Patent Publication Number: US-10786795-B2

Title: Individualized flow regulation system and method

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE RELATED TO APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/910,324 filed on Nov. 30, 2013. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the dispensing of a liquid. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for economically and selectively regulating the input volumetric flow rate of liquid to the mixing components of a dispenser through the use of a flow regulator or flow regulator and standpipe assembly located upstream of the dispenser&#39;s backflow preventer and eductor system and downstream of any T-connector or actuated valve assembly. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The mixing of detergent or other concentrates with a water stream commonly occurs in preparation for cleaning services within a commercial facility. During such mixing, the liquid concentrate is drawn from a source and mixed, via an eductor utilizing Venturi action, with a diluent water stream to form the overall diluted detergent or other effluent mixture. The foregoing mixing function typically occurs within a wall mounted cabinet that houses one or more concentrate sources (i.e., bottles of detergent or other concentrate) and is connected to a water source. A dispensing hose is typically connected to the cabinet for dispensing the water-concentrate mixture effluent into a bucket or other receptacle. 
     A flow regulator is often utilized with dispensing systems to control or regulate the volumetric flow rate of liquid (i.e., water) from a water source to the dispensing system. This flow regulation allows for a desired volumetric flow rate of water into the dispensing system such that desired dilution rates can be achieved within the system. Prior art, flow-regulated dispensing systems attach such regulators between the water supply and the dispensing system as a whole, generally at the system&#39;s inlet manifold. 
     Numerous disadvantages, however, are associated with such prior art flow-regulated dispensing systems. Because dispensing systems often provide multiple points of use (i.e., multiple dispensing points of various liquid mixtures at various volumetric flow rates), a single flow regulator regulating the volumetric flow of liquid to the entire system proves insufficient when a plurality of volumetric flow rates is called for. Also, typical flow regulators, when installed at the inlet manifold of a dispensing system, are expensive and difficult to access for maintenance and cleaning purposes, and are not interchangeable. Furthermore, flow regulators installed at the inlet manifold of a dispensing system often result in inaccurate dilution ratios for the dispensed effluent liquid. The present invention overcomes the foregoing disadvantages and present numerous other advantages over the prior art systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates generally to the dispensing of a liquid. More specifically, the invention relates to an apparatus and method for economically and selectively regulating the input volumetric flow rate of liquid to the mixing components of a dispenser through the use of a flow regulator or flow regulator and standpipe assembly located upstream of to the dispenser&#39;s backflow preventer and eductor system and downstream of any T-connector or actuated valve assembly. 
     A liquid dispenser for dispensing at least one effluent mixture comprises a manifold inlet connectable to a pressurized liquid source, at least one individual diluent outlet fluid communication with the manifold inlet, and at least one backflow preventer and eductor system in fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet. The backflow preventer and eductor system defines at least one dispenser outlet for dispensing the at least one effluent mixture white the at least one eductor system defines at least one additive inlet in fluid communication with at least one respective additive source. 
     A flow regulator is in fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet and the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system. The flow regulator is located upstream of the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system and downstream of the at least one individual diluent outlet. The flow regulator is preferably individualized for the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system and interchangeable within the dispenser to facilitate a plurality of volumetric flow rates to the at least one respective backflow preventer and eductor system. 
