US3757814A

US3757814A - Liquid control and dispensing

Info

Publication number: US3757814A
Application number: US00189360A
Authority: US
Inventors: H Hill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1971-10-14
Filing date: 1971-10-14
Publication date: 1973-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 1990-09-11

Abstract

My invention relates generally to a controlled liquid system outlet contrivance with or without various filter and process media enclosed and attached to plumbing systems for the purpose of treating, mixing, or dispensing a liquid. Although the invention may well be used solely for any dispensing system, it is more often used in combination of a dispensing system and a means to remove odors, tastes, chemicals, sediments, bacteria and all other unpleasant qualities often found in so called potable tap water.

Description

United States Patent [1 1 Hill 1 Sept. 11, 1973 LIQUID CONTROL AND DISPENSING I Primary Examiner-Henry T. Kl'inksiek [76] Inventor: Hayden C. Hill, 4798 Excelente Dr., Ass'smm Emmmer koben Mmer Woodland Hills, Calif. 91364 [22] Filed: Oct. 14, 1971 [57] ABSTRACT [21] Appl. No.: 189,360 My invention relates generally to a controlled liquid system outlet contrivance with or without various filter [52] Cl 137,268 and process media enclosed and attached to plumbing Int. systems for the pu p f i g, i ing or dispens- [58] Field of 210/59 ing a liquid. Although the invention may well be used 210/57 solely for any dispensing system, it is more often used in combination of a dispensing system and a means to [56] References Cited remove odors, tastes, chemicals, sediments, bacteria and all other unpleasant qualities often found in so UNITED STATES PATENTS called potable tap water 3,270,767 9/ 1966 Hirsch l37/268 11 Claims, 8 Drawing Figures sum 1 or 4 PATENTEDSEPI I 875 Pmcminsm m 3751 s14 sum 2 or 4 ll l I LIQUID CONTROL AND DISPENSING BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Prior art has limited itself to installing water treatment devices in an objectionable and obtrusive manner onto the end of kitchen sink swing spout faucet or ahead of sink plumbing system concealed from view and therefore have had to treat no less than all the water, for whatever purpose, that passes through the cold water line of the faucet. I-Ieretofore competitive systems have not been able to perceive a method, or were unwilling to live with it if they did, of circumventing the problem of providing a universal adapter attachment to fit all known peculiarly different mounting means which most every swing spout wall mounted kitchen faucet manufacturer has by careless indifference, or by malice deliberately striven to attain. I have confronted this problem and have conceived of a practical method by which to cope with it, thus allowing me to perceive of water treatment device attached thereto. Consequently it is therefore apparent that my utility invention constitutes all of the art as is known; and is therefore pioneer, basic and generic as well as combination in nature.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One object of my invention is to provide a new machine of distinct character and function to produce a practical result due to the successive and simultaneous action of all its elements.

Another object is to provide a configuration of assembly such that when mounted relative to the intended users normal physical environment he will find the contrivance situated for a'convenient means of initiating liquid flow, a responsive means of modulating that flow, and a fail-safe way of terminating that flow.

Another object is to provide a configuration of the contrivance such that. it is engineered to fit well functionally and esthetically into its primary environment of the (a) residential kitchen, and more specifically, mounted on the cold water line between the wall mounted over sink faucet and the faucets pipe mounting means reference FIG. 2, (b) soda fountain, beauty bar, (d) liquor bar, (e) lavatory, (f) laboratory, (g) small animal feeder, (h) automated equipment.

Another object of the invention is to provide a means of filtering sediments, suspensions and impurities which can be removed by physical means.

Another object is to provide a means of treating the liquid by chemical means. The process being either additive or subtractive in nature.

Another object is to provide a means of liquid flow control to the degree necessary to assure its adequate exposure time for the required treatment process to take place.

Another object is to provide a cavity within the contrivance to house one of a variety of various kinds of replaceable cartridges used to treat the liquid for different deficiencies.

Another object is to provide a cavity within the con trivance to house one of a variety of different existing sizes of manufactured and universally distributed replaceable cartridges used to treat the liquid.

Another object is to provide a cavity within the contrivance to house various bulk material in place of aforementioned cartridge as the treatment media of the liquid.

Another objective is to be able to reassign the outlet spigot as a drinking water fountain or bubbler.

Another object is to provide people in all walks of life an opportunity to enjoy at modest costs one oflifes simple pleasures-a palatable glass of water to drink when they are thirsty.

