Patent Document

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/101,262, entitled “Chemical Dispensing Apparatus,” filed May 5, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/333,280, filed May 11, 2010, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a yard or garden accessory enabling the automatic addition of a lawn treatment material, such as fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide, to the water being sprinkled on yard or garden. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The proper treatment and care of yards and gardens is highly desirable to prevent destruction from insects and deterioration from malnutrition. The mixture and application of treatment solutions, however, is a time consuming procedure that requires close attention to chemical-water ratios and their distribution. Since proper care equates to scheduled maintenance, many lawns and gardens become neglected, resulting in unnecessary refurbishing costs. Moreover, lawns, gardens, and vegetation still fall victim to improper maintenance, despite consistent care when poorly balanced solutions are administered. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The chemical dispensing apparatus of this invention provides an apparatus for incorporation into a water supply system a way to deliver lawn treatment chemicals such as fertilizer, herbicide or insecticide to lawns, yards and other botanical and life systems by the controlled application of the chemicals in amounts and periods. 
     In general, in one aspect, a chemical dispensing apparatus for use in delivery of a treatment solution to a lawn is provided. The apparatus includes a main fluid supply passage configured for connection to a pipe system carrying water under pressure. A housing has an internal cavity, an end having an opening into the internal cavity and a primary discharge port and a drain port. A fluid discharge passage connects the primary discharge port. An internal fluid supply passage connects the main fluid supply passage to the fluid discharge passage. A drain passage connects the internal cavity to the drain port. The internal cavity is connected to the internal fluid supply passage to receive a portion of a fluid flowing through the internal fluid supply passage. A float valve is disposed across the drain passage and across the internal fluid supply passage. The float valve includes a float that is displaced by a fluid flow through the internal fluid supply passage from the main fluid supply passage from a first position where the drain passage is open and the internal fluid supply passage is sealed by the float to a second position where the internal fluid supply passage is open and the drain passage is sealed by the float. The float returns to the first position when the fluid flow is stopped. A container removably disposed within the internal cavity and supported for rotation therein about a horizontal axis. The container configured for the reception of a chemical concentrate. A water turbine is disposed across the internal fluid supply passage and configured to be driven by the fluid flow through the internal fluid supply passage to provide rotational power. The water turbine is operatively connected to the container to provide the rotational power thereto to rotate the container about the horizontal. A siphon tube connects the internal cavity and the internal fluid supply passage, wherein the fluid flow through the internal fluid supply passage results in a vacuum on the siphon tube that causes fluid contained within the internal cavity to be drawn into the fluid flow through the internal fluid supply passage. A lid is removably attached to the housing. The lid seals the opening into the internal cavity when attached to the housing. 
     Numerous objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon a reading of the following detailed description of presently preferred, but nonetheless illustrative, embodiments of the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of descriptions and should not be regarded as limiting. 
     As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
     For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic illustration of a specially designed lawn and garden chemical dispenser in accordance with the principals of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 , wherein the lid is exploded from end of the housing, and the drum removed from the internal cavity; 
         FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  in a first mode of operation; 
         FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  in a second mode of operation; 
         FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 4  having a conventional sprinkler head connected to a discharge port to disperse the fluid flow across the ground surface; 
         FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 4  having a misting nozzle connected to a discharge port to atomize the chemical into the ambient air; 
         FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  in a fourth mode of operation; 
         FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  in a fifth mode of operation; 
         FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 1  shown in use in the fourth mode of operation without the drum; 
         FIG. 10  is diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 9 , wherein the lid is exploded from the housing; 
         FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser of  FIG. 12 , wherein the lid is threaded to the housing; 
         FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15A  is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 15B  is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 15A ; 
         FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 15 ; 
         FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic illustration of yet another an alternative construction of the dispenser of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 20A through 20E  diagrammatically illustrate alternative construction to the drum; and 
         FIGS. 21A through 21D  diagrammatically illustrate various forms of chemical concentrate. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Diagrammatically illustrated in  FIG. 1  is a specially designed lawn and garden chemical dispenser  10  particularly useful in dispensing chemicals for treating a lawn or garden. The dispenser  10  includes a housing  12  defining an internal cavity  14  extending through end  16  of the housing. A lid  18  is sealing attached to end  16  of the housing  12  and seals the internal cavity  14 . The lid  18  is secured to end  16  by a plurality of clamps  20  and  22  extending the exterior of the housing  12 . Each clamp  20  and  22  is pivotally secured at one end to housing  12  for rotation between a first position wherein an opposite end of the clamp is cooperatively engaged with the lid  18  and a second position wherein the opposite end of the clamp is disengaged from the lid, thus permitting removal from the housing  12 . As shown, in  FIG. 1 , the clamps  20  and  22  are in the first position, and securing the lid  18  to end  16  of the housing  12 . A seal  24  is disposed between the interface of the lid  18  with end  16  to provide a sealing contact between the lid and the housing  12 . 
