Fluid mixing and dispensing system

• US 5,941,416 A
• Filed: 10/31/1997
• Issued: 08/24/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Kay Chemical Co. (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Kay Chemical Co. (Ecolab, Inc.)
• Inventors: Thomas, John, Balz, Eric, Rolando, John, Boche, deceased, Dan, Padelford, Eric
• Primary Examiner(s): Derakshani, Philippe
• Application Number:
  US08/960,523
• Time in Patent Office: 662 Days
• Field of Search: 222/1, 222/136, 222/145.1, 222/630, 222/637, 222/372, 222/383.1, 222/382, 222/145.5
• US Class Current: 222/1
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 7/74 Devices for mixing two or more different liquids to be transferred coin-freed apparatus G07F13/06

Abstract

A portable dispenser including a concentrate reservoir configured within the dispenser; a use-solution reservoir configured within the dispenser and positioned adjacent the concentrate reservoir; means connecting the concentrate reservoir and the use-solution reservoir, the connecting means providing for fluid flow between the concentrate reservoir and the use-solution reservoir; an inlet for introducing diluent into the dispenser; and means for generating a use-solution by drawing concentrate from the concentrate reservoir, whereby when a diluent is introduced into the dispenser inlet, the use-solution generating means is activated drawing concentrate from the concentrate reservoir and mixing the concentrate with the diluent to form a use-solution.

Claims

1. A portable dispenser, said dispenser comprising:

(a.) a concentrate reservoir configured within said dispenser;

(b.) a use-solution reservoir configured within said dispenser and positioned adjacent said concentrate reservoir;

(c.) means connecting said concentrate reservoir and said use-solution reservoir, said connecting means providing for fluid flow between said concentrate reservoir and said use-solution reservoir;

(d.) an inlet for introducing diluent into said dispenser; and

(e.) means for generating a use-solution by drawing concentrate from said concentrate reservoir, whereby when a diluent is introduced into said dispenser inlet, said use-solution generating means is activated drawing concentrate from said concentrate reservoir and mixing the concentrate with the diluent to form a use-solution.

2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said concentrate reservoir comprises refilling means.

3. The dispenser of claim 2, wherein said refilling means comprises identification means.

4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said use-solution reservoir comprises a spout.

5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein said use-solution reservoir spout comprises identification means.

6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said use-solution generating means comprises an aspirator which is configured outside of said concentrate reservoir and said use-solution reservoir.

7. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein said aspirator comprises an air-gap.

8. The dispenser of claim 7, wherein said connecting means comprises a tube.

9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said dispenser further comprises a handle, said concentrate reservoir comprises the upper portion of said dispenser, and said use-solution reservoir comprises the lower portion of said dispenser.

10. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said connecting means comprises one or more hollow tubes capable of providing fluid flow between said concentrate reservoir and said use-solution reservoir, said generating means comprising an aspirator in fluid connection with said connecting means.

11. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein said concentrate reservoir comprises a material which is translucent or transparent.

12. The dispenser of claim 10, wherein said use-solution reservoir comprises a material which is translucent or transparent.

13. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said concentrate reservoir is replenishable.

14. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein said aspirator is enclosed within said dispenser.

15. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said connecting means is molded into said dispenser.

16. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said use-solution reservoir comprises a bottom which is angled to facilitate dispensing of said use-solution.

17. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein said aspirator comprises a metering tip.

18. The dispenser of claim 6, wherein said connecting means comprises a first hose connecting said concentrate reservoir and said aspirator and a second hose connecting said aspirator and said use-solution reservoir.

19. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein said use-solution reservoir has a vent.

20. The dispenser of claim 19, wherein said first hose comprises a foot valve.

21. A method of dispensing a fluid use-solution using a portable dispenser, said dispenser comprising:

a concentrate reservoir configured within said dispenser;

a use-solution reservoir configured within said dispenser and positioned adjacent said concentrate reservoir;

means connecting said concentrate reservoir and said use-solution reservoir, said connecting means providing for fluid flow between said concentrate reservoir and said use-solution reservoir;

an inlet for introducing diluent into said dispenser; and

means for generating a use-solution by drawing concentrate from said concentrate reservoir, whereby when a diluent is introduced into said dispenser inlet, said use-solution generating means is activated drawing concentrate from said concentrate reservoir and mixing the concentrate with the diluent to form a use-solution, said method comprising the steps of;

(a.) injecting diluent into said dispenser to create a use-solution; and

(b.) dispensing the use-solution.