U.S. patent application number 11/546596 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for dispenser and fluid-driven proportioning pump.
Invention is credited to Fred B. Jedlicka, Paul E. Naslund.
Application Number | 20080087687 11/546596 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39302239 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080087687 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Naslund; Paul E. ; et
al. |
April 17, 2008 |
Dispenser and fluid-driven proportioning pump
Abstract
A fluid dispenser includes a diluent fluid inlet; a fluid-driven
proportioning air pump in fluid communication with a diluent fluid
inlet, the air pump being driven by fluid from the diluent fluid
inlet and having an air outlet isolated from the diluent fluid
inlet; a fluid container having first and second openings, the
first opening in fluid communication with the pump air outlet; and
wherein the pump creates air pressure and flow to evacuate the
container of fluid through the second opening. An associated method
of evacuating fluid from a container includes supplying a diluent
fluid to the proportioning air pump through the pump fluid inlet;
delivering a volume of air from the pump air outlet to the
container in order to displace a similar volume of fluid and
evacuate that volume of fluid from the container; and diluting the
evacuated fluid with diluent fluid from the pump fluid outlet.
Inventors: |
Naslund; Paul E.; (St.
Louis, MO) ; Jedlicka; Fred B.; (Jerseyville,
IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HUSCH & EPPENBERGER, LLC
190 CARONDELET PLAZA, SUITE 600
ST. LOUIS
MO
63105-3441
US
|
Family ID: |
39302239 |
Appl. No.: |
11/546596 |
Filed: |
October 11, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
222/400.8 ;
222/401; 417/375 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01F 5/0413 20130101;
B05B 7/32 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
222/400.8 ;
417/375; 222/401 |
International
Class: |
B65D 83/00 20060101
B65D083/00 |
Claims
1. A fluid dispenser, comprising: a diluent fluid inlet; a
fluid-driven proportioning air pump in fluid communication with
said diluent fluid inlet, said air pump being driven by fluid from
said diluent fluid inlet and having an air outlet isolated from
said diluent fluid inlet; a fluid container having first and second
openings therein, said first opening in fluid communication with
said air outlet of said air pump; and wherein said air pump creates
air pressure and flow to evacuate said fluid container of fluid
through said second opening.
2. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
fluid-driven proportioning air pump further comprises a positive
displacement pump that creates translational or rotational motion
to drive said air pump.
3. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
fluid-driven proportioning air pump further comprises an axial flow
pump that creates translational or rotational motion to drive said
air pump.
4. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
fluid-driven proportioning air pump further comprises a centrifugal
pump that creates translational or rotational motion to drive said
air pump.
5. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:
a mixing chamber, said second opening in of said fluid container in
fluid communication with said mixing chamber; and wherein said
diluent fluid inlet is in fluid communication with said mixing
chamber and wherein fluid from said fluid container travels to said
mixing chamber and is therein diluted by diluent fluid from said
diluent fluid inlet.
6. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 5, wherein said
fluid-driven proportioning air pump further comprises a fluid inlet
and a fluid outlet, said diluent fluid inlet being in fluid
communication with said air pump fluid inlet; and wherein said
mixing chamber is in fluid communication with said air pump fluid
outlet and wherein fluid from said diluent fluid inlet travels to
said mixing chamber by first passing through said air pump fluid
inlet and said air pump fluid outlet.
7. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further comprising:
a first metering outlet in fluid communication with said diluent
fluid inlet, said first metering outlet allowing diluent fluid from
said diluent fluid inlet to flow from said dispenser at a first
flow rate; at least a second metering outlet in fluid communication
with said diluent fluid inlet, said second metering outlet allowing
diluent fluid from said diluent fluid inlet to flow from said
dispenser at a second flow rate; and a diverting mechanism
operatively connected with said first and second metering outlets
and operable to direct flow of diluent fluid through either of said
first and second metering outlets.
8. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 7, further comprising:
a mixing chamber, said second opening in of said chemical container
in fluid communication with said mixing chamber; and wherein said
first and second metering outlets are each selectively in fluid
communication with said mixing chamber and wherein fluid from said
chemical container travels to said mixing chamber and is therein
diluted by diluent fluid from said first or second metering
outlet.
9. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 7, wherein said
fluid-driven proportioning air pump further comprises a fluid inlet
and a fluid outlet, said diluent fluid inlet being in fluid
communication with said air pump fluid inlet; and wherein said
first and second metering outlets are in fluid communication with
said air pump fluid outlet and wherein fluid from said diluent
fluid inlet travels to said first and second metering outlets by
first passing through said air pump fluid inlet and said air pump
fluid outlet.
10. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 7, wherein at least
one of said first and second metering outlets further comprises a
screen and a nozzle.
11. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 7, wherein at least
one of said first and second metering outlets further comprises a
check valve, the opening and closing of said check valve being
controlled by said diverting mechanism.
12. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 7, wherein said
diverting mechanism provides for selection of at least three
positions including no flow of diluent fluid from either of said
first and second metering outlets, flow of diluent fluid from said
first metering outlet only, and flow of diluent fluid from said
second metering outlet only.
13. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 12, wherein said
diverting mechanism further comprises means for maintaining one of
said positions once selected.
14. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 12, wherein said
diverting mechanism is biased to remain in said no flow of diluent
fluid position in the absence of a different selection.
15. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 12, wherein said
diverting mechanism further comprises means for holding said
diverting mechanism in one of said positions.
16. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, further comprising
a connection between said air outlet of said proportioning air pump
and said fluid container further comprising: a generally vertical
wall associated with said dispenser and a generally horizontal
support surface connected to said wall; at least one rail mounted
to said wall at an angle relative to said support surface; a
carriage slideably mounted to said rail; a docking cap mounted
within said docking cap; and wherein said docking cap engages a
neck of said fluid container as said fluid container is slid across
said support surface, resulting in said docking cap and said
carriage sliding at a downward angle relative to said support
surface along said rail and compressing said docking seal onto a
top surface of said fluid container.
17. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 16, wherein said
docking cap is mounted for generally vertical movement within said
carriage and further comprising a spring associated with said
docking cap and said carriage which exerts a downward force on said
docking cap relative to said carriage.
18. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 16, wherein said rail
comprises a lower end and a higher end and further comprising a
spring acting on said carriage as said carriage approaches said
lower end of said rail to exert a force on said carriage in a
direction toward said higher end of said rail.
19. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 16, wherein said
docking cap further comprises an elastomer sealing element that
engages said top surface of said fluid container.
20. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 16, wherein said
first opening of said fluid container further comprises a first
normally-closed check valve and said second opening of said fluid
container further comprises a second normally-closed check valve
and wherein said docking cap further comprises first and second
protrusions to engage and open said first and second check valves
when said docking cap engages said top surface of said fluid
container.
21. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
second opening of said fluid container further comprises a metering
orifice.
22. A fluid dispenser for use with a fluid container having an air
inlet and fluid outlet therein, comprising: a diluent fluid inlet;
a fluid-driven proportioning air pump in fluid communication with
said diluent fluid inlet, said air pump being driven by fluid from
said diluent fluid inlet and having an air outlet isolated from
said diluent fluid inlet; a connection between said air outlet of
said proportioning air pump and said air inlet of said fluid
container; and wherein said proportioning air pump creates air
pressure and flow into said fluid resulting in the evacuation of
fluid through said fluid outlet of said fluid container.
23. A fluid dispenser for use with a fluid container, comprising: a
diluent fluid inlet; a fluid-driven proportioning air pump in fluid
communication with said diluent fluid inlet, said air pump being
driven by fluid from said diluent fluid inlet and having an air
outlet isolated from said diluent fluid inlet; a connection between
said air outlet of said proportioning air pump and said fluid
container further comprising; a generally vertical wall associated
with said dispenser and a generally horizontal support surface
connected to said wall; at least one rail mounted to said wall at
an angle relative to said support surface; a carriage slideably
mounted to said rail; a docking cap mounting within said docking
cap; and wherein said docking cap engages a neck of said fluid
container as said fluid container is slid across said support
surface, resulting in said docking cap and said carriage sliding at
a downward angle relative to said support surface along said rail
and compressing said docking cap onto a top surface of said fluid
container.
24. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 23, wherein said
docking cap is mounted for generally vertical movement within said
carriage and further comprising a spring associated with said
docking cap and said carriage which exerts a downward force on said
docking cap relative to said carriage.
25. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 23, wherein said rail
comprises a lower end and a higher end and further comprising a
spring acting on said carriage as said carriage approaches said
lower end of said rail to exert a force on said carriage in a
direction toward said higher end of said rail.
26. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 23, wherein said
docking cap further comprises an elastomer sealing element that
engages said top surface of said fluid container.
27. The fluid dispenser as set forth in claim 23, wherein said
first opening of said fluid container further comprises a first
normally-closed check valve and said second opening of said fluid
container further comprises a second normally-closed check valve
and wherein said docking cap further comprises first and second
protrusions to engage and open said first and second check valves
when said docking cap engages said top surface of said fluid
container.
28. A fluid dispenser, comprising: a diluent fluid inlet; a mixing
chamber; a fluid-driven proportioning air pump in fluid
communication with said diluent fluid inlet, said air pump being
driven by fluid from said diluent fluid inlet and having an air
outlet isolated from said diluent fluid inlet; a fluid container
having first and second openings therein, said first opening in
fluid communication with said air outlet of said air pump, said
second opening in fluid communication with said mixing chamber; and
wherein said diluent fluid inlet is also in fluid communication
with said mixing chamber and wherein fluid from said fluid
container travels to said mixing chamber is therein diluted by
fluid from said diluent fluid inlet.
29. A fluid dispenser, comprising: a diluent fluid inlet; a mixing
chamber; a fluid-driven proportioning air pump in fluid
communication with said diluent fluid inlet, said air pump being
driven by fluid from said diluent fluid inlet and having an air
outlet isolated from said diluent fluid inlet; a fluid container
having first and second openings therein, said first opening in
fluid communication with said air outlet of said air pump, said
second opening in fluid communication with said mixing chamber; a
connection between said air outlet of said proportioning air pump
and said first opening of said fluid container further comprising;
a generally vertical wall associated with said dispenser and a
generally horizontal support surface connected to said wall; at
least one rail mounted to said wall at an angle relative to said
support surface; a carriage slideably mounted to said rail; a
docking cap mounting within said docking cap; and wherein said
docking cap engages a neck of said fluid container as said fluid
container is slid across said support surface, resulting in said
docking cap and said carriage sliding at a downward angle relative
to said support surface along said rail and compressing said
docking cap onto a top surface of said fluid container; and wherein
said diluent fluid inlet is also in fluid communication with said
mixing chamber and wherein fluid from said fluid container travels
to said mixing chamber and is therein diluted by fluid from said
diluent fluid inlet.
30. A method of evacuating fluid from a fluid container, comprising
the steps of: providing a fluid-driven proportioning air pump
having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an air outlet; supplying
a diluent fluid to said proportioning air pump through said fluid
inlet of said air pump; delivering a volume of pressurized air from
said air outlet of said air pump to an interior of said fluid
container through a first opening in said fluid container in order
to displace a similar volume of fluid from said container and
evacuate said volume of fluid from said container through a second
opening in said container; and diluting said volume of fluid
displaced from said container with diluent fluid from said fluid
outlet of said air pump.
31. The method of evacuating fluid as set forth in claim 30,
wherein said step of diluting said volume of fluid further
comprises the steps of: delivering said volume of fluid displaced
from said container to a mixing chamber; and delivering diluent
fluid from said fluid outlet of said air pump to said mixing
chamber.
32. The method of evacuating fluid as set forth in claim 31,
wherein said step of delivering diluent fluid to said mixing
chamber further comprises the step of routing said diluent fluid
through a metering outlet before said diluent fluid reaches said
mixing chamber.
33. The method evacuating fluid as set forth in claim 31, wherein
said step of delivering diluent fluid to said mixing chamber
further comprises the steps of: selecting one of at least first and
second metering outlets, each of said at least first and second
metering outlets providing a different flow rate; and routing said
diluent fluid through said selected metering outlet before said
diluent fluid reaches said mixing chamber.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to fluid dispensing
systems and, more particularly, to a volumetric displacement-based
dispenser.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dispensing of chemical product concentrates requiring
dilution prior to use presents the problem of how to accurately
draw a desired amount of concentrate from a container. The two most
common types of dispensing systems used in this area are eductive
dispensers and gravity feed dispensers, which eductive dispensers
being the more prevalent of the two alternatives. Each of these
types of dispensers suffers from inherent design deficiencies.
