JP6998882B2 - Adjustable additive supply system and method - Google Patents

Description

See Related Applications US Patent Application No. 62 / 303,376 entitled "Cartridge Reservoir System" filed March 4, 2016, "Adjustable" filed July 15, 2016. US Patent Provisional Application No. 62 / 363,177, entitled "Additive Cartridge System," and pending pending, entitled "Adjustable Additive Cartridge System," filed November 21, 2016. Priority is claimed under all applicable laws, agreements, treaties and regulations under US Patent Application No. 15 / 358,087. The subject matter described in all applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. If any element or subject of this application, or any part of the specification, claims or drawings of the above application is not included in this application in any other manner, that element, subject or part may be applicable rule, procedure. Or by reference in part or in whole of the law, it is incorporated into this application.

The present disclosure relates to distribution and supply systems for beverages and other products. The present disclosure may further place additives such as flavoring agents, concentrates or supplements in replaceable cartridges and mix with the base fluid such as water as the base fluid is dispensed and / or consumed from the container. With respect to the distribution and supply system, a unidirectional flow of base fluid is provided to prevent additives from mixing with the base fluid supply and can therefore be used with different additive supply systems. The present disclosure further relates to a distribution and supply system, and an additive supply system, which provide user adjustment of the amount of additive to be mixed with the base fluid. The present disclosure further relates to reservoir assemblies for storing additives and for use in such additive supply systems, and methods for making and using such systems.

The prior art includes various devices for providing additives to the base liquid. Such devices include a premix system as described in US Pat. No. 7,306,117, in which a predetermined amount of additive is dispensed and consumed by the base liquid in the container. Previously mixed with the base solution. The prior art system also includes a device in which the additive is supplied to the base fluid as it is dispensed from the container. Such a feeding system describes a distribution system in which the base liquid flows through the supplement region containing the solid supplement, US Pat. No. 8,230,777, and added when water is poured from the dispenser. Illustrated by US Pat. No. 8,413,844, which describes a water dispenser (pitcher) having a filter and an additive chamber to which the agent is supplied. There is a technological need for systems and methods that improve the implementation of these prior arts.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the additive supply system can incorporate a cartridge system that includes a container cap and an additive reservoir assembly that provides storage of the additive. The vessel cap can be secured to the base fluid vessel. As the base fluid flows from the base fluid vessel through the cartridge, a mixing nozzle is associated with the vessel cap to mix the additive with the base fluid. The one-way valve prevents the base fluid and / or the mixing base fluid / additive from flowing back from the region downstream of the mixing nozzle so that the base fluid supply remains unmixed. These features allow different cartridge assemblies containing different respective additives to be used with a given supply of base fluid. Moreover, this feature allows a given additive to be used with a given base fluid supply without requiring the entire base fluid supply to be used or consumed in a mixed state. The remaining supply of base fluid remains unmixed and may be used in other applications such as other flavoring agents or supplements. The additive supply system allows for more efficient use of both the additive and the base fluid.

According to another aspect of the invention, when the base fluid flows through the additive supply system, the additive supply system can incorporate the cartridge system, the adjustable flow of the additive, and the additive and base fluid. Adjustable mixing with can be provided. The adjustment actuator may be moved by the user to make the corresponding adjustments of the valve components incorporated in the additive supply system. The valve component can include a metering component that can have a conical portion that cooperates with a mixing nozzle with a correspondingly shaped sheet to precisely control the flow of additives. The movement of the adjustment actuator by the user results in the precise movement of the weighing components in order to increase or decrease the flow of additives that occurs as the base fluid distributes through the cartridge. Indications can be included to show the user the relative degree of additive flow and mixing. This feature allows the user to achieve the desired repeatable mixing ratio of the additive to the base fluid.

