Patent Description:
Dissolution parameters of a solid product into a liquid solution, such as a liquid detergent used for cleaning and sanitizing, change based on the operating parameters of and inputs to the dissolution process. Spraying liquid onto a solid product to dissolve it into a liquid solution is one technique. With this technique, the operating parameters change in part based on characteristics within the dispenser, such as the distance between the solid product and the spray nozzle and the change in the pressure and temperature of the liquid being sprayed onto the solid product. Changes in a nozzle's flow rate, spray pattern, spray angle, and nozzle flow can also affect operating parameters, thereby affecting the chemistry, effectiveness, and efficiency of the concentration of the resulting liquid solution. In addition, dissolution of a solid product by spraying generally requires additional space within the dispenser for the nozzles spray pattern to develop and the basin to collect the dissolved product, which results in a larger dispenser.

Spraying the liquid onto the solid product chemistry may not be ideal. The liquid temperature may vary, which will produce varying concentrations of the solution formed between the chemistry and the liquid. In addition, spraying the liquid may not provide uniform erosion, as the water contacts the chemistry in a non-uniform manner. This could create uncertainties in the system, as it will not be clear when or how often the product needs to be replaced, or what the concentration of the produced solution is.

Using a turbulent pool or pool-like liquid source may be used to combat some of the issues. However, similar to spraying, changes in characteristics of the liquid or environment may still affect the concentration and erosion rate of the product chemistry. For example, the temperature of the liquid and flow characteristics of the liquid in contact with the solid product are but a few of the parameters that may affect the concentration of the solution and/or the erosion rate of the product. Additional external factors such as, but not limited to, humidity, room temperature, how often the device is used, etc. may also affect the erosion rate and thus, concentration of the formed solution.

Previous methods and apparatuses have been disclosed for adjusting a liquid in contact with a solid product chemistry to obtain a desired concentration of product chemistry and to provide a generally uniform erosion of the product. These designs typically utilize a movable object to seal different holes in order to generate more agitation and impingement force from fluid coming out of the turbulent flow technology manifold.

<CIT> relates to a water chlorinator device for use in a water recirculating conduit system having a water pump connected therein. The chlorinator device comprises a housing having a chlorine-containing chamber vented to atmosphere. A perforated support member is provided for supporting one or more solid chlorine tablets. Projections support a lower one of the tablets elevated from a top surface of said support member. The water supply compartment is provided under the support member and is fed pressurized water from the conduit system downstream of the pump. The water entering the supply compartment exits through orifices formed in the support member whereby to form a turbulent, chlorine dissolving, water cushion above a top support surface of the support member. The water cushion is formed of a plurality of pressurized water jets to dissolve the lower one of the solid chlorine tablets to form chlorine-treated water. An adjustment threaded member is provided for regulating the quantity of pressurized water fed to the compartment under the support member to adjust the water pressure of the pressurized water jets and therefore the dissolving rate of the chlorine. A return conduit communicates the chlorine containing chamber with a chlorine-treated water chamber. A suction line interconnects the chlorine-treated water chamber to the conduit system. A removable cover is provided in a top end of the housing to provide visual access to the top surface of the support member.

While these designs are effective for their purpose of providing a more uniform erosion of a solid product, there still exists a need in the art to improve upon said method and apparatus to provide a single dispenser capable of getting a range of concentrations off a single block of chemistry by altering flow paths rather than sealing small holes.

Therefore, it is a primary object, feature, or advantage of the present invention to improve on and/or overcome the deficiencies in the art.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide an apparatus that generates a ready to use chemical solution from a solid block of chemistry using fluid agitation, also known as turbulent flow technology or TFT, to erode the solid chemistry.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide an apparatus that mitigates issues associated with providing enough force to seal off multiple holes at one time.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide an apparatus that is durable.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide an apparatus that is easily used, manufactured, repaired, and disassembled.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide an apparatus that is aesthetically pleasing.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the invention to provide an apparatus that is cost effective.

It is another object, feature, and/or advantage of the disclosure to provide a method to safely dispense a range of chemical concentrations using the aforementioned apparatus.

The previous list of objects, features, or advantages of the present invention are not exhaustive and do not limit the overall disclosure. Likewise, the following list of aspects or embodiments do not limit the overall disclosure. It is contemplated that any of the objects, features, advantages, aspects, or embodiments disclosed herein can be integrated with one another, either in full or in part, as would be understood from reading the present disclosure.

The invention relates to an apparatus (<NUM>) for adjusting characteristics of the flow of a fluid contacting a solid product to form a product chemistry comprising:
a diffuser manifold (<NUM>) having a manifold diffuse member (<NUM>) comprising:.

According to the present invention, an apparatus for adjusting characteristics of the flow of a fluid contacting a solid product to form a product chemistry comprising a diffuser manifold having a manifold diffuse member and a fluid valve for controlling the flow rate of a fluid moving through the plurality of ports and selectively orienting a flow of the fluid through a first flow path or a second flow path,. The manifold diffuse member comprises a first side with ports therethrough and a second side having a first fluid path and a second fluid path determined by a flow geometry of the manifold diffuse member. The first fluid path and the second fluid path are intersected by the ports.