     A main fluid passage  26  extends the housing  12  approximate the bottom thereof, and is fitted with couplings  28  and  30  at opposite ends. Couplings  28  and  30  permit the attachment of fluid carrying hoses to the dispenser  10 . Couplings  28  and  30  can be of any conventional couplings for connecting fluid carrying hoses, such as a conventional garden water hose. 
     A three-way valve  32  fluidically connects the main fluid passage  26  to a bypass passage  34  and a first supply passage  36 . A float valve  38  down stream the first fluid passage  36  fluidically connects a second supply passage  40 , a first drain passage  42  and a second drain passage  44 . The second supply passage  40  is fluidically connected at a first end to the float valve  38  at an intermediate longitudinal position, and is fluidically connected at a second end to a first discharge port  46  and a second discharge port  48 . Fluid flow through the first and second discharge ports  46  and  48  is selectively controlled by two-way valve  50 . Likewise, the bypass passage  34  is fluidically connected to the first and second discharge ports  46  and  48  at a fluid junction  52  between the bypass passage the second supply passage  40 . Fluid flowing in a direction from the main fluid passage  26  through the bypass passage  34  is prevented from flowing through the second supply passage  40  at junction  52  by flap valve  54 . Likewise, fluid flowing in a direction from the main fluid passage  26  through the second supply passage  40  is prevented from flowing through the bypass passage  34  at junction  52  by the flap valve  54 . 
     The first drain passage  42  fluidically connects the internal cavity  14  at a bottom thereof to a top end of the float valve  38 . A one-way valve  56  is disposed across the first drain passage  42  and is operated to control the flow of fluid from the internal cavity  14  to the float valve  38 . The second drain passage  44  fluidically connects at a top end of the float valve  38  to a drain port  58 . A branch passage  60  fluidically connects the second supply passage  40  to a top end of the internal cavity. A one-way valve  62  is disposed across the branch passage  60  and is operated to control the flow of fluid from the second fluid passage  40  through the branch passage  60  and into the internal cavity. 
     A siphon tube or discharge tube  64  fluidically connects the internal cavity  14  to the second fluid passage  40  at a position down stream the branch passage  60  and upstream junction  52 . A fluid flow rate valve  67  can be included and positioned across the discharge tube  64  to control the flow rate of fluid passing through the discharge tube from the internal cavity and into the second fluid supply passage  40 . 
     In an embodiment, a drum  66  is disposed within the internal cavity  14  and is supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof by shaft ends  68  and  70  extending opposite ends of the drum. Shafts  68  and  70  can be supported by conventional bearings for rotation. In an aspect, shaft ends  68  and  70  can be integral with drum  66 . In another aspect, shaft ends  68  and  70  are the ends of a single shaft extending the drum  66 . Shaft end  70  extends into the second fluid supply passage  40  across the flow of fluid therethrough. A water wheel or water turbine  72  is disposed within the second fluid supply passage  40  and is operatively coupled to shaft end  70  for conjoint rotation therewith. Fluid flowing through the second fluid supply passage  40  operates the water turbine  72 . Rotational energy from the turbine is transmitted through shaft end  70  to the drum  66  causing the drum rotate. As is discussed in more detail below, drum  66  can take various forms, such as a solid of chemical concentrate. In other applications, the drum  66  can comprise a perforated screen sidewall circumscribing and enclosing an internal compartment into which a solid chemical concentrate in pellet form can be loaded. 
     Housing  12  is fitted with a stand  74  at end  76  opposite end  16  thereof for supporting the fluid dispensing device on a ground surface  78 . 