According to another aspect, the additive feed system provides a cartridge system that provides an improved flow geometry that facilitates mixing of the additive and base fluid as it flows from the cartridge. It can be used. The geometry of such a flow can include a central flow component for the additive and a peripheral or radially displaced flow component for the base fluid. They can also contain one or more convergence zones within the additive flow path. The geometry of such a flow is incorporated into one or more distribution spouts downstream of the mixing region within the cartridge assembly to further enhance the mixing of additives and base fluid prior to use or consumption. It may be used in combination with agitation or turbulence generation elements. The geometry of such a flow and the agitation or turbulence generation elements result in a complete mixture of additives and base fluid.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the reservoir assembly for use with the additive supply system and cartridge can include flexible reservoirs such as pouches, bags, bags or other flexible reservoir structures. This reservoir assembly structure provides improved flow and mixing properties by reducing or removing the vacuum in the reservoir when the additive is supplied. A protective cage or rigid wall protective housing may surround the reservoir at the time of sale / shipment to protect the reservoir. For protective cages or other external elements with openings or holes, such flexible reservoir structures allow the user to squeeze the container, ie the water bottle containing the cartridge, or otherwise. It may be possible to apply external pressure, such as the pressure generated when applying pressure to, to the additive reservoir. This interaction between the flexible cartridge reservoir structure and the internal conditions can facilitate more uniform or consistent distribution of the additive from the cartridge and promote more uniform mixing with the base fluid.

According to another aspect, the cartridge assembly is a reservoir assembly and an adjustable mixing cap so that the cartridge assembly can be attached to a bottle of user's own bottle-based fluid, such as a separately purchased water bottle. Packaged and distributed as a unit containing. A brittle protective outer safety membrane, such as shrink wrap or foil pouch, can seal the entire cartridge assembly package for quality and safety controls.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the described invention belongs. Other practices, methods and materials similar to those described herein can be used to carry out the invention, but appropriate and exemplary implementations, methods and materials are described below. All publications, patent applications, and other references referred to herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, this specification, including the definition, is followed. Moreover, the materials, methods and examples are merely exemplary and are by no means intended to be limiting. Details of one or more embodiments of the invention are described in the accompanying drawings and the following description. Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the specification and drawings, as well as the claims.