     The flow regulator facilitates a dilution ratio for the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system having an error of between at least about plus 10 percent and at least about minus 10 percent and further facilitates a consistent volumetric flow rate of liquid to the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system through a range of manifold inlet pressures ranging from about 30 p.s.i. to about 90 p.s.i. The at least one individual diluent outlet is defined by an actuated valve or a T-connector. The flow regulator of the dispenser may further comprise a standpipe to define a flow regulator and standpipe assembly, with the flow regulator or flow regulator and standpipe assembly positioned within the dispenser to ensure a laminar fluid flow to the backflow preventer and eductor system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a prior at flow-regulated dispenser; 
         FIG. 2  is a front elevation assembly view of an embodiment of the dispenser utilizing at least one flow regulator; 
         FIG. 3  is a front elevation assembly view of an embodiment of the dispenser utilizing at least one flow regulator and standpipe assembly; 
         FIG. 4  is a partial section and assembly view of a flow regulator used in association with an actuated valve assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is a partial section and assembly view of a flow regulator and standpipe assembly used in association with an actuated valve assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective assembly view of a flow regulator and standpipe assembly used in association with an air gap eductor; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective assembly view of a flow regulator and standpipe assembly used in association with a safe gap eductor; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective assembly view of one embodiment of the flow regulator and standpipe assembly; and 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective assembly view of an alternate embodiment of the flow regulator and standpipe assembly. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS 
     This invention relates generally to the dispensing of a liquid. More specifically, this invention relates to an apparatus and method for economically and selectively regulating the input volumetric flow rate of liquid to the mixing components of a dispenser through the use of a flow regulator or flow regulator and standpipe assembly located upstream of the dispenser&#39;s backflow preventer and eductor system.  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a prior art, flow-regulated dispensing system  5 . The liquid dispensing system  5  for dispensing an effluent mixture comprises a manifold inlet  10  connected to a pressurized liquid source  15 , and first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  in fluid communication with the manifold inlet and defining first and second discharge outlets  25   a  and  25   b  for dispensing the respective effluent mixtures. The system further defines respective additive first and second inlets  30   a  and  30   b  in fluid communication with respective additive sources (not shown). 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  in fluid communication with the manifold inlet  10  define respective first and second eductor outlets  40   a  and  40   b . The eductors are located downstream from the manifold inlet and are preferably in parallel flow relation with one another. In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 1 , the first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  are connected to the manifold inlet  10  in parallel relation to one another via respective first and second piping “T-connectors”  45   a  and  45   b . In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the prior art flow regulator  50  is located at the manifold inlet  10 , proximal to the first T-connector&#39;s inlet  55  while a common ball valve  60  is located between the flow regulator  50  and the liquid source  15  such that the flow of diluent to the dispenser may be turned on and off. As is apparent in  FIG. 1 , while the flow regulator  50  can regulate the volumetric flow rate of liquid into the entire system  5  by simultaneously regulating the flow rate entering both backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b , the regulator cannot regulate the flow rate to each eductor system individually. Also, such flow regulators are generally “semi-permanent,” expensive brass fittings that require the services of a plumber to clean and maintain. 
       FIG. 2  thus illustrates, in partial disassembly, an embodiment of the present system  65 . As illustrated therein, the liquid dispensing system  65  for dispensing an effluent mixture again comprises a manifold inlet  10 , in fluid communication with the pressurized liquid source  15  The dispenser further comprises at least one individual diluent outlet  66  (i.e., individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b ) fluid communication with the manifold inlet  10 , and at least one backflow preventer and eductor system  20  (i.e., backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  2   b ) fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet. 
     For the sake of illustration, two backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  are illustrated. However, it is understood that only one backflow preventer and eductor system or any plurality of such systems could be utilized as well. Referring again to  FIG. 2 , the first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  are in respective fluid communication with first and second individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b  (defined by respective T-connectors  45   a  and  45   b ) located downstream from the manifold inlet  10  and upstream of the systems. The backflow preventer and eductor systems further define first and second discharge outlets  25   a  and  25   b  for dispensing the respective effluent mixtures. In the embodiment illustrated of  FIG. 2 , the first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  are again connected to the inlet  10  in parallel relation to one another via respective first and second piping “T-connectors”  45   a  and  45   b . However, the prior art flow regulator  50  is not located between the first T-connector&#39;s inlet  55  and ball valve  60  (i.e., at the manifold inlet  10 ). 
