Abstract:
An inline dispersal valve that can be used with or without a base. One embodiment includes a rotatable member that is rotatable from a fluid stream obstructing condition to an out-of-the-way condition to prevent fluid diversion into the dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a lever handle for quickly setting the amount of fluid being diverted into the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes an indicator that can be viewed from a position above the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a cap that can be secured or removed without the aid of tools. Another embodiment includes a clip that allows one to disassemble the inline dispersal valve for servicing. Another embodiment includes a dispensing valve that can be reversed and still properly divert fluid into a dispersant chamber. Another embodiment includes an inline dispersal valve with a bleed valve positioned to allow one to bring the air volume in the dispersant chamber to the proper level.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The inventions described herein relate generally to dispersal valves and, more specifically, to inline dispersal valves with one or more features that can enhance the inline dispersal valve. 
       CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0002]    None 
       STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    None 
       REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX 
       [0004]    None 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    The present invention relates to dispersal valves for controllably dispensing materials into a fluid. One such application is in dispensing materials into a body of water to bring the water to the proper condition. For example, one might want to dispense material into the body of water so that the water is fit for consumption or one might want to dispense material into a body of water such as found in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas, jetted bath tubs and the like so that the water is fit for recreational use. In still other applications one might want to add dispersants to control the content of the industrial fluids. Generally the inline dispersal valve includes a selector or control valve so that the amount of the fluid flowing through a dispersant chamber in the dispersal valve can be changed in accordance with the needs of the system. 
         [0006]    Inline dispersal valves, which are known in the art, generally direct a main stream through the valve and then remove a portion of a stream which is directed through a dispersant chamber in the dispersal valve and then returned with the dispersant therein to the main stream so that the dispersant can be carried into a body of fluid with the main stream. As the inline dispersal valves require periodic replenishment of the dispersant and the dispersal valve covers are tightly sealed to prevent leakage such valves generally require special tools to remove the dispersal valve cover so one can insert fresh dispersant into a dispensing chamber in the dispersal valve. One embodiment of the invention eliminates the need for special tools to open or close the valve. 
         [0007]    In general, inline dispersal valves have a limited operating range since the ability to control the diverted fluid i.e. the amount of fluid flowing through the dispersant chamber changes as the volume of the main fluid flowing through the dispersal valve changes. As a result one might have to use two or more dispersal valves to obtain a proper dispersal rate in a larger system. One embodiment of the invention allows one to properly dispense materials over a wide range of flow conditions thus minimizing the need for multiple inline dispersal valves. 
         [0008]    A further difficulty with prior art dispersal valves is that it is difficult to prevent fluid from flowing through the dispersant chamber without completely shutting off the main flow of fluid through the dispersal valve. Consequently, dispersant continues to be dispensed even though the control member on the dispersal valve has been shut off. One embodiment of the invention allows one to substantially shut off the flow rate through the dispersant chamber even though fluid continues to flow through the main line of the valve. 
         [0009]    Inline dispersal valves generally have some type of rotatable control member that a user rotates to direct the proper amount of fluid through the dispersal chamber in the valve. In general the rotatable members have an inherent frictional resistance to rotation so that the control member remains at the selected setting under flow conditions. This inherent frictional resistance can make it difficult for a user to adjust the setting of the dispersal valve. One embodiment of the invention allows one to quickly and easily set the rotatable control member to the proper setting though a lever handle that can also function as indicator of the flow condition through the dispersal valve. 
         [0010]    One of the difficulties with inline dispersal valve is the initial adjustment of the volume of air within the dispensing chamber so that the correct amount of dispersant is in contact with the dispersant in the chamber. One embodiment of the invention allows one to quickly set the air volume in the dispersant chamber through a bleed valve, which is positioned so that the proper amount of air is in the dispersant chamber during operation of the dispersal valve. 
         [0011]    An advantage of the present invention is that the dispersal valve can be used with or without a base. Thus if a system requires a base mount the dispersal valve can be mounted to the system with a base. However, if the dispersal valve is to be part of a system where a base is not required the base can be left off the valve without having an effect on the function of the dispersal valve. 
         [0012]    In general dispersal valves tend to be one directional in that to dispense a material the dispersal valve includes a main inlet and a main outlet with the fluid entering the inlet and being discharged through the main outlet. Consequently, if the dispersal valve is installed backwards the flow through the dispensing chamber in the dispensing valve is improper. In one embodiment the invention provides a bi-direction flow dispersal valve that allows one to properly dispense a dispersant regardless of the direction of main flow through the dispersal valve. This feature allows one to use one dispersal valve for different types of installations. That is, a system having pipes located against a wall would require that the dispersal valve control valve face outward so a user has access to the control valve. However, if the flow direction in the pipes is such that the control member would face the wall when the flow direction through the dispersal valve is matched with the flow direction in the pipe system one would need to change the pipe system or use a different valve. In the present invention the dispersal valve can be rotated 180 degrees to accommodate the flow direction of the pipe system thus allowing the control member not to face the wall thereby providing a control member that is accessible to the user. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART 
       [0013]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,249,562 shows an apparatus for dispersing material into a fluid stream with the apparatus having a housing with a bottom section that attaches to a pipeline and a top section having a recess for a porous container to support a solid fluid soluble material. 