According to some aspects, fluid diverted through the first flow path travels through the first fluid path and fluid diverted through the second flow path travels through the second fluid path.

According to some additional aspects, the fluid valve further comprises a static gasket to seal off the first flow path or the second flow path.

According to some additional aspects, the fluid valve comprises an external component for driving rotation of an internal rotatable component.

According to some additional aspects, the external component is a handle or a cap.

According to some additional aspects, the external component includes an indicator for indicating which flow paths are open or closed.

According to some additional aspects, the rotatable component includes a rotary disc with holes therethrough.

According to some additional aspects, plugs are inserted into at least some of the holes.

According to some additional aspects, the fluid valve further comprises a stationary component which attaches to a base to form at least a portion of an external structure of the fluid valve.

According to some additional aspects, the stationary component comprises flow control cavities.

According to some additional aspects, stationary component comprises raised surfaces where the fluid exits the flow control cavities.

According to some additional aspects, the fluid valve comprises a first static gasket for creating a watertight seal between the stationary component and the base.

According to some additional aspects, the fluid valve comprises an external component for driving rotation of an internal rotatable component, said external component lockingly engaged to the base and said rotatable component positioned between the stationary component and the external component.

According to some additional aspects, the fluid valve comprises a second static gasket for creating a watertight seal between the rotatable component and the base.

According to some additional aspects, the stationary component and the base are attached with a ratchet and a pawl.

According to some additional aspects, the ports have varying diameters.

According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, a dispenser configured to obtain a product chemistry from a product and a liquid, comprises a housing, a cavity within the housing for holding the product, a liquid source adjacent the cavity for providing a liquid to contact the product to create a product chemistry, a diffuser manifold, and a fluid valve for controlling the flow rate of a fluid moving through the diffuser manifold and diverting the fluid through a first flow path or a second flow path.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the dispenser further comprises an outlet operatively connected to the cavity to dispense the product chemistry from the dispenser.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the diffuser manifold is removably secured within the dispenser.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the flow rate is adjustable based on characteristics in the flow of the fluid moving through the diffuser manifold, said characteristics comprising velocity, pressure, turbulence, temperature, flow rate, vector, and/or impingement.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the dispenser further comprises a backflow prevention device.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the dispenser further comprises a product chemistry collector to collect the product chemistry.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the product chemistry collector comprises walls extending from the diffuser manifold.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the dispenser further comprises an overflow port located at a height of the walls extending from the diffuser manifold.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the dispenser further comprises a collection zone to collect product chemistry which passes through the overflow port.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the dispenser further comprises a splash guard to prevent the product chemistry in the collection zone from spilling outside the collection zone.

According to some other aspects of the present disclosure, a method for obtaining a chemical concentration from a chemical composition and a fluid comprises introducing the fluid through ports in a manifold diffuse member positioned adjacent a chemical composition and adjusting, with a fluid valve, characteristics of the flow of the fluid through the ports in the diffuser manifold to obtain and maintain a chemical concentration. The amount of liquid allowed through the ports modifies the turbulence of the liquid, thereby modifying the erosion rate of the chemical composition.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the characteristics of the flow include velocity, pressure, turbulence, temperature, flow rate, vector, and/or impingement.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the chemical composition is a solid product.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the method further comprises providing the solid product.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the step of adjusting characteristics of the flow comprises diverting the fluid through a first flow path.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the step of adjusting characteristics of the flow comprises diverting the fluid through a second flow path.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, the step of adjusting characteristics of the flow comprises diverting the fluid through a third flow path.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, fluid diverted through the first flow path travels through a first fluid path determined by a flow geometry of the manifold diffuse member and fluid diverted through the second flow path travels through a second fluid path determined by said flow geometry.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, rotating a handle causes the fluid valve to adjust the characteristics of the flow.

According to some additional aspects of the present disclosure, wherein the method further comprises dispensing the chemical concentration with a dispenser.

These or other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following detailed description of the illustrated embodiments, accompanied by the attached drawings.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure illustrate several ways in which the present invention may be practiced. These embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts throughout the several views. Reference to specific embodiments does not limit the scope of the present disclosure and the drawings represented herein are presented for exemplary purposes.

The following definitions and introductory matters are provided to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which embodiments of the present invention pertain.

The terms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the word "or" is synonymous with "and/or" and is intended to include "and" unless context clearly indicate otherwise. The word "or" means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list.

The terms "invention" or "present invention" as used herein are not intended to refer to any single embodiment of the particular invention but encompass all possible embodiments as described in the claims.

The term "about" as used herein refers to variation in the numerical quantities that can occur, for example, through typical measuring techniques and equipment, with respect to any quantifiable variable, including, but not limited to, mass, volume, time, distance, angle, wave length, frequency, voltage, current, and electromagnetic field. Furthermore, there is certain inadvertent error and variation that is likely through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the components used to make or carry out the present invention.

The term "configured" describes an apparatus, system, or other structure that is constructed to perform or capable of performing a particular task or to adopt a particular configuration. The term "configured" can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as constructed, arranged, adapted, manufactured, and the like.

