Device for mixing and dispensing fluids
View Patent ↗One aspect of the invention pertains to a device for mixing and dispensing fluids, which generally includes a housing; a mixing chamber having a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into the mixing chamber, a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into the mixing chamber, and an outlet through which fluid may exit the mixing chamber; and a valving rod received within the mixing chamber and movable between an open position, in which the first and second inlets are in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, a cleaning position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first inlet but does not seal closed the second inlet, and a closed position, in which the valving rod substantially seals closed the first and second inlets.
1. A device for mixing and dispensing fluids, comprising:
a. a housing;
b. a mixing chamber in said housing, said mixing chamber comprising
(1) a first inlet for introducing a first fluid into said mixing chamber,
(2) a second inlet for introducing a second fluid into said mixing chamber, and
(3) an outlet through which fluid may exit said mixing chamber;
and
c. a valving rod received within said mixing chamber and movable between
(1) an open position, in which said first and second inlets are in fluid communication with said mixing chamber such that the first and second fluids may enter said mixing chamber, form a mixture therein, and exit said mixing chamber via said outlet,
(2) a cleaning position, in which said valving rod substantially seals closed said first inlet to substantially prevent the first fluid from entering said mixing chamber, but does not seal closed and flow through said mixing chamber, whereby said second fluid acts as a cleaning agent for said mixing chamber, and
(3) a closed position, in which said valving rod substantially seals closed said first and second inlets to substantially prevent the first and second fluids from entering said mixing chamber.
2. The device of claim 1 , wherein said valving rod is shaped such that it seals closed said first inlet and does not seal closed said second inlet when said valving rod is in said cleaning position.
3. The device of claim 2 , wherein said valving rod has a distal end with an extended portion and a non-extended portion, said extended portion extending further toward said outlet than said non-extended portion.
4. The device of claim 1 , wherein said first and second inlets are relatively positioned such that said valving rod seals closed said first inlet and does not seal closed said second inlet when said valving rod is in said cleaning position.
5. The device of claim 4 , wherein said second inlet is located closer to said outlet than said first inlet.
6. The device of claim 1 , wherein
said valving rod has a distal end; and
said device further includes a mechanism to remove at least a portion of any fluids or derivatives thereof that may be in adherence with said distal end or said outlet.
7. The device of claim 6 , wherein said mechanism comprises an apparatus for directing a third fluid against said distal end.
8. The device of claim 1 , wherein said valving rod is adapted to be moved continuously between said open, cleaning, and closed positions.
9. The device of claim 1 , wherein said valving rod is adapted to be moved non-continuously between said open, cleaning, and closed positions.