The above and other accompanying advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It will be appreciated that the description and embodiments are intended as exemplary embodiments and do not limit the scope of the invention described in the appended claims.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary distribution and supply system, including an additive supply system, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an exploded upward perspective view of an exemplary cartridge assembly for an additive supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an exploded downward perspective view of the exemplary cartridge assembly of FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded fracture view of the cartridge assembly of FIG. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary additive adjusting actuator according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 6 is a top view of the exemplary additive flow adjusting actuator of FIG. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the exemplary additive flow adjusting actuator of FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an exemplary additive flow metering insert according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 11 is a top view of the exemplary additive flow metering insert of FIG. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the exemplary additive flow metering insert of FIG. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary mixing nozzle according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 15 is a top view of the mixing nozzle of FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary cartridge cap base according to one aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 18 is a top view of the exemplary cartridge cap base of FIG. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 20 is a bottom view of the exemplary cartridge cap base of FIG. FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an exemplary flexible pouch reservoir and pouch reservoir spout according to one aspect of the present disclosure. 22 is a top view of the flexible pouch reservoir and the pouch reservoir spout of FIG. 21. FIG. 23 is a side view of the flexible pouch reservoir and the pouch reservoir spout of FIG. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary, assembled additive supply system cartridge assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure. FIG. 25 is an exemplary dilution / concentration change curve that can be achieved with an exemplary cartridge system according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a beverage distribution system utilizing an exemplary additive supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The bottle 10 can include a bottle lid 20 that seals the internal space of the bottle 10. The thread integrally molded on the bottle 10 works with the female thread formed on the bottle lid 20 to provide a sealed fixation between the two components. The handle 24 is molded into the lid 20 and an umbrella-type check valve or vent (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided on the lid 20 by a known method to reduce or eliminate the vacuum inside the bottle and from there the base. It may prevent the base fluid from leaking out of the vent as the fluid distributes. The lid 20 is formed on the outer surface of the lid 20 to receive an additive supply system (also referred to herein as a cartridge), such as an exemplary additive supply system, which is generally referenced by reference number 100 in FIG. Includes a cartridge receptacle 22 with screw fasteners.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, which are exploded views of an exemplary cartridge assembly providing an additive supply system according to one aspect of the present disclosure, the system facilitates rapid assembly, as described in more detail below. Can include several components assembled in an overall stacked configuration using snap fits or screw connections. The component can include a cartridge cap with an additive flow adjusting actuator 200 that is co-attached to the cartridge cap base 250 for limited rotational motion. The additive flow regulating actuator can include a distribution spout and a push-pull closure 230 mounted on it to selectively allow and prevent the outflow of the mixed fluid from the cartridge. An additive flow measuring component 300 that cooperates with the mixing nozzle 350 is arranged between the additive flow adjusting actuator 200 and the cartridge cap base 250. The annular unidirectional base fluid flow seal element 320 provides a unidirectional flow of base fluid through the cartridge to prevent backflow, as described below. A reservoir assembly including a pouch reservoir spout 400, a reservoir (see FIGS. 21 and 23) and a protective outer housing 500 can be secured to a mixing nozzle 350 and a cap base 250 as described below. The pouch may be a flexible pouch that includes an additive supply and is secured in a sealed engagement with the pouch reservoir spout 400. The reservoir assembly can be secured within the cartridge cap base 250 using snap fits or other fixing elements such as screw fasteners or friction fasteners and may also be fitted to the mixing nozzle 350 as described. can. The reservoir protection housing 500 can be a cover (shown) for a cage or solid wall and can be snap-fitted onto the flange of the pouch reservoir spout 400 to protect the additives contained in the internal flexible reservoir pouch. can. The reservoir housing 500 and the reservoir pouch may be made of a transparent or translucent material to allow the user to visually identify the nature of the additive supply. Details of each of the above exemplary components and their cooperative relationships are described below.

Referring to FIGS. 5-9, these figures show an exemplary additive flow adjusting actuator 200. This component may include a body portion 202 with an actuation tab 204 that allows the user to rotate the actuator 200. The spout portion 206 extends upward from the main body portion 202 to provide a flow of mixed fluid from the cartridge. The spout portion 206 can include an integral retaining ring 208 formed on top of the push-pull cap (FIGS. 2-4) for holding it. A circular protrusion 210 is located at the top of the spout 206 and is supported by three spoke elements 212. The protrusion 210 provides a seal with the push-pull cap 230 (FIGS. 2-4) and functions to provide agitation or turbulence as the mixed fluid exits the cartridge. Several axially extending guide rails 216 are defined inside the spout portion 206 to define and explain the guide channels between them, as described in the complementary shape of the additive flow metering component 300. Cooperate with and guide the elements (see Figures 2-4). A window or opening 218 is defined in the body so that the user can see the adjustment settings indicating the relative position of the actuator 200 and the level of the associated additive flow. Indication 220 may be provided as an element molded onto the actuator 200 to indicate the direction of increase in the additive (flavor) or base fluid (water). The main body 202 may be provided with a pair of recesses 222 for facilitating the molding of the actuator 200. The retaining tab 224, outer annular wall 226 and inner annular wall 228 provide fitting and rotational engagement and support of the actuator 202 with the cartridge cap base 250, as described below.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13, these figures show details of an exemplary additive flow metering component 300 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The weighing component may be provided as an entirely cylindrical element having a cylindrical body 302 and a conical weighing protrusion or element 318 (FIG. 12). The annular additive flow passage 312 is defined on the additive flow metering component 300. Several protrusions 306 and 310 are defined on the outer surface of the body 302 to define the guide channel 308. These elements cooperate with the rails and channels defined within the actuator 200, as described above with reference to FIGS. 5-9, with the component 300 axially (upper) in a guided coordinated relationship with the actuator 200. / Down), but also rotates the component 300 with the actuator 200. The substantially annular additive flow passage 312 is defined between the body portion 302 and the conical weighing element 318, allowing the flow of additives through the components. The weighing element 318 defines a weighing surface 314 (FIG. 12) and, in cooperation with the surface on the mixing nozzle 350 (FIGS. 2-4), provides precise flow control of the additive flowing through the cartridge. The weighing component 300, in cooperation with the screw on the mixing nozzle 350, axially aligns the weighing surface 314 with respect to the corresponding surface on the mixing nozzle 350 as the component 300 rotates with respect to the mixing nozzle 350. Includes female screw 316 to be moved. When the conical element is in a closed and sealed position within the mixing nozzle 350, a shoulder portion 319 (FIG. 12) is defined within the upper region of the conical element 318 to provide a food safety seal. The shoulders can be deformed to facilitate a tight seal. The secure locking projection 321 (FIG. 13) extends radially inward to the bottom of the component 300. This protrusion cooperates with the anti-rotation channel (368 in FIG. 14) to ensure that the component 300 is secured within the mixing nozzle 350 during assembly and packaging operations, with the component 300 being consistent on the mixing nozzle. Reliably indicating that it was installed in place (rotated), the component 300 is used to provide a standard food safety grade seal to the mixing nozzle 350 by means of a shoulder 319 and a conical surface 314.