Terms such as first, second, vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper, lower, front, rear, end, sides, concave, convex, and the like, are referenced according to the views presented. These terms are used only for purposes of description and are not limiting unless these terms are expressly included in the claims. Orientation of an object or a combination of objects may change without departing from the scope of the invention.

The apparatuses, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the components of the present disclosure described herein. The term "consisting essentially of" means that the apparatuses, systems, and methods may include additional components or steps, but only if the additional components or steps do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed apparatuses, systems, and methods.

The terms "fluid path" and "flow path" are not used interchangeably herein. The definitions of these terms will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the entirety of the present disclosure.

The following embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention however other embodiments may be utilized. Mechanical, procedural, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims.

An apparatus for adjusting characteristics of the flow of a fluid contacting a solid product to form a product chemistry is shown in the figures.

Referring to <FIG>, a diffuser manifold <NUM> comprises a manifold diffuse member <NUM> having ports <NUM> therethrough and a valve housing <NUM> for housing a fluid valve, such as a rotary fluid valve <NUM>. The diffuser manifold <NUM> is a device which can affect turbulence in fluid flow. The fluid valve may be located anywhere on the diffuser manifold <NUM>. The fluid valve may be actuated manually or electronically. The fluid valve may be designed as a linear valve (e.g. a hydraulic valve system) or a magnetically actuated valve (e.g. a push button or electric solenoid). Integral to the fluid valve are flow controls (not shown). Different chemistries and different chemical concentrations require different flow rates of fluid in order to achieve desired concentrations. In addition, as ambient conditions (water temperature, humidity, ambient temperature, etc.) change, the flow of a fluid can be adjusted to attempt to maintain a desired concentration of a solution formed between the fluid and a solid chemical product. The number and size of the holes act as a flow restrictor, but adding in a flow control at a desired flow rate is another method to ensure concentration targets.

As shown in <FIG>, the manifold diffuse member <NUM> is removably secured to the valve housing <NUM> through fasteners which engage mounting apertures <NUM> in both the manifold diffuse member <NUM> and the valve housing <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of fastening mechanisms may be mechanical in nature and can include screws, nuts, bolts, pins, washers, grommets, ties, latches (including pawls), rivets, staples, latches, clamps, clasps, adhesives, welds, any combination of the preceding components, and the like. The use of some fastening components may even eliminate the need for mounting apertures <NUM>. Still further, it is contemplated that the components be one-piece, such as by additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D printing), molding, welding, or the like.

To help facilitate fastening and to prevent movement between the manifold diffuse member <NUM> and the valve housing <NUM>, a lower edge of the manifold diffuse member <NUM> matingly engages an upper edge of the valve housing <NUM>. The mating engagement may, for example, comprise a first interlocking component or portion on the manifold diffuse member <NUM> and a second opposite and corresponding interlocking component or portion on the valve housing <NUM>. The interlocking components or portions may be selected from the group consisting of tabs (such as mounting tab <NUM>), flanges, protrusions, recesses, indents, and the like. Alternatively, the manifold diffuse member <NUM> and at least some portions of the valve housing <NUM> may be integrally formed with one another, thereby eliminating the need for fastening mechanisms and/or interlocking components or portions.

The diffuser manifold <NUM> of <FIG>,<FIG>and <FIG>utilizes a first fluid path <NUM> and a second fluid path <NUM>. However, not all embodiments will employ the use of just two fluid paths. As the number of fluid paths is only one variable in determining the concentration of chemicals to be dispensed, the number of fluid paths may be varied or customized. The fluid paths <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured many different ways by changing: flow controls - orifices that control the volume of fluid flowing into a path; manifold diffuse port <NUM> / hole size - which may vary depending on the solid chemistry that is used; and the number of manifold diffuse ports <NUM> / holes - as increasing or decreasing the number of manifold diffuse ports <NUM> or holes has a direct effect on the flow rate of the fluid coming out of the holes. The fluid paths <NUM>, <NUM> help create distinct flow paths for the fluid. A fluid path may be comprised of several smaller fluid subpaths. If the fluid path includes smaller fluid subpaths which are particularly wide or which include large gaps, the flow geometry of the manifold diffuse member <NUM> may be supplemented with support members <NUM>, such as posts, walls, or the like. The support members <NUM> are preferably positioned to not substantially interrupt the flow of a fluid path <NUM>, <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the manifold diffuse member <NUM> comprises a spiral design with a center which looks like a taichi symbol (the symbol used to represent yin and yang). The spiral design comprises two separate spiral shaped fluid paths. The second fluid path <NUM> is removed in <FIG> such that the first fluid path <NUM> can be seen alone. Similarly, the first fluid path <NUM> is removed in <FIG> such that the second fluid path <NUM> can be seen alone.

As shown in <FIG>, the manifold diffuse member <NUM> comprises a "lily pad" design with a plurality of veins which extend inwardly towards a center from a circumferential location. The "lily pad" design comprises two separate fluid paths: the first fluid path <NUM> comprises "inner leaves" of the "lily pad"; and the second fluid path <NUM> comprises a circumferential ring (radially spaced) and the veins which extend inwardly towards a center from a circumferential location. The second fluid path <NUM> is removed in <FIG> such that the first fluid path <NUM> can be seen alone. Similarly, the first fluid path <NUM> is removed in <FIG> such that the second fluid path <NUM> can be seen alone.