     Instead, a flow regulator  67  flow regulators  67   a  and  67   b ) is in fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet  66  and the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system  20 . The flow regulator is located upstream of the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system and downstream of the at least one individual diluent outlet. As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , first and second flow regulators  67   a  and  67   b  are respectively located between the individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b  and the respective first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b , upstream of the eductor systems and downstream of the outlets. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 2 , the respective flow regulators  67   a  and  67   b  are located between or within the threaded couplings of the respective first and second T-connectors  45   a  and  45   b  and first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b , with no additional components separating the individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b  of the T-connectors from the eductor systems. However, it is understood that additional components may be connected between the T-connectors and eductor systems, such as “quick disconnect” components and/or linking pipe sections (not shown). Nonetheless, for embodiments utilizing such additional components, the flow regulators  67   a  and  67   b  are again located upstream of the eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  and downstream of the individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b , within or between such components. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 2 , it is noted that the respective flow regulators  67   a  and  67   b  are individualized for each respective backflow preventer and eductor system  20   a  and  20   b . Thus, if the eductor system requires a specific volumetric flow rate of incoming liquid for creating a desired effluent mixture of the dispensing system, a flow regulator having that volumetric flow rate specification is utilized. Thus, a flow regulator in fluid communication with a given eductor system within the dispenser may have a higher, equal, or lower volumetric flow rate than one or more other regulators in respective fluid communication with the dispenser&#39;s one or more other respective eductor systems, depending upon the regulators utilized. The flow regulator&#39;s location above the backflow preventer and eductor also maintains the desired laminar flow properties, to be further discussed, necessary to preserve the consistent vacuum of the eductors&#39; respective Venturi nozzles and thus produce accurate and consistent dilution rates. It is further noted that the backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  of  FIG. 2  associated with the flow regulators  67   a  and  67   b  may comprise air gap eductors, safe gap eductors, or any other backflow preventing eductor known in the art. 
     With further regard to individualizing the flow regulators  67   a  and  67   b  of  FIG. 2  for the respective backflow preventer and eductors  20   a  and  20   b , the flow regulators are interchangeable within the system. Thus, if it is desired to change the volumetric flow rate of liquid leading to a given backflow preventer and eductor system, a user of the system merely unscrews the backflow preventer and eductor system from the T-connector, removes the existing flow regulator from there-between, and replaces it with another flow regulator having the desired volumetric flow rate specification. The user thereafter screws the backflow preventer and eductor system to the T-connector to resume dispensing operations. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates an alternate embodiment of the liquid dispensing system  65  for dispensing an effluent mixture again comprising a manifold inlet  10 , in fluid communication with the pressurized liquid source  15 . The dispenser again further comprises at least one individual diluent outlet  66  individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b ) in fluid communication with the manifold inlet  10 , and at least one backflow preventer and eductor system  20  (i.e., backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  2   b ) in fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet. 
     A flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  (i.e., flow regulator and standpipe assemblies  70   a  and  70   b ) is in fluid communication with the at least one individual diluent outlet  66  and the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system  20 . The flow regulator and standpipe assembly is located upstream of the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system and downstream of the at least one individual diluent outlet. As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , first and second flow regulator and standpipes assemblies  70   a  and  70   b  are respectively located between the diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b  and the first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b , upstream of the eductor systems and downstream of the outlets. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , the respective flow regulator and standpipe assemblies  70   a  and  70   b  are located between respective first and second T-connectors  45   a  and  45   b  and first and second backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b , with no additional components separating individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b  of the T-connectors from the eductor systems. However, it is understood that additional components may be connected between the connectors and eductor systems, such as “quick disconnect” components and/or linking pipe sections (not shown). Nonetheless, for embodiments utilizing such additional components, the flow regulator and standpipe assemblies  70   a  and  70   b  are again located upstream of the eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  and downstream of the individual diluent outlets  66   a  and  66   b  within or between such components. 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , it is noted that the respective flow regulator and standpipe assemblies  70   a  and  70   b  are individualized for each respective eductor system  20   a  and  20   b . Again, if the eductor system requires a specific volumetric flow rate of incoming liquid for creating a desired effluent mixture of the dispensing system, a flow regulator and standpipe assembly having that volumetric flow rate specification is utilized, Thus, a flow regulator and standpipe assembly in fluid communication with a given eductor system within the dispenser may have a higher, equal, or lower volumetric flow rate than one or more other flow regulator and standpipe assemblies in respective fluid communication with the dispenser&#39;s one or more other respective eductor systems, depending upon the assemblies utilized. The flow regulator and standpipe assemblies also maintain the desired laminar flow properties, to be further discussed, necessary to preserve the consistent vacuum of the eductors&#39; respective Venturi nozzles and thus produce accurate and consistent dilution rates. It is further noted that the backflow preventer and eductor systems  20   a  and  20   b  of  FIG. 3  may comprise air gap eductors, safe gap eductors, or any other backflow preventing eductor known in the art. 
