Patent Abstract:
A variably proportional mixing device is provided for automatically mixing two fluids stored in separate containers in various ratios without measuring, comprising means for selecting one of a plurality of predetermined mix ratios for the two fluids, and a means for controlling the flow of each fluid from the separate containers so as to achieve a mix ratio that corresponds to the selected ratio. In the preferred embodiment, the means for controlling comprises a trigger operated flow control cylinder which controls the flow of fluid from the first container and the second container, and a ratio cylinder including a channel therethrough having a variable cross-sectional area, the rotation of which using the selecting means varies the flow rate of the fluid from the second container into the flow of fluid from the first container. A static mixer is provided for mixing the two fluids in the spout of the device.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a variably proportional mixing device, and, more particularly, to such a variably proportional mixing device having two separate reservoirs for fluids such as oil and gasoline and a variably adjustable valve system that allows for the simultaneous pouring and mixing of the two fluids in a wide selection of ratios within the device or the spout thereof. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Systems for mixing two components in a predetermined ratio have long been known in the industry. A particular application of such systems relates to the admixture of two fluids, such as gasoline and oil, which mixture is necessary for the smooth operation of certain types of engines, such as two-cycle engines. Such engines are of the type that are frequently used for household equipment such as mowers, trimmers, blowers, edgers, snow blowers and chainsaws, as well as for recreational purposes, such as motorcycles, jet skis, snowmobiles and boats. Each type of engine may require a different ratio of gasoline to oil, which ratio must be maintained in order to prevent any damage from occurring to the engine and to extend the lifetime of such engine as long as possible. 
     In the typical system for mixing the fluids, a container is provided for each of the fluids, and a separate container may or may not be provided for the mixture. Since different engines require a different ratio of mixtures, the proper ratio must first be determined, and the appropriate amount of each fluid must then be measured out. Each fluid is then added to the separate container (or one fluid may be added to the other fluid&#39;s container) and the two fluids mixed together, such as by shaking. The mixed fluid may then be used in a particular application that requires such a fixed ratio. 
     The problems with such a system are numerous. First and foremost, only one pre-determined ratio may be mixed in the container at one time. Since many households have more than one two-cycle engine, multiple mixing containers are required to satisfy the various ratios demanded by these different engines. This system also tends to be unreliable, since it requires accurate measuring of each of the separate fluids. This system is also complicated and requires several different containers for mixing just one ratio. Furthermore, regardless of how much of the combined fluid is necessary, this system requires that a fixed amount of each fluid be used (e.g., a gallon of gasoline), often resulting in a tremendous amount of waste. 
     There are currently a number of such devices currently on the market, including the Gas Canplastic, the 2-Mixer and the Accu-Mix. 
     Examples of systems for mixing oil and gas in a predetermined ratio are also disclosed in the patent prior art. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,250,154, which issued to Cheresko on Jun. 26, 2001 for “Oil and gas metering and measuring device,” teaches a fluid metering and measuring device having a filling chamber with a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet with a plunger disposed within the chamber to create a vacuum in the chamber to cause a fluid, e.g. oil to flow into chamber and gradations to indicate the amount of oil drawn into the chamber to ensure proper fluid ratios. 
     The use of separate chambers for the fluids and a mixing zone is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,871, which issued to Jonas, et al. on Jun. 27, 2000 for “Method and device for combining at least two fluid media,” which teaches a device having first and second fluid chambers connected to a flow region and mixing zone and at least one inlet opening for diverting part of the first fluid medium from the first chamber into the second chamber wherein the second chamber is provided with at least one opening into the flow region for discharging the second fluid medium displaced into it by the first fluid medium. 