As shown in <FIG>, the manifold diffuse member <NUM> comprises a concentric, circular design. The concentric design comprises two separate fluid paths: the first fluid path <NUM> resembles concentric paths; and the second fluid path <NUM> comprises a closed outer ring and two open inner rings, wherein each of the rings are connected to one another through a single subpath which starts from a location on the outer ring and extends radially inward towards a center. The second fluid path <NUM> is removed in <FIG> such that the first fluid path <NUM> can be seen alone. Similarly, the first fluid path <NUM> is removed in <FIG> such that the second fluid path <NUM> can be seen alone.

The present disclosure is not limited to the designs illustrated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. Computation Fluid Dynamics (CFD) may be used to evaluate the effectiveness of a seemingly infinite number of designs. The effectiveness of a design may be determined by whether a constant fluid velocity and fluid pressure within the cavity the fluid is flowing may be achieved.

A rotary fluid valve <NUM> for controlling the flow rate of a fluid moving through the plurality of manifold diffuse ports <NUM> is shown in <FIG>. The components of the rotary fluid valve <NUM> are particularly shown in <FIG> also suggests an order in which the components should be assembled. <FIG> presents the rotary fluid valve <NUM> from a different perspective than the perspective used in <FIG> to show some remaining components not seen in <FIG>.

<FIG> present the rotary fluid valve <NUM> from the same perspective than the perspective used in <FIG> however the rotatable component <NUM> has been separated from the stationary component <NUM> to illustrate how the rotary fluid valve <NUM> diverts fluid through a first flow path <NUM>, a second flow path <NUM>, and/or a third flow path <NUM>. Opening or closing flow paths <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> may cause fluid to start or stop traveling through one or more fluid paths <NUM>, <NUM> in the diffuser manifold <NUM>. While each flow path may correspond directly to a specific fluid path(s), it is also possible a flow path does not correspond with any fluid paths in the diffuser manifold <NUM>. For example, the rotary disc <NUM> may comprise a center rotary disc hole <NUM> which is always open.

The overall flow path of the fluid may be changed using the rotary fluid valve <NUM>. In particular, the rotary fluid valve <NUM> has three different flow path configurations depending on which rotary disc holes <NUM> are plugged and which position the rotary disc <NUM> is in, thereby determining which flow control cavities <NUM> are open or closed. The center hole of the rotary fluid valve <NUM> is always open. Thus, a first configuration of the rotary fluid valve <NUM> exists where the first flow path <NUM>, the second flow path <NUM>, and the third flow path <NUM> are open, as is shown in <FIG>; a second configuration exists where the first flow path <NUM> and the third flow path <NUM> are open, as is shown in <FIG>; and a third configuration exists where the second flow path <NUM> and the third flow path <NUM> are open, as is shown in <FIG>. A configuration exists where both the first fluid path <NUM> and the second fluid path <NUM> are closed and only the third fluid path <NUM> remains open. Alternatively, configurations exist wherein the third fluid path <NUM> is closed or does not exist. For example, the center rotary disc hole <NUM> may be removed entirely, which may allow for easier machining and/or injection molding.

The rotary fluid valve <NUM> reduces a need to seal off each individual port <NUM> within the diffuser manifold <NUM>. The rotary disc holes <NUM> may be plugged valve seals <NUM>, such as rubber or silicone plugs, however other materials could be used. For example, solenoid valves may also be considered and used to selectively open one or more of the rotary disc holes <NUM>. The solenoid valves may be operated manually, automatically based upon an input, or some hybrid combination. Such inputs could be temperature, flow rate, water hardness, and/or other inputs that could affect the erosion of the solid product. The valve seals <NUM> may be die cut and placed into the rotary disc holes <NUM> and/or flow control cavities <NUM> of the stationary component <NUM> of the rotary fluid valve <NUM>. Static gaskets <NUM>, such as O-rings, may be used to help compress and seal off the first flow path <NUM> and/or the second flow path <NUM> when the rotary fluid valve <NUM> is rotated.

<FIG> presents the rotary fluid valve <NUM> from yet another perspective than the perspective used in <FIG> to show from what perspective the section view of <FIG> is presented. <FIG> are responsible for showing how at least some of the internal components presented in <FIG> fit into the rotary fluid valve <NUM> when the rotary fluid valve <NUM> is an assembled state.