         [0014]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,270,565 shows an apparatus for controllably dispersing materials into a fluid stream with the apparatus having a housing with a bottom section that attaches to a pipeline and a top section having a recess for a porous container to support a solid fluid soluble material. 
         [0015]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,174 shows an apparatus for controllably dispersing material into a fluid stream with the apparatus having a housing with a bottom section having a cylindrical sleeve with a porous container therein to support a solid fluid soluble material. 
         [0016]    U.S. Pat. No. 4,662,387 shows an inline dispersal valve for metering the amount of material that is dispersed into a fluid stream, the inline dispersal valve comprising a chamber for a removable canister for holding materials to be dispersed into a fluid stream, a cover for enclosing the chamber, and a rotatable member having openings for controlling, restricting, and directing fluids away from a fluid stream and through the chamber. 
         [0017]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,076,315 shows a dispersal valve and canister with the dispersal valve resiliently supporting a loaded canister in the dispersal valve. 
         [0018]    U.S. Pat. No. 5,218,983 shows a dispersal valve and canister with the dispersal valve resiliently supporting a loaded canister in the dispersal valve. 
         [0019]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,190,547 shows improved water treatment minerals and a canister having a divider platform for use in a dispersal valve to enable a fluid mixing stream to be bifurcated and simultaneously but separately treat the water flowing therethrough with the water treatment composition containing bacteria killing chemicals and bacteria killing minerals. 
         [0020]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,358,425 shows a pool apparatus that simultaneously removes debris from the water and purifies water in a portion of the water passing through the pool apparatus with the pool apparatus having an intake head for drawing water and debris from a first region of the pool and directing the water and debris to a housing having a restrictor therein for directing a portion of the water through a water purification material and the remaining portion with the debris therein along an unimpeded path in the housing to a collector where the debris is collected and the water is returned to the pool. 
         [0021]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,544,415 shows containers for used in dispersal with the containers enabling a fluid-mixing stream to separately and controllably disperse two different water treatment materials into a water treatment system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    The embodiments of the inventions include an inline dispersal valve that can be used with or without a base. One embodiment includes a rotatable member that is rotatable from a fluid stream obstructing condition to an out-of-the way condition to prevent fluid from being diverted into the dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a lever handle for quickly setting the amount of fluid being diverted into the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes an indicator that can be viewed from a position above the inline dispersal valve. Another embodiment includes a cap that can be secured or removed without the aid of tools. Another embodiment includes a clip that allows one to disassemble the inline dispersal valve for servicing. Another embodiment includes a dispensing valve that can be reversed and still properly divert fluid into a dispersant chamber. Another embodiment includes an inline dispersal valve with a bleed valve positioned to allow one to bring the air volume in the dispersant chamber to the proper level. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0023]      FIG. 1  shows a front view of an inline dispersal valve; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 1  having a dispersant supported therein; 
           [0025]      FIG. 3  shows a perspective view of a rotatable member; 
           [0026]      FIG. 4  shows a side view of the rotatable member of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 5  shows an alternative side view of the rotatable member of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of a lever arm handle; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  shows a front view the inline dispersal valve in an open condition; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8  shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 7 ; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9  shows a partial cross-sectional view of inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 7  in use in the open condition; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  shows a front view of the inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 7  in a closed condition; 
           [0033]      FIG. 11  shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 10  in the closed condition; 
           [0034]      FIG. 12  shows a partial cross-sectional view of the inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 10  in use in the closed condition; 
           [0035]      FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of a dispersal valve housing cover; 
           [0036]      FIG. 14  shows a bottom view of the dispersal valve housing cover of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0037]      FIG. 15  shows a perspective view of the cap of the dispersal valve housing cover of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0038]      FIG. 15A  shows a cross-sectional view of the dispersal valve housing cover of  FIG. 13 ; 
           [0039]      FIG. 16  shows a front view of an alternative embodiment of an inline dispersal valve; 
           [0040]      FIG. 17  shows a back view of the inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0041]      FIG. 18  shows a top view of a base of the inline dispersal valve of  FIGS. 16 and 17 ; 
           [0042]      FIG. 19  shows a clip member for lockingly securing a rotatable member to an inline dispenser housing; 
           [0043]      FIG. 20  shows a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inline dispersal valve supporting a dispersant holding canister therein; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 21  is a partial cross-sectional view showing the inline dispersal valve of  FIG. 20  supporting a removable canister containing a dispersant therein. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0045]      FIGS. 1 and 2  show an inline dispersal valve  10  having a housing  11 . Housing  11  includes a chamber  14  located within housing  11 , the chamber  14  functioning for supporting a dispersant  15  therein. It is noted that the dispersant  15  can comprise a plurality of dispensable materials including but not limited to fluid conditioning materials and fluid purification materials. It is noted that the inline dispersal valve  10  also includes a cover  13  for enclosing the chamber  14  of the housing  11 . 