     Other examples of containers for use in mixing two fluids, such as oil and gas, include U.S. Pat. No. 4,819,833, which issued to Huddleston, et al. on Apr. 11, 1989 for “Measuring, metering, and mixing can for gasoline and oil” discloses a measuring, metering, and mixing can including gasoline and containers and a plunger-cylinder metering unit for withdrawing a selected amount of oil from the oil container and injecting the same into the gasoline can for producing an oil-gasoline mixture. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,835, which issued to Stadler on Jan. 24, 1978 for “Fuel and lubricant mixer” discloses a device to proportionately mix fuel and lubricant having a cylindrical lubricant container, a columnar fuel delivery inlet which perpendicularly angles to merge with and to feed fuel into a conical funneled mixing chamber immediately below the base of the lubricant supply container, and an axially secured butterfly lever in the line of fuel inlet travel which is depressed by passing fuel to thereby activates a spring-loaded piston valve which allows a proportionate flow of lubricant to the mixing chamber. 
     Much of the prior art is not necessarily directed to the mixture of oil and gasoline, although it is clearly the intention that such systems and methods may be so used. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,406,995, which issued to Gantzer on Apr. 18, 1995 for “Container assembly for mixing liquids in predetermined ratios” discloses a container assembly having an outer container and at least one inner container whose internal volume has the same ratio to the remaining internal volume of the outer container as the desired ratio of liquids to be mixed wherein an orifice in the inner container establishes communication between the lower end portions of the two containers so that a previously mixed liquid mixture of a predetermined ratio resides at the same level in both containers. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,846,373, which issued to Penn, et al. on Jul. 11, 1989 for “Apparatus for proportioning or for proportioning and mixing plural different fluid compositions” discloses an apparatus for proportioning and dispensing at least two different fluids including a cartridge having separate chambers for containing separate fluid compositions to be proportioned and dispensed and a valve structure for controlling the flow of the fluid compositions through passageways, for preventing run-on of the fluid compositions through the respective passageways due to decompression of the fluid compositions upon removal of an extruding pressure, and thereby for preventing dispensing of the fluid compositions through the respective passageways in proportional ratios other than a desired predetermined proportional ratio. 
     A control valve particularly suitable for mechanical refrigeration systems is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,131,128, which issued to Gotzenberger on Dec. 26, 1978 for “Control Valve.” This patent discloses a spherical valve operable by turning the valve body about an axis perpendicular to the direction of the fluid flow. 
     It should be appreciated that the mixing systems need not be limited to fluids. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,995,540, which issued to Colin, et al. on Feb. 26, 1991 for “Unit dosage dispenser for dental impression materials” discloses an apparatus for dispensing, in sequence, a unit dosage of several elastomeric impression materials of different viscosities so as to permit a dental impression to be taken under aseptic conditions in the preparation of a dental restoration. 
     Numerous other examples of mixing systems and methods are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,536, which issued to Jacobs, et al. on May 18, 2004 for “Apparatus and method for measuring, mixing, and dispensing fluids”; U.S. Pat. No. 6,022,134, which issued to Andrews on Feb. 8, 2000 for “Mixing and dispensing container”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,662,249, which issued to Grosse on Sep. 2, 1997 for “All in one measure/funnel/pour/mix/shake container”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,447,245, which issued to Merhar on Sep. 5, 1995 for “Graduated proportioning and mixing container”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,375,742, which issued to Mowry on Dec. 27, 1994 for “Gas-oil mixture aid”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,610, which issued to Levison on Mar. 22, 1994 for “Mixing can having a hinged cap with an integral measuring cup”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,123,460, which issued to Reed on Jun. 23, 1992 for “Multi-purpose container system for loading liquid dispenser”; U.S. Pat. No. 5,108,016, which issued to Waring on Apr. 28, 1992 for “Fuel container system”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,860,927, which issued to Grinde on Aug. 29, 1989 for “Blow molded two-compartment container”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,779,993, which issued to Toole on Oct. 25, 1988 for “Oil and gasoline mixing device”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,721,393, which