Referring now to both <FIG> and <FIG>-14C, the cap <NUM> comprises a cap body <NUM> which functions as a handle. The cap body <NUM> includes an indicator <NUM> for indicating which flow paths are open or closed. In the embodiment shown, the cap body <NUM> is shaped like a six-pointed star knob. The indicator <NUM> is located at an outer edge (i.e., one of the six points of the star knob shape) on a top surface of the cap body <NUM>. When assembled in the rotary fluid valve <NUM>, the cap body can freely rotate in a clockwise and/or counterclockwise direction tangential to the circumference of the top surface of the cap body <NUM>. As the cap body <NUM> rotates, a central shaft <NUM> (seen best in <FIG>) and a flange or protrusion <NUM> of the cap body <NUM> engage, and thereby drive rotation of, the rotatable component <NUM>. The shape of the shaft <NUM> may even correspond to the shape of the cap body <NUM>. For example, in the embodiment shown, the shaft <NUM> is hexagonal in nature to correspond with the shape of the cap body <NUM>. The shape of the shaft <NUM> and cap body <NUM> in such an embodiment suggests there are up to six reliable positions to which the rotary fluid valve <NUM> can be adjusted. However, some of these positions may result in redundant flow rates for a fluid moving through the rotary fluid valve <NUM> depending on how many different flow path combinations are possible within the rotary fluid valve <NUM>. Additionally, the flow rate of a fluid through the rotary fluid valve <NUM> may be influenced by what degree certain flow paths are open or closed. For example, if the cap body has six reliable positions at <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, <NUM>°, and <NUM>°, a unique flow rate may be obtained for a fluid running through the rotary fluid valve <NUM> if the cap body is placed in an imperfect position at <NUM>°. To mitigate this, various mechanisms may be utilized by the cap <NUM> and/or the rotatable component <NUM> to help retain or return the rotary fluid valve <NUM> to one of the intended positions if the rotary fluid valve <NUM> is moved out of the same.

A static gasket <NUM> such as an X-ring is positioned in a fitted portion between the rotatable component <NUM> and the base <NUM>. The static gasket <NUM> creates a watertight seal between the rotatable component <NUM> and the base <NUM>.

Referring now to both <FIG> and <FIG>-15C, the rotatable component <NUM> comprises a rotatable component body <NUM>, an indent or recess <NUM> which for receiving the flange or protrusion <NUM>, a cell <NUM> (shown as a hexagonal cell) for receiving the shaft <NUM>, a through-hole <NUM>, a rotatable body opening <NUM>, and the rotary disc <NUM> (shown best in <FIG>) having rotary disc holes <NUM>. Rotating the rotatable component <NUM> will cause the rotatable body opening <NUM> to at least partially align with a fluid inlet <NUM> of the base <NUM>, thereby causing flow to occur through the rotary fluid valve <NUM>. Alternatively, flow through the rotary fluid valve <NUM> may be stopped entirely if the rotatable component <NUM> is rotated such that the rotatable component body <NUM> completely blocks the fluid inlet <NUM>.

Referring now to both <FIG> and <FIG>-16C, the stationary component <NUM> comprises a disc-shaped stationary component body <NUM> which, when the rotary fluid valve <NUM> is assembled, abuts up against the rotary disc <NUM> of the rotatable component <NUM>. Included on the stationary component body <NUM> are flow control cavities <NUM> through which the flow paths <NUM>-<NUM> are defined. Raised surfaces <NUM> may be included on the stationary component body <NUM> where fluid exits the flow control cavities <NUM>, i.e., near the circumferential edges of the flow control cavities <NUM>. Also included are ratchets <NUM> arrayed around a circumferential edge of the stationary component body <NUM>. The ratchet <NUM> is simply a mechanical device that allows linear motion in only one direction while preventing motion in another direction. In the embodiment shown, each ratchet <NUM> is actually an elastic (e.g. plastic) arm with a single tooth located towards the top of the ratchet <NUM>. As the stationary component is pushed together with the base <NUM> during assembly, the elastic nature of the ratchet <NUM> allows for the ratchet <NUM> to bend slightly inward while the rachet contacts a pawl <NUM> until the tooth of the ratchet is completely above the pawl <NUM>. In this position the tooth "clicks" into place and motion in a downward direction is thereby prevented unless the ratchet <NUM> were again pushed inward by an external force.

A static gasket <NUM> such as an X-ring is positioned in a fitted portion between the rotatable component <NUM> and the stationary component <NUM>. The static gasket <NUM> creates a watertight seal between the rotatable component <NUM> and the stationary component <NUM>.

Referring now to both <FIG> and <FIG>-17C, the base <NUM> comprises a base body <NUM>, the fluid inlet <NUM> extending therefrom, a base aperture <NUM>, the pawl <NUM>, and through-holes <NUM> which help stabilize pressure of a fluid passing through the fluid inlet <NUM> into the rotary fluid valve <NUM>. When the rotary fluid valve <NUM> is assembled, the base <NUM> provides the framework of the rotary fluid valve <NUM> and serves as a central, outer piece in which other components of the rotary fluid valve <NUM> may attach. The base body <NUM> is typically a cylindrical rigid member which comprises a removable cover forming the top surface of the base body. Within the top surface of the base body <NUM> is the base aperture <NUM>. The base aperture <NUM> is located towards the top of the base body. The base aperture <NUM> is shaped to receive in locking engagement the flange or protrusion <NUM>. The pawl <NUM> is a mechanical component that engages with another component to prevent movement in one direction, or to prevent movement altogether. The opening created by the pawl <NUM> may be tapered, being wide at the end where the ratchet <NUM> is inserted and narrow at the engaging end. The pawl <NUM> is a type of latch. It is to be appreciated the pawl <NUM> does not need to consist of a spring-loaded solid part that is pivoted at one end and engages the other component at a steep angle at the other end, as is common with some other types of pawls which are intended to be used with ratchet gears.

