Valve for dispensing two liquids at a predetermined ratio

Abstract

The present invention is a valve that provides for automatic and accurate fluid dispensing of two fluids at a predetermined ratio. The valve is designed to be easily assembled and disassembled by hand without the need for hand tools, and includes a diluent flow body and a concentrate flow body releasably securable to a common nozzle body portion. The diluent and concentrate flow bodies each define a flow channel and each include a first end for connection to sources of diluent and concentrate respectively, and an opposite end for fluid connection with the nozzle body. The diluent body flow channel includes a flow sensor connected to a micro-controller for sensing the flow rate of the diluent. The concentrate body flow channel includes a further flow sensor for sensing the flow rate of the concentrate. Stepper motors are secured to both the diluent and concentrate bodies and each operates a linear rod extending there through and through a flow regulator. The position of the end of each shaft end relative to a central bore of each flow regulator permits adjustment of the resultant flow rate of the corresponding liquid. The control therefore operates each stepper in accordance with the sensed flow rate of each corresponding flow sensor whereby the flow rate of each liquid can be adjusted as is required.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.