Chemical dispensing apparatus

• US 4,040,515 A
• Filed: 04/11/1973
• Issued: 08/09/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 01/22/1971
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Stewart Hall Chemical Company
• Original Assignee: Stewart Hall Chemical Company
• Inventors: Hessel, Harold H., Kiele, Francis S.
• Primary Examiner(s): Lowrance, George E.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Farrow, Douglas B.
• Application Number:
  US05/350,192
• Time in Patent Office: 1,581 Days
• Field of Search: 4/226, 4/228-231, 23/267 A, 206/.5, 206/42, 206/84, 206/205, 206/484, 210/242, 210/484, 239/56, 426/77
• US Class Current: 206/.5
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 21/22 using additional holders in conduits, containers or pools for keeping the solid material in place, e.g. supports or receptacles
• CPC Class Codes: B01J 4/02 for feeding measured , i.e. prescribed quantities of reagents
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/505 flexible containers not provided for above
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/688 Devices in which the water progressively dissolves a solid compound

Abstract

A simplified chemical dispenser apparatus capable of dispensing a predetermined amount of a treatment chemical into a fluid includes a porous matrix exhibiting capillary action when the fluid contacts a surface of the matrix, a fluid treatment chemical composition located on a surface of the matrix, and housing means for covering said chemical composition and at least said chemical bearing matrix surface to shield against dripping or splashing from the top or sides. The housing may be applied as an envelope in which case the chemical supported upon the matrix is sealed therein.

Claims

1. A chemical dispenser apparatus comprising a porous plastic capillary matrix exhibiting capillary action towards a fluid when a surface area of said matrix is contacted by said fluid, a dissolvable chemical composition resting on an upper surface of said matrix, and housing means comprising a fluid impermeable flexible plastic envelope above said matrix and said chemical composition, a peripheral edge portion of said envelope secured to the outer edges of said capillary matrix, and said chemical composition being held between said housing and the upper surface of said capillary matrix.

2. A chemical dispenser as recited in claim 1 wherein the capillary matrix comprises a material which will not decompose when in contact with said fluid.

3. A chemical dispenser as recited in claim 2 wherein the capillary matrix comprises a reticulated plastic foam material.

4. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 3 further including a second capillary matrix resting on said chemical composition and a second chemical composition resting on said second capillary matrix and beneath a portion of said housing means.

5. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 3 further including a flotation collar integrally formed with said housing means.

6. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 4 wherein said capillary matrix comprises a porous polyurethane foam composition.

12. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 1 wherein said housing is formed of a plastic sheet material joined together along the peripheral edges of said matrix.

13. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 12 wherein an area of said housing beneath said matrix has a plurality of apertures, each of said apertures permitting direct fluid contact between a corresponding portion of said matrix and an external fluid medium.

14. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 13 further including means for positioning said capillary matrix on the evaporator fin structure of an air conditioner.

15. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 14 wherein said means for positioning said capillary matrix on the evaporator fin structure of an air conditioner comprises a sheath having an open central portion formed between overlapping sides and fastened to one edge of said housing, and a hanger device held between the inner walls of said sheath.

7. A chemical dispenser apparatus comprising at least one porous capillary matrix exhibiting capillary action when a surface area of said matrix is brought into contact with a fluid, a plurality of solid form fluid treatment chemicals containing an algaecide composition resting on an upper surface of said matrix, said chemicals being dissolvable in said fluid and an envelope comprised of a fluid impermeable plastic material and said capillary matrix, said envelope containing said solid form fluid treatment chemicals.

8. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 7 further including means for positioning said capillary matrix on the evaporator fin structure of a room air conditioner, said means being fastened to one side of said envelope.

9. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 8 wherein said means for positioning said capillary matrix on the evaporator fin structure of a room air conditioner comprises a sheath having an open central portion formed between the overlapping sides of said sheath and fastened to one edge of said envelope, and a hanger device held between the inner walls of said sheath.

10. A chemical dispenser apparatus as recited in claim 9 wherein said hanger is a flexible wire construction and said capillary matrix is secured directly to said envelope with an adhesive composition.

11. A chemical dispenser apparatus comprising a flexible capillary matrix exhibiting capillary action when a first surface area of said matrix is contacted by a fluid, a dissolvable chemical composition positioned on an upper surface of said matrix, and a flexible fluid impermeable housing covering said chemical composition and said upper matrix surface, and said chemical composition being held in a pocket formed between said upper matrix surface and the lower surface of said housing.