MIXING DEVICE FOR WATERING SYSTEMS

Abstract: A device for distributing soluble solid additives or concentrated liquid additives through a high pressure hose or sprinkler system. The device is connected in line with the water supply and has two water paths between its inlet and outlet, one path being direct and the other path through a chamber holding the additive. The device need not be disconnected when normal watering without an additive is required.

Description: - - "MIXING DEVICE FOR WATERING SYSTEMS" BACKGROUND ART Soluble soli additives and concentrated liquid additives can be applied through devices which allow an additive solution to be distributed through a hose or sprinkler system. Mixing devices presently available are based on the use of especially made fertilizer tablets which dissolve slowly as the water flows around them or on a venturi action for additive solutions. The disadvantages of these devices are:- (i) They are only capable of holding comparatively small quantities of fertilizer (about 200 ' grams) ; (ii) They require the use of a specially manufactured tablets of fertilizer; (iii) Some devices are dependent for their operation on moving parts and these devices are prone to break down; (iv) Some devices use a plurality of valves and these lead to eventual malfunction; (v) Other devices are not self-draining or they do not have provision to prevent particulate matter blocking the outlet nozzles etc. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The device of the invention is capable of overcoming the foregoing disadvantages.' It is also capable of operating while attached to a tap or while in line on a hose. When not in use it may be left in situ attached to a tap or hose without effecting the water flow. Access to the device for recharging does not require disconnection of. the device from the tap or hose. The device may have a non-return valve to prevent back flow and contamination of the water supply. In one broad form the invention comprises a device for distributing soluble additives in a pressure watering system, said device having an inlet and outlet for connection in series with the watering system, characterised by an outer pressure chamber and an inner permeable chamber for holding the additives, two paths for water flow betwx. the inlet and outlet, one path being a direct main flow and the other path being into and through the inner cham and out of the outer chamber. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the view A-A Fig. 2, Fig. 2 is a plan view of the device, and Fig. 3 shows several views of a mixing valve. BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The mixing device consists of a pressure chamber within which there is mounted a gauze or the like permea container or chamber 7 having a smaller mesh size than outlet hole 8 and outlet holes of dripper nozzles etc. generally in use. The term permeable includes both membranes and gauzes and implies the inner chamber may be completely or partly permeable. The gauze container or inner chamber 7 holds the fertilizer and access to it for inserting additives may be gained through an opening 13 i or near the top of the chamber 12, which is sealed by a screw-on cap 6 or the like. The cap 6 may be fitted with water-tight gasket. In the smaller version of the devic the chamber 12 has its water inlet 1 which is near the t of the chamber mounted directly to the water tap by means a threaded collar. . In the larger version, the device is free standing and has its inlet 1 connected to the water supply by a short length of hose pipe or the like. In b versions the water outlet 9 may be at or near the bottom the chamber. The inlet 1 and outlet 9 are directly connected together by the main flow path 4. As shown in Figure 1 path 4 runs round the outside of the chamber 12 but it is not restricted to this configuration. The path 4 may run through the chamber 12 or be formed by a channel between inner wall of the chamber 12 and an impermeable part of wall of the inner chamber 7. The channel could be formed flanges on the outer wall of the inner chamber. In another embodiment the main flow path 4 is between the inner surface of the pressure chamber 12 and impermeable part of the inner chamber 7, which " path conne the inlet 1 to the outlets 8 and 9. The other path is__ - J through the inner chamber 7 and out through the permeable part of this chamber to mix with the water in the main flow path 4 along its length. The inside cross-sectional area of this path 4 is about the same as the connecting hose or water pipe. However, about 2 or 3 cm from its beginning or upstream end, the inside cross-sectional area of the path is reduced and this reduction continues until about 2 or 3 cm from the end, at which point the inside cross-sectional area returns to normal. On the upstream side of the point of reduction of inside cross-sectional area there is a hole 5, the cross-sectional area of which is the same as the reduction in area of the path. The hole passes from the path directly into the inner chamber 7 which holds the fertilizer. The hole can be so positioned so that incoming water causes a circular current in the spherical chamber. This helps solids to dissolve. On the downstream side of the point where the inside cross-sectional area of the path returns to normal there is another hole 8 the same cross-sectional area as the first which provides access directly into the bottom of the pressure chamber 12 (but not into the gauze container) . The position of this hole ensures complete draining of fertilizer etc from the chamber after each use and obviates the need for