in use, between a projecting arm (129) and the lid and preferably has a length that is less than the portion with small tubes (261 and 263), respectively for the pressurized fluid and the conductor wire that are detached from one another and especially has a length sufficient to elastically compensate for the height oscillations of the lid within the container.

31. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that said means for driving said valve means (201, 202, 203, 204) comprise microprocessor control means, e.g., in the form of a PLC, a PC, a smartphone, a laptop, or the like; in particular, which microprocessor control means are configured to manage the inflation and deflation of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), in particular starting from said signal emitted by said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11 ) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14) or sensor means (181), and / or from the signal emitted by said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or sensor (221).

32. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 11 to 31 , characterized in that, in a condition of maintaining the deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), said third valve, or electrovalve (203), is closed in a non-passage condition of said pressurized fluid towards said inflatable and deflatable means, or elastic tubular body (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12) and said first valve, or electrovalve (201) and second valve, or electrovalve (202), are also closed.

33. The device according to claim 32, characterized in that said condition of maintaining the deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, is time controlled, i.e. , maintained during a predetermined time interval, in particular settable in a selective manner, preferably during a period of time ranging between 1 minute and 10 hours.

34. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 33, characterized in that said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edibleliquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or the respective sensor (221), are, or is, arranged at means (125) for the outflow of the liquid, i.e., the wine, especially at the vent valve (125), in particular being inserted, at least partially, inside the body thereof, especially together with said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), or the respective sensor (181 ).

35. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 14 to 34, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121 ) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11 ), are in the form of a sensor (181 ) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (18T).

36. The device according to claim 35, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11 ) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121 ) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11 ), or sensor (181 ) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (18T), are, or is, connected with a respective, in particular circumferential, wall (125p) extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface (121) of the lid (12), and defining a respective cavity (125c), preferably of a corresponding vent valve (125).

37. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 35 and 36, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11 ) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), or sensor (181) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (18T), are, or is, passing through a corresponding hole (1218) provided for in the respective, in particular circumferential, wall (125p) extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface of the lid, and defining a respective cavity (125c), preferably configuring said vent valve (125).

38. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 35 to 37, characterized in that said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121 ) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), or sensor (181) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (18T), are, or is, in the form of an elongated member, in particular extending obliquely, and arranges the respective sensing end (18T) at, or slightly beyond, the lower surface (12) of said lid (12).

39. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 21 to 38, characterized in that said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), are in the form of a sensor (221 ) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (221’).

40. The device according to claim 39, characterized in that said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or sensor (221 ) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (22T), are, or is, connected with a respective, in particular circumferential, wall (125p) extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface (121) of the lid (12), and defining a respective cavity (125c), preferably of a corresponding vent valve (125).

41. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 39 and 40, characterized in that said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or sensor (221 ) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (22T), are, or is, passing through a corresponding hole (1222) provided for in the respective, in particular circumferential, wall (125p) extending, preferably perpendicularly, from the bottom surface of the lid, and defining a respective cavity (125c), preferably configuring said vent valve (125).

42. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 39 to 41 , characterized in that said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or sensor (221) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (22V), are,or is, in the form of an elongated member, in particular extending transversally, or horizontally, and arranges the respective sensing end (181’) at an intermediate zone in height of said cavity (125c).

43. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 39 to 42, characterized in that said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or sensor (221) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (22V), are, or is, arranged at a higher level in height of said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11 ), or sensor (181 ) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (18T).

44. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 39 to 43, characterized in that said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), or sensor (221) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (22V), and / or of said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), or sensor (181) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, in particular at the respective end (18T), extend, or extends, outside said wall (125p), in particular for said vent valve (125).

45. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that the device (10) comprises graphic interface means (28) that can be displayed on a display (29) of corresponding microprocessor control means, e.g., in the form of a PLC, a PC, a smartphone, a laptop, a tablet, or other.

46. The device according to claim 45, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (280), in particular in the form of an active zone, which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of the device (10).

47. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 and 46, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (281) thathighlights a normal working condition, or an emergency or alarm condition of said device (10), and in particular highlighting a sufficient inflating or insufficient inflating condition of said elastic tubular body (161) defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12).

48. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 47, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a respective zone (282, 283, 284) which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., of the corresponding valve means (201, 202, 203).

49. The device according to claim 48, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a plurality of zones, in particular a first zone (282), a second zone (283) and a third zone (284) that highlight an activation or deactivation condition, respectively of said first valve, or electrovalve (201), of said second valve, or electrovalve (202), and of said third valve, or electrovalve, (203) of said valve means, or of said means (20) that are adapted to control the inflating and / or deflating condition of said inflatable and deflatable means, i.e., of said elastic tubular body, (161), defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12).

50. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 49, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a respective zone (285, 286) which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of corresponding detecting means or a sensor (18 and / or 22) of the device (10).

51. The device according to claim 50, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (285) which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), i.e., of the corresponding sensor (181) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid.

52. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 50 and 51, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (286) which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means (22) for detecting anoutflow condition of said liquid (11), or edible liquid, or wine, or the like, from said container, or tank, (14), i.e. , of the corresponding sensor (221) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid.

53. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 52, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a plurality of zones, in particular active zones, (288, 288, 288, 288) which allow to time-set, according to a plurality of predefined timings, a respective working condition of the device, i.e., a free floating condition of the lid with the liquid inside said container, or tank, (14).

54. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 53, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (287) which highlights the working time that has elapsed since the start of a given operation, e.g., since the start of a liquid or wine removal step.

55. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 54, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (289) which indicates the condition, in particular the pressure, of inflation of said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), i.e., of said elastic tubular body (161) defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12).

56. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 55, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (2810) which indicates the amount, in particular the volume, of liquid that is contained within said container, or tank, (14).

57. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 56, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (2811) that indicates the type of liquid, or wine, that is contained within the container, or tank, (14).

58. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 57, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (2812) that indicates which container, or tank, (14) is under control.

59. The device according to claim 45, characterized in that the interface (28’) is in the form of a simplified interface.

60. The device according to claim 59, characterized in that said simplified interface (28’) essentially comprises a respective zone (285, 286) which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of corresponding detecting means or a sensor (18 and / or 22) of the device (10), i.e., a zone (285) which highlights an activation or deactivationcondition of said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11) within said inner volume (140) of said container, or tank, (14), in particular for detecting the relative position of said lower surface (121) of the lid (12) with respect to the free surface (110) of the same liquid (11), i.e. , of the corresponding sensor (181 ) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, and / or a zone (286) which highlights an activation or deactivation condition of said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11), or wine, from said container, or tank, (14), i.e., of the corresponding sensor (221) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid.

61. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 59 and 60, characterized in that said simplified interface (28’) comprises essentially a zone (281) that highlights a normal working condition, or an emergency or alarm condition of said device (10), and in particular highlighting a sufficient inflating or insufficient inflating condition of said elastic tubular body (161) defining said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12).

62. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 59 to 61 , characterized in that said simplified interface (28’) comprises essentially a corresponding zone (2811 ) that indicates the type of liquid, or wine, that is contained within container or tank and / or a corresponding zone (2812) that indicates which container or tank of the respective plant is under control.

63. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 18 to 62, characterized in that with said means (18) for detecting the relative position of the lid with respect to the liquid (11), i.e., with the corresponding sensor (181) adapted to sense the presence of liquid, emitting a corresponding signal, a deflating cycle is activated, of said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), or elastic tubular body (161), so that said lid (12) can arrange in a floating condition on the liquid, and thus the reinflation is activated, of the same means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), or elastic tubular body (161), resulting in the restoration of the sealing condition.

64. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 22 to 63, characterized in that with said means (22) for detecting an outflow condition of said liquid (11) from said container, or tank, (14), i.e., with the respective sensor (221) that is adapted to sense the presence of liquid, emitting a corresponding signal, a deflating cycle is activated, of said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), or elastictubular body (161 ), so that said lid (12) can arrange in a floating condition on the liquid, and thus the re-inflation is activated, of the same means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), or elastic tubular body (161), resulting in the restoration of the sealing condition.

65. The device according to any one of the preceding claims or according to the pre-characterizing part of claim 1, characterized in that with the tap (14r) for drawing the liquid from said container, or tank, (14) being opened, corresponding sensor means for detecting the outflow of the liquid emit a corresponding signal that activates a deflating cycle of said means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), or elastic tubular body (161), so that said lid (12) arranges in a floating condition on the liquid, and when the tap (14r) for drawing the liquid from said container, or tank, (14) is closed again, the corresponding sensor means for detecting the outflow of the liquid emit a corresponding signal, a re-inflating cycle is activated, of the same means (16) for a peripheral sealing of said floating lid (12), or elastic tubular body (161), resulting in the restoration of the sealing condition.

66. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 65, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise one or more zones (2813, 2814) indicating one or more containers, or tanks, (14) of a respective plant or winery that are in an alarm or emergency condition.

67. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 66, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (2815) indicating the activation status of a remote communication of the smartphone or the like with the device (10).

68. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 67, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a zone (2816) that allows to open a further interface having a zone (2817) suitable for composing a message made of corresponding words to be sent to the plant, i.e. , to the respective operator working there, which can be displayed on a corresponding display at the plant or winery.

69. The device according to any one of the preceding claims 45 to 68, characterized in that said graphic interface means (28) comprise a page (2818) to allow modifying the operation or programming of a respective device (10).

70. A container, or tank, for housing a liquid (11 ), preferably, said liquid being in the form of an edible liquid, preferentially in the form of wine or the like; characterized inthat it comprises a device according to any one of the preceding claims.

71. A device and container, or tank, each respectively characterized in that it is made according to any one of the preceding claims and / or as described and illustrated with reference to the attached drawings.

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