Patent Publication Number: US-2021162472-A1

Title: Fluid delivery devices, systems, and methods

Description:
RELATED MATTERS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 62/659,898, filed Apr. 19, 2018, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure generally relates to fluid delivery devices, systems, and methods. More specifically, this disclosure relates to the delivery of a solution from a dispenser to a use device. 
     BACKGROUND 
     A dispenser is used to output a solution for use in a particular application. A number of different types of facilities employ dispensers for everyday applications. Such facilities can be found, for example, in the food and beverage, health care, and sanitation industries. The particular application in which the solution output by the dispenser is used varies across industries and can include, for example, use as a cleaning or sanitizing agent in laundry or warewashing applications. 
     Often times a number of dispensers can be used to output different types of solutions. The number of dispensers can output their respective, different solutions at different times onto a common line leading to a use device where the different solutions are employed. To avoid mixing the different solutions, it can be useful to flush the common line with water, or another flushing fluid. Moreover, often times it may be most efficient for dispensers to output solutions at a higher concentration than that designed for ultimate use at the use device and, accordingly, in some cases, it may also be useful to flush the common line to dilute such solutions. 
     A standalone flush manifold has been used to fluidly connect a number of dispensers to a fluid flush source. For each dispenser, a distinct hose is connected at one end to the dispenser and at another end to the flush manifold. The flush manifold extends along a length that includes a number of inlet connections for each of the distinct hoses as well as an inlet for the fluid flush source. However, this setup has a number of disadvantages. For one, the hose connecting each dispenser to the flush manifold is susceptible to wear and needs to be replaced frequently. This increases costs and is compounded by the existence of a distinct hose for each dispenser being used. Moreover, the hose, when connected to the flush manifold, tends to collect residual solution after a dispenser output, and, consequently, replacing the hose can create safety concerns relating to exposure to the residual solution. Furthermore, the flush manifold setup necessitates a large spatial footprint which is undesirable in many facilities where space is at a premium. 
     SUMMARY 
     In general, various exemplary embodiments relating to fluid delivery devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein. As compared to previous fluid delivery products, various embodiments disclosed herein can be useful, for instance, in providing a more efficient fluid delivery capability. For example, embodiments disclosed herein can provide increased durability and, correspondingly, a longer useful life. At the same time, these embodiments can define a smaller footprint and thereby can have wider application, such as in facilities where space is limited. These embodiments can also reduce the amount of tubing and the number of sealing points as well as the collection of residual solution sump. This can lead to an increase in safety, for instance during servicing, while decreasing operational cost. 
     One exemplary embodiment includes a fluid delivery device. This embodiment of the fluid delivery device includes a body, a solution flow path, and a flush flow path. The solution flow path and the flush flow path are defined at the body. The solution flow path extends from a solution inlet, defined at the body, to a solution outlet, also defined at the body. The solution flow path includes a cross channel, an inlet channel, and an outlet channel. The inlet channel extends from the solution inlet to the cross channel. The outlet channel extends from the cross channel to the solution outlet. The flush flow path extends from a flush inlet, defined at the body, to a flush outlet, also defined at the body. The solution outlet fluidly connects the solution flow path to the flush flow path. 
     Another exemplary embodiment includes a method of delivering a solution. This embodiment of the method includes receiving the solution, conveying the solution, and delivering the solution. The solution is received at a solution inlet. The solution is conveyed along a solution flow path from the solution inlet to a solution outlet. The solution flow path, the solution inlet, and the solution outlet are defined at a body of a fluid delivery device. Conveying the solution along a solution flow path from the solution inlet to a solution outlet includes i) conveying the solution in a first direction from the solution inlet to a cross channel, ii) conveying the solution in a second direction along the cross channel, and iii) conveying the solution in a third direction from the cross channel to the solution outlet. The first direction is opposite the third direction and the second direction is different than the first and third directions. The solution is delivered from the solution outlet to a flush flow path. The flush flow path extends from a flush inlet to a flush outlet. The flush flow path, the flush inlet, and the flush outlet are defined at the body of the fluid delivery device. The solution is delivered from the solution outlet to the flush flow path within the body of the fluid delivery device. 