A preferred method for obtaining a chemical concentration from a chemical composition and a fluid may include introducing the fluid through ports in the manifold diffuse member <NUM> positioned adjacent a chemical composition and adjusting, with the rotary fluid valve <NUM>, characteristics of the flow of the fluid through the ports in the diffuser manifold <NUM> to obtain and maintain a chemical concentration. The amount of liquid allowed through the ports modifies the turbulence of the liquid that will contact a chemical product, thereby modifying the erosion rate of the chemical composition. The chemical product can be a solid product, pressed product, cast product, or powder. The characteristics of the flow may include velocity, pressure, turbulence, temperature, flow rate, vector, and/or impingement. The chemical composition may be a solid product and the method may include providing the solid product. The step of adjusting characteristics of the flow may include diverting the fluid through the first flow path <NUM> or diverting the fluid through a second flow path <NUM>. Alternatively, the rotary fluid valve <NUM> may simultaneously divert the fluid through both the first flow path <NUM> and the second flow path <NUM>.

<FIG> shows an exemplary embodiment of a dispenser <NUM> for use with the apparatus. However, it should be noted other types and configurations of dispensers may be used with the apparatus <NUM>, and the description and figures of the dispenser <NUM> are not to be limiting. The apparatus itself may even form the dispenser <NUM> with some or all the following limitations.

The dispenser <NUM> is configured to hold a solid product chemistry that is combined with a liquid, such as water, to create a product chemistry solution. For example, the solid product chemistry may be mixed with the liquid to create a cleaning detergent solution. It should also be appreciated that the product could be mixed with any fluid, such as steam, air, or other gases that erode the product to create a usable chemistry. For example, the solid product could be eroded with a gas or other fluid to create a powder that is dispensed from the dispenser <NUM> to an end use, such as an appliance. In such a situation, the product could be a solid laundry detergent, which needs to be eroded to powder-like form to be added to a washing machine. The detergent could be eroded by a fluid, such as air or another gas, and the result could be then dispensed into the washing machine, where it will mix with water or other liquids, as is known, to create a liquid detergent for cleaning items.

According to some embodiments, the dispenser <NUM> works by having the liquid and gas interact with the solid product to form a product chemistry having a desired concentration for its end use application. The liquid may be introduced to a bottom or other surface of the solid product, as will be disclosed.

Therefore, the dispenser <NUM> of the invention includes a novel turbulence or flow scheme control that is adjustable either manually or in real time (i.e., automatically) based on a characteristic of either the solid product or another uncontrolled condition, such as an environmental condition. The characteristic may be the density of the solid product, the temperature or pressure of the liquid, the climate (humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.) of the room in which the dispenser or solid product is placed, the type of liquid/fluid used, the number of solid products used, or some combination thereof. The dispenser <NUM> can be adjusted, such as adjusting a characteristic of the existing flow scheme or turbulence. The adjustments may be made based upon the use of known relationships between the characteristic and the erosion rate of the solid product, as well as the relationship between different types of turbulence and the erosion rate of the solid product.

As mentioned, the turbulence or flow characteristics/scheme can be adjusted based upon known relationships between the characteristic(s) and the dispense rate of the solid chemistry. For example, by understanding the rate change of product dispense per change in degree of liquid temperature change, the turbulence can be adjusted to counteract a temperature change. The concentration is adjusted according to known relationships between the erosion or dispense rate and either the characteristic or the turbulence.

According to the exemplary embodiment, the dispenser <NUM> includes a housing <NUM> comprising a front door <NUM> having a handle <NUM> thereon. The door <NUM> is mounted to the housing in any convenient manner. For example, the front door <NUM> may be hingeably connected to a front fascia <NUM> via hinges <NUM> therebetween. This allows the front door <NUM> to be rotated about the hinge <NUM> to allow access into the housing <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM>. The front door <NUM> also includes a window <NUM> therein to allow an operator to view the solid product housed within the housing <NUM>. Once the housed product has been viewed to erode to a certain extent, the front door <NUM> can be opened via the handle to allow an operator to replace the solid product with a new un-eroded product.

The front fascia <NUM> may include a product ID window <NUM> for placing a product ID label thereon. The product ID window <NUM> allows an operator to quickly determine the type of product housed within the housing <NUM> such that replacement thereof is quick and efficient. The ID label may also include other information, such as health risks, manufacturing information, date of last replacement, or the like. The dispenser may be activated in various ways, such as a push button, a switch, or a touch sensitive pad. For example, in one embodiment, a push button <NUM> is mounted to the front fascia <NUM> for activating the dispenser <NUM>. The button <NUM> may be a spring-loaded button such that pressing or depressing of the button activates the dispenser <NUM> to discharge an amount of product chemistry solution via an outlet <NUM> created by the solid product and the liquid. Thus, the button <NUM> may be preprogrammed to dispense a desired amount per pressing of the button or may continue to discharge an amount of product chemistry while the button is depressed.

Connected to the front fascia <NUM> is a rear enclosure <NUM>, which generally covers the top, sides, and rear of the dispenser <NUM>. The rear enclosure <NUM> may also be removed to access the interior of the dispenser <NUM>. A mounting plate <NUM> is positioned at the rear of the dispenser <NUM> and includes means for mounting the dispenser to a wall or other structure. For example, the dispenser <NUM> may be attached to a wall via screws, hooks, or other hanging means attached to the mounting plate <NUM>.