issued to Kwast on Jan. 26, 1988 for “Ratio Mix container”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,777, which issued to Soler on May 20, 1986 for “Mixing apparatus”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,480,470, which issued to Tussing on Nov. 6, 1984 for “Gas cap”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,294,273, which issued to Isberg on Oct. 13, 1981 for “Fluid proportioning device”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,292,846, which issued to Barnett on Oct. 6, 1981 for “Liquid proportioning container”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,185,653, which issued to Armstrong, et al. on Jan. 29, 1980 for “Liquid metering and mixing device”; U.S. Pat. No. 4,079,629, which issued to Hope on Mar. 21, 1978 “Oil to gasoline ratio measuring device”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,948,105, which issued to Johnson, Jr. on Apr. 6, 1976 for “Proportioning and mixing graduate”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,720,231, which issued to Ajero on Mar. 13, 1973 for “Add-on Oil-Fuel Metering Device”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,658,204, which issued to Bottger on Apr. 25, 1972 for “Set of Containers for Two Liquids”; U.S. Pat. No. 3,581,940, which issued to Cella on Jun. 1, 1971 for “Multiple compartment dispenser container with check valves”; and U.S. Pat. No. 2,986,162, which issued to Spexarth on May 30, 1961 for “Apparatus for providing a proper mixture of fuel and oil for an internal combustion engine.” 
     As will be appreciated, none of these prior patents even address the problem faced by applicant let alone offer the solution proposed herein. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Against the foregoing background, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide a variably proportional mixing device including a single pre-mix device for combining and mixing two fluids in various ratios. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide such a variably proportional mixing device that is easy to operate. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide such a variably proportional mixing device that allows for mixtures in various ratios to be poured without having to measure each component. 
     It is another object of the present invention to provide such a variably proportional mixing device that is consistent and reliable. 
     It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a variably proportional mixing device that combines and mixes the two fluids simultaneously. 
     It is yet still another object of the present invention to provide such a variably proportional mixing device that allows ratios to be changed instantly without having to exchange parts. 
     It is but another object of the present invention to provide such a variably proportional mixing device that may be globally accepted, regardless of the measuring units used for each component. 
     To the accomplishments of the foregoing objects and advantages, the present invention, in brief summary, comprises a variably proportional mixing device for automatically mixing two fluids stored in separate containers. The device comprises means for selecting one of a plurality of predetermined mix ratios for the two fluids, and a means for controlling the flow of each fluid from the separate containers so as to achieve a mix ratio that corresponds to the selected ratio. In the preferred embodiment, the means for controlling comprises a trigger operated flow control cylinder which controls the flow of fluid from the first container and the second container, and a ratio cylinder including a channel therethrough having a variable cross-sectional area, the rotation of which using the selecting means varies the flow rate of the fluid from the second container into the flow of fluid from the first container. A static mixer is provided for mixing the two fluids in the spout of the device. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and still other objects and advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the detailed explanation of the preferred embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a front perspective view of the variably proportional mixing device of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a front perspective view of the variably proportional mixing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the variably proportional mixing device of  FIG. 1  showing the elements of the nozzle thereof. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  are perspective views of the fuel cylinder and oil ratio cylinder of the variably proportional mixing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of the variably proportional mixing device of  FIG. 1  showing the operation of the device. 