         [0046]    The inline dispersal valve housing  11  further includes a fluid conduit  16  to allow for the flow of a fluid stream therethrough, a portion of the fluid stream of which is directed through the chamber  14  via a fluid port  39  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) when the fluid port  39  is in an open condition. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the inline dispersal valve housing  11  is shown as including a receptacle and more specifically a cylindrical shape housing  17  for receiving a rotatable member  18  therein, the rotatable member  18  functioning to rotatably open and close fluid port  39 . A feature of inline dispersal valve  10 , as shown in  FIG. 2 , is that the fluid conduit  16  and the cylindrical receptacle  17  are position within the housing  11  of the inline dispersal valve  10  so as to at least partially intersect each other. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 ,  FIG. 3  shows a perspective view,  FIG. 4  shows a side view and  FIG. 5  shows an alternative side view of a rotatable member  18  of  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
         [0048]    As shown in  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , rotatable member  18  comprises a body having a cylindrical surface  19  mateable with a receptacle of a housing of an inline dispersal valve similar to the cylindrical receptacle  17  of housing  11 , and more specifically with a surface (not shown) of the receptacle of the inline dispersal valve housing for forming rotational engagement with a chamber of the inline dispersal valve housing. Rotatable member  18 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 and 5 , includes a fluid deflecting surface  20 . It is noted that similar to the rotatable member  18  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a feature of the rotatable member  18  is that the rotatable member  18  has an axis of rotation extending transverse to a flow direction through a conduit of the inline dispersal valve housing. The aforementioned enables at least a portion of the fluid deflecting surface  20  of rotatable member  18  to be rotatingly displaceable into a lumen in fluid conduit  16  so as to extend at least partially transverse to the flow direction of the fluid stream moving through fluid conduit  16  thereby enabling fluid deflecting surface  20  to obstruct the lumen and divert at least a portion of a fluid flowing in the fluid conduit  16  to flow through chamber  14  before returning back to fluid conduit  16 . The fluid diverted through the chamber  14  facilitates the dispensing of the dispersant  15  supported in chamber  14 . 
         [0049]    It is noted that a feature of the rotatable member  18  is that the fluid deflecting surface  20  of rotatable member  18  is displaceable out of the lumen in the fluid conduit  16  to thereby form a portion of the fluid conduit  16  to direct fluid through the fluid conduit  16  without diverting fluid into the chamber of the inline dispenser housing, thereby inducing or creating a no flow condition through the chamber. 
         [0050]    Note that a feature of the fluid deflecting surface  20  of rotatable member  18  is that fluid deflecting surface  20  also comprises a shape that forms a portion of the fluid conduit of the inline dispersal valve when the fluid deflecting surface  20  is displaced out of the lumen in the conduit. For example, as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 and 5 , the fluid deflecting surface  20  of rotatable member  18  can comprise a shape having a radius of curvature substantially the same as a radius of curvature of the fluid conduit of the inline dispersal valve housing such as the inline dispersal valve  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  to thereby establish an uninhibited flow condition therethrough when the fluid deflecting surface  20  is displaced out of the lumen to prevent the diversion of fluids from the fluid stream into the chamber of the housing to thereby create or create a no flow condition through the chamber. 
         [0051]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 , rotatable member  18  includes a guard or ridges  21  surrounding the fluid deflecting surface  20 , guard  21  functioning to restrict and confine the movement of the fluids directed into the chamber from the fluid stream to the fluid port of the chamber when fluid deflecting surface  20  is extended transverse to the flow direction of conduit as well as to provide a bearing surface against receptacle housing  17 . 
         [0052]    The rotatable member  18  as shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5  also includes at least one channel located on the cylindrical surface  19  of the rotatable member  18  for providing proportional and uniform displacement of the fluids and dispersant exiting the chamber into the fluid conduit when fluid deflecting surface  20  is displaced within the lumen transverse to the flow direction of the fluids flowing through the conduit. Providing for proportional and uniform displacement, of the fluids and dispersant exiting the chamber of the line dispersal valve housing enables the dispersant that is carried out of the chamber by the fluids exiting the chamber to be controllably and broadly distributed into the fluid stream. In  FIGS. 4 and 5 , rotatable member  18  is shown as having multiple channels comprising a first V-shaped channel  22  and a second elongated channel  23  located on the cylindrical surface  19  of rotatable member  18 , channels  22  and  23  providing proportional and uniform displacement of fluids and dispersant exiting the chamber of the inline dispersal valve housing into the fluid stream when fluid deflecting surface  20  is displaced within the lumen of the fluid conduit transverse to the flow direction of the fluids flowing through the fluid conduit. 