     An additional exemplary embodiment includes a fluid delivery system. This embodiment of the fluid delivery system includes a liquid solution dispenser, a fluid delivery device, and a solid solution dispenser. The liquid solution dispenser has an outlet and the liquid solution dispenser is configured to dispense a first solution at the outlet. The fluid delivery device has a body. The body defines i) a solution inlet fluidly connected to the outlet of the liquid solution dispenser, ii) a solution outlet, iii) a solution flow path extending from the solution inlet to the solution outlet, iv) a flush inlet fluidly connected to a fluid line, v) a flush outlet fluidly connected to the fluid line, and vi) a flush flow path extending from the flush inlet to the flush outlet. The solution outlet fluidly connects the solution flow path to the flush flow path such that the fluid delivery device is configured to receive the first solution at the solution inlet and deliver the first solution to the flush flow path. The solid solution dispenser is configured to dispense a second solution on the fluid line. The fluid delivery device is configured to receive the second solution at the flush flow path. 
     The details of one or more examples are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages will be apparent from the description and drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The following drawings are illustrative of particular embodiments of the present invention and therefore do not limit the scope of the invention. The drawings are intended for use in conjunction with the explanations in the following description. Embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like numerals denote like elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic, illustrative diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system. 
         FIG. 2  is an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing apparatus that includes a dispenser, a pump, and a fluid delivery device. The exemplary embodiment of the dispensing apparatus can be used, for instance, as part of a fluid delivery system, such as that shown in  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the dispensing apparatus of  FIG. 2  further including a protective curtain. 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fluid delivery device taken along line A-A in  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 5  is a schematic, exemplary illustration of another exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system. 
         FIG. 6  is a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method of delivering a solution. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the following description provides some practical illustrations for implementing exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Examples of constructions, materials, and/or dimensions are provided for selected elements. Those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the noted examples have a variety of suitable alternatives. 
     FIG. 1  shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system  100 . The fluid delivery system  100  can include a fluid flush source  102 , a first dispensing apparatus  104 A, a second dispensing apparatus  104 B, and a use device  106 . 
     The fluid delivery system  100  can be used to convey one or more solutions from the first dispensing apparatus  104 A and/or the second dispensing apparatus  104 B to the use device  106  where the one or more solutions are employed. The first and second dispensing apparatuses  104 A,  104 B can be configured to dispense one or more solutions. For instance, the first dispensing apparatus  104 A can be configured to dispense a first solution and the second dispensing apparatus  104 B can be configured to dispense a second, different solution. The solution output by the first dispensing apparatus  104 A and/or the second dispensing apparatus  104 B can be conveyed to the use device  106  by a fluid line  108 . The fluid flush source  102  can be configured to output a flushing fluid, such as water (e.g., without a chemistry that is in a solution output by the dispensing apparatus  104 A and/or  104 B) or another appropriate fluid, onto the fluid line  108 . This flushing fluid can pass through the first and second dispensing apparatuses  104 A,  104 B and to the use device  106 . The flushing fluid from the fluid flush source  102  can serve to flush the fluid line  108  of a solution (e.g., before a different solution is output onto the fluid line  108 ) and/or dilute a solution output onto the fluid line  108 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, components of the fluid delivery system  100  are fluidly connected to convey one or more solutions to the use device  106  as described. Here, the first dispensing apparatus  104 A is fluidly connected in-line, or in series, to the second dispensing apparatus  104 B. In some such cases, the first dispensing apparatus  104 A can be directly connected to the second dispensing apparatus  104 B. In the illustrated case, a direct connection is made between a flush outlet of the first dispensing apparatus  104 A and a flush inlet of the second dispensing apparatus  104 B. In other cases (not illustrated here), the first dispensing apparatus  104 A can be connected indirectly to the second dispensing apparatus  104 B by the fluid line  108 . In addition, the fluid flush source  102  is fluidly connected to the first dispensing apparatus  104 A by the fluid line  108  and the second dispensing apparatus  104 B is fluidly connected to the use device  106  by the fluid line  108 . For instance, as shown here, the fluid line  108  can include a first fluid line connecting the fluid flush source  102  to the first dispensing apparatus  104 A and a second fluid line connecting the second dispensing apparatus  104 B to the use device  106 . It is possible that, in some instances, the fluid flush source  102  can be directly connected to the first dispensing apparatus  104 A and/or the second dispensing apparatus  104 B can be directly connected to the use apparatus  106 . In any case, in the illustrated system  100  flushing fluid from the fluid flush source  102  can pass through each of the first dispensing apparatus  104 A and the second dispensing apparatus  104 B. 