         FIG. 6A  is a side view of one embodiment of the oil ratio cylinder of the variably proportional mixing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6B  is a front view of one embodiment of the oil ratio cylinder of the variably proportional mixing device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 7A-7E  are front elevational and perspective views of the preferred embodiment of the oil ratio cylinder of the variably proportional mixing device of  FIG. 1  wherein such cylinder is shown in various positions from all the way open to closed. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to the drawings and, in particular, to  FIGS. 1-3  thereof, the variably proportional mixing device of the present invention, referred to generally by reference numeral  10 , is illustrated. The system an automatic closure dosing apparatus  100  which may be attached directly to a first canister  102  for the storage of a fluid such as fuel by means of an adapter ring  104  which is engaged by a threaded ring  106  which in turn is threaded onto the canister spout  108 , such that the adapter ring  104  includes external threads  110  which engage corresponding internal threads  112  in the automatic closure apparatus  100  allowing the automatic closure apparatus  100  to be screwed into the adapter ring  104 . 
     In such embodiment, the automatic closure apparatus  100  includes a nozzle housing  114 , preferably molded out of two halves, and a housing assembly  116  into which a second canister  118  may be attached. The second canisters  118  may be attached to the housing assembly  116  by a variety of means, such as friction fit or vacuum seal, although in the preferred embodiment the second canister  118  is screwed into the housing assembly  116  to thereby provide a secure and water-tight fit. 
     Also provided on the nozzle housing  114  is a handle  120  and handle housing  122  which allow a user to operate the closure apparatus  100 . The ratio of the fluids to be mixed from the first and second canisters  102 ,  118  is controlled by a ratio adjustment knob  124  which is also disposed on the outside of the nozzle housing  114 . The ratio adjustment knob  124  controls the flow of the fluid from the second canister  118  by means of the oil ratio cylinder  126 , which element is illustrated in greater detail in the exploded  FIG. 7  and in  FIG. 8A . This element is called an oil ratio cylinder  126  because in the preferred embodiment the second canister  118  is an oil canister; however, it should be appreciated that such nomenclature is for convenience sake only since the second canister could hold any substance, such as a pesticide or a food ingredient for example. Similarly, other structures and/or elements that are prefixed with the word “oil” or “fuel” are similarly done for convenience purpose only, and should not be construed to limit or otherwise dictate what fluids or substances may be used in this device. 
     The oil ratio cylinder  126  is fitted within the nozzle housing  114  so as to allow it to rotate freely, which rotation is controlled by the ratio adjustment knob  124 . In order to prevent any oil from leaking into or otherwise escaping from the housing  114  from around the oil ratio cylinder  126 , sealing O-rings  128  are provided and fitted within O-ring grooves  130 . Control of the flow of oil through the oil ratio cylinder  126  is effected by means of a channel  132  disposed within the cylinder  126  whose unique shape provide oil flow at the specified ratios as selected by the ratio adjustment knob  124 . Such ratios may be imprinted directly onto the ratio adjustment knob  124  and be visible within a window  134  in the housing assembly  116 . By turning the ratio adjustment knob  124  to a desired ratio as visible in the window  134 , the oil ratio cylinder  126  is rotated to the appropriate position, thereby changing the cross-sectional area of the channel  132  through which the oil may flow to thereby reduce or increase the flow of oil therethrough to be mixed with the fuel in the predetermined ratio. The ratio adjustment knob  124  may include fixed settings to which a user may merely click the knob  124  to allow for an exact ratio rather than a variable ratio, and one of the settings may be the “off” position allowing no oil to flow through the channel  132 . 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are the side and front views of the oil ratio cylinder  126  highlighting the variable cross-sectional width of the channel  132 . It should be appreciated that by turning the oil ratio cylinder  126 , the width and depth of the channel  132  through which the oil may pass is varied, thereby allowing a user to regulate the flow of oil through the oil ratio cylinder  126 . The shape of the channel  132  is designed so as to allow for a given fluid flow therethrough for each of the predetermined fluid ratios. For example, it has been determined that, for oil-gas applications, the following mixtures are desirable, and the cross-sectional area of the channel  132  for each particular ratio follows each: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                   
                   