     With further regard to individualizing the flow regulator and standpipe assemblies  70   a  and  70   b  of  FIG. 3  for the respective backflow preventer and eductors  20   a  and  20   b , the assemblies are interchangeable within the system. Thus, if it is desired to change the volumetric flow rate of liquid leading to a given backflow preventer and eductor system, a user of the system merely unscrews the backflow preventer and eductor system from the T-connector, remove the existing flow regulator and standpipe assembly from there-between, and replaces it with another flow regulator and standpipe assembly having the desired volumetric flow rate specification. The user thereafter screws the backflow preventer and eductor system to the T-connector to resume dispensing operations. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates, in partial disassembly and section, an alternate embodiment of the present invention  65 . More specifically,  FIG. 4  illustrates a remotely or locally actuated valve system  75 , such as that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/921,783 and incorporated by reference herein, utilized up stream of the at least one back flow preventer and eductor system  20 . The valve assembly  80  of the actuated system  75  preferably comprises a valve manifold  85  defining fluid inlet and outlet channels  90  and  95  separated by an armature seat  100  and valve seal seat  105 . In this embodiment, the valve&#39;s outlet channel  95  preferably defines the individual diluent outlet  66 . The fluid inlet channel of the valve assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid source  15 , such as a water spigot, while the diluent outlet  66  (i.e., outlet channel  95 ) is in fluid communication with the backflow preventer and eductor system  20  and discharge outlet  25 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the flow regulator  67  is located between the individual diluent outlet  66  and backflow preventer and eductor system  20  (i.e., within the valve assembly&#39;s outlet channel  95 , upstream of the system). It is noted that although  FIG. 4  illustrates a single diluent outlet  66 , defined by the actuated valve system  75 , and backflow preventer and eductor system  20  having the flow regulator  67  there-between, additional such combinations may be present (i.e., as illustrated in the parallel systems of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), with the respective flow regulators again individualized for each respective eductor system. Again, if the eductor system requires a specific volumetric flow rate of incoming liquid for creating a desired effluent mixture of the dispensing system, the flow regulator  67  is individualized such that a flow regulator having that volumetric flow rate specification is utilized. 
     Thus, a flow regulator in fluid communication with a given eductor system within the dispenser may have a higher, equal, or lower volumetric flow rate than one or more other flow regulators in respective fluid communication with the dispenser&#39;s one or more other respective eductor systems, depending upon the assemblies utilized. It is further noted that the backflow preventer and eductor system  20  of  FIG. 4  may comprise an air gap eductor, safe gap eductor, or any other backflow preventing eductor known in the art. 
     With further regard to individualizing the flow regulator  67  of  FIG. 4  for the backflow preventer and eductor system  20 , the regulator is interchangeable within the system. Thus, if it is desired to change the volumetric flow rate of liquid leading to the given backflow preventer and eductor system, a user of the system merely unscrews the backflow preventer and eductor system from the valve assembly, removes the existing flow regulator from there-between, and replaces it with another flow regulator having the desired volumetric flow rate specification. The user thereafter screws the backflow preventer and eductor system to the valve assembly to resume dispensing operations. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the flow regulator  67  is located between the individual diluent outlet  66  and backflow preventer and eductor system  20 , with no additional components separating the valve assembly  80  from the eductor system. However, it is understood that additional components may be connected between the assembly  80  and eductor system  20 , such as a “quick disconnect” component and/or linking pipe section. Nonetheless, for embodiments utilizing such additional components, the flow regulator  67  is again located between the individual diluent outlet  66  and eductor system  20  within or between the components and/or valve assembly  80  or eductor system, upstream of the eductor system. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates, in partial disassembly and section, another embodiment of the present invention  65 . More specifically,  FIG. 5  illustrates a remotely or locally actuated valve system  75 , such as that described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/921,783 and incorporated by reference herein, utilized up stream of the at least one back flow preventer and eductor system  20 . The valve assembly  80  of the actuated system  75  preferably comprises a valve manifold  85  defining fluid inlet and outlet channels  90  and  95  separated by an armature seat  100  and valve seal seat  105 . Again, for this embodiment, the valve&#39;s outlet channel  95  preferably defines the individual diluent outlet  66 . The fluid inlet channel of the valve assembly is in fluid communication with the fluid source  15 , such as a water spigot, while the diluent outlet  66  (i.e., outlet channel  95 ) is in fluid communication with the backflow preventer and eductor system  20  and discharge outlet  25 . 