Another objective is to be able to have the contrivance function as a dispenser of the systems liquid with outlet spigot located at either top or bottom end of the machine. Turn isometric FIG. 2 upside down and view it through a mirrorimagine the spigot 39 to be rotated to direct a liquid flow downward. Imagine pushing on the normal integral depressing inclined plane 41 with the fingers, or pulling on spigot 39 with the lip of the catch container 40 to actuate liquid flow. A change of acme thread angle from right-hand to lefthand would change the aforementioned actuation procedure from pull to pushing, or pushing to pulling but the basic features of the invention have not changed.

Further objects of my invention will be apparent from the following specification and the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded isometric view of an assembly of those components making up the most practical application, that of a water purifying appliance attached to a kitchen faucet.

FIG. 2 is an isometric cut-a-way view of the appliance shown in FIG. 1 with its valve function in a closed position.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged quarter longitudinal sectional view showing the major components of the invention with the media valve portion in a closed position as evidenced by the close proximity of valve washer to valve seat, thus blocking passage of any fluid media flow between inlet and treatment cavity housing.

FIG. 4 appears to be almost the same as FIG. 3 ex cept that it shows the valve washer in a comparatively large spaced relationship to valve seat as a result of axial movement of treatment cavity housing when its circumjacent female acme thread was rotated about the coaxial male acme thread of body mounting block in a disengaging direction.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view (projection) as seen from A-A of FIG. 3 wherein treatment cavity housing is restricted from further engaging rotational movement by the dynamic end of torsion spring and when valve seat is in a tight or limited relationship with washer thus the valve function is in a closed position.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view (projection) much like FIG. 5 as seen'from BB in FIG. 4 except treatment cavity housing has been rotated in relation to body mounting block deflected dynamic end of torsion spring to the extent permitted by the physical stop of cutout in flange shown, thus allowing axial movement of treatment cavity housing in relationship to body mounting block and consequently removing valve washer off valve seat permitting fluid media flow.

FIG. 7 depicts an adaptation of the invention wherein two fluid systems are providing different fluid media into any common rotational treatment cavity housing simultaneously and commensurate with a predetermined fixed ratio to each other and to the degree of valve openings caused by the amount of rotation of said housing in a relationship to both body mounting blocks shown.

FIG. 8 depicts still another adaptation of the invention wherein two different fluid systems are providing predetermined ratios of varying degrees of their respective fluid media into any common rotational treatment cavity housing such that as the flow rate of one is increased the flow rate of the other is decreased, both of which commensurate with the degree of valve openings caused by the amount and direction of rotation of said housing in relationship to each of their individual bodyblocks.

Referring in detail to the drawings, the numeral 61 in FIGS. 1 thru 8 designates a liquid control and dispenser unit, or portion thereof, embodying the invention, the same being comprised, generally of a body block 1, to which is attached spring 5, o-ring seal 14, boss 50, boss 51, nut 52, and cover 13; to which is attached a housing assembly 12 consisting of a commercial washer sub assembly 62 which has a washer 15, cup retainer 63, and spacer 64 and a rivet 65 being held in place by threaded barrel retainer 17; an integral spigot sub assembly having a spigot 39, a spigot retainer 47; a spigot seal 46, and a spigot orifice 38; to said housing is attached a treatment cavity end cap assembly 32 having a mushroom shaped end cap 67, tension rod 43, two ferrules 44, static seal 45, and housing seal 42; and lastly the filter cartridge unit 30 interposed between

item

12 and 32.

In FIG. 2 the contrivances body block 1 is installed between said faucets mounting means at the wall and the faucets cold water valve with thru port 3 for the faucet valve, and its exit port 4 faced to the right for the contrivance. A spacer block 2 shown in FIG. 1 is mounted ahead of the hot water valve to maintain the proper space relation of faucet-to-wall where a swing spout hot and cold

water mixing faucet

53, 54 is used.

A series of specially designed connections each suited to the mounting and threading peculiarities of the particular plumbing system assigned, such as a wall mounted kitchen water faucet shown in FIG. 1.