       FIG. 2  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 , wherein the lid  18  is exploded from end  16  of the housing  12 , and the drum  66  is removed from the internal cavity  14 . 
       FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1  in a first mode of operation, and with a first hose  80  connected to fluid coupling  28  and a second hose  82  connected to fluid coupling  30 . For discussion herein, the first hose  80  is connected at an opposite end to a source of pressurized water, for example a hose spigot, such that pressurized water flows into the main fluid passage  26  from the first hose  80 . In the first mode of operation, valve  32  is operated to only permit fluid flow through the main fluid passage  26  as indicated by arrows  84  between fluid couplings  28  and  30 . In this manner, the fluid dispenser  10  is completely bypassed. 
       FIG. 4  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1  in a second mode of operation and with a first hose  80  connected to fluid coupling  28 . For discussion herein, the first hose  80  is connected at an opposite end to a source of pressurized water, for example a hose spigot, such that pressurized water flows into the main fluid passage  26  from the first hose  80 . In the second mode of operation, valve  32  is operated to permit fluid flow though the first fluid supply passage  36  from the main fluid passage  26 , and to prevent fluid flow from the main fluid passage  26  into the bypass passage  34 . 
     As fluid flows through the first fluid supply passage  36  and into the valve  38 , the flow of fluid causes weighted ball  46  to rise with within the valve  38  to the top thereof and seal the first and second drain passages  42  and  44 , and to only permit flow from the first fluid supply passage  36  through the float valve  38  and into the second fluid supply passage  40 . Valve  62  is operated to permit fluid flowing through the second fluid supply passage  40  to enter and fill the internal cavity  14 . Fluid continues to flow downstream the second fluid supply passage  40  across the siphon tube  64  into junction  52 . The flow of fluid through the second fluid supply passage  40  into junction  52  causes the flap valve  54  seal bypass passage  34 . As illustrated, valve  50  is operated to selectively discharge fluid flowing through the second fluid supply passage  40  through the first discharge port  46 . 
     Further, the fluid flow through the second fluid supply passage  40  operates water turbine  72  causing drum  66  to rotate within fluid contained in the internal cavity  14  and dissolving the chemical concentrate solid forming a chemical solution  86  contained within the internal cavity. The chemical solution  86  is dispensed from the internal cavity  14  through the siphon tube  64  by a combination of high fluid pressure within the internal cavity and a drop in fluid pressure across the end of the siphon tube connected to the second fluid supply passage  40  to be admixed with fluid flowing through the second fluid supply passage and discharged from the fluid dispensing device  10 . The amount of chemical solution  86  dispensed into the fluid flow through the second fluid supply passage  40  is controlled by valve  66 . 
       FIG. 5  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 4  having a conventional sprinkler head  88  connected to discharge port  46  to disperse the fluid flow across the ground surface. Further shown is the device  10  in the third mode of operation. 
       FIG. 6  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 4 , wherein valve  50  is operated to selectively discharge fluid flowing through the second fluid supply passage  40  through the second discharge port  48 . As illustrated, the second discharge port  48  is fitted with a misting nozzle  90  to atomize the fluid into the air. This arrangement is particularly useful in the dispensing of a pesticide or insect repellant. 
       FIG. 7  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1  in a fourth mode of operation, wherein chemical solution  86  is drained from the internal cavity  14 . The fourth mode of operation typically takes place immediately following the cessation of the third mode of operation provided valve  56  is operated to permit fluid flow through the first drain passage  42 . In this mode, and without a flow of pressurized fluid through the valve  38  the weighted ball  46  falls to the bottom of valve  38  and seals the first fluid supply passage  36  and opens the first and second drain passages  42  and  44 . Chemical solution  86  within the internal cavity  14  flows under the force of gravity through the first drain passage  42 , through valve  38 , through the second drain passage  44  and then finally out of drain port  58 . Additionally, with the first fluid passage  36  being sealed by the weighted ball  46 , chemical solution contained within the internal cavity is prevented from back flowing into the main flow passage  26 . The automatic draining of the internal cavity  14 , as descried above, acts to preserve chemical concentrate comprising or contained within drum  66 . The automatic draining of the internal cavity  14  can be prevented and thereby overridden by closing valve  56 , which seals the first drain passage  42 . 