         [0053]    The rotatable member  18  also includes a barrier  24  located on the cylindrical surface  19  of the rotatable plug, barrier  24  functioning to block fluids and/or dispersant from exiting the chamber of the inline dispersal valve into the fluid conduit via an outlet of chamber (not shown) when the fluid deflecting surface  20  of the rotatable member  18  is displaced out of the lumen of the fluid conduit. Rotatable member  18  further includes a set of circumferential slots  25  and  26  located proximal the ends of the rotatable member  18 , the circumferential slots  25  and  26  for receiving a set of circumferential seals therein to provide for a leakage-proof seal when rotatable member  18  is received within cylindrical receptacle of the inline dispersal valve housing. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 6  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a lever arm handle  27  extending radially outward from a portion of a circumferential housing  29  that engages rotatable member  18  to facilitate ease in rotating the circumferential housing  29  and rotatable member  18 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , a feature of the lever arm handle  27  is that lever arm handle  27  extends in a tangential direction on one side of the lever arm handle  27  so a force for moving circumferential housing  29  in a direction to close a fluid port of a chamber of an inline dispenser valve housing and also to move a fluid deflecting surface  20  of the rotatable member  18  out of a flow diverting condition requires a circumferential force on the lever arm handle  27 . Conversely, a force for moving the circumferential housing  29  in an opposite direction to open the fluid port of the chamber of the inline dispenser valve housing and also to move the fluid deflecting surface  20  of the rotatable member  18  into a flow diverting condition requires both a radial force and a circumferential force on the lever arm handle  27 . 
         [0055]    In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , lever arm handle  27  is shown as also having a finger grasping region  28  with finger grasping region  28  comprising a shape that conforms to the natural curvature of the user&#39;s hand to help enhance the user&#39;s grip of lever arm handle  27 . 
         [0056]    In further regards to  FIG. 6 , note that  FIG. 6  also shows circumferential housing  29  as having a fluid port indicator  30  for enabling a user to meter the dispensing of the inline dispenser valve by viewing and selecting a fluid port setting from a position above the inline dispersal valve housing through the rotation of the circumferential housing  29  via the lever arm handle  27 . 
         [0057]    In regards to the fluid port indicator  30 , in the embodiment of  FIG. 6  the fluid port indicator  30  is shown as comprising a semi-circular number plate  31 , which is affixed to valve  10  and positioned within an interior surface of circumferential housing  29 . Number plate  31 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , contains a set of dial numbers  32  thereon with each number in the set of dial numbers  32  on the number plate  31  corresponding to a specific size of the opening of the fluid port of the chamber of the inline dispersal valve housing as well as a specific position of deflecting surface  20 . The numbers in the set of dial numbers  32  are each separately viewable through a window  33  in circumferential housing  29 . By rotating the circumferential housing  29  in a clock-wise or counter clock-wise direction it allows the user to adjust the flow of fluids through the chamber of the inline dispersal valve to a desired level by controlling the size of the fluid port as well as the position of the deflecting surface  20 . In further regards to the set of dial numbers  32 , it is noted that the set of dial numbers  32  can be placed on number plate  31  through a variety of methods including but not limited to being stamped on, molded on and imprinted on number plate  31  so as to be readily visible to a viewer who may be at an arm&#39;s length from the lever handle  27 . 
         [0058]    In further regards to the fluid port indicator  30  of  FIG. 6 , it is noted that the window  33  of the fluid port indicator  30  further includes a marker  34  located thereon to further increase the precision of the settings. 
         [0059]    Referring to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 , and  9 ,  FIG. 7  shows a front view and  FIG. 8  shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in an open condition.  FIG. 9  shows a partial cross-sectional view of inline dispersal valve  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in use in the open condition. 
         [0060]    As shown in  FIG. 9 , when inline dispersal valve  10  is in use in the open condition, rotatable member  18  is positioned within cylindrical receptacle  17  in a condition in which at least a portion of a fluid deflecting surface  32  of the rotatable member  18  is displaced in a lumen  36  of the fluid conduit  16  of the inline dispersal valve  10  and extending transverse to the direction of the fluid flow of conduit  16 . 
         [0061]    The aforementioned results in the at least partial obstruction of a fluid stream  37  flowing through conduit  16 . The at least partial obstruction of the fluid stream  37  by the fluid deflecting surface  20  result in the diversion of at least a portion of the fluids  38  from the fluid stream  37  into chamber  14  via fluid port  39 . As the fluids  38  enters chamber  14  the fluids  38  comes into contact with the dispersants  15  supported within chamber  14  during which a portion of the dispersants  15  are dispensed into the fluids  38 . 
         [0062]    It is noted that as inline dispersal valve  10  is maintained in the open condition during use, the fluid deflecting surface  20  continues to direct fluids  38  into chamber  14 . The continuous flow of fluids  38  into chamber  14  eventually forces the fluid  38  lingering in chamber  14  along with the dispersants  15  out of the chamber  14  via a chamber outlet (not shown) and back into fluid conduit  16 . As the fluid  38  and the dispersants  15  exit the chamber outlet (not shown), fluid  38  and the dispersants  15  are then proportionally and uniformly displaced into fluid conduit  16  by at least one channel  40  located on the surface of rotatable member  18 , channel  40  similar to the channels  21  and  22  of the rotatable member  18  of  FIGS. 3 ,  4 , and  5 . 