flushing. Adjustment means may be incorporated to control the relative amount of water travelling through the container 12 to that travelling round the path 4 and hence regulating the strength of the fertilizer solution leaving the device. While the flow rate can be adjusted by the tap to which the device is connected, a further flow rate regulator may be incorporated in the device, and this may be combined with the adjustment means. One such regulator will now be described. A valve 14 is located where the outlet hole 8 from the chamber 12 meets the path 4. It has a tapered conical shape and has a hole 21 drilled up the centre from the narrow -end, the same diameter as the path 4. The hole 21 is drilled at an angle so as to emerge from the side of the valve. Thus, water ~ _ VREA passing down the path 4 enters the side 16 of the valve a exits from the narrow end 17. The narrow end of the valve 17 has a raised colla 20 extending approximately 2/3 of the way around. When t valve 14 is in one position the collar 20 blocks the outl hole 8. When the valve 14 is turned to another position outlet hole 8 is opened. . . The opening 16 at the side of the valve and the collar 20 are so positioned with respect to one another t when the valve is turned to its extreme in one direction full flow of water through the path 4 passes through the valve, while the outlet hole 8 is completely blocked. Th position is used to retain liquid additives in the chambers. When turned to its extreme in the other direct the flow of water through the path 4 is completely blocke while the -outlet hole 8 is fully open. At intermediate positions the flow through the path 4 and the flow throug the outlet hole 8 can be varied with respect to each othe thus achieving varying mixing rates. The valve 14 is secured by a .locking plate 19 and sealed by a washer 15. A knob 18 on the outside enables valve to be turned to different positions. By sealing the outlet hole 8 (when turned to a certain position) the valve 14 enables the chamber 12 to filled with liquid fertilizer, detergent, concentrated weedicide or pesticide, etc., without the concentrated liquid escaping through the outlet hole 8 and into the hose. When the inner chamber 7 is filled and the screw-o cap 6 replaced, the water tap is turned on and the mixing valve 14 turned to the desired position. Only then does concentrated liquid begin to mix with the water passing through the path 4. In operation, the main flow of water passes throu the path 4, but because of the restricted cross-section n the top (or because of the setting of the regulator) , the is a flow of water through the hole 5 in the path into th inner chamber 7. As the pressure chamber fills a strong solution of fertilizer is created. When the pressure chamber is full, the solution begins to be steadily force out through the hole 8 in the bottom of the chamber where mixes with the water passing through the path 4. At the water inlet 1 there is a spring-loaded valve 3 which opens under the pressure of the incoming water and closes when the flow stops. This is intended to prevent the return of fertilizer solution into the tap and contamination of the water supply, e.g. in situations where the flow is stopped at the hose nozzle and the tap remains open. The chamber 12 may be fitted with a floating ball valve or the like for the emission of air. When attached directly to a tap the device may incorporate a flexible collar to prevent the device being damaged if accidentally knocked. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY Dispensing fertilisers, weedicides, pesticides, etc., through high pressure watering system.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. A device for distributing soluble additives in pressure watering system, said device having an inlet and outlet for connection in series with the watering system, characterised by an outer pressure chamber and an inner permeable chamber for holding the additives, two paths f water flow between the inlet and outlet, one path being a direct main flow path and the other path being into and through the inner chamber and out of the outer chamber. 2. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pat through the inner chamber comprises an inlet hole between the upstream end of the main flow path and the inside of inner chamber and an outlet hole between the inside of th pressure chamber and the downstream end of the main flow path. 3. A device as claimed in claim 2 wherein the cross-sectional area of the main flow path is restricted the downstream side of the inlet hole and is enlarged on downsteam side of the outlet hole. 4. A device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein regulating means permit adjustment of the flow through either or both of the paths. 5. A device as claimed in claim 4 wherein the regulating means comprises a manually operable valve. 6. A device as claimed in claim 5 wherein the val can shut off the flow through the chambers. 7. A device as claimed in claims 4, 5 or 6 wherei the regulating means is substantially as described with reference to Figure 3. 8. A device as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 substantially as herein described with reference to Figur 1 and 2. 9. A device as claimed in claim 1 wherein the mai flow path is between the inside of the pressure chamber a an impermeable part of the inner chamber and the other pa is through the inner chamber and out through the permeabl part thereof to entrain with the water flowing in the mai flow path. ( OM

Inventors: TEMPLE P
Applicants: TEMPLE P
Application year: 1981
Main classification: A01C23
IPC codes: A01C23