The body mounting block 1, which is preferably of a strong synthetic colorful opaque plastic material is formed at one end with a tubular nozzle portion 68, the coaxial annular end portion of which is squared off into a tip portion 69. The outer annular face of said nozzle portion is integrally formed which is coaxial with the external portion 70 and which is also coaxial with the external circumscribing groove 71 integrally formed and in turn is coaxial with a larger externally threaded portion 72 that communicates with an integrally formed annular flange of still larger diameter and which circumscribes all but a small cutout 9 of approximately 30 degrees of the external central, cylindrical mandrel portion of body block 1 in a single annular radial plane yet bridges said cutout in a communicating axially stepped relationship with the leg of an L-shaped portion 19 from but one side of said cutout to the other, the toe of which is an integral continuance of said flange, thus establishing a fixed space relationship 74 with the-opposite side of said cutout. Said fixed space 74 being an opening tangential to body block 1 central portion axially located and contiguous with said cutout 9. Said fixed space 74 being a threshold to still a larger annular space 75 which circumscribes coaxially the central or mandrel portion 76 of body block 1 and terminates axially at an expanded annular shoulder 77 somewhat of the same diameter as flange 10. In an alignment with cutout 9 and coaxial with the body block 1 central axis are three more or less like holes 6, 7, and 8 whose diameter is a little less than radial height The inner end of said nozzle portion 68 is in communication with said outer annular tip 69 noted above and is integrally formed with a short end portion 82 of reduced diameter which in turn is integrally formed with a still further reduced diameter to provide an axially displaced concentric recess of contracting diameter 90 into a reverse coaxial annular stepped rounded shoulder form 83 axially displaced to provide a valve seat 22 contiguous with a central tubular form 4 which reverts its communication back to its original projection away from said valve seat 22 to interconnect at a tee-shaped intersection 84 of fluid system tubular inlet 85 and th'ru port 3 with their internally threaded

hole openings

86 and 87 respectively which are coaxial to said hexagonal shaped portion 79 of body mounting block 1 exterior. Helical torsion spring 5 is disposed circumjacent the central or spring mandrel portion of the body block and is installed threadedly onto said mandrel in a circumscribing relationship as it is fed thru the cutout 9 of the integrally fonned flange 10 in a rotating manner into the threshold space 74 for circumscribing the larger annular space 75 and terminating its leading end that has been formed as a longitudinally extended straight projection into either one or the other of said three spring tension adjusting holes 6, 7, or 8 which restricts any further rotational movement of that static end. The opposite or dynamic end of said spring 5 is formed the same as its static end such that it acts as a longitudinally positioned rigid finger parallel to the periphery of the basic cylindrical spring form bridging axially across said cutout 9 and being constrained rotationally or tangentually by either side of the same said cutout, and extending itself axially beyond said flange l0 and radially outboard of and parallel to the periphery of said square threaded portion 72 of body block 1.

Housing assembly 12 is threadedly received by its threads 89 onto the externally threaded portion 72 of the body block 1 and is substantially coextensive with same. The internal valve washer assembly 62 coextensive with threaded barrel retainer 17 which in turn is threadedly affixed by threads 18 of housing 12 seats down upon said valve seat 22 of body block 1 as a limit position when said housing is totally engaged as is illustrated by FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7. Complete engagement of housing 12 onto body block 1 is not possible until such time as said rigid finger portion of the dynamic end of spring 5 is temporarily sprung outboard and away from being an obstruction to'the advancing threaded hub portion of said housing wherein said finger acting as an alignment key is released into axially aligned slot 20 in the external periphery of said hub and which is so rotationally clocked as to assure a desired predetermined position. The helical torsion spring being so deflected rotationally upon installation that it tends to keep said housing rotated to its most advanced or engaged position as shown by FIGS. 3 and 5 with valve closed as opposed to said housings manually actuated position as shown by FlGS. 4 and 6 with valve open. The axial length of the dynamic end of the spring finger being determined by the required fixed engagement into the housing assembly 12 to assure radial and tangentually anchoring of same, such that said housing becomes rotationally responsive to the stressed spring and when an attempt to rotate said housing about said threads 72 that spring will be made to deflect torsionally and to contract about its helically wound center, which is common to the center of body block 1, and to the limits of the sides of cutout 9 tangentually as well as radially by the mandrel portion of said central body portion wherein said finger of dynamic end of spring serves the dual function of both communicating the torsion to said housing but also acts in perfect shear to provide a positive mechanical stop in concurring unison with an axial adjustable limit of the units valve function wherein the resilient washer 15 is partially compressed by valve seat 22. Said washer 15, retainer 63, and spacer 64 being free to rotate in unison about said rivet 65 when same is affixed by the axial'adjustment threaded barrel retainer 17 such that valve seat 22 does not torque or wipe across face of said valve resilient washer upon noted valve actuations to require energy and to damage one another as would normally be the case if either did rotate in relationship to the other, but only relate in a very close and intimate proximity to partially compress the washer sufficient to terminate any liquid flow, and consequently to not dissipate inordinately the stored mechanical energy in spring 5 which would otherwise limit the valves closing force. Said threaded barrel retainer.17 being threadedly held in said housing assembly by internal threads 18 of an integrally molded mandrel boss portion 88 of same which is communicatively suspended coaxially and axially extensive to the larger female square threaded portion 89 and positioned such that an annular cavity 24 is formed coaxially which is receptive to the large tubular nozzle portion 68 of the body block 1 as well as providing

