Method and apparatus for mixing fluids

Claim 2

Apparatus for mixing fluids comprising a. first valve means for injecting a first fluid into a mixing chamber adapted for directing said fluid in a downwardly directed stream, b. second valve means for injecting a second fluid into said stream, c. a reservoir for said second fluid, d. a metering chamber in fluid communication witH said reservoir, e. check valve means permitting fluid flow from said reservoir into said metering chamber and preventing fluid flow from said metering chamber to said reservoir, f. by-pass means for conducting said first fluid from said mixing chamber to said metering chamber, g. diaphragm means within said metering chamber for separating said first fluid and second fluid, and h. means for conducting said second fluid from said metering chamber to said second valve means.

Claim 3

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said reservoir and metering chamber are constructed to permit gravity flow of said second fluid from said reservoir to said metering chamber.

Claim 4

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said diaphragm means is a collapsible membrane secured to the periphery of said metering chamber and adapted to be expanded by said first fluid entering said metering chamber via said by-pass means.

Claim 5

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 including means for simultaneously opening said first and second valve means.

Claim 6

Apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said mixing chamber is an annular chamber surrounding the outlet for said second fluid and includes a plurality of apertures surrounding the nozzle of said outlet, whereby first fluid escaping from said mixing chamber forms a downwardly directed stream which flows over the end of said nozzle.

Claim 7

Apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said apertures are arranged to generate a swirling flow of liquid passing therethrough.

Claim 8

Apparatus for selectively mixing fluids comprising a. first valve means for injecting a first fluid into a chamber adapted for directing said fluid in a downwardly directed stream b. second valve means for injecting another fluid into said stream c. a plurality of reservoirs for other fluids, d. a plurality of metering chambers, one metering chamber being in fluid communication with one of said reservoirs, e. means permitting fluid flow from each reservoir into the metering chamber in fluid communication therewith and preventing fluid flow from said metering chambers to said reserviors, f. by-pass means and switch valve means operative to selectively conduct said first fluid from said chamber to any of said metering chambers, g. diaphragm means for separating said first fluid and other fluid in said metering chamber, and h. means for conducting fluid from said metering chambers to said second valve means.

Claim 9

Apparatus for selectively mixing fluids comprising a. first valve means for injecting a first fluid into a chamber adapted for directing said fluid in a downwardly directed stream b. second valve means for injecting another fluid into said stream c. a plurality of reservoirs for other fluids, d. a plurality of metering chambers, one metering chamber being in fluid communication with one of said reservoirs, e. means permitting fluid flow from each reservoir into the metering chamber in fluid communication therewith and preventing fluid flow from said metering chambers to said reserviors, f. by-pass means and switch valve means operative to selectively conduct said first fluid from said chamber to any of said metering chambers, g. diaphragm means for separating said first fluid and other fluid in said metering chamber, and h. means for conducting fluid from said metering chambers to said second valve means.

Claim 10

Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said means for conducting fluid from said metering chambers includes a conduit from each of said metering chambers to a second switch valve means operative to selectively switch any one of said conduits into fluid communication with said second valve means.

Claim 11

Apparatus as defined in claim 8 including means for simultaneously activating said switch valve means and said second switch valve means.

Claim 12

Apparatus as defined in claim 7 wherein said means for conducting fluid from said metering chambers to said second valve means comprises a conduit from each metering chamber to said second valve means, each conduit terminating at a check valve which permits fluid to flow from said metering chamber to said check valve only when the pressure in said metering chamber is greater than atmospheric.