Fluid handling – Systems – Multiple inlet with single outlet
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-12
2001-09-11
Fox, John (Department: 3753)
Fluid handling
Systems
Multiple inlet with single outlet
C222S129100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286549
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention relates generally to mixing valves for mixing and dispensing drinks and, more specifically, to a non-electric mixing valve and method activatable by pressure.
2. Background of the Invention
Mixing valves used to mix two fluid inputs and dispense them as a mixed soft drink are well known in the art. Prior art mixing valves are electrically powered, and utilize a compressor to force the ingredients to be mixed into the valve, where they can be mixed and dispensed. Electric mixing valves are relatively complicated and relatively expensive to manufacture.
A need therefore existed for a less expensive, less complicated mixing valve, capable of mixing soft drinks without the need for electric power. The non-electric mixing valve should be able to take advantage of the pressures created by carbonators and syrup pumps to activate the mixing and dispensing of the soft drink. The present invention satisfies these needs and provides other related advantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a non-electric mixing valve.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mixing valve that is pressure-activated.
It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a pressure-activated mixing valve capable of alternately dispensing non-carbonated water or carbonated water without the need for re-coupling the mixing valve.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a mixing valve is disclosed. The mixing valve comprises, in combination: a first fluid inlet in fluid communication with a mixing chamber and adapted to receive a first fluid under pressure; a second fluid inlet in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and adapted to receive a second fluid under pressure; and spring activated means located proximate an end of the first fluid inlet and having a non-depressed closed position and a depressed open position for alternately preventing each of the first fluid and the second fluid from departing the first fluid inlet and entering the mixing chamber and permitting each of the first fluid and the second fluid to depart the first fluid inlet and enter the mixing chamber.
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for mixing and dispensing a drink is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: providing a first fluid inlet in fluid communication with a mixing chamber and adapted to receive a first fluid under pressure; providing a second fluid inlet in fluid communication with the first fluid inlet and adapted to receive a second fluid under pressure; providing spring activated means located proximate an end of the first fluid inlet and having a non-depressed closed position and a depressed open position for alternately preventing each of the first fluid and the second fluid from departing the first fluid inlet and entering the mixing chamber and permitting each of the first fluid and the second fluid to depart the first fluid inlet and enter the mixing chamber; providing a first fluid under pressure to the first fluid inlet; providing a second fluid under pressure to the second fluid inlet; and depressing the spring activated means.
The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following, more particular, description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
REFERENCES:
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patent: 4619378 (1986-10-01), Man
patent: 4765513 (1988-08-01), McMillin et al.
patent: 4863068 (1989-09-01), Smith
patent: 4887740 (1989-12-01), Smith
patent: 5535923 (1996-07-01), Fujioka
patent: 5601210 (1997-02-01), Kelly et al.
patent: 5984142 (1999-11-01), Castaldi
Carse Ann G. M.
Carse Clifford Carlin
Carse Ann G. M.
Fox John
Weiss Harry M.
Weiss Jeffrey
Weiss & Moy P.C.
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