     As further illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  is located between the individual diluent outlet  66  and backflow preventer and eductor system  20  (i.e., within the valve assembly&#39;s outlet channel  95 , upstream of system). It is noted that although  FIG. 5  illustrates a single diluent outlet  66 , defined by the actuated valve system  75 , and backflow preventer and eductor system  20  system having the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  there-between, additional such combinations may be present (i.e., as illustrated in the parallel systems of  FIGS. 1 and 2 ), with the respective flow regulator and standpipe assemblies again individualized for each respective eductor system. Again, if the eductor system requires a specific volumetric flow rate of incoming liquid for creating a desired effluent mixture of the dispensing system, a flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  is individualized such that a flow regulator and standpipe assembly having that volumetric flow rate specification is utilized. 
     Thus, a flow regulator and standpipe assembly in fluid communication with a given eductor system within the dispenser may have a higher, equal, or lower volumetric flow rate than one or more other flow regulator and standpipe assemblies in respective fluid communication with the dispenser&#39;s one or lore other respective eductor systems, depending upon the assemblies utilized. The flow regulator and standpipe assemblies may also maintain the desired laminar flow properties, to be further discussed, necessary to preserve the consistent vacuum of the eductors&#39; respective Venturi nozzles and thus produce accurate and consistent dilution rates. It is further noted that the backflow preventer and eductor system  20  of  FIG. 5  may comprise an air gap eductor, safe gap eductor, or any other backflow preventing eductor known in the art. 
     With further regard to individualizing the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  of  FIG. 5  for the backflow preventer and eductor system  20 , the regulator is interchangeable within the system. Thus, if it is desired to change the volumetric flow a e of liquid leading to the given backflow preventer and eductor system, a user of the system merely unscrews the backflow preventer and eductor system from the valve assembly, removes the existing flow regulator from there-between, and replaces it with another flow regulator and standpipe assembly having the desired volumetric flow rate specification. The user thereafter screws the backflow preventer and eductor system to the valve assembly to resume dispensing operations. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 5 , the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  is located between individual diluent outlet  66  defined by the valve assembly and backflow preventer and eductor system  20 , with no additional components separating the valve assembly from the eductor system. However, it is understood that additional components may be connected between the assembly and eductor system, such as a “quick disconnect” component and/or linking pipe section. Nonetheless, for embodiments utilizing such additional components, the flow regulator and standpipe assembly is again located between the individual diluent outlet and eductor system within or between the components and/or valve assembly or eductor system, upstream of the eductor system. 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  illustrate detailed assembly views of one embodiment of the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  in relation to its respective proximal downstream backflow preventers  110  of the backflow preventer and eductor assemblies  120 , regardless of whether the foregoing T-connectors  45  or actuated valve systems  75  lie upstream of the respective flow regulators and standpipe assemblies  70  to define the individual diluent outlets  66 . It is noted that the inlet  115  of the backflow preventers illustrated in  FIGS. 6 and 7  (i.e., the air gap and safe gap bodies of the respective air gap and safe gap eductors illustrated therein) have internal threads for threaded connection to either of the foregoing T-connector of actuated valve assembly outlets. 