         [0063]    In further regards to  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10 , note that  FIGS. 7 ,  8 ,  9 , and  10  also show lever handle  27  comprising a pointer to indicate a rotational position of the fluid deflecting surface  20 . More specifically,  FIG. 7  shows that when the fluid deflecting surface  20  is at least partially located in the lumen  36  of the fluid conduit  16 , the lever handle  27  is shown positioned midway between conduit  16  or pointing at a perpendicular angle to the direction of the fluid conduit  16 .  FIG. 10  shows that when the fluid deflecting surface  20  is displaced from the lumen  36  of the fluid conduit  16 , the lever handle  27  is shown positioned towards an end of conduit  16  or pointing at a slanted angle to the direction of the fluid conduit  16 . 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 ,  FIG. 10  shows a front view and  FIG. 11  shows an end view of the inline dispersal valve  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in a closed condition.  FIG. 12  shows a partial cross-sectional view of inline dispersal valve  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in use in the closed condition. 
         [0065]    Referring to the fluid deflecting surface  20  of rotatable member  18 , it is noted that in the closed condition the fluid deflecting surface  20  has a radius of curvature substantially the same as a radius of curvature of the conduit  16  when the inline dispersal valve  10  of the present invention is in use in the closed condition. Due to the aforementioned, when the inline dispersal valve  10  is in use in the closed condition, the rotatable member  18  is positioned within the cylindrical receptacle  17  in a condition in which the fluid deflecting surface  20  of the rotatable member  18  is displaced out of the lumen  36  of the fluid conduit  16  with fluid deflecting surface  20  forming a portion of the fluid conduit  16  to direct fluid stream  37  through fluid conduit  16  without diverting a portion of the fluid stream  37  into the chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11 . The aforementioned serves the dual purpose of blocking off the fluid port  39  with the cylindrical surface  18  of rotatable member  18  while also clearing fluid conduit  16  of obstruction by the fluid deflecting surface  20  to prevent potential diversion of fluids from fluid stream  37  into chamber  14  to thereby create a no flow condition through the chamber  14 . Since fluids cannot enter or exit the chamber  14  when inline dispersal valve  10  is in the closed condition, the aforementioned thus prevents the dispensing of dispersants  15  supported within chamber  14  into fluid conduit  16 . 
         [0066]    In further regards to  FIGS. 9 and 12 , it is noted that although  FIGS. 9 and 12  show fluid port  30  as comprising one size, alternative embodiments of the dispersal valve housing can include a fluid port comprising of variable sizes. 
         [0067]    Referring to  FIGS. 13 ,  14 , and  15 A,  FIG. 13  shows a top perspective view,  FIG. 14  shows a bottom perspective view, and  FIG. 15A  shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispersal valve housing cover  40 . The cover, as shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14  comprises three components, namely a cap  41 , a cover housing  42 , and a cap-retention ring  43 . 
         [0068]      FIG. 15  further shows a perspective view of the cap  41  of dispersal valve housing cover  40 . The cap  41  as shown in  FIG. 15  includes a seat region  44  extending from the cap  41  engaging the top of dispenser housing  11 . The cover housing  42 , as shown in  FIG. 14 , includes an interior surface  45  having female threads  46  located thereon for engagement with male threads on dispenser housing  11  (not shown) located proximal an open end of an inline dispersal valve housing. A sealing ring  49  is located in the seat region  44  to form a seal between the cover housing  42  and the dispenser housing  11 . 
         [0069]    When the cover housing  42  is supported on the seat region  44  of the cap  41 , the cover housing  42  is axially restrained to the cap  41  but freely rotatable with respect to the cap  41 . In the embodiment of the dispersal valve housing cover  40  of  FIG. 13 , the cover housing  42  is shown as including cap retention ring  43  removably securable to the exterior surface of the cap  41  through the engagement of a set of flexible flanges  47  located thereon with a set of receiving sites  48  located on the exterior surface of the cap  41  (more clearly shown in  FIG. 15 ) for axially restraining the cover housing  42  to the cap  41  while still allowing for the free rotation of the cover housing  42  with respect to the cap  41 . 
         [0070]    In use, when the dispersal valve housing cover  40  is placed on an open end of the dispersal valve housing with the female threads  46  of the cover housing  42  engaging the male threads (not shown) of the dispersal valve housing, rotation of the cover housing  42  in a first direction results in the movement of a portion of the cap  41  into a locking fluid tight engagement with the open end of an inline dispersal valve housing to provide for fluid tight enclosure of the chamber of the dispersal valve housing. The rotation of the cover housing  42  in an opposite direction, conversely, results in the rotationally unlocking of the dispersal valve housing cover  40  from the dispersal valve housing and eventual removal of the cap  41  from the dispenser valve housing to provide the user access to the chamber of the dispersal valve housing. 
         [0071]    Referring to  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15A , in order to enhance the fluid tight seal between the dispersal valve housing cover  40  and the open end of the dispersal valve housing, the portion of the cap  41  that is moved into fluid tight engagement with the open end of the inline dispersal valve housing is further provides with a compressible resilient sealing ring supported on the underside of seat region  44 . 