porting passages

25, 26, 27, 28 extensive to said cavity 24 and which are annularly displaced about same said mandrel boss 88 into the filter treatment cavity 23 of said housing. Concurrent with the foregoing valve closing is the further insertion of tubular nozzle annular portion 68 of body block 1 being drawn into closer engagement with the annular coaxial fluid flow cavity 24 of the housing assembly 12 as the latter is rotated

aboutthreads

72 and 89. O-ring, or toris shaped seal 14 circumscribing said groove 71 of external portion 70 of body block '1 to create a sliding resilient membrane between same and the outer walls of cylindrical annular coaxial fluid flow cavity 24 about said integral mandrel or boss portion 88 of housing assembly 12 to establish a fluid barrier between noted treatment cavity 23 and said square threaded portions 89 of same. The cantilevered longitudinal turning moment created by the weight of the coextensive housing 12 is borne by the bearing areas of said square threads 72 in their relationship to threads 89 spring 5 to torque, then the accumulator housing 12 not only moves rotationally in relation to the body block 1, but also moves axially to an extent governed by the helix angle of the acme thread (right-hand thread shown for functions generally described herein and in so doing moves the faucet washer 15 off the valve seat 22 thus opening the valve and storing energy into the torsion spring 5. This open valve stroke position is visually indicated by the relatively large axially displaced gap 56b between 12 and 13 shown in FIG. 4, and one side of FIG. 8. Conversely, closing the valve when the accumulator housing is left unrestrained to permit the stored mechanical energy of the spring to return to an upright position producing a small gap 56a shown by FIGS. 2, 3, 7 and other side of 8. Should the washer 15 not make complete sealing contact with seat 22 when the contrivance is in its upright or off position, concurrent with spring 5 in its most up side end of cutout 9, or stop position, then washer retainer threaded barrel 17 can be repositioned and in turn said washer, by rotating said retainer threaded barrel 17 with the use of a male shaft torqueing tool (hexagonal shaped-- standard Allen-head wrench) inserted from within the treatment cavity 23 of accumulator housing 12 when cap 32 is removed. Conversely, should washer 15 not come off seat 22 enough to provide desired flow when accumulator housing 12 is tilted forward concurrent with spring 5 in the most down side of cut-out 9 then washer retainer threaded barrel 17 can be repositioned as noted to suit desired liquid flow. The washer retainer threaded barrel 17 is inhibited from unintentional rotation by having tightly engaging formed threads and/or deposited on said screw threads 17 or 18 a non-soluble sticky material (commercially available as Lock-tite, etc.) beforehand.

The system liquid flow path is from the inlet port of the system source into and thru the contrivance port 4, across the units valve seat 22 and washer 15 when open, thru the annulus shaped cavity 24 surrounding washer 15, and exits into the treatment cavity 23 by way of ports 25, 26., 27 and/or 28,, and thence the liquid is forced by upstream system inlet pressure thru the treatment media bed 29 or cartridge 30 as provided, collects along the lower portion of annulus cavity 31 exterior of column portion of contrivances accumulator cap 32, thence thru the rectangular port 33 into the interior cavity 34 of said column portion where it rises to the top and exits the column at ports 25 and 26 into the upper annulus cavity 37 of accumulator housing 12 before being expelled through the systems flow rate control orifice 38, whereupon it flows out the spigot 39 and into the awaiting catch container 40 which was used as a hand held probe tocreate the heretofore noted turning moment about the axis of rotation upon the contrivance by exerting a tangentual force against actuator paddle projection 41 of the accumulator housing 12 necessary to open the valve. The rate of spigot flow may be varied within the limits of the contrivance by the amount of turning moment so created. Upon release of this tangentual force the contracted or loaded torsion springS releases its stored energy into the accumulator housing and thus returns the contrivance to an upright position and by so doing closes the systems control valve function existing between 15 and 22 to provide a desirable fail-safe feature. The top end of the column portion of accumulator cap 32 is threaded 96 to engage and hold the accumulator housing threads 97 in tension concurrent with having one liquid seal ring gland 42, and liquid treatment media 29, or cartridge 30 lying between same held in compression. Tension rod 43 held in place by a threaded ferrule 44, at each end lend strength to the column portion of accumulator cap 32. Bottom ferrule 44 is also sweat soldered ontorod 43 to inhibit liquid leaking at threads. Static seal 45 or the equivalent, is located between bottom ferrule 44 and accumulator cap 32 to prevent liquid leaking. A small static seal o-ring 46 is held in place between accumulator housing 12 and spigot 39 to prevent leaking. Retaining ring 47 is socketed into slot 48 of accumulator housing 12 and groove 49 of spigot 39 to hold same from axial movement in perfect shear relation. Spigot 39 is free to have its nozzle end rotated to an upright position and so divert the liquid system exit flow such as to function as a drinking water bubbler if water was the system liquid. 50 is a threaded mounting boss ferrule. 51 is a threaded mounting union ferrule. 52 is a threaded mounting union nut. 50 and 51 have the same thread dimensions for mounting to the contrivance porting, thus providing interchangeability to suit some mounting peculiarities. Variations of 50, 51, and 52 are made available to suit still other mounting peculiarities, 11 and 21 are sealing washers. Not shown is a fictitious spacer used in conjunction with smaller commercially available fluid treatment cartridges than that shownto fully occupy the alloted space which is shown in FIG. 2. As the filter cartridge is downstream of the units valve function it should be obvious that it maybe replaced without having to terminate system source hydrostatic pressure bysome other upstream valve.