       FIG. 8  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1  in a fifth mode of operation. In the fifth mode of operation, valve  32  is operated to permit fluid flow through the bypass passage  34  and to prevent fluid flow through the first fluid supply passage  36 . In this manner, fluid from the main fluid passage  26  flows through the bypass passage  34  into junction  52 . The flow of fluid through the bypass passage  34  into junction  52  causes the flap valve  54  seal the second fluid supply passage  40 . As illustrated, valve  50  is operated to selectively discharge fluid flowing through the bypass passage  34  through the first discharge port  46 . This mode of operation permits the dispensing of fresh water only. 
       FIG. 9  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1  configured for operation in a fourth mode of operation for receiving and dispensing a liquid chemical concentrate. As depicted, the cover  18  is detached from the housing  12  to enable the operator access to the internal cavity  14  and to remove the drum  66  (not shown). Valve  56  and valve  62  that were previously in the open position in the second mode of operation are now in the closed position sealing the first drain passage  42  and the branch passage  60 , respectively. The closure of valve  56  makes it possible for the internal cavity  14  to hold and retain liquid without water pressure moving the weighted ball  46  to seal then end of the first drain passage  42 . The closure of valve  62  prevents water from flowing from passage  40  through passage  62  and into the internal cavity  14  to avoid dilution of the liquid chemical solution inside the internal cavity. However, valve  62  can be adjust to permit a set inflow of water at the operator&#39;s command. Liquid chemical concentrate can now be deposited in the internal cavity  14  and the cover  18  with the seal  24  is now placed on end  16  of the housing  12  and is clamped by clamps  20  and  22  to prevent leakage when in use as shown in  FIG. 10 . 
       FIG. 10  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 9  shown in use in the fourth mode of operation dispensing a chemical solution  86  through discharge port  46 . Valve  62  in the closed position seals the branch passage  60  and preventing a flow of water therethrough into the internal cavity. Valve  56  in the closed position seals the first drain passage  42 , and thus overriding the automatic drain system as described above. As supply water flows into valve  38 , the pressure of the supply water causes the weighted ball  46  to rise and permit flow of the supply water into passage  40  bypassing the internal cavity  14 . The supply water continues to flow across the siphon tube  64  causing liquid chemical concentrate contained within the internal cavity  14  to be drawn into and admixed with the water flow and dispensed through discharge  46 . However, valve  50  could be operated to permit dispensing through discharge  48 . 
       FIG. 11  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10 . Here, the dispenser  200  does not include the bypass passage  34 , and thus junction  52  and valve  54  is eliminated. 
       FIG. 12  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10 . Here, the fluid dispensing device  300  does not include clamps  20  and  22 . Alternatively, lid  18  and end  16  of housing  12  are threadably coupled by cooperating screw threads  302  and  304  on the lid and end  16 , respectively.  FIG. 12  further illustrates lid  18  exploded from housing  12 . 
       FIG. 13  is a diagrammatic illustration of the dispenser  300  of  FIG. 12 , wherein the lid  18  is threaded to end  16  of the housing  12 . 
       FIG. 14  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the fluid dispensing device  400  includes an internal reservoir tank  402  in fluidic communication with the second drain passage  44  to receive therein for storage for later use chemical solution drained from the internal cavity  14 . A check valve  404  is placed across the second drain passage  44  at junction  406  between the second drain passage and the tank  402 . Check valve  404  only permits flow into tank  402  from the second drain passage  44 . Valve  408  is placed across the second drain passage  44  at junction  410  between the second drain passage and the tank  402 . Valve  408  is operated to control flow from tank  402  through drain port  50 . A second siphon tube or discharge tube  412  fluidically connects tank  402  to the second fluid supply passage  40  at a location downstream of the first siphon tube  64 . The second siphon tube  412  operates to discharge or dispense chemical solution within tank  402  into the flow of fluid through the second supply passage  40  to be admixed with the fluid therein. 