         [0072]    Referring back to  FIGS. 13 ,  14 , and  15 A, note that the cover housing  42  of dispersal valve housing cover  40  also includes a set of four radial protruding handles  50  circumferentially spaced on cover housing  42  and extending therefrom to enable the user to bring the cap  41  into and out of engagement with the open end of the dispersal valve housing through rotation of the cover housing  42 . Each of the radial protruding handles  50  are located on a diameter extending through an axis of rotation of the cover housing  42 . By having handles positioned opposite each other one can provide a balanced rotational force to cover housing  42 . It is noted that in the present embodiment, the removal force region, that is the region on the radial protruding handles  50  for receiving a force to remove the cap  41  from the dispersal valve housing is also located radially outward from the cover housing  42  to provide leverage to the user. 
         [0073]    Although each of the radial protruding handles  50  of the dispersal valve housing cover  40  can be separately secured to the cover housing  42 , in the embodiment of  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the radial protruding handles  50  are each shown integrally formed to the cover housing  42 . It is further noted that in the embodiment of  FIGS. 13 and 14 , the radial protruding handles  50  of the dispersal valve housing cover  40  are shown as each having a hollow interior  51 . The radial protruding handles  50  of the dispersal valve housing cover  40  are also shown as each comprising an ergonomic handle having a shape that conforms to the natural curvature of the user&#39;s hand in order to improve user conform while further enhancing the user&#39;s ability to grip the handles  50 . 
         [0074]    In further regards to the radial protruding handles  50  of dispersal valve housing cover  40 , it is noted that although the number of handles can vary in alternative embodiments of the housing, the present embodiment shows the cover housing  42  as having four radial protruding handles  50  extending therefrom along a major diameter of housing  42  to enable a user to rotate the cap  41  into and out of engagement with a dispenser housing by rotation of the cover housing  42 . 
         [0075]    Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 17 ,  FIG. 16  shows a front view and  FIG. 17  shows a back view of an alternative embodiment of inline dispersal valve. As shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , inline dispersal valve  52  is similar to the inline dispersal valve  10  of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . However, unlike inline dispersal valve  10 , inline dispersal valve includes a molded one-piece cover  53  for enclosing the interior of a housing  54  of the inline dispersal valve  52 . 
         [0076]    Inline dispersal valve  55  also includes a drain valve  56  (shown in  FIG. 16 ) and a bleed valve  57  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) for resolving dispersal issues. For example, during use of prior art inline dispersal valve, an air pocket may be present in the housing  54 . If the air pocket in the chamber in housing  54  is too large it hinders the dispensing of the dispersant supported within the chamber by preventing the fluids directed into the chamber from coming into contact with the dispersant located in the air pocket. Bleed valve  57  functions to alleviate the aforementioned problem by purging the trapped air pocket out from the chamber of the inline dispersal valve housing  52  to allow fluids directed in the chamber of inline dispersal valve housing  52  to come into contact with a majority of the dispersant supported therein. The elevation of bleed valve  57  is such that the air in the housing can be bled until the fluid level reaches the bleed valve  57 . At this point the bleed valve  57  is closed leaving an air pocket above the level of the bleed valve  57 . 
         [0077]    Referring to  FIG. 18 ,  FIG. 18  shows a top view of a base  58  of the inline dispersal valve  52  of  FIGS. 16 and 17  for removably supporting the inline dispersal valve housing  54  thereon. The base  58  of  FIG. 18  is shown having fastening regions  59  thereon for the securement of the inline dispersal valve housing  54  thereon via fasteners such as but not limited to bolts and screws. The base  58  of  FIG. 18  also includes a set of ears  60  located thereon for providing additional support and stability for the inline dispersal valve housing  54 . It is noted that a feature of the base  52  is that unlike the inline dispersal valve housing  54  which comprises a material having sufficient rigidity to handle the pressure requirements of the fluids and the fluid and dispersant mixtures therein, the base  52  of the inline dispersal valve  52  can comprise a material having less rigidity than the inline dispersal valve housing  54  to provide an enhance shock resistance support for the dispersal valve. 
         [0078]    Referring to  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 19  shows an embodiment of a clip member  61  for lockingly securing a rotatable member such as a rotatable member  68  of  FIGS. 16 and 17  to an inline dispenser housing. The clip member  61  comprises a clip body  62  having a first end  63  and a second end  64 . The clip member  61  includes a clip head  65  located at the second end  63  of the clip body  62  and a resilient flange  66  branching from the clip body  62  and having a free end  67  extending in a direction towards the clip head  65 . The clip head  65  includes a clip head surface  68  conforming to the shape of a surface of the rotatable member that the clip member  61  is lockingly engaging the rotatable member  18 . 
         [0079]    Although the alternative embodiments can comprise a clip member having a resilient flange branching from different locations on the clip body, the embodiment of  FIG. 19  shows the resilient flange  66  branching from proximal the first end  63  of the clip body  62 . The free end  67  of the resilient flange  66  is located proximal the clip head  65  with a distance “d” between the free end  67  of the resilient flange  66  and surface  68  of the clip head  65  being sufficient to support a portion of a wall  69  of the rotatable member  68  (shown in  FIG. 17 ) therein. It is further noted however that the distance “d” between the free end  67  of the resilient flange  66  and surface  68  of the clip head  65  should also be sufficient to allow for the first end  63  of the clip body  62  to extend through the second slot and lockingly remain thereat. 