Although FIG. 1 shows the contrivance in an upright position assigned to its most usual purpose of providing treatment of cold water at the kitchen sink it should not be construed to imply that such is its sole application or that its basic functions are restricted to this configuration. For example it is conceivable that: (a) it may be more desirable to have the spigot at the bottom as noted heretofore, (b) it may be more desirable to use bulk materials 29 for a filter in preference to a filter cartridge 30, (c) it may be desirable to use additives in place of the filter, (d) any system liquid media, as well as water, is a candidate to use this type of contrivance, (e) an arrangement of having two different liquid inlet ports diametrically opposed on either side of the cavity and on the same axis of rotation each with its own control valve and appropriate valve actuating cam function, one of which is similar to that shown by FIG. '2, and the other valve-cam assembly opposite in function to FIG. 2 to provide a new contrivance and method ofmodulating two liquids of different systems simultancously at a fixed ratio to each other (e.g., chemical or paint mixing, propellant control into a rocket engine, etc.) as shown in FIG. 7 (91 corresponds to 81, 95 to 72, 93 to 92, 94 to 89, FIG. 8); or the selection of either of two different liquids into said cavity by theuse of two identical functioning valve-cam assemblies wherein only one of the two valves is being actuated in the same mode at any given time as shown by FIG. 8 (81 corresponds to 1 except a reverse image of 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 19; and 92 to a double valve type of 12, FIG. 2, 3, 4).

It is thus seen that the combination of elements similar to those shown and described has generated a configuration which attains the desired objectives as set forth at the outset of this writing in connection with the fluid control, fluid treatment and ease of lluitl dispensing.

With the foregoing and other objects in view, the invention resides in the novel arrangement and combination of parts and in the details of construction hereinafter described and claimed, it being understood that changes in the precise embodiment of the invention herein disclosed may be made within the scope of what is claimed without departing from thespirit of the invention. I

I claim:

1. In a liquid control and dispensing device (61,- FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8) the combination comprising a body block (element 1, FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4; 81, FIG. 8; 91, FIG. 7) with attachment and mounting means (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, FIG. 1 and 2) at its upstream plumbing system inlet end (85, 84, 4, FIG. 2) thru which its source of fluid media (water, etc., FIG. 1) under hydrostatic pressure is derived and by which is provided a small diameter tubular passage (4, FIG. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8. Note: Subsequent element number callouts assigned these FIG.S. unless otherwise noted) terminating into a second enlarged tubular passage (80, 82) concentric to the former by way of stepped shoulder (83) configurated to project a concentric rounded lip, axially displaced toward the outer downstream end (68, 69) creating an annular hollow (90) interposed between said tubular passages arranged to thus provide an annular nib, or valve seat(22), the larger of tubular passages communicates to the .body blocks outer end in a squared off annularnozzle portion (68) whose external coaxial diameter (70) is essentially smaller'than the rest of said body block and which has near its end an external circumscribing groove (71) that contains a resilient toris shaped seal (14) which more than occupies same to prevent system liquid leakage flow axially over enlarged body block threaded portion (72) which collectively is an insertion into and is threadedly received in intimate communication with the externally mounted hub portion (89, FIG. 2, 3, 4, 8; and 94, FIG. 7) of a treatment cavity housing member (12, FIG. 2, 3,4; 92, FIG. 8; 93, FIG. 7) that is engaged with said body block mating threads and is coextensive thereto, said body blocks outer external diameter nozzle end additionally provides a bearing surface (70) for said housing as well as said mating threads, treatment cavity portion (23) of said housing member being cylindrical in shape and perpendicular to said integral hub with common porting (25, 26, 27, 28), housing may be manually rotated on and about said mating threads to produce a rectilinear axial movement (5 6a and 56b) providing a variable spaced relationship between a fluid flow control washer (l5) retained by said housing across annular face of said valve seat to establish a valve function when an annular concentric cavity volumn (24) circumscribing said washer and its internally threaded (18) boss mounting (88) within said housing is more than sufficient to be completely receptive to all of the outer nozzle end of said body block insertion, and moreover to the extent of providing a downstream passage of a cross sectional annular area to provide said common porting or passage into treatment cavity of said housing commensurate to that of the formerly said small diameter tubular passages in body block.