       FIG. 6  thus illustrates a flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  in relation to the components of an air gap backflow preventer. The flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  is comprised of a flow regulator  125 , disk-like in shape and permeated to create a specific flow rate of liquid there-through. The outer periphery  130  of the flow regulator is preferably sized for insertion into the entry end  135  of the standpipe  140  of predetermined length and configuration, to be further discussed, such that the flow regulator  125  and standpipe  140  are in fluid communication with one another. The exit end  145  of the standpipe  140 , located downstream of its entry end  135 , is in fluid communication with and abuts a filter screen and washer assembly  150 . The filter screen and washer assembly  150  is in fluid communication with and abuts a laminar flow disc  155  which, in turn, is in fluid communication and abuts atop nozzle supply  160 . The top nozzle supply  160  abuts an internal seat  162  of the air gap body  165  of the air gap back flow preventer. Referring to  FIGS. 3, 5 and 6 , internal threads of the air gap body  154  engage external threads of the T-connector  45  ( FIG. 3 ) or valve assembly  80  ( FIG. 5 ) to secure (i.e. thread) the air gap body  165  to either the T-connector or valve assembly. 
       FIG. 7  illustrates a flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  in relation to the components of a safe gap backflow preventer. The flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  is again comprised of a flow regulator  125 , disk-like in shape and permeated to create a specific flow rate of liquid there-through. The outer periphery  130  of the flow regulator is again preferably sized for insertion into the entry end  135  of the standpipe  140  of predetermined length and configuration, to be further discussed, such that the flow regulator  125  and standpipe  140  are in fluid communication with one another. The exit end  145  of the standpipe  140 , located downstream of its entry end  135 , is in fluid communication with and abuts a flexible washer  175 . The washer  175  is in fluid communication with and abuts a safe gap valve retainer  180 , which, in turn, is in fluid communication with and abuts a safe gap rubber valve  185 . The safe gap rubber valve  185  abuts an internal seat  187  of the safe gap body  190  of the safe gap backflow preventer. Referring to  FIGS. 3, 5 and 7 , internal threads of the safe gap body  190  engage external threads of the T-connector  45  ( FIG. 3 ) or valve assembly  80  ( FIG. 5 ) to secure (i.e. thread) the safe gap body  190  to either the T-connector or valve assembly. 
       FIG. 8  illustrates a perspective assembly view of the embodiment of the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  illustrated in  FIGS. 3, 5, 6 and 7 . The flow regulator  125 , defining an exit  127 , is disk-like in shape and permeated to create a specific flow rate of liquid there-through via a restriction of the liquid&#39;s volumetric flow. In various embodiments of the present invention, volumetric flow rates of water through the regulator include 1.4 gallons per minute (g.p.m.) and 3.4 gallons per minute (g.p.m.), as those flow rates are generally desired through the backflow preventing eductor systems of a liquid dispensing system. However, it is understood that regulators specifying any volumetric flow rate can be utilized therein. 
     The outer periphery  130  of the flow regulator  125  is sized for insertion into the entry end  135  of the standpipe  140  of predetermined length and cross sectional area configuration. The predetermined length  195  of the standpipe  140  existing between its entry  135  and exit  145  preferably ensures flow relaminarization between the flow regulator and downstream backflow preventer and eductor system. For embodiments utilizing an air gap eductor  37  as the backflow preventer and eductor system, it is advantageous to maintain a laminar flow of liquid into the eductor to ensure a consistent vacuum of additive into the Venturi portion of the eductor. This is because a consistent vacuum of additive into the eductor results in accurate and consistent dilution rates of the dispenser. However, a flow regulator, in controlling volumetric flow rates, generally disrupts the flow of liquid there-through to create a non-laminar liquid low immediately downstream of the regulator itself. With increased distance of downstream flow from the regulator, the liquid again attains the desired laminar flow. 