     As noted, one or more solutions from the first dispensing apparatus  104 A and/or the second dispensing apparatus  104 B are conveyed to the use device  106  where the one or more solutions are employed. The type of use device  106  can vary depending on the application in which the fluid delivery system  100  is utilized. For instance, as one example, the use device  106  can be a laundry machine or ware washing machine. Moreover, the type of one or more solutions output by the first and second dispensing apparatuses  104 A,  104 B can vary as suitable for the type of use device  106  present in a particular embodiment. 
       FIG. 2  shows an elevational view of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing apparatus  104 . For example, the first dispensing apparatus and the second dispensing apparatus of the fluid delivery system described with reference to  FIG. 1  can be the same as, or similar to, the dispensing apparatus  104  disclosed in reference to  FIG. 2  herein. 
     The illustrated dispensing apparatus  104  includes a dispenser  110 , a pump  112 , and a fluid delivery device  114 . The dispenser  110  can house a supply of the solution to be output from the dispensing apparatus  104  via the pump  112 . For example, the dispenser  110  can be a liquid solution dispenser that holds a liquid chemistry thereat (e.g., in a container) which is used as the solution. As another example, the dispenser  110  can be a solid solution dispenser that houses a solid chemistry which is dissolved in water and used as the solution. In certain example, the dispenser  110  may also house motive and/or control components of the dispensing apparatus  104 . For instance, the dispenser  110  can house a motor and electrical circuit board in addition to the solution. In other examples, the pump  112  can house such motive and/or control components. The pump  112  is coupled to the dispenser  110  and is configured to convey the solution from the dispenser  110  to the fluid delivery device  114  when signaled to do so (e.g., by the dispenser  110  or another, remote component). The pump  112  may receive motive power from the motor housed thereat, or in the dispenser  110 , and pressurize the solution to an extent appropriate for conveying the solution to, and through, the fluid delivery device  114 . The pump  112  can take a number of forms, such as a diaphragm pump or peristaltic pump as examples. The fluid delivery device  114  receives the solution from the pump  112  and outputs the solution from the dispensing apparatus  104 . 
     The fluid delivery device  114  can include a body  115 , a solution inlet  116 , a flush inlet  118 , and a flush outlet  120 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the solution inlet  116 , the flush inlet  118 , and the flush outlet  120  are defined at a perimeter of the body  115  of the fluid delivery device  114 . The solution inlet  116  can be configured to fluidly connect to the dispenser  110 , via the pump  112 , and receive thereat the solution to be output from the dispensing apparatus  104 . The flush inlet  118  can be configured to fluidly connect to the fluid flush source (e.g., in some cases via another dispensing apparatus) and receive thereat the flushing fluid. The flush outlet  120  can be configured to fluidly connect to the use device (e.g., in some cases via another dispensing apparatus). The flush outlet  120  can be configured to output thereat the solution received at the solution inlet  116  as well as the flushing fluid received at the flush inlet  118 . In this way, the fluid delivery device  114  can both pass the flushing fluid through, from the flush inlet  118  to the flush outlet  120 , and output the solution, from the solution inlet  116  to the flush outlet  120 . 