I 2. In a liquid control and dispensing device as defined in claim 1 wherein said treatment cavity housing having its cylindrical body portion capped at one end by a gasketed (42, Note: subsequent elements assigned FIG. 2 except as noted) enclosing mushroom shaped cap (32), the stem of which extending coaxially into and thru said treatment cavity housing to become threadedly engaged (96', 97) in an opposite end cap of said housing which may be integrally a part thereof, said stern being hollow to provide a fluid media passage (34) internally from upstream inlet port (33) that is treatment cavity side of said opposite end cap threaded engagement to exit downstream ports (35 and 36) beyond same said threads to exit external porting of said opposite end cap portion of housing by way of an outlet port or spigot (39), said stem portion of mushroom shaped end cap being provided with internal tension rod (43) to lend strength to same and to treatment cavity housing assembly when subjected to internal hydrostatic pressures of fluid system media, said treatment cavity housing being shaped to be receptive to a preformed interchangeable cartridge (30) used to treat said fluid media.

3. In a liquid control and dispensing device as defined in claim 2 wherein a helically shaped torsion spring (5) with longitudinally extended straight ends is circum' scribed about said body blocks mandrel portion (76) the static end of spring being anchored near the inlet end of said body block (6, 7, 8) with its dynamic end anchored (20) to said external periphery of the internally threaded hub portion of treatment cavity housing, such that when said housing is manually rotated (40, 41) on and about said threads as described that said spring is radially contracted and deflected to store the noted physical exertion of manual actuation in the form of mechanical energy to be released concurrent with the release of said manual actuating force, and that by so doing returns said housing to its original position, physical limits of said housing rotation being governed by body blocks integral stops (sides of 9 in 10) placed in the path of the moving dynamic end of said longitudinal spring projection.

4. In a liquid control and dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein said internally threaded hub of said housing is coextensive and coaxial to both the said body block and the said helical spring and where said hub communicates to a cylindrical cavity coextensive and perpendicular to same with common porting for the purpose of. providing a downstream chamber (23) used to process the fluid media or to permit the mixing of said fluid media with another fluid media derived from a similar source injecting same into said cavity in like manner with like apparatus that is coextensive to said chamber (92, FIG. 8; 93, FIG. 7) and is coaxial to said threaded hub with. threaded hub (94, FIG. 7; 89, FIG. 8) of its own in reverse image, a valve function (15, 22, FIG. 7 and 8) with body block (81, FIG. 8; 91,.

FIG. 7), and helical spring for a different fluid media source plumbing of its own.

5. In combination in a liquid control contrivance (61) recited in claim 4 with mounting means (1, FIG.

l, 2, 3, 4 or 81-, FIG. 8, or 91, FIG. 7) one, or more inlet ports (4, 84, 85), one or more liuqid modulating de vices (variable space relationship between and 22), a cavity (23) and an outlet port (39, FIG. 1, 2) collectively arranged (61, FIG. 2 and as applicable) to be a part of one (FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) or more systems (FIG.

7,8), such that the assembly (12, FIG. 2, 3, 4 or 92,

' FIG. 8 or 93, FIG. 7 and 5, 13, 15, 17, 29, 30, 32, 38,

39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 63, 64, 88, FIG. 2, 3, 4, 7 or 8) in turning moment rotated about its mounting axis (centerline of 1, FIG. 2, 3, or '4; or 81, FIG. 8; or 91,

FIG. 7) actuates (open or closes) its modulating function (variable space relationship between 22 and 15) to control flow of liquids through the inlet (4, 84, 85, FIG.

2) and/or outlet ports (25, 26, 27, 28, etc. and 39, FIG.

6. The combination (61) recited in claim 5 wherein said assembly (ref. elements recited claim 5) in turning moment rotated about its mounting axis (ref. elements recited in claim 5) is caused to actuate a valve (variable space relationship between 22 and 15) by lateral pressure physically brought to bear tangentually to the axis of rotation (40 being made to act upon 41, FIG. 1 and 2 in manner stated).

7. The combination (61, FIG. 1 thru 8) recited in claim 5 wherein said assembly (ref. elements recited claim 5) in turning moment rotated about its mounting axis (ref. elements recited claim 5) may be caused to de-actuate a valve (ref. elements recited in claim 6 opposite to actuate) by the release of mechanically stored energy of a spring (5) function stored concurrently with the initial valve actuation (40 acting upon 41 of 61, FIG. 1, and shown FIG. 6 and 56b, FIG. 8).

8. The combination (61) recited in c'laim'5 wherein liquid .flow rate through thesaid treatment cavity-(23, FIG. 2,3,4) to exit port (39, FIG. 2) may be governed to suit physical and chemical limitations of treatment media (29, 30, FIG. 2,3,4) by a fixed control device (orifice)-(38, FIG. 2).

9. The combination (61) recited in claim 5 wherein liquid flow rate may be modulated in direct proportion (variable space relationship between 15 and 22) to the degree of said assemblys (61) rotation (12 about 1, FIG. 5, 6, etc.) about its mounting axis (1, FIG. 2, 3, 4 or 81, FIG. 8 or 91, FIG. 7).

10. The combination (61) in claim 5 wherein the liq uid flow rate may be modulated (vaIve)-(variable space relationship between 15 and 22) within the latitude of limits of a fixed control device.

11. The combination (61) recited in claim 5 wherein the assembly (ref. elements recited claim 5) is such as to permit a treatment media to be confined within said treatment cavity 12, FIG. 2, 81, FIG. 8, 91, FIG. 7 the configuration of which may be bulk material (29, FIG. 2,3,4, etc.) or a replaceable cartridge (30, FIG. 2, 3, 4,

etc.). i

Claims

1. In a liquid control and dispensing device (61, FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8) the combination comprising a body block (element 1, FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4; 81, FIG. 8; 91, FIG. 7) with attachment and mounting means (50, 51, 52, 53, 54, FIG. 1 and 2) at its upstream plumbing system inlet end (85, 84, 4, FIG. 2) thru which its source of fluid media (water, etc., FIG. 1) under hydrostatic pressure is derived and by which is provided a small diameter tubular passage (4, FIG. 2, 3, 4, 7, 8. Note: Subsequent element number callouts assigned these FIG.''S. unless otherwise noted) terminating into a second enlarged tubular passage (80, 82) concentric to the former by way of stepped shoulder (83) configurated to project a concentric rounded lip, axially displaced toward the outer downstream end (68, 69) creating an annular hollow (90) interposed between said tubular passages arranged to thus provide an annular nib, or valve seat (22), the larger of tubular passages communicates to the body block''s outer end in a squared off annular nozzle portion (68) whose external coaxial diameter (70) is essentially smaller than the rest of said body block and which has near its end an external circumscribing groove (71) that contains a resilient toris shaped seal (14) which more than occupies same to prevent system liquid leakage flow axially over enlarged body block threaded portion (72) which collectively is an insertion into and is threadedly received in intimate communication with the externally mounted hub portion (89, FIG. 2, 3, 4, 8; and 94, FIG. 7) of a treatment cavity housing member (12, FIG. 2, 3, 4; 92, FIG. 8; 93, FIG. 7) that is engaged with said body block mating threads and is coextensive thereto, said body block''s outer external diameter nozzle end additionally provides a bearing surface (70) for said housing as well as said mating threads, treatment cavity portion (23) of said housing member being cylindrical in shape and perpendicular to said integral hub with common porting (25, 26, 27, 28), housing may be manually rotated on and about said mating threads to produce a rectilinear axial movement (56a and 56b) providing a variable spaced relationship between a fLuid flow control washer (15) retained by said housing across annular face of said valve seat to establish a valve function when an annular concentric cavity volumn (24) circumscribing said washer and its internally threaded (18) boss mounting (88) within said housing is more than sufficient to be completely receptive to all of the outer nozzle end of said body block insertion, and moreover to the extent of providing a downstream passage of a cross sectional annular area to provide said common porting or passage into treatment cavity of said housing commensurate to that of the formerly said small diameter tubular passages in body block.

2. In a liquid control and dispensing device as defined in claim 1 wherein said treatment cavity housing having its cylindrical body portion capped at one end by a gasketed (42, Note: subsequent elements assigned FIG. 2 except as noted) enclosing mushroom shaped cap (32), the stem of which extending coaxially into and thru said treatment cavity housing to become threadedly engaged (96, 97) in an opposite end cap of said housing which may be integrally a part thereof, said stem being hollow to provide a fluid media passage (34) internally from upstream inlet port (33) that is treatment cavity side of said opposite end cap threaded engagement to exit downstream ports (35 and 36) beyond same said threads to exit external porting of said opposite end cap portion of housing by way of an outlet port or spigot (39), said stem portion of mushroom shaped end cap being provided with internal tension rod (43) to lend strength to same and to treatment cavity housing assembly when subjected to internal hydrostatic pressures of fluid system media, said treatment cavity housing being shaped to be receptive to a preformed interchangeable cartridge (30) used to treat said fluid media.

3. In a liquid control and dispensing device as defined in claim 2 wherein a helically shaped torsion spring (5) with longitudinally extended straight ends is circumscribed about said body block''s mandrel portion (76) the static end of spring being anchored near the inlet end of said body block (6, 7, 8) with its dynamic end anchored (20) to said external periphery of the internally threaded hub portion of treatment cavity housing, such that when said housing is manually rotated (40, 41) on and about said threads as described that said spring is radially contracted and deflected to store the noted physical exertion of manual actuation in the form of mechanical energy to be released concurrent with the release of said manual actuating force, and that by so doing returns said housing to its original position, physical limits of said housing rotation being governed by body block''s integral stops (sides of 9 in 10) placed in the path of the moving dynamic end of said longitudinal spring projection.

4. In a liquid control and dispensing device as defined in claim 3 wherein said internally threaded hub of said housing is coextensive and coaxial to both the said body block and the said helical spring and where said hub communicates to a cylindrical cavity coextensive and perpendicular to same with common porting for the purpose of providing a downstream chamber (23) used to process the fluid media or to permit the mixing of said fluid media with another fluid media derived from a similar source injecting same into said cavity in like manner with like apparatus that is coextensive to said chamber (92, FIG. 8; 93, FIG. 7) and is coaxial to said threaded hub with threaded hub (94, FIG. 7; 89, FIG. 8) of its own in reverse image, a valve function (15, 22, FIG. 7 and 8) with body block (81, FIG. 8; 91, FIG. 7), and helical spring for a different fluid media source plumbing of its own.

5. In combination in a liquid control contrivance (61) recited in claim 4 with mounting means (1, FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 81, FIG. 8, or 91, FIG. 7) one, or more inlet ports (4, 84, 85), one or more liuqid modulating devices (variable space relationship between 15 and 22), a cavity (23) aNd an outlet port (39, FIG. 1, 2) collectively arranged (61, FIG. 2 and as applicable) to be a part of one (FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) or more systems (FIG. 7,8), such that the assembly (12, FIG. 2, 3, 4 or 92, FIG. 8 or 93, FIG. 7 and 5, 13, 15, 17, 29, 30, 32, 38, 39, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 63, 64, 88, FIG. 2, 3, 4, 7 or 8) in turning moment rotated about its mounting axis (centerline of 1, FIG. 2, 3, or 4; or 81, FIG. 8; or 91, FIG. 7) actuates (open or closes) its modulating function (variable space relationship between 22 and 15) to control flow of liquids through the inlet (4, 84, 85, FIG. 2) and/or outlet ports (25, 26, 27, 28, etc. and 39, FIG. 2).

7. The combination (61, FIG. 1 thru 8) recited in claim 5 wherein said assembly (ref. elements recited claim 5) in turning moment rotated about its mounting axis (ref. elements recited claim 5) may be caused to de-actuate a valve (ref. elements recited in claim 6 opposite to ''''actuate'''') by the release of mechanically stored energy of a spring (5) function stored concurrently with the initial valve actuation (40 acting upon 41 of 61, FIG. 1, and shown FIG. 6 and 56b, FIG. 8).

8. The combination (61) recited in claim 5 wherein liquid flow rate through the said treatment cavity (23, FIG. 2,3,4) to exit port (39, FIG. 2) may be governed to suit physical and chemical limitations of treatment media (29, 30, FIG. 2,3,4) by a fixed control device (orifice)-(38, FIG. 2).

9. The combination (61) recited in claim 5 wherein liquid flow rate may be modulated in direct proportion (variable space relationship between 15 and 22) to the degree of said assembly''s (61) rotation (12 about 1, FIG. 5, 6, etc.) about its mounting axis (1, FIG. 2, 3, 4 or 81, FIG. 8 or 91, FIG. 7).

10. The combination (61) in claim 5 wherein the liquid flow rate may be modulated (valve)-(variable space relationship between 15 and 22) within the latitude of limits of a fixed control device.

11. The combination (61) recited in claim 5 wherein the assembly (ref. elements recited claim 5) is such as to permit a treatment media to be confined within said treatment cavity (12, FIG. 2, 81, FIG. 8, 91, FIG. 7) the configuration of which may be bulk material (29, FIG. 2,3,4, etc.) or a replaceable cartridge (30, FIG. 2, 3, 4, etc.).