     Thus, the predetermined length  195  of the standpipe thus defines a distance between the exit  127  of the flow regulator and the exit  145  of the standpipe to ensure a laminar flow of liquid into the eductor. This is especially true for a flow regulator located between a valve assembly and air gap eductor without having any other components (i.e., “quick disconnect” and/or pipe segments) located there-between. The standpipe of the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70  defines the foregoing predetermined distance between the flow regulator exit and air gap eductor entrance to ensure a laminar liquid flow to the eductor. With the exit of the standpipe located proximal to the entry of the air gap eductor, the standpipe defines a length between the flow regulator exit  127  and standpipe exit  145  of between about 0 inches and about 1.5 inches long; preferably between about 0.5 inches and about 1.0 inch long; and optimally about 0.9 inches long. 
       FIG. 9  illustrates a perspective assembly view of another embodiment of the flow regulator and standpipe assembly  70 . The flow regulator  215 , defining an exit  217 , is again disk-like in shape and permeated to create a specific flow rate of liquid via a restriction of the liquid&#39;s volumetric flow. In various embodiments of the present invention, volumetric flow rates of water through the regulator include 1.4 gallons per minute (g.p.m.) and 3.4 gallons per minute (g.p.m.), as those flow rates generally desired through the backflow preventing eductor systems of a liquid dispensing system. However, it is understood that regulators specifying any volumetric flow rate can be utilized therein. 
     The outer periphery  220  of the flow regulator  215  is again sized for insertion into the entry end  225  of a standpipe  230  of predetermined length  235 . The predetermined length  235  of the standpipe  230  existing between its entry  225  and exit  227  preferably ensures flow relaminarization between the flow regulator and downstream backflow preventer and eductor system. The outer periphery  245  of the standpipe defines a peripheral groove  250  to accept a placement of O-ring  255  therein. The O-ring  255  creates a seal around the standpipe  230  when utilized within the dispenser to prevent any bypass of liquid around the standpipe and ensure the flow of liquid through the regulator  215 . 
     The predetermined length  195  of the standpipe  230  again ensures flow relaminarization between the flow regulator and backflow preventer and eductor system by defining a distance between the exit  217  of the flow regulator and the exit  227  of the standpipe to ensure a laminar flow of liquid into the eductor. The standpipe  230  defines a length between the flow regulator exit  217  and standpipe exit  227  of between about 0 inches and about 1.5 inches long; preferably between about 0.25 inches and about 0.75 inches long; and optimally about 0.5 inches long. 
     The foregoing standpipe dimensions recited in relation to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , when utilized with a flow regulator facilitating a volumetric flow rate of 1.4 g.p.m. of liquid to an air gap eductor, facilitates a dilution ratio of the eductor having an error of at least about plus or minus 10 percent for liquid inlet pressures ranging from about 30 p.s.i. to about 90 p.s.i. This small error deviation thus ensures that effluent liquids, having accurate amounts of additive therein, are produced by the dispenser. White the foregoing small error deviation is achieved via standpipes defining the predetermined distance of the regulator from the backflow preventer and eductor systems, it is understood that the same predetermined distances could be defined by locating the flow regulator between the individual diluent outlet and backflow preventer and eductor system without the use of standpipes. For example, referring again to  FIG. 4 , the flow regulator can be secured within the valve assembly&#39;s outlet channel  95 , upstream of the backflow preventer and eductor system by the predetermined distance, via the use of one or more flanges (not shown) defined within the interior surface of the outlet channel. 
     In use in an embodiment of the dispenser not utilizing at least one actuated valve system, the threaded inlet of the dispenser&#39;s manifold is connected to an inlet manifold valve and a liquid (i.e., water) source while the additive inlet is connected to a source of additive, such as a bag, jug or other container. The manifold inlet valve, in fluid communication with the liquid source, is opened to allow a flow of liquid through at least one individual diluent outlet in fluid communication with the manifold inlet valve. The liquid is also allowed to flow through a flow regulator located downstream of the at least one diluent outlet and in fluid communication with the at least one diluent outlet, and into a backflow preventer and eductor system located downstream of the flow regulator and in fluid communication with both the flow regulator and the additive source. The flow regulator ensures a laminar flow of liquid to the respective backflow preventer and eductor systems. 