     In some cases, the fluid delivery device  114  can include a mounting bracket  122  that is adapted to secure the fluid delivery device  114  to the dispenser  110 , such as via the pump  112  in the illustrated example. The mounting bracket  122  can include a plate  124  and an extension member  126 . The plate  124  can interface with the body  115  of the fluid delivery device  114  and the extension member  126  can be configured to fixedly attach to the pump  112  and/or dispenser  110 . The plate  124  can define a pair of curved slots  128  at which the body  115  of the fluid delivery device  114  is secured to the plate  124 . The pair of curved slots can define an arc-shaped gap through the plate  124  where an attachment element, such as a screw, pin, or other appropriate fastener, can be received and secure the body  115  to the plate  124 . The pair of curved slots  128  can define a length of the arc-shaped gap that provides space for the attachment element to securely move relative to the plate  124 . As such, the pair of curved slots  128  can be adapted to allow the body  115  of the fluid delivery device  114  to pivot relative to the plate  124 , and thus relative to the mounting bracket  122 , pump  112 , and/or dispenser  110 . This may be useful is orienting the fluid delivery device  114  as needed for connection to an adjacent component in a fluid delivery system. 
       FIG. 3  shows a top plan view of the exemplary embodiment of the dispensing apparatus  104  as shown and described in reference to  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 3  further illustrates the presence of an exemplary protective curtain  130  associated with the dispensing apparatus  104 . The protective curtain  130  can function as a safety measure, particularly where the solution(s) being conveyed by the fluid delivery device  114  are in relatively strong concentrations of chemistry that could be hazardous if inadvertently contacted with bare skin. The protective curtain  130  includes a first panel  132  and a second panel  134  connected to the first panel  132 . As shown here, each of the first panel  132  and the second panel  134  can extend a width out from the fluid delivery device  114  a distance beyond the location of both the flush inlet  118  and the flush outlet  120 . In addition, the first panel  132  can extend a length that is a distance beyond the location of the solution inlet. This can be help to reduce the risk of exposure to solution being conveyed at the dispensing apparatus  104  that may inadvertently emanate from the dispensing apparatus  104 , such as during maintenance-related procedures. 
       FIG. 3  also illustrates a removable cover  136  of the fluid delivery device  114 . The removable cover  136  has a first side  138  that forms an exterior surface of the body  115 . The removable cover  136  also includes a fastening structure  140  for securing the removable cover  136  to the body  115 . The fastening structure  140  of the removable cover  136  is configured to secure the removable cover  136  as such when the fastening structure  140  is aligned with a corresponding receiving structure  142  of the body  115 . The fastening structure  140  and the receiving structure  142  can each be configured to allow the removable cover  136  to be secured to the body  115  only when one or more the corresponding features of the fastening structure  140  and the receiving structure  142  are aligned. This can help to ensure that a cross channel is appropriately configured when the removable cover  136  is being secured to the body  115 . An example of a cross channel formed at least in part by a second side of the removable cover  136  is detailed further below in reference to that shown in  FIG. 4 . The presence of the removable cover  136  may be useful in facilitating periodic maintenance of the fluid delivery device  114  since it can allow relatively easy access to the interior of the fluid delivery device  114 . In addition, in some cases, the removable cover  136  can facilitate improved manufacturing of the fluid delivery device  114 . 
       FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fluid delivery device  114 . The cross-section shown in  FIG. 4  is taken along line A-A in  FIG. 2 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 4 , the fluid delivery device  114  includes a solution flow path  144 . In the illustrated embodiment, the solution flow path  144  is defined at the body  115 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the solution flow path  144  is defined within the body  115 . The solution flow path  144  extends from the solution inlet  116 , defined at the body  115 , to a solution outlet  146 , defined at the body  115 . More specifically, in this embodiment, the solution outlet  146  is defined within the body  115 . The solution flow  144  path receives solution at the solution inlet  116  and conveys this solution to the solution outlet  146 . 
     The solution flow path  144  includes a cross channel  148 , an inlet channel  150 , and an outlet channel  152 . The inlet channel  150  extends from the solution inlet  116  to the cross channel  148 . The outlet channel  152  extends from the cross channel  148  to the solution outlet  146 . As shown in the illustrated embodiment, the orientation of the cross channel  148 , the inlet channel  150 , and the outlet channel  152  can generally form an inverted “U” shape (e.g., relative to the frame of reference shown in  FIG. 4  where the fluid delivery device  114  can be viewed with the removable cover  136  as “top” and the solution inlet  116  as “bottom”). The cross channel  148  has a first cross channel end  154  and a second cross channel end  156 . The cross channel  148  can extend along a cross channel axis running between the first cross channel end  154  and the second cross channel end  156 . The inlet channel  150  can extend in a first direction from the first cross channel end  154  and the outlet channel  152  can extend in that first direction from the second cross channel end  156 . In the present example, the inlet channel  150  extends along an inlet channel axis that is perpendicular to the cross channel axis. Also in the present example, the outlet channel  152  extends along an outlet channel axis that is perpendicular to the cross channel axis. The outlet channel  152  can extend along the outlet channel axis in the first direction while the cross channel  148  extends along the cross channel axis in a second direction that is different than the first direction. 