[0003] Eductive dispensing systems utilize a venturi device in
order to draw chemical concentrate from a container connected to
the system. Specifically, a venturi nozzle is connected with a
supply of diluent fluid as well as to the chemical container. The
flow of diluent fluid through the venturi nozzle creates a partial
vacuum in the supply line connecting the chemical container to the
venturi device. This partial vacuum draws concentrate from the
container to the venturi device where it mixes with the diluent
fluid as it passes through the spray nozzle.
[0004] Eductive systems suffer from two primary drawbacks. First,
these systems do not prevent potential contamination of the
chemical storage containers or the diluent fluid supply, which is
commonly the facility water supply, with the water/chemical mixture
when flow of the mixture is shut off at the venturi device. When
the flow of water/chemical mixture is shut of at the venturi,
pressure in the portion of the system below the eductor rises. If
the pressure in this system reaches a level greater than the
chemical inlet pressure at the venturi, or eductor, then it is
possible for the water/chemical mixture to overcome the inlet
pressure and flow back into the chemical supply line or the water
supply line. The second issue with these systems is that require
relatively high water pressure in the diluent fluid supply in order
to produce consistent dispensing. However, in more isolated
portions of the United States and in many foreign countries, the
available water pressure falls far below the threshold needed for
an eductive system to appropriate correctly.
[0005] The second type of system frequently used in this industry
is a gravity feed system in which the chemical storage container is
positioned above the diluent fluid supply. The container is opened
and closed to allow a relatively accurate amount of chemical
concentrate to fall into a collection chamber where it is diluted.
While these gravity feed systems do prevent backflow issues and are
able to effectively operate independently of the available water
pressure, they introduce other problems. First, because these
systems dispense concentrate by opening an orifice and allowing
concentrate to flow from the container for a set period of time,
they depend on a large number of difficult to control variables for
accurate dispensing, including controlling the operation of the
orifice and the flow rate of the concentrate, which may vary with
factors such as ambient temperature and the amount of concentrate
remaining in the container. Second, placing the chemical container
in an upside-down position to enable concentrate to flow down and
out of the container frequently results in leaks from the
dispenser, thereby causing down time and additional expense in
clean-up and maintenance.
[0006] Therefore, it would be advantageous to produce a dispenser
capable of accurate dispensing that isolates the diluent fluid
supply from the chemical concentrate supply and operates
independently of the available diluent fluid pressure without
positioning the chemical concentrate supply in an awkward
upside-down position.
[0007] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more
of the problems set forth above.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] An aspect of the present invention is to provide a
dispensing system for concentrates that isolates the diluent fluid
supply from the chemical supply and prevents backflow.
[0009] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a dispensing
system for concentrates that operates independently of the
available diluent fluid pressure.
[0010] Yet another aspect of the invention is to provide a
dispensing system for concentrates that is compatible with
"off-the-shelf" chemical containers and does not require that
concentrates be packaged in proprietary containers.
[0011] Another aspect of the invention is to provide a dispensing
system for concentrates that accurately dispenses a volume of
chemical concentrate while minimizing leaking of concentrate.
[0012] In accordance with the above aspects of the invention, there
is provided a fluid dispenser that includes a diluent fluid inlet;
a fluid-driven proportioning air pump in fluid communication with a
diluent fluid inlet, the air pump being driven by fluid from the
diluent fluid inlet and having an air outlet isolated from the
diluent fluid inlet; a fluid container having first and second
openings, the first opening in fluid communication with the pump
air outlet; and wherein the pump creates air pressure and flow to
evacuate the container of fluid through the second opening.
[0013] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is
provided a fluid dispenser for use with a fluid container that
includes a diluent fluid inlet; a fluid-driven proportioning air
pump in fluid communication with the diluent fluid inlet, the air
pump being driven by fluid from the diluent fluid inlet and having
an air outlet isolated from the diluent fluid inlet; a connection
between the air outlet of the proportioning air pump and the fluid
container including a generally vertical wall and a generally
horizontal support surface connected to the vertical wall; at least
one rail mounted to the wall at an angle relative to said support
surface; a carriage slideably mounted to said rail; a docking cap
mounting within said docking cap; and wherein the docking cap
engages a neck of the fluid container as the container is slid
across the support surface, resulting in the docking cap and the
carriage sliding at a downward angle relative to the support
surface along the rail and compressing the docking cap onto a top
surface of the container.