The components of the housing <NUM> of the dispenser <NUM> may be molded plastic or other materials, and the window <NUM> may be a transparent plastic such as clarified polypropylene or the like. The handle <NUM> can be connected and disconnected from the front door <NUM>. In addition, a backflow prevention device <NUM> may be positioned at or within the rear enclosure <NUM> to prevent backflow of the product chemistry.

<FIG> are side and top section views of the dispenser <NUM>. A solid product is placed within a cavity <NUM>, which is surrounded by walls <NUM>. The solid product chemistry is placed on a support member <NUM>, which is shown to be a product grate comprising interlocking wires. A liquid, such as water, is connected to the dispenser <NUM> via the liquid inlet <NUM> shown in <FIG> on the bottom side of the dispenser <NUM>. The liquid is connected to the button <NUM> such that pressing the button will pass liquid into the dispenser <NUM> to come in contact with the product chemistry. The liquid is passed through a liquid source <NUM> via a fitment splitter <NUM>. As shown, the liquid source <NUM> is a split, two channel liquid source for different flow paths. Each of the paths contains a flow control (not shown) to properly distribute liquid in the intended amounts. This flow control can be changed to alter the turbulence of the liquid coming in contact with the solid product to adjust the turbulence based on the characteristics to maintain the formed product chemistry within an acceptable range of concentration. For example, the liquid may pass through the liquid source <NUM> and out the liquid source nozzle <NUM>. The liquid source nozzle <NUM> is positioned adjacent a diffuser manifold <NUM>, such that the liquid passing through the liquid nozzle <NUM> will be passed through manifold diffuse ports <NUM> of the diffuser manifold <NUM>.

Furthermore, the invention contemplates that, while positioned on the support member <NUM>, the product chemistry may be fully submerged, partially submerged, or not submerged at all. The submersion level, or lack thereof, can be dependent upon many factors, including, but not limited to, the chemistry of the product, the desired concentration, the fluid used to erode the chemistry, frequency of use of the dispenser, along with other factors. For example, for normal use with water as the eroding element, it has been shown that it is preferred to have approximately one-quarter inch of the bottom portion of the product chemistry submerged to aid in controlling the erosion rate of the chemistry. This will provide for a more even erosion of the product as it is used, so that there will be less of a chance of an odd amount of product left that must be discarded or otherwise wasted.

The liquid will continue in a generally upwards orientation to come in contact with a portion or portions of the solid product supported by the product grate <NUM>. The mixing of the liquid and the solid product will erode the solid product, which will dissolve portions of the solid product in the liquid to form a product chemistry. This product chemistry will be collected in the product chemistry collector <NUM>, which is generally a cup-shaped member having upstanding walls and bottom floor comprising the diffuser manifold <NUM>. The product chemistry will continue to rise in the product chemistry collector <NUM> until it reaches the level of an overflow port, which is determined by the height of the wall comprising the product chemistry collector <NUM>. According to an aspect, the product chemistry collector <NUM> is formed by the manifold diffuse member <NUM> and walls extending upward therefrom. The height of the walls determines the location of the overflow port. The product chemistry will escape or pass through the overflow port and into the collection zone <NUM>, in this case a funnel. The liquid source <NUM> includes a second path, which ends with the diluent nozzle <NUM>. Therefore, more liquid may be added to the product chemistry in the collection zone <NUM> to further dilute the product chemistry to obtain a product chemistry having a concentration within the acceptable range.

Other components of the dispenser <NUM> include a splash guard <NUM> positioned generally around the top of the collection zone <NUM>. The splash guard <NUM> prevents product chemistry in the collection zone <NUM> from spilling outside the collection zone <NUM>.

According to additional aspects of the present disclosure, the dispenser <NUM> may also include components such as an intelligent control and communication components. Examples of such intelligent control units may be central processing units alone or in tablets, telephones, handheld devices, laptops, user displays, or generally any other computing device capable of allowing input, providing options, and showing output of electronic functions. Still further examples include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device) and a memory. The apparatus also can include other components and can be implemented partially or entirely on a semiconductor (e.g., a field-programmable gate array ("FPGA")) chip, such as a chip developed through a register transfer level ("RTL") design process. The memory includes, in some embodiments, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area can include combinations of different types of memory, such as read-only memory ("ROM"), random access memory ("RAM") (e.g., dynamic RAM ("DRAM"), synchronous DRAM ("SDRAM"), etc.), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory ("EEPROM"), flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices.

A communications module can be included with the dispenser and can be configured to connect to and communicate with a controller, such as a computer, tablet, server, or other computing device. This could allow the dispenser to provide data or other information (e.g., warnings, status, notices, etc.) associated with the dispenser to a remote location of the controller to allow the real-time information and stored information for the dispenser. The information could be used to determine issues, forecast, make changes to the operation, or otherwise track information related to the dispenser. The communication could also be in the form of inputs such that the communication could include a command to the dispenser from a remote location.