         [0080]    Referring back to  FIG. 17 , note that the rotatable member  68  includes a first slot  70  and a second slot  71  located proximal an end  72  of rotatable member  68  with the first slot  70  and the second slot  71  positioned on the rotatable member  68  in a condition parallel to each other. The parallel positioning of the slots  70  and  71  enable the clip member  61  to simultaneously extend through both the first slot  70  and the second slot  71  of the rotatable member  68 . 
         [0081]    In use, once rotatable member  68  is assembled to inline dispersal valve housing  54  the first end  63  of the clip body  62  along with the resilient flange  66  is extended through the first slot  70  of the rotatable member  68 . The presence of the clip member  61  prevents the displacement of rotatable member  68  from the dispersal valve housing  54 . The clip member  61  is lockingly maintained to the slots  70  and  71  of the rotatable member  68  via the engagement of the free end  67  of the resilient flange  66  with a portion of an interior surface of the rotatable member  68 , which prevents the clip member  61  from being withdrawn from the slots  70  and  71  of the rotatable member  68 . 
         [0082]    To remove clip member  61  of the present embodiment from the slots  70  and  71  of the rotatable member  68 , the resilient flange  66  is moved towards the clip body  62  to displace the engagement of the free end  67  of the resilient flange  66  with the interior surface of the rotatable member  68  after which the clip member  61  can then be removed from the slots  70  and  71  of the rotatable member  68 . 
         [0083]    Referring to  FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 20  shows a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an inline dispersal valve  73 . Inline dispersal valve  73  comprises similar components as the inline dispersal valve  10  of  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 ,  10 ,  11 , and  12  in that inline dispersal valve  73  includes a rotatable member  74  having a fluid deflecting surface (not shown) for directing a portion of a fluid stream through a chamber  76  of a housing  75  of the inline dispersal valve  73 . However, unlike inline dispersal valve  10  which in  FIGS. 2 ,  8 , and  10  show chamber  14  as solely supporting dispersant  15  therein for dispensing into the fluid stream  37 , inline dispersal valve  73  is shown in  FIG. 20  as including the use of a removable canister  77  supported within chamber  76  of a housing  75  of inline dispersal valve  73  for supporting a dispersant  78  therein for dispensing into the fluid stream. 
         [0084]    More specifically, the chamber  76  of inline dispersal valve  73  is shown as including a chamber inlet  81  for receiving fluids directed therethrough from the fluid stream and a chamber outlet  82  to provide a path for fluids located in the chamber  76  of the housing  75  to return back to the fluid stream. 
         [0085]    Referring to canister  77 , canister  77  includes a canister fluid inlet port  79  mateable with the chamber inlet  81  and a canister fluid outlet port  80 . In the operation of inline dispersal valve  73 , a portion of the fluid stream is directed through chamber inlet  81  and into canister  77  where the fluids  87  come into contact with the dispersant  78 . The interaction between the fluids  87  and the dispersant results in a portion of the dispersant being dispensed or dissolve into the fluids  87  and is carried out of canister  77  and into the chamber  76  of the inline dispersal valve housing  75  via the canister fluid outlet port  80 . Once in chamber  76 , the fluid containing the dispensed dispersant is then carried through the chamber outlet  82  into the fluid stream. 
         [0086]    Referring to  FIG. 21 ,  FIG. 21  is a partial cross-sectional view showing inline dispersal valve  73  supporting a removable canister  83  containing a dispersant  84  within chamber  76  of a housing  75 . 
         [0087]    Referring to canister  83 , canister  83  as shown in  FIG. 21  includes a canister fluid inlet port  85  mateable with the chamber inlet  81 . However, unlike canister  77 , canister  83  also includes a canister outlet port  86  mateable with the chamber outlet  82  of housing  75 . In the operation of inline dispersal valve  73 , as shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 21 , a portion of the fluid stream  87  is directed through chamber inlet  81  and directly into canister  83  where the fluids  87  come into contact with the dispersant  84 . The interaction between fluids  87  and dispersant  84  results in a portion of the dispersant  84  being dispensed or dissolved into the fluid  87 . The fluids  87  along with the dispensed dispersants is eventually carried out of canister  83  via the canister fluid outlet port  80  and directly through chamber outlet  82  into the fluid stream. 
         [0088]    It is noted that the inline dispersal valve as disclosed above comprises various components all preferably form from a polymer plastic or the like. 
         [0089]    The present application also includes a method of controllably dispensing a dispersant comprising the steps of: (1) moving a fluid stream  37  through a fluid conduit  16  of an inline dispersal valve housing  11 ; (2) moving at least a portion of a fluid deflecting surface  20  into a lumen  36  of the fluid conduit  16  to divert at least a portion  38  of the fluid stream  37  moving through the conduit  16  to flow through a chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11  before returning to the conduit  16  to thereby dispense a portion of the dispersant  15  supported by the chamber  14  into the conduit  16 ; and (3) moving the portion of the fluid deflecting surface  20  out of the lumen  36  of the fluid conduit  16  to create a no flow condition through the chamber  14 . 
