Dilution station

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for diluting and dispensing fluid concentrates which comprises a frame having at least one compartment therein for insertion of a liquid holding container. Mounted within the frame is a water valve housing which is adapted to interface with a venturi housing affixed to the liquid holding container. The water valve housing has affixed thereto a solenoid valve which is manually actuated by moving a magnet into and out of close proximity with the stem of the solenoid valve. The water valve housing includes locking means for preventing the solenoid valve from being operated by the manual actuation means when the liquid holding container is not properly inserted into the dilution station. The refill modules of the present invention include the venturi housing and liquid holding container mentioned above. The venturi housing has an unlocking means extending therefrom which engages and unlocks the locking means of the water valve housing when the refill is properly installed in the dilution station. Insertion of the refill makes a sealed connection to the water valve, vents the refill, locks the refill into position and releases the operation of the manual valve actuation. The discharge tube is 'D' shaped to prevent spraying solution on to the operator in the event of over filling the bottle. The venturi housing is integrally formed with the mounting bracket for mounting to the container. Contained within the venturi housing is a venturi tube which is affixed to the venturi housing by means of a plurality of struts extending from the venturi tube in engaging parts in the venturi housing. The venturi tube is molded to provide the exact dilution ratio for the specific solution in the refill thereby guaranteeing the precise dilution of solution dispensed. The venturi plugs into the housing and accomplishes a seal by use of press fitting tapers.