       FIG. 15A  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, in fluid dispensing device  500 , valve  38  has been eliminated which also eliminates the first fluid supply passage  36  and the second drain passage  44 . Further, the water turbine  72  has been replaced with an electric motor  502  operatively connected to drum  66  for rotating the same within the internal cavity  14 . An electrically operated valve  504  having a manual control lever  506  is placed across drain passage  542 . Valve  32  is replaced by an electrically operated valve  532  having a manual control. Valve  504  is operated to control the draining of chemical solution contained within internal cavity  14  through drain port  50 . A power supply, such as batteries  508  is included to provide power to the various electrical components, such as the valve  504  and motor  502 . A solar panel  510  can be provided, such as on lid  18  or elsewhere to recharge the batteries  508 . Further, a wireless remote control  512  and a controller  514  having a receiver to receive a wireless command single  516  from the remote control can be provided to control the various functions of the fluid dispensing device  500 . All of the electronic components are conventionally, operatively connected. 
     Additionally, the dispenser  500  of  FIG. 15  could be powered by electricity from external source such as house hold electric socket or from on board power source such as the solar panel for running the electrical motor  502  and the other various electrical components. Controller  514  can enable the operator to operate the dispenser  500  when the handheld remote controller  512  is not available. The electrical and manually controlled valves  504  and  532  could function cooperatively to in a coordinated manner as an automatic drain system as in the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 . For example, when valve  532  is positioned or actuated to direct water to enter the supply conduit  540 , valve  504  will be operated to close the drain passage  542  so as to enable the internal cavity  14  to receive and hold liquid for operation. Alternatively, as the supply water is shut off either at valve  532  or from the main supply source, valve  504  can be operated to open to permit the liquid within the internal cavity  14  to drain into a storage tank (not shown) or out through drain port  50 . Valve  504  could also be manually override through the control lever  506  to open or close as needed by the operator. 
       FIG. 15B  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  500  of  FIG. 15A . Here the dispenser  500  can further include a chemical concentrate sensor  560  and a motor controller  562 . Sensor  560  and controller  562  are operatively connected and controlled to maintain a desired chemical solution concentrate within the internal cavity  14 . The chemical solution concentrate is controlled by adjusting the speed, the direction or rotation of the electric motor  502  such as to and fro rotation and duration of rotation during operation from signal received from the controller or sensor. In the, the sensor could detect a high or low concentration of chemical solution inside the internal cavity  14  and then transfer such single to the controller to regulate the operation of the electric motor  502  which in turns move the chemical material  66 . Hence such rotation of the chemical material  66  facilitates the making of chemical solution and its concentration. This way the consistency of the chemical solution inside the internal cavity  14  could be regulated prior to admixing with the fluid inside passage  540 . 
       FIG. 16  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  500  of  FIG. 15 . Here, the dispenser  600  is a combination of fluid dispensing device  200  and fluid dispensing device  500 , wherein it does not include the bypass passage  34 , and thus junction  52  and valve  54  is eliminated. 
       FIG. 17  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the fluid dispensing device  700  includes a ground stake  702  as opposed to the stand  74  of dispenser  10 . Ground stake  702  includes a spike portion  704  for inserting into the ground surface. A step  706  is provided at the top of the spike portion  704  for assisting in inserting the spike portion into the ground surface by stepping on the step. Drain port  50  is positioned within recessed portion  708  to provide a space or gap between the ground surface and the drain port to permit flow to flow out from the drain port. 
       FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the fluid dispensing device  750  is shown in an alternative installed configuration where the device  700  is hard plumb with a conduit  752  buried below the ground surface, such as a conventional lawn sprinkler system. 
       FIG. 19  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative construction of the dispenser  10  of  FIG. 1 . Here, the fluid dispensing device  800  includes a housing  812  defining a first internal cavity  814  and a second internal cavity  914  extending through end  816  of the housing. A lid  818  is sealing attached to end  816  of the housing  812  and seals internal cavities  814  and  914 . The lid  818  is secured to end  816  by a plurality of clamps  820  and  822  extending the exterior of the housing  812 . Each clamp  820  and  822  is pivotally secured at one end to housing  812  for rotation between a first position wherein an opposite end of the clamp is cooperatively engaged with the lid  818  and a second position wherein the opposite end of the clamp is disengaged from the lid, thus permitting removal from the housing  812 . As shown, in  FIG. 19 , the clamps  820  and  822  are in the first position, and securing the lid  818  to end  816  of the housing  812 . A seal  824  is disposed between the interface of the lid  818  with end  816  to provide a sealing contact between the lid and the housing  812 . 
