Fluid metering, mixing and dispensing machine

A machine for metering, mixing and dispensing a fluid product composed of a plurality of fluid components, comprising,

• a plurality of fluid sources, each storing one of said components;
• a mixing chamber into which said components are metered for mixing the components to form said product and to discharge said product;
• and
• a plurality of valve assemblies, each including
• a housing having an entry port for receiving one of said fluid components from its fluid source, a first output port for returning said fluid component to its fluid source and a second output port coupled to said mixing chamber for dispensing said fluid component into said chamber, the cross-sectional area of said entry port being substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of said first output port;
• a partition having at least one aperture therein positioned within said housing for dividing said fluid component into first and second channels, said first channel connecting said entry port directly to said first output port and said second channel connecting said entry port to said first and second output ports via the aperture in said partition, the sum of the cross-sectional areas of said first and second channels being substantially equal to the cross-sectional area of said entry port and of said first output port;
• and
• a valve interposed between the aperture in said partition, said second channel and said second output port for dividing the fluid component entering said aperture between said first and second output ports, said valve being adjustable to permit dispensing all or a portion of the fluid flowing through the aperture in said partition to said second output port and the remainder of the fluid component flowing through said aperture to said first output port without significantly changing the amount of fluid component entering said entry port from said fluid component source.

A valve assembly for controlling fluid flow, comprising:

• (a) a housing having an entry port for receiving the fluid, a first output port for discharging fluid, and a second output port for discharging fluid;
• (b) a partition within said housing for dividing the fluid received through said entry port into first and second channels which are in communication with said first output port, said second channel also being in communication with said second output port;
• (c) a first ball valve, rotatably connected within said first channel, having a hole through which fluid may flow from said entry port to said first output port, and a wall which prevents fluid from flowing to said first output port;
• and
• (d) a second ball valve, rotatably connected within said second channel and controlling the degree of opening of said second output port, having a hole through which fluid may flow to said first output port and a wall which directs fluid to said second output port, rotation of said first ball valve from a position wherein all of the fluid in said first channel flows to said first output port creating a back pressure which increases the fluid flow through said second ball valve.