In some embodiments, the dispenser includes a first communications module for communicating with a secondary device (other dispenser or remote controller), and/or a second communications module for communicating with a central location (server, computer, or other master controller). For sake of simplicity, the term "communications module" herein applies to one or more communications modules individually or collectively operable to communicate with both the dispenser and the central location.

The communications module communicates with the central location through the network. In some embodiments, the network is, by way of example only, a wide area network ("WAN") (e.g., a global positioning system ("GPS"), a TCP/IP based network, a cellular network, such as, for example, a Global System for Mobile Communications ("GSM") network, a General Packet Radio Service ("GPRS") network, a Code Division Multiple Access ("CDMA") network, an Evolution-Data Optimized ("EV-DO") network, an Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution ("EDGE") network, a 3GSM network, a 4GSM network, a Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunications ("DECT") network, a Digital AMPS ("IS-<NUM>/TDMA") network, or an Integrated Digital Enhanced Network ("iDEN") network, etc.), although other network types are possible and contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the network is a GSM or other WAM which is operable to allow communication between the communications module and the central location during moments of low-quality connections, such as but not limited to when the dispenser is near a window.

The network can be a local area network ("LAN"), a neighborhood area network ("NAN"), a home area network ("HAN"), or personal area network ("PAN") employing any of a variety of communications protocols, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, near field communication ("NFC"), etc., although other types of networks are possible and are contemplated herein. Communications through the network by the communications module or the controller can be protected using one or more encryption techniques, such as those techniques provided in the IEEE <NUM> standard for port-based network security, pre-shared key, Extensible Authentication Protocol ("EAP"), Wired Equivalency Privacy ("WEP"), Temporal Key Integrity Protocol ("TKIP"), Wi-Fi Protected Access ("WPA"), and the like.

The connections between the communications module and the network are wireless to enable freedom of movement and operation of the dispenser <NUM> without being physically tethered to a computer or other external processing device to facilitate such communications. Although such a modality of communications is preferred for at least this reason, it is contemplated that the connections between the communications module and the network can instead be a wired connection (e.g., a docking station for the communications module, a communications cable releasably connecting the communications module and a computer or other external processing device, or other communications interface hardware), or a combination of wireless and wired connections. Similarly, the connections between the controller and the network or the network communications module are wired connections, wireless connections, or a combination of wireless and wired connections in any of the forms just described. In some embodiments, the controller or communications module includes one or more communications ports (e.g., Ethernet, serial advanced technology attachment ("SATA"), universal serial bus ("USB"), integrated drive electronics ("IDE"), etc.) for transferring, receiving, or storing data.

The central location can include a centrally located computer, a network of computers, or one or more centrally located servers. The central location can be adapted to store, interpret, and communicate data from one or more dispensers <NUM>, and can also interpret the data and communicate the interpreted data to a user.

The dispenser and/or components thereof may be powered in a number of ways. It is contemplated that the system be hard-wired, cord and plug connected, or otherwise powered, such as to AC power plugs and sockets. A hardwired appliance is one where the building wiring method attaches to the appliance in a more permanent fashion. This will involve splicing of wires inside the appliance or in a junction box. Cord and plug connected appliances have a cord with a molded plug that is either factory or field installed on the appliance. The appliance is then ready to be plugged in to a receptacle in the location it is permanently installed. The hard-wired power source could be on a power grid, or could be a separate generator, battery, or other source. The wire could provide power over Ethernet or via USB cable, such as if the system is connected in such a manner. Still further, it is contemplated that the system be self-powered or include on-board power, in that there is no wiring to a separate power source. Such a configuration could include batteries in the system, such as non-rechargeable (e.g., dry battery) or rechargeable (e.g., Lithium-ion) type batteries. Still further, other types of power, such as, but not limited to, solar, piezoelectric sources, and the like, which can provide additional amounts of power.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that the present invention accomplishes at least all of the stated objectives.

The following list of reference numerals is provided to facilitate an understanding and examination of the present disclosure and is not exhaustive. Provided it is possible to do so, elements identified by a numeral may be replaced or used in combination with any elements identified by a separate numeral. Additionally, numerals are not limited to the descriptors provided herein and include equivalent structures and other objects possessing the same function.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for adjusting characteristics of the flow of a fluid contacting a solid product to form a product chemistry comprising:
a diffuser manifold (<NUM>) having a manifold diffuse member (<NUM>) comprising:
a first side with ports (<NUM>) therethrough, and a fluid valve (<NUM>) for controlling the flow rate of a fluid moving through the plurality of ports (<NUM>);
characterized in that the manifold diffuse member (<NUM>) further comprises
a second side having a first fluid path (<NUM>) and a second fluid path (<NUM>) determined by a flow geometry of the manifold diffuse member (<NUM>), the first fluid path (<NUM>) and the second fluid path (<NUM>) intersected by the ports (<NUM>); wherein the fluid valve (<NUM>) selectively orients a flow of the fluid through a first flow path (<NUM>) or a second flow path (<NUM>), wherein opening or closing the flow paths (<NUM>, <NUM>) causes the fluid to start or stop traveling through one or more of the fluid paths (<NUM>, <NUM>) in the diffuser manifold (<NUM>).