Further, FIGS. 14 to 16 show details of an exemplary mixing nozzle 350 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The mixing nozzle 350 can include a substantially cylindrical body portion 352 having a flat area 353 that facilitates proper orientation and alignment within the complementary shaped recesses within the cap base 250 during assembly. Extending upward from the body 352 is a rounded end to allow sealing and snap fitting engagement with the fitting portion of the cartridge cap base 250 (FIGS. 2-4 and 24). It is a substantially circular raised snap fitting protrusion 354 including. Multiple (in this case four) base fluid ports 358 are defined within the mixing nozzle 350 to allow flow of the base fluid and at least partially define the base fluid flow path through the mixing nozzle 350 and the cartridge 100. The mixing nozzle stem 360 extends upward from the snap-fitting protrusion 354 and includes an integral screw 362 on its outer surface. The mixing nozzle stem 360 defines at least a portion of the additive flow path via the internal mixing nozzle additive flow path 363. A seal retaining ring 364 is formed underneath the mixing nozzle spout 360 to secure the internal end of the annular unidirectional base fluid flow seal 320 (FIGS. 2-4 and 24) in place. As best shown in FIG. 16, the additive flow passage 363 complements the conical protrusion of the additive flow metering component 300 to define an adjustable metering zone through which the additive flows. It is partially defined by the inner surface of the upper cone formed 365. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, the flow geometry of the exemplary mixing nozzle 350 is a lower conical surface 367 defining a first convergent additive flow zone and an upper conical partially defining a metering zone. It may include a central cylindrical or slightly extended inner surface 369 that defines a second flow zone extending to surface 365. Applicants have found that the geometric properties of this flow provide a favorable flow and mixing of the additive with the base fluid. As mentioned above, the anti-rotation channel 368 is defined by protrusions 366 and 368 (FIG. 14) at the bottom of the stem 360 to ensure that the stem is screwed onto the weighing nozzle during the initial assembly operation with the weighing component 300. Provides a good locking interaction and provides a food safety grade seal. Several reservoir spout holding arms 374 with snap-fitting protrusions 372 formed at one end thereof are formed at the bottom of the mixing nozzle to allow the upper end of the reservoir spout to be secured within the cartridge assembly (see FIG. 24). .. The lower annular wall 378 provides a channel 380 for receiving the end of the reservoir spout for further sealing engagement. As will be appreciated, the exemplary mixing nozzle 350 defines the base fluid flow path indicated by arrow B in FIGS. 16 and 26 and establishes the additive flow path indicated by arrow A in FIGS. 16 and 26. do. It will be appreciated that the cross section of FIG. 16 shows the dotted (hidden) line port 358. More specifically, the additive flow path is defined by a centrally located or axially located passage, and the base fluid flow path is located outward from a central position that at least partially surrounds the additive fluid flow path. Including the passage that was made. The geometry of this flow provides favorable mixing and flow characteristics.