                 Cross-Sectional 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Gas Outlet Diameter 
                 Area 
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Inches 
                 Millimeters 
                 Inches{circumflex over ( )}2 
                 mm{circumflex over ( )}2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Given: 
                 0.75 
                 19.0 
                 .442 
                 283.5 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                 Cross-Sectional 
               
               
                   
                 Channel Diameter 
                 Area 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Oil-Gas Ratio 
                 Inches 
                 Millimeters 
                 Inches{circumflex over ( )}2 
                 mm{circumflex over ( )}2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 1:5  
                 0.33 
                 8.5 
                 0.088 
                 56.7 
               
               
                 1:7  
                 0.28 
                 7.2 
                 0.063 
                 40.5 
               
               
                 1:8  
                 0.26 
                 6.7 
                 0.055 
                 35.4 
               
               
                 1:10 
                 0.24 
                 6.0 
                 0.044 
                 28.4 
               
               
                 1:12 
                 0.22 
                 5.5 
                 0.037 
                 23.6 
               
               
                 1:16 
                 0.19 
                 4.8 
                 0.027 
                 17.7 
               
               
                 1:20 
                 0.17 
                 4.2 
                 0.022 
                 14.2 
               
               
                 1:24 
                 0.15 
                 3.9 
                 0.018 
                 11.8 
               
               
                 1:32 
                 0.13 
                 3.4 
                 0.014 
                 8.9 
               
               
                 1:38 
                 0.12 
                 3.1 
                 0.012 
                 7.5 
               
               
                 1:42 
                 0.12 
                 2.9 
                 0.010 
                 6.8 
               
               
                 1:50 
                 0.11 
                 2.7 
                 0.009 
                 5.7 
               