     In some examples, such as that shown here, the cross channel  148  of the solution flow path  144  can be formed, at least in part, by the removable cover  136 . The removable cover  136  can have a second side  157  that is opposite the first side  138 . The second side can form at least a portion of the cross channel  148 . As noted, the fastening structure of the removable cover  136  is configured to secure the removable cover  136  to the body  115  when the fastening structure is aligned with a corresponding receiving structure of the body  115 . This can also be useful in helping to ensure that the removable cover  136  is positioned relative to the body  115  so as to appropriately form the cross channel  148 . Accordingly, the removable cover  136  and body  115  can be configured such that the second side  157  of the removable cover  136  forms at least the portion of the cross channel  148  when the fastening structure of the removable cover  136  is aligned with the receiving structure of the body  115 . 
     The solution flow  144  path receives solution at the solution inlet  116  and conveys this solution along the inlet channel  150 , the cross channel  148 , and the outlet channel  152  to the solution outlet  146 . To facilitate a fluid connection for receiving the solution, the solution inlet  116  can include a dispenser fitting  158 . The dispenser fitting  158  can be adapted to fluidly connect the solution inlet  116  to an outlet of the dispenser, such as at an outlet  160  of the pump  112 . The dispenser fitting  158  can define a dispenser fitting channel  162  having a dispenser fitting channel cross-sectional area that is constant along the length of the dispenser fitting channel  162 . In some cases, this dispenser fitting channel cross-sectional area can be equal to a cross-sectional area of the inlet channel  150 , which itself may be constant. Where the cross-sectional area of the inlet channel  150  and the cross-sectional area of the dispenser fitting channel  162  are equal, this can help to reduce, or eliminate, pressure drop of the solution when it is received at the fluid delivery device  114 . The dispenser fitting  158  can include one or more sealing members  164 , such as a gasket or O-ring, at an end thereof interfacing with the solution inlet  116  to help facilitate a fluid tight connection at the solution inlet  116 . 
     In addition to the solution flow path  144 , the fluid delivery device  114  also includes a flush flow path  166 . In the illustrated embodiment, the flush flow path  166  is defined at the body  115 . More particularly, in this embodiment, the flush flow path  166  is defined within the body  115 . The flush flow path  166  extends from the flush inlet  118  (shown, e.g., in  FIG. 2 ), defined at the body  115 , to the flush outlet  120 , defined at the body  115 . As such, the flush flow path  166  can be configured to convey the flushing fluid through the fluid delivery device  114  from the flush inlet  118  to the flush outlet  120 . Moreover, in the example shown, the solution outlet  146  fluidly connects the solution flow path  144  to the flush flow path  166 . As noted previously, in the illustrated example the solution outlet  146  is defined within the body  115 . As a result, the fluid connection between the solution flow path  144  and the flush flow path  166  is located within the body  115 . In the illustrated embodiment, the axis of the outlet channel  152  is generally perpendicular to the flush flow path  166 . Thus, in addition to the flush flow path  166  be configured to convey the flushing fluid, the flush flow path  166  can also be configured to convey the solution from the solution flow path  144  to the flush outlet  120 . 
     One or more components can be included to selectively allow fluid communication between the flush flow path  166  and the solution flow path  144 . In the embodiment shown here, a valve  168  is included at the fluid delivery device  114  to selectively allow fluid communication between the flush flow path  166  and the solution flow path  144 . The valve  168  in this example is a check valve, such as a spring loaded ball valve. The check valve in this embodiment is disposed at the solution flow path  144 . More particularly, the check valve is disposed within the outlet channel  152  such that the flush flow path  166  is located below, or downstream relative to solution flow direction along the solution flow path  144 , the check valve. The check valve is configured to allow fluid communication from the solution flow path  144  to the flush flow path  166  but prevent fluid communication from the flush flow path  166  to the solution flow path  144 . In this configuration, the valve  168  can be useful in helping to prevent flushing fluid from flowing through the solution flow path and to the pump  112  and/or dispenser  110 . 