         [0090]    The above method can also include the steps of (4) moving a lever handle  27  to move the portion of the fluid deflecting surface  20  into or out of the lumen  36  of the fluid conduit  16 ; (5) opening a drain valve  57  located on the inline dispersal valve housing  11  to remove air trapped within the chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11 ; (6) removing a dispenser cover  40  from the inline dispersal valve housing  11 , replenishing the chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11  with dispersant  15 , and closing the chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11  with the dispenser cover  40 ; (7) filling the chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11  with dispersant  15 ; and (8) replacing a depleted dispersant supporting canister  83  with a fully charged dispersant supporting canister  83 . 
         [0091]    The present application also includes a method for controlling a fluid flow  37  through a dispenser  10  comprising the steps of: (1) directing a fluid stream through a fluid conduit  16  of an inline dispersal valve housing  11 ; (2) moving a rotatable member  12  in a direction to open a fluid port  39  of inline dispersal valve housing  11  to allow for at least a portion  38  of the fluid stream  37  flowing through the conduit  16  to flow through the fluid port  39  into a chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11  before returning to the fluid conduit  16  to thereby dispense a portion of the dispersant  15  supported by the chamber  14  into the conduit  16 ; and (3) moving the rotatable member  12  in an opposite direction to close the fluid port  39  to thereby create a no flow condition through the chamber  14 . 
         [0092]    The above method can also include the step of: (4) moving the rotatable member  12  having a fluid deflecting surface  20  in a direction to open the fluid port  39  of inline dispersal valve housing  11  while simultaneously displacing the fluid deflecting surface  20  into a lumen  36  of the conduit  16  of the inline dispersal valve housing  111  to divert at least the portion  38  of the fluid stream  37  flowing through the conduit  16  to flow through a chamber  14  of the housing  11  before returning to the conduit  16 ; (5) moving a rotatable member  12  in the opposite direction to close the fluid port  39  while simultaneously displacing the fluid deflecting surface  20  out of the lumen  36  of the conduit  16  to form a portion of the conduit  16  to direct fluids through the conduit  16  without diverting fluid into the chamber  14  of the housing  11  to thereby create a no flow condition through the chamber  14 ; (6) moving a lever arm handle  27  extending from the rotatable member  12  to facilitate ease in movement of the rotatable member  12  in opening and closing the fluid port  39 ; and (7) selecting a fluid port setting from a position above the housing  11  by moving the rotatable member  12  via the lever arm  27  while viewing fluid port indicator  33  located on a portion of the lever arm  27 . 
         [0093]    The present application further includes a method of replacing a rotatable member  12  of an inline dispersal valve housing  11  comprising the steps of: (1) moving a resilient flange  66  of a clip member  61  towards a clip body  62  of the clip member  61  to displace the engagement of a free end  67  of the resilient flange  66  with an interior surface of the rotatable member  12 ; (2) withdrawing the clip member  61  from a set of slots  70  and  71  of the rotatable member  12 ; (3) withdrawing the rotatable member  12  from the dispersal valve housing  11 ; (4) inserting a new rotatable member  12  to the dispersal valve housing  11 ; (5) extending the first end  63  of the clip body  62  along with the resilient flange  66  through the slots  70  and  71  of the rotatable member  12 ; and (6) engaging the free end  67  of the resilient flange  66  to the interior surface of the rotatable member  12  to lockingly maintain the clip member  61  to the rotatable member  12 . 
         [0094]    The present invention can also includes a method of replenishing in inline dispersal valve  10  comprising the steps of: (1) rotating a cover housing  42  of a dispersal valve cover  40  in a first direction without rotating a cap  41  of the dispersal valve cover  40  to unlock the dispersal valve cover  40  from the dispersal valve housing  11 ; (2) further rotating the cover housing  42  in the first direction to remove the dispersal valve cover  40  from an open end of dispersal valve housing  11 ; (3) placing a dispersant  15  within a chamber  14  of the dispersal valve housing  11 ; (4) placing the dispersal valve cover  40  on the open end of the dispersal valve housing  11 ; and (5) rotating the cover housing  42  in a second direction to move a portion of the cap  41  into a locking fluid tight engagement with the open end of the dispersal valve housing  11  to provide for fluid tight enclosure of the chamber  14  of the dispersal valve housing  11 . 
         [0095]    The above method can also include the steps of (6) placing the dispersal valve cover  40  on the open end of the dispersal valve housing  11  with a female threads  46  of the cover housing  42  engaging a male threads of the dispersal valve housing  11 ; (7) filling the chamber  14  of the inline dispersal valve housing  11  the dispersant  15 ; (8) replacing a depleted dispersant supporting canister  83  with a fully charged dispersant supporting canister  83 ; and (9) rotating the cover housing  42  in the second direction to move the portion of the cap  41  against a sealing ring  49  to compress the sealing ring  49  to provide for a fluid tight seal.