     A main fluid passage  826  extends the housing  812  approximate the bottom thereof, and is fitted with couplings  828  and  830  at opposite ends. Couplings  828  and  830  permit the attachment of fluid carrying hoses to the fluid dispenser  800 . Couplings  828  and  830  can be of any conventional couplings for connecting fluid carrying hoses, such as a conventional garden water hose. 
     A four-way valve  832  fluidically connects the main fluid passage  826  to a bypass passage  834  and a supply passage  836  and a supply passage  936 . A valve  838  down stream the passage  836  fluidically connects a supply passage  840 , a drain passage  842  and a drain passage  844 . The supply passage  840  is fluidically connected at a first end to the valve  838  at an intermediate longitudinal position, and is fluidically connected at a second end to a first discharge port  846  and a second discharge port  848 . Fluid flow through the first and second discharge ports  846  and  848  is selectively controlled by two-way valve  850 . Likewise, the bypass passage  834  is fluidically connected to the first and second discharge ports  846  and  848 . Fluid flowing in a direction from the main fluid passage  826  through the bypass passage  834  is prevented from flowing through the passage  840  by flap valve  854 . Likewise, fluid flowing in a direction from the main fluid passage  826  through passage  840  is prevented from flowing through the bypass passage  834  by the flap valve  854 . 
     The drain passage  842  fluidically connects the internal cavity  814  at a bottom thereof to a top end of the valve  838 . A one-way valve  856  is disposed across the drain passage  842  and is operated to control the flow of fluid from the internal cavity  814  to the valve  838 . The drain passage  844  fluidically connects at a top end of the valve  838  to a drain port  858 . A branch passage  860  fluidically connects the passage  840  to a top end of the internal cavity  814 . A one-way valve  862  is disposed across the branch passage  860  and is operated to control the flow of fluid from the passage  840  through the branch passage  860  and into the internal cavity  814 . 
     A siphon tube or discharge tube  864  fluidically connects the internal cavity  814  to the passage  840  at a position down stream the branch passage  860  and upstream valve  850  A fluid flow rate valve  867  can be included and positioned across the discharge tube  864  to control the flow rate of fluid passing through the discharge tube from the internal cavity  814  and into the second fluid supply passage  840 . 
     In an embodiment, a drum  866  is disposed within the internal cavity  814  and is supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof by shaft ends  868  and  870  extending opposite ends of the drum. Shafts  868  and  870  can be supported by conventional bearings for rotation. In an aspect, shaft ends  868  and  870  can be integral with drum  866 . In another aspect, shaft ends  868  and  870  are the ends of a single shaft extending the drum  866 . Shaft end  870  extends into the passage  840  across the flow of fluid therethrough. A water wheel or water turbine  872  is disposed within the passage  840  and is operatively coupled to shaft end  870  for conjoint rotation therewith. Fluid flowing through the passage  840  operates the water turbine  872 . Rotational energy from the turbine  872  is transmitted through shaft end  870  to the drum  866  causing the drum to rotate. As is discussed in more detail below, drum  866  can take various forms, such as a solid of chemical concentrate. In other applications, the drum  866  can comprise a perforated screen sidewall circumscribing and enclosing an internal compartment into which a solid chemical concentrate in pellet form can be loaded. 
     Housing  812  is fitted with a stand  874  at end  876  opposite end  816  thereof for supporting the fluid dispensing device on a ground surface  78 . 
     Similarly, a valve  938  down stream the passage  936  fluidically connects a supply passage  940 , a drain passage  942  and a drain passage  944 . The supply passage  940  is fluidically connected at a first end to the valve  938  at an intermediate longitudinal position, and is fluidically connected at a second end to a first discharge port  846  and a second discharge port  848 . Fluid flow through the first and second discharge ports  846  and  848  is selectively controlled by two-way valve  850 . Fluid flowing in a direction from the main fluid passage  816  through the bypass passage  834  is prevented from flowing through the passage  940  at by flap valve  954 . Likewise, fluid flowing in a direction from the main fluid passage  826  through passage  940  is prevented from flowing through the bypass passage  834  by the flap valve  954 . 