[0014] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention,
there is provided a method of evacuating fluid from a fluid
container that includes the steps of providing a fluid-driven
proportioning air pump having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an
air outlet; supplying a diluent fluid to the proportioning air pump
through the fluid inlet of said air pump; delivering a volume of
pressurized air from the air outlet of the air pump to the interior
of the fluid container through a first opening in the container in
order to displace a similar volume of fluid from the container and
evacuate the volume of fluid from the container through a second
opening in said container; and diluting the volume of fluid
displaced from the container with diluent fluid from the fluid
outlet of said air pump.
[0015] These aspects are merely illustrative of the various aspects
associated with the present invention and should not be deemed as
limiting in any manner. These and other aspects, features and
advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
referenced drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] Reference is now made to the drawings which illustrate the
best known mode of carrying out the invention and wherein the same
reference numerals indicate the same or similar parts throughout
the several views.
[0017] FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a volumetric
displacement-based dispenser according to an embodiment of the
present invention with the cover on the dispenser.
[0018] FIG. 2 is a three-quarter view of the dispenser of FIG.
1.
[0019] FIG. 3 is a front partial section view of a container
docking arrangement in an alternate embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 4 is a close-up side section view of the container
docking arrangement of FIG. 3
[0021] FIG. 5 is a side section view of a diluent fluid metering
and diverting arrangement in an alternate embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 6 is a rear view of the diverting portion of the
arrangement of FIG. 5.
[0023] FIG. 7 is a side section view of a fluid-driven
proportioning air pump in yet another embodiment of the
dispenser.
[0024] FIG. 8 is close-up section view of the pump of FIG. 7.
[0025] FIG. 9 is a plan section view of the pump and dispenser of
FIG. 7.
[0026] FIG. 10 is a side section view of the bottom end of the pump
of FIG. 7.
[0027] FIG. 11 is a partial cutaway view of a dispenser, showing
its container docking arrangement, metering and diverting
arrangement, and proportioning air pump.
[0028] FIG. 12 is a front view of a dispenser according to another
embodiment with the front cover of the dispenser removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] In the following detailed description, numerous specific
details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding
of the invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled
in the art that the present invention may be practiced without
these specific details. For example, well-known methods,
procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as
not to obscure the present invention.
[0030] FIGS. 1-12 illustrate a preferred embodiment of a dispenser
and fluid-driven proportioning pump according to the present
invention. In the disclosed embodiment, the dispenser offers a
choice between two flow rates for the diluent fluid. However, those
of skill in the art will recognize and appreciate that the present
invention also encompasses dispensers offering a single flow rate
or more than two alternative flow rates.
[0031] The unit is hung on the wall with two screws passing through
eyeholes in the back of the base. A water pressure line is
connected to the left side of the unit, but can also be connected
to the right side of the unit by first switching the female hose
(1) and cap fittings (2). In order to connect or "dock" the
chemical bottle (3) to the unit, it is first slid through the
opening in the right side of the unit. The neck of the bottle
contacts the docking seal mounting (4) which is part of the spring
loaded carriage assembly (5). This assembly slides along downwardly
inclined rails (6) that are attached to the base (7). The spring
loaded docking seal mounting moves downward until the elastomer
docking seal (8) is compressed on top of the bottle insert (9).
When the bottle comes to a stop (10), a hook (11) in the base
engages the docking seal mounting to hold the bottle in the docked
position against the force produced by springs (12, 13).
[0032] Docking the bottle also opens two spring loaded check valves
mounted in the bottle insert: one check valve (14) is for air
pressure in, and the other (15) is for chemical out. These check
valves spring-load closed when the bottle is removed so that
chemical will not leak out if the bottle is dropped or squeezed. A
metering orifice (16) is located between the chemical port check
valve and the tubing (17). Its purpose is to control the delivery
of chemical from the bottle. The metering orifice may be sized to
produce the desired chemical flow characteristics.
[0033] Once the unit is ready to dispense chemical, the knob (18)
is turned to the left to select a first desired water flow rate or
to the right to select a second, higher water flow rate. The knob
spring returns to off in both cases when it is released. However,
there is a detent in the knob and cover that keeps the know in the
right hand position so that the water flow remains open for filling
large containers. After filling, the operator then turns the knob
to the left to overcome the detent so that the valve and knob can
spring return to the neutral off position. Water is delivered when
either one of the two knob projections (19) drives either button
(20) downward, moving the magnet (21) downward until magnetic force
lifts the spring (22) loaded plunger (23) inside the enclosing tube
(24) off the central hole in the diaphragm (25), causing pressure
to lift the diaphragm off its seat (26) and allow water to flow.
Water flows through a screen (27), and then through a nozzle (28).
The purpose of the screen is to narrow and straighten the water
stream so that it is directed into the funnel (29). When the knob
is released, the compression spring (30) returns the button back up
against the knob projection and causes the knob to return to its
vertical off position. Assisting this spring is an extension spring
(31) that is attached to the knob and the cover (32). Because the
knob is removed along with the cover of the unit, another purpose
of this spring is to be sure the knob is always in the same
vertical position, otherwise the knob projection (33) would not
engage the hole (34) in the lever (35) when the cover and knob
assembly is snapped onto the base.
[0034] When either water valve is activated, water enters the
reciprocating pump (36). Depending on which set of two water piston
ports (37, 38) are opened or closed by their port pistons (39, 40),
the water piston (41), sealed with two elastomer u-cup seals (60,
61), either moves upward or downward. In this case, the assembly is
shown with the spring (52) loaded upper pistons (39) opened to
their ports, and the spring (53) loaded lower pistons (40) closed
to their ports. Therefore the water piston moves upward from water
pressure acting on the bottom of the water piston and expels water
out of the chamber (55) and into the orifice (42) leading to the
water valves (43). The water piston continues moving upward until
the upper surface of the shaft (54) contacts chamber (55) surface.
Pressure below the water piston causes the shaft to move downward
against two spring (46) loaded rollers (47) until the peak (48) of
the cammed surface (49) of the shaft is reached. Just as the shaft
continues to move downward and the rollers have passed this peak,
the shaft accelerates until the upper shaft shoulder (50) contacts
the upper port piston mount surface (51) and snaps both upper
pistons closed to their ports simultaneously as the lower pistons
are spring loaded open to their ports. Water pressure now transfers
from below the water piston to above it, causing the piston to move
downward and expel water from the chamber (78) into the water
valves. When the lower shaft shoulder (44) contacts the bottom
surface of the water piston housing (45), the process reverses,
moving the shaft upward until shaft shoulder (77) shifts the upper
ports opened and the lower ports closed again. This repetitive
reciprocating motion stops when either water valve is closed.
[0035] Attached to the reciprocating water piston shaft (56) is an
air piston (57) sealed with an elastomer u-cup seal (58) that
expels air pressure from the air pressure chamber (59) through an
elastomer umbrella check valve (62) on the down stroke, and draws
in air on the up stroke through a reverse mounted umbrella valve
(63). A third umbrella (64) mounted in the air piston acts as an
air relief valve to prevent the chemical bottle from over
pressurizing. Air pressure leaves the air cylinder cap (65) via
flexible tubing (66) that is attached to a barb on the docking seal
mounting (4). Air pressure passes the opened bottle check valve
(14), enters the bottle and acts on the surface of the chemical.
Chemical rises up the bottle tubing (17), through the opened check
valve (15) and into flexible tubing (69) that is connected to a
barb (70) mounted into the lever (35). As the knob is shifted to
the left or right, a projection (33) of the knob shifts the lever
about a pivot (73) causing the chemical to be directed into either
the low or high flow rate half of the funnel where it will be mixed
with the water stream above it. The lever serves a second purpose
by opening an o-ring (74) sealed port (75) in the air cylinder cap
and causing air pressure to evacuate the bottle when the knob
returns to off. This allows any chemical in the tubing to drain
back into the bottle, preventing it from contaminating a different
chemical from the next bottle.
[0036] Short tubing attached to the low flow rate (left) half of
the funnel directs the dilution into a spray bottle, while a long
tubing attached to the high flow rate (right) half of the funnel
directs the dilution into a mop bucket.
[0037] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. While
preferred embodiments of the present invention have been
illustrated and described, this has been by way of illustration and
the invention should not be limited except as required by the scope
of the appended claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *