Precision-ratioed fluid-mixing device and system

Abstract

A fluid-mixing device and a fluid-dispensing system are disclosed. The fluid-mixing device comprises a nozzle (200) having an outlet (210), an inlet (208) adapted for receiving a high-pressure liquid diluent, a nozzle mixing chamber (226), an orificed fluid passageway (236) communicating with the mixing chamber (226), and an orificed fluid-metering element (180) in fluid communication with the fluid passageway (236). A vacuum effect is created in the mixing chamber (226) when high-pressure liquid is passed from the nozzle inlet (208) to the nozzle outlet (210). The fluid-dispensing system comprises a container (144) having a spout (146) and adapted for containing a dilutable liquid concentrate, an apertured plug (152) snap-engaged into the spout (146) and in fluid communication with the nozzle mixing chamber (226), and conduit (192) for passing liquid concentrate from the container (144) into the mixing chamber (226) via the orificed fluid passageway (236) and orificed fluid-metering element (180), the vacuum effect thus causing the liquid concentrate and the high-pressure liquid diluent to combine in the mixing chamber (226) to produce a liquid mixture, the orificed fluid passageway (236) and the orificed fluid-metering element (180) both being dimensioned for selecting precisely-ratioed amounts of concentrate-to-diluent in the liquid mixture.