     Within the backflow preventer and eductor system, the flow is then forced through the respective inlet nozzles of the safe or air gaps and through the safe or air gaps to the safe or air gap outlets. Upon entering the respective safe or air gap outlets, the water is constricted within the respective nozzles and thereafter expanded within the respective venturi chambers of the eductors. The at least one backflow preventer and eductor system mixes the liquid with the additive drawn from the additive source to create the effluent. In doing so, the controlled flow resulting from the regulator results in a consistent vacuum that thereafter draws the additive, at an accurate and consistent flow rate, into the additive inlet located on one or more of the eductors where the additive is mixed with the diluent and dispensed through the respective eductor&#39;s exit orifices. The effluent is thereafter allowed from the dispenser and the manifold inlet valve is thereafter closed to prohibit the flow of liquid and effluent respectively into and out of the dispenser. In this embodiment not having an actuated valve system, the at least one diluent outlet is defined by a T-connector such that the regulator is located downstream from the at least one diluent outlet and upstream from the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system. 
     The flow regulator is individualized with the backflow preventer and eductor system located downstream of the regulator to ensure that a flow regulator of given volumetric flow rate is utilized to meet the desired flow rate specifications of the backflow preventer and eductor system. To facilitate such individualization, the flow regulator may be changed while the manifold inlet valve is in a closed position. In changing the flow regulator, the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system is unscrewed from the at leas one T-connector, the existing flow regulator is removed from therein, and the new flow regulator is placed therein. The at least one backflow preventer and eductor system is thereafter again screwed to the least one T-connector. 
     In use in an embodiment of the dispenser utilizing at least one actuated valve system, the threaded inlet of the dispenser&#39;s manifold is connected to an inlet manifold valve and a liquid (i.e., water) source while the additive inlet is connected to a source of additive, such as a bag, jug or other container. The manifold inlet valve, in fluid communication with the liquid source, is opened. The at least one actuated valve system of the dispenser, in fluid communication with the liquid source, is actuated to allow a flow of liquid through the individual diluent outlet of the at least one valve and through a flow regulator located downstream of the at least one valve system and in fluid communication with the at least one valve system. The flow regulator ensures a laminar flow of liquid to the respective backflow preventer and eductor systems. 
     The liquid is thus allowed to flow into a backflow preventer and eductor system located downstream of the flow regulator and in fluid communication with both the flow regulator and an additive source such that the system mixes the liquid with an additive drawn from the source to create the effluent. Within the backflow preventer and eductor system, the flow is then forced through the respective inlet nozzles of the safe or air gaps and through the safe or air gaps to the safe or air gap outlets. Upon entering the respective safe or air gap outlets, the water is constricted within the respective nozzles and thereafter expanded within the respective venturi chambers of the eductors. The at least one backflow preventer and eductor system mixes the liquid with the additive drawn from the additive source to create the effluent. In doing so, the controlled flow of the flow regulator results in a consistent vacuum that thereafter draws the additive, at an accurate and consistent flow rate, into the additive inlet located on one or more of the eductors where the additive is mixed with the diluent and dispensed through the respective eductor&#39;s exit orifices. The effluent is thereafter allowed from the dispenser and the at least one actuated valve system is thereafter de-actuated to prohibit the flow of liquid and effluent respectively into and out of the dispenser. 
     The flow regulator is individualized with the backflow preventer and eductor system located downstream of the regulator to ensure that a flow regulator of given volumetric flow rate is utilized to meet the desired flow rate specifications of the backflow preventer and eductor system. To facilitate such individualization, the flow regulator is changed while the at least one actuated valve system is in a de-actuated state. In changing the flow regulator, the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system is unscrewed from the at least one actuated valve system, the existing flow regulator is removed from therein, and the new flow regulator is placed therein. The at least one backflow preventer and eductor system is thereafter again screwed to the least one actuated valve system. It is noted that, in each of the foregoing uses, a standpipe could be utilized in addition to the backflow preventer to comprise a backflow preventer and standpipe assembly, with the assembly facilitating a laminar flow of liquid to the at least one backflow preventer and eductor system. 
     While this foregoing description and accompanying figures are illustrative of the present invention, other variations in structure and method are possible without departing from the invention&#39;s spirit and scope.