     The flush flow path  166  can define a flush flow path cross-sectional area. In the present embodiment, the flush flow path cross-sectional area is constant along its length from the flush inlet  118  (shown in, e.g.,  FIG. 2 ) to the flush outlet  120 . Given that the flush flow path  166  may be configured to convey (e.g., sequentially or simultaneously) the solution, from the solution flow path  144 , as well as the flushing fluid received at the flush inlet (which may be of a greater relative volume than the solution, depending on the application), the flush flow path cross-sectional area may be sized to accommodate this dual function. For instance, the flush flow path cross-sectional area may be greater than a cross-sectional area of some portions, or the entirety, of the solution flow path  144 . As one particular example, the flush flow path cross-sectional area can be greater than the cross-sectional area of the inlet channel  150 , which itself can in some cases be a generally constant cross-sectional area. As another particular example, the flush flow path cross-sectional area can be greater than the cross-sectional area of the outlet channel  152 . 
     The features of the fluid delivery device  114  disclosed herein can provide a number of useful advantages. For example, the configuration of the solution flow path  144  and the flush flow path  166  can provide a number of these useful advantages as compared to prior fluid conveyance product configurations. For example, the fluid delivery device  114  can significantly reduce occurrence of residual solution collection, or sump, within the fluid delivery device  114 . As another example, the amount of tubing needed to convey both solution and flushing fluid at the fluid delivery device, as well as in a fluid delivery system incorporating the fluid delivery device, can be significantly reduced. In addition, the number of sealing connections needing to be made, for instance during installation or maintenance, is reduced. These useful advantages can lead to an increase in safety while decreasing operational cost. Furthermore, the fluid delivery device  114  can provide a relatively confined means for outputting solution and conveying flushing fluid and thereby can allow its use in a larger number of applications where space is limited. 
       FIG. 5  shows a schematic diagram of another exemplary embodiment of a fluid delivery system  200 . The illustrated embodiment of the fluid delivery system  200  includes the dispensing apparatus  104 , which has the dispenser  110 , the pump  112 , and the fluid delivery device  114 , as disclosed elsewhere herein. The exemplary fluid delivery system  200  also includes a dispenser  202  and the use device  106 . In some cases, as shown here, the fluid delivery system  200  can further include a solution supply  203 . When included, the solution supply  203  can be fluidly connected to the dispensing apparatus  104  and supply solution (e.g., that includes a liquid chemistry) to the dispenser  110  for use in the fluid delivery system  200 . 
     The fluid delivery system  200  can be used to convey one or more solutions from the dispensing apparatus  104  and/or the dispenser  202  to the use device  106  where the one or more solutions are employed. The dispensing apparatus  104  and the dispenser  202  can be configured to dispense one or more solutions. For instance, in the present embodiment, the dispensing apparatus  104  can be a liquid solution dispenser configured to dispense a first solution that includes a liquid chemistry and the dispenser  202  can be a solid solution dispenser configured to dispense a second solution that includes a solid chemistry dissolved in water. In some cases, the first solution dispensed by the dispensing apparatus  104  includes a different chemistry than the second solution dispensed by the dispenser  202 . 
     As shown in the illustrated embodiment, components of the fluid delivery system  200  are fluidly connected to convey the one or more solutions to the use device  106 . Each of the dispensing apparatus  104  and the dispenser  202  is fluidly connected to the use device  106 , such as via the fluid line  108 . As shown in this example, the dispensing apparatus  104  is fluidly connected in-line to the dispenser  202 . As also shown in this example, the dispenser  202  disposed at the fluid line  108  at a first fluid line location that is upstream, relative to the flow direction in the fluid delivery system  200 , from a second fluid line location of the dispensing apparatus  104 . The fluid line  108 , in the illustrated embodiment, fluidly connects the dispenser  202  to the dispensing apparatus  104  and fluidly connects the dispensing apparatus  104  to the use device  106 . Though, in other examples, the dispenser  202  can be directly connected to the dispensing apparatus  104  and/or the dispensing apparatus  104  can be directly connected to the use device  106 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser  202  can be configured to dispense the second solution on the fluid line  108  to the use device  106  through the dispensing apparatus  104 . Likewise, the dispenser  202  can be configured to output a flushing fluid, such as water or another appropriate fluid, on the fluid line  108  and through the dispensing apparatus  104 . Thus, the second solution and/or the flushing fluid output from the dispenser  202  can pass through the dispensing apparatus  104  and to the use device  106 . Also in the illustrated embodiment, the dispensing apparatus  104  can be configured to dispense the first solution on the fluid line  108  to the use device  106 . 
     To facilitate conveyance of the one or more solutions and/or the flushing fluid, the dispensing apparatus  104  includes the fluid delivery device  114 . The dispenser  110 , of the dispensing apparatus  104 , can include an outlet  170  at which the dispenser  110  is configured to dispense the first solution (e.g., that includes a liquid chemistry). The body  115  of the fluid delivery device  114  defines the solution inlet  116  that is fluidly connected to the outlet  170  of the dispenser  110 , for instance via the pump  112 . The fluid delivery device  114  is configured to receive the first solution at the solution inlet  116  and ultimately deliver the first solution to the fluid line  108 . More particularly, as disclosed elsewhere herein, the body  115  of the fluid delivery device  114  defines a solution outlet (shown, e.g., in  FIG. 4 ), a solution flow path extending (shown, e.g., in  FIG. 4 ) from the solution inlet  116  to the solution outlet, a flush inlet  118  fluidly connected to the fluid line  108 , a flush outlet  120  fluidly connected to the fluid line  108 , and a flush flow path (shown, e.g., in  FIG. 4 ) extending from the flush inlet  118  to the flush outlet  120 . As also disclosed elsewhere herein, the solution outlet can fluid connect the solution flow path to the flush flow path. 
     Accordingly, the fluid delivery device  114  is configured to receive the first solution at the solution inlet  116  and convey the first solution along the solution flow path to the flush flow path and out the flush outlet  120  to the use device  106 . In addition, the fluid delivery device  114  can be configured to receive the second solution and/or flushing fluid output by the dispenser  202 . The fluid delivery device  114  can be configured to receive this second solution and/or flushing fluid at the flush inlet  118  and convey the second solution and/or flushing fluid along the flush flow path, defined at the body  115 , to the use device  106 . In this way, it is possible to place the dispensing apparatus  104  on an existing solid chemistry delivery line. 
     To operate fluid delivery system  200 , the fluid delivery system  200  can include a controller  204 . In the illustrated embodiment, the controller  204  is shown as part of the dispenser  202 . Though, the controller  204  could instead be included as part of the dispensing apparatus  104  or as a stand-along component on the fluid delivery system  200 . The controller  204  can include a user input mechanism (e.g., a keyboard, a touchscreen, etc.), a processor, computer-executable instructions run by the processor and stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium, and a communication mechanism (e.g., a receiver, a transceiver, etc.). The controller  204  can be in signal communication with dispensing apparatus  104  and the dispenser  202  as well as, in some further examples, the use device  106 . In this way, the controller  204  can send one or more signals to the dispenser  202 , the dispensing apparatus  104 , and/or the use device  106 . For instance, as one example, the controller can be in two-way signal communication with the dispenser  202 , the dispensing apparatus  104 , and/or the use device  106  such that the controller  204  can receive feedback from one or more of these components and send one or more signals to one or more of these components based on the feedback. 
     The controller  204  can send a signal to a component in the fluid delivery system  200  relating to a mode of operation of that particular component. As an example, the dispenser  202  can have multiple modes of operation as appropriate for a particular fluid delivery system. In one embodiment, the dispenser  202  has a first mode of operation during which the dispenser  202  is configured to dispense the second solution, on the fluid line  108 , that includes a solid chemistry dissolved in water and a second mode of operation during which the dispenser  202  is configured to dispense a flushing fluid, such as water without the solid chemistry dissolved therein, on the fluid line  108 . The controller  204  can be configured to send a signal to the dispenser  202  to operate in a select mode as appropriate for a fluid delivery sequence in the fluid delivery system  200 . 
     As one example, the controller  204  can send signals related to modes of operation to both of the dispensing apparatus  104  and the dispenser  202 . For instance, the controller  204  can be configured to send a first signal to the dispensing apparatus  104  to dispense the first solution (e.g., to the solution inlet  116  of the fluid delivery device  114 ). The controller  204  can also be configured to send a second signal to the dispenser  202  to dispense the second solution (e.g., to the fluid line  108 ). Furthermore, the controller  204  can be configured to send a third signal to the dispenser  202  to dispense the flushing fluid, such as water without the solid chemistry dissolved therein (e.g., on the fluid line  108 ). As noted, the controller  204  can, in some cases, send one or more of these signals based on feedback received from a component in the fluid delivery system, such as the use device  106 . Moreover, the controller  204  can send these signals in a predetermined order to cause a fluid delivery sequence to be executed at the fluid delivery system  200 . For instance, the controller  204  can be configured to send the third signal a predetermined amount of time after sending the first signal. Likewise, the controller  204  can be configured to send the second signal a predetermined amount of time before or after the sending the first signal. 
       FIG. 6  shows a flow diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a method  300  of delivering a solution. At step  310 , a solution is received. For example, the solution can be received at a solution inlet. This solution inlet can be a solution inlet of a fluid delivery device that is the same as, or similar to, the fluid delivery device disclosed herein. The solution received at step  310  can take a variety of forms, including a chemistry that is suited for application at a use device in a fluid delivery system. The chemistry included in the solution could be a liquid chemistry or a solid chemistry dissolved in water. 
     At step  320 , the solution received at the solution inlet is conveyed along a solution flow path. The solution flow path can extend from a solution inlet to a solution outlet, for instance of a fluid delivery device that is the same as, or similar to, the fluid delivery device disclosed herein. The solution flow path, the solution inlet, and the solution outlet can be defined at a body of the fluid delivery device. Thus, at step  320 , the solution can be conveyed along the solution flow path from the solution inlet to the solution outlet. In some cases, conveying the solution along the solution flow path at step  320  as such can include conveying the solution in a first direction from the solution inlet to a cross channel. This step may further include conveying the solution in a second direction along the cross channel and conveying the solution in a third direction from the cross channel to the solution outlet. In one example, the first direction can be opposite the third direction and the second direction can be different than both the first direction and third direction. 
     At step  330 , the solution is delivered from the solution outlet to a flush flow path. The flush flow path can extend from a flush inlet to a flush outlet, for instance of a fluid delivery device that is the same as, or similar to, the fluid delivery device disclosed herein. The flush flow path, the flush inlet, and the flush outlet can be defined at the body of the fluid delivery device. Thus, at step  330 , when the solution outlet is defined at the body of the fluid delivery device, the solution can be delivered from the solution outlet to the flush flow path within the body of the fluid delivery device. And, moreover, in this case, at step  330  the solution can be conveyed along the flush flow path and output at the flush outlet. This can allow the solution to then be utilized in an application, for instance being run at a use device in a fluid delivery system. 
     In a further embodiment of the method  300 , a step can be included for conveying a flushing fluid along the flush flow path. The flushing fluid could be, for example, water without the chemistry entrained therein. The flushing fluid can be received at the flush inlet of the fluid delivery device. The flushing fluid can be conveyed through the fluid delivery device along the flush flow path, for instance after the solution is conveyed along the solution flow path at step  320  or after the solution is delivered to the flush flow path at step  330 . In this way, the method  300  could include receiving a solution at one location on the fluid delivery device, receiving a flushing fluid at another, different location on the fluid delivery device, and delivering the solution and flushing fluid out from the fluid delivery device at a common location on the fluid delivery device. 
     Various non-limiting exemplary embodiments have been described. It will be appreciated that suitable alternatives are possible without departing from the scope of the examples described herein. These and other examples are within the scope of the following claims.