               
                 Off 
                 — 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The benefits of using a oil ratio cylinder  126  having a channel  132  of varying cross-sectional areas are numerous, including the fact that such part is easy to manufacture and replace, and can include any number of fixed, predetermined settings guided by clicks that allow for extremely accurate measurements. 
     An additional feature of the oil ratio cylinder  126  is a vent detail  136  which is essentially a shallow channel that runs circumferentially around the cylinder  126 , which vent detail  136  cooperates with a vent tube  138  to allow venting of the second canister  118 . 
     Control of the flow of fluid from the first canister  102  is effected by means of a fuel cylinder  140 , which structure is attached to and rotated by the handle  120 . The fuel cylinder  140  essentially has two positions—a “closed” position in which no fuel is allowed to flow therethrough, and an “open” position which allows fuel to flow. The handle  120  and the fuel cylinder  140  are kept in the “closed” position by means of a torsion spring  142  which applies rotational force to keep the fuel cylinder  140  rotated to a position whereby access to the first and second canisters  102 ,  118  are blocked. 
     A fuel orifice  144  is provided within the fuel cylinder  140 , which orifice  144  is essentially a cylindrical passageway through the entire body of the fuel cylinder  140  having a fixed cross-sectional area. A second passageway is also provided in the fuel cylinder  140 , the cross orifice  146 , which passageway leads from the oil ratio cylinder  126  to the fuel orifice  144  to allow the flow of oil from the second canister  118 . 
     Also disposed within the fuel cylinder  140  are O-ring grooves  130  which accept sealing O-rings  128  to prevent the leakage of oil or fuel, as well as vent holes  148 , which cooperate with vent detail  136  and vent tube  138  to allow for venting of the first and second canisters  102 ,  118 . Venting is further effected by means of a rear vent tube  150  which in the preferred embodiment is made part of the nozzle housing  114  as well as a front vent tube  152 . 
     Oil ratio cylinder  126  and fuel cylinder  140  are interconnected by means of oil seal  154  which in the preferred embodiment is composed of rubber and includes an opening  156  therein that allows the flow of oil from the second canister  118  into the fuel cylinder  140  while prevent leakage of any fluids. Also disposed within the oil seal  154  is a vent hole  148  that corresponds to the position of the vent detail  136  in the oil ratio cylinder and the vent hole  148  in the fuel cylinder  140  when the fuel cylinder is in the “open” position. 
     Situated immediately adjacent to the fuel cylinder  140  within the nozzle housing  114  is a fuel seal  158  whose purpose is to prevent any fluids from leaking around the oil ratio and fuel cylinders  126 ,  140 . The fuel seal  158  also includes an opening  160  as well as a vent hole  148  that connects to the front vent tube  152  to allow for venting of gases. 
     A nozzle  162  is provided to direct the flow of the fuel-oil admixture and to assist the mixing of the components thereof. The nozzle  162  includes one or more static mixers  164  to assist in the mixing of the oil and fuel. The static mixers  164  comprise structures that interrupt the flow of the fluid and induce turbulence within the fluid to thereby effectively mix the component elements. 
     Illustrated in  FIGS. 7A-7E  is the preferred embodiment of the oil ratio cylinder  126  of the present invention. In such embodiment, the channel  132  encircles the entire circumference of the oil ratio cylinder  126  but for an uninterrupted portion  166 , which portion  166  serves to block the flow of oil when the oil ratio cylinder  126  is in the closed position (as illustrated in  FIG. 7D ). It can be seen that the depth of the channel  132  varies with the radial position around the circumference of the oil ratio cylinder  126 , said variable depth serving to limit the flow of the oil through the cylinder  126  depending upon the position selected by the ratio adjustment knob  124 . 
     In all embodiments, the oil flows into the oil ratio cylinder  126  through the oil inlet  168  having a fixed inlet cross-sectional area  170 , and exits through the oil outlet  172  having a fixed outlet cross-sectional area  174 . The cross-sectional areas  170 ,  174  should be sufficiently large to allow for the free flow of oil through the oil ratio cylinder  126  in all positions. In the preferred embodiment, the uninterrupted portion  166  must be at least as large in size and shape as the outlet cross-sectional area  174  such that, in the closed position, the uninterrupted portion  166  completely covers and seals the outlet cross-sectional area. The depth of the channel  132  at each position of the ratio adjustment knob  124 , and thereby the cross-sectional area of the channel  132  through which the oil passes to the oil outlet  172 , has been carefully determined so as to allow for the specific amount of oil to consistently pass through the oil ratio cylinder  126 . 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 7A-7D , the oil ratio cylinder  126  may be rotated through 180 degrees of rotation to select different oil to gas ratios. It should be appreciated that in order to achieve this 180 degrees of rotation, the channel  132  must extend more than 180 degrees around the circumference of the oil ratio cylinder  126  to allow for passage of oil in any position. It should also be appreciated that such configuration may result in oil filling the entire channel to either side of the oil inlet  168 , although the oil outlet  172  will be situated at only one end of the channel  132 . This does not in any way affect the performance of the oil ratio cylinder  126 . 
     The operation of the automatic closure apparatus  100  is a relatively simple endeavor. The nozzle housing  114  is screwed onto the first canister  102  using the adapter ring  104 , and the second canister  118  is screwed onto the housing assembly  116 . During attachment of the canisters  102 ,  118 , the handle  120  is not depressed, allowing the torsion spring  142  to force the fuel cylinder  140  and oil orifice closed, thereby blocking the flow of any fluid therethrough, and the ratio adjustment knob  124  is set to “off.” Both the oil ratio cylinder  126  and the fuel cylinder  140  prevent the flow of oil in this position. 
     A user then selects a particular oil-fuel ratio by turning the ratio adjustment knob  124 , which rotates the oil ratio cylinder  126  to the appropriate position, thereby allowing oil to pass through the channel  132 . The flow of oil through the oil ratio cylinder  126  is limited by the depth of the channel  132  and the cross-sectional area of the portion of the channel  132  that is immediately adjacent to the oil outlet  172 . Further passage of oil through the apparatus  100  may still be prevented by the fuel cylinder  140  if it is in the “closed” position. By depressing or squeezing the handle  120 , force is applied to counter the force of the torsion spring  142 , thereby rotating the fuel cylinder  140  and revealing the fuel orifice  144  to allow for passage of fuel from the first canister  102  and the flow of oil from the oil ratio cylinder  126  through the fuel seal  158  and into the cross orifice  146 . 
     Fluids from the first and second canisters  102 ,  118  are introduced in the fuel cylinder  140  where they begin to mix as they pass through the fuel seal  158  into the nozzle  162 . Mixing is completed as the fuel and oil pass the static mixers  164  which serve to disturb the flow of fluid and create turbulence within the flow. 
     Having thus described the invention with particular reference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1