     The drain passage  942  fluidically connects the internal cavity  914  at a bottom thereof to a top end of the valve  938 . A one-way valve  956  is disposed across the drain passage  942  and is operated to control the flow of fluid from the internal cavity  914  to the valve  938 . The drain passage  944  fluidically connects at a top end of the valve  938  to a drain port  958 . A branch passage  960  fluidically connects the passage  940  to a top end of the internal cavity  914 . A one-way valve  962  is disposed across the branch passage  960  and is operated to control the flow of fluid from the passage  940  through the branch passage  960  and into the internal cavity  914 . 
     A siphon tube or discharge tube  964  fluidically connects the internal cavity  914  to the passage  940  at a position down stream the branch passage  960  and upstream valve  850  A fluid flow rate valve  967  can be included and positioned across the discharge tube  964  to control the flow rate of fluid passing through the discharge tube from the internal cavity  914  and into the second fluid supply passage  940 . 
     In an embodiment, a drum  966  is disposed within the internal cavity  914  and is supported therein for rotation about a longitudinal axis thereof by shaft ends  968  and  970  extending opposite ends of the drum. Shafts  968  and  970  can be supported by conventional bearings for rotation. In an aspect, shaft ends  968  and  970  can be integral with drum  966 . In another aspect, shaft ends  968  and  970  are the ends of a single shaft extending the drum  966 . Shaft end  970  extends into the passage  940  across the flow of fluid therethrough. A water wheel or water turbine  972  is disposed within the passage  940  and is operatively coupled to shaft end  970  for conjoint rotation therewith. Fluid flowing through the passage  940  operates the water turbine  972 . Rotational energy from the turbine  972  is transmitted through shaft end  970  to the drum  966  causing the drum rotate. As is discussed in more detail below, drum  966  can take various forms, such as a solid of chemical concentrate. In other applications, the drum  966  can comprise a perforated screen sidewall circumscribing and enclosing an internal compartment into which a solid chemical concentrate in pellet form can be loaded. It is important to note, either internal cavity  814  or  914  can be configured to include different types of chemical concentrates, as a not limiting example, one of the internal cavities could include a solid chemical concentrate and the other could include a liquid chemical concentrate. 
     Operation of fluid dispenser  800  is similar to dispenser  10  as described above, and is considered self evident in view of fluid dispenser  800  and the disclosure of fluid dispenser  10 . 
       FIG. 20A  is a diagrammatic illustration of drum  66  wherein the drum is comprised of a solid chemical concentrate. Drums  866  and  966  can be similarly constructed. 
       FIG. 20B  is a diagrammatic illustration of drum  66  wherein the drum includes a screen basket portion  1000  connected to shaft  70  and a solid chemical concentrate  1002  extending a lid portion  1004  for sealing the open end of the basket portion  1000 . Shaft end  68  is connect to lid portion  1004 . Here any particulates falling from the solid chemical concentrate  1002  is contained within the basket portion, and thus preventing any of the fluid passage or valve from becoming blocked by particulate solid chemical concentrate. Drums  866  and  966  can be similarly constructed. 
     FIG.  20 C—is a diagrammatic illustration of drum  66  wherein the drum includes a perforated basket portion  1012 . 
       FIG. 20D  is a diagrammatic illustration of a screen basket  1010  as an alternative to drum  66  and which can be inserted into the internal cavity  14 . Solid chemical concentrate can be placed into the screen basket. Screen basket  1010  can also be an alternative to drums  866  and  966 . 
       FIG. 20E  is a diagrammatic illustration of an alternative to screen basket  1010 , wherein a lid portion  1012  includes a plurality of through holes  1014  for receiving therein sticks of solid chemical solution. Screen basket  1010  can also be an alternative to drums  866  and  966 . 
       FIG. 21A  is a diagrammatic illustration of a form of chemical concentrate provided in loose granular form in a screen mesh pouch. 
       FIG. 21B  is a diagrammatic illustration of a form of a chemical concentrate provided in a loose granular form. 
       FIG. 21C  is a diagrammatic illustration of a form of a chemical concentrate provided in a solid form in the shape of a stick. 
       FIG. 21D  is diagrammatic illustration of a form of a chemical concentrate provided in fluid form contained within a container, which can be deposited directly into the internal cavity to admix with the water flow for applications as required. 
     A number of embodiments of the present invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Technology Category: 7