Also, FIGS. 17-20 show details of an exemplary cartridge cap base 250 according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The base cap 250 includes a substantially cylindrical female threaded base portion 254 and a substantially annular raised indicator portion 252 with a contoured top surface having an indication 258 to indicate the additive mixing level to the user. The location of the display 258 is such that the selected display appears in a window within the additive flow control actuator. The indicator unit 252 fits into a channel formed under the additive flow adjusting actuator 200 (see FIG. 24). The cap base includes an annular sheet 272 for the outer edge of the base flow one-way valve 320 and an annular snap-fit ridge 274 (see FIG. 24) for holding the mixing nozzle 300. The cap base includes an annular recess with a flat area (FIG. 20) to ensure that the mixing nozzle is mounted in the correct orientation with respect to the cap base. Several ribs extend radially inward to support the annular wall.

21 to 23 show details of the flexible pouch reservoir and the pouch reservoir spout according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The spout 400 can include a stem portion 402 that defines an internal additive flow path. The first flange 404 is provided with a slot for receiving the reservoir holding arm 374 of the mixing nozzle 300. A snap-fit ridge or ring (FIG. 24) is formed at the bottom of the stem 402 to cooperate with the internal ridge at the bottom of the mixing nozzle. The second and third flanges 406 and 408 extend from stem 402 for use by an automated filling device. A series of flanges on the spout is also used in the cartridge assembly operation, the housing 500 is snap-fitted to the first flange during the first assembly operation and then to the next higher flange during the second assembly operation. Move upwards to be done. The flange can also provide an additional sealing interface with the corresponding ridge defined inside the housing and the reservoir is filled with an automated device. The bottom flange 410 provides a snap fit within the housing or cage 50. The pouch reservoir is shown in FIGS. 21-23 in a flat, unfilled state. As will be appreciated, the pouch can take a cylindrical shape and fit into the housing 500 when filled with additives. The pouch can be secured to the fixation adapter portion 412 of the reservoir spout 400 by thermal welding or other fixing technique to seal the pouch wall to the pouch reservoir spout 400.

FIG. 24 shows a fracture view of the additive supply system assembled according to one aspect of the present disclosure. In this figure, the additive metering valve is shown in the closed position. In general, the assembly may first involve inserting the metering valve 350 in place on the cartridge cap base 250 and snap-fitting it. In the next step, the one-way sealing valve 320 is placed on the mixing nozzle 350, fitted onto the holding ridge and seated on the outer ring of the cap base. The additive flow metering insert 300 is then screwed into the corresponding screw on the mixing nozzle 350 and positioned in the appropriate rotational direction. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is then inserted onto the cartridge cap base in proper alignment with the additive flow metering insert. The additive adjustment actuator 200 is inserted into a cap base with retention tabs 224 (FIGS. 7-9) and rotates with respect to the cap base to allow selection of additive levels and relevant positions of the metering component 300. can do. The push-pull cap 230 can then be placed on the cartridge assembly. Pouch Reservoir The spout and pouch reservoir are then snap-fitted to the bottom of the mixing nozzle.

During operation, the additive flow adjusting actuator can rotate with respect to the cap base 250. Such rotation also causes rotation of the weighing insert 300 with respect to the mixing nozzle 350, resulting in axial, i.e., cooperating threads between the insert 300 and the nozzle 350, above or below the insert 300. Allows you to move. Axial movement of the weighing insert 300 results in a change in the flow of additive through the weighing region between the conical portion of the insert 300 and the corresponding surface on the mixing nozzle 350. The base fluid is due to pressure changes in the base fluid container (ie, pressure changes due to tightening of the flexible bottle and / or pressure changes due to suction by the user during consumption) and / or inversion or tipping. Due to this, when flowing into the cartridge assembly, such movement results in an additive flow and the base fluid mixes with the additive at the appropriate level determined by the rotational position of the additive flow adjusting actuator. become. Although the additive flow path is indicated by arrow A, it is recognized that arrow A is adjacent to the location of the flow in the weighing section of this figure because the weighing element 300 is in a completely closed position in this figure. Will be done. It is recognized that the base fluid flow path is outlined by arrow B and that the flow occurs at the interface between the sealing element 320 and the annular sheet 272 of the cap base 250, rather than at the exact location of arrow B near the interface. Will be done.

FIG. 25 shows an example of the change in concentration variation with the amount of fluid distributed achieved in a flexible reservoir as described herein. Curve 1 shows a somewhat inconsistent additive concentration as the fluid is depleted. Such inconsistent concentrations are characteristic of rigid reservoirs. Curve 2 represents a relatively consistent change in concentration as the fluid is dispensed, as achievable with flexible pouch reservoirs according to one aspect of the present disclosure. The disclosure also contemplates a rigid or semi-rigid reservoir structure that provides protection against vacuum as the additive dispenses from it.

The above components can be manufactured using injection molding or other known techniques using thermoplastics such as food grade polypropylene or similar materials. This disclosure is also intended for other materials such as stainless steel or other food grade or non food grade materials.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other modifications and modifications of the various embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent and that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described herein. .. Accordingly, it is intended that any and all modifications, variations or equivalents are included in the present invention within the spirit and scope of the concepts described herein. For example, the weighing function of an additive supply system is described using a conical weighing component or element, but based on the user's movement of a flow control element using a gate valve or ball valve, or an actuator. Other structures such as other components that provide area and flow path coordination may be used. In addition, although snap fits are described for components, it will be appreciated that threaded fittings, friction fittings, or other fixed structures or techniques such as adhesive or welding techniques can also be used.

Claims (31)

It is an additive supply system
A cap base for fixing the additive supply system to the base fluid container,
A mixing nozzle associated with the cap base that facilitates mixing of the additive with the base fluid, from the reservoir receiving end of the mixing nozzle to the weighing end of the mixing nozzle on the opposite side. Includes a mixing nozzle additive passage extending through
A first weighing surface near the weighing end of the mixing nozzle,
At least one mixing nozzle base fluid passage that defines at least one base fluid path through the mixing nozzle so that the base fluid and the additive follow another path of the mixing nozzle. The two base fluid passages have a mixing nozzle base fluid passage different from the mixing nozzle additive passage,
With the mixing nozzle having
A weighing component that cooperates with the mixing nozzle and has a second weighing surface that defines a variable flow path together with the first weighing surface.
An additive adjusting actuator that cooperates with the cap base so as to move with respect to the cap base, wherein the movement of the additive adjusting actuator causes the movement of the second measuring surface with respect to the first measuring surface. With the additive adjusting actuator, which also cooperates with the metering component to trigger,
An additive supply system comprising a reservoir assembly receiving structure for receiving the reservoir assembly , which is located at the reservoir receiving end of the mixing nozzle . The additive supply system according to claim 1, further comprising a reservoir assembly. The additive supply system according to claim 1 , wherein the measurement component has at least one guide channel arranged to guide the movement of the measurement component with respect to the additive adjustment actuator . The mixing nozzle additive passage extends axially along the center of the mixing nozzle.
The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one base fluid passage is arranged radially outside the mixing nozzle additive passage . The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the second measuring surface comprises a conical surface that cooperates with the first measuring surface to define the variable flow path. The additive supply system according to claim 5, wherein the first measuring surface is a conical surface. The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the reservoir assembly receiving structure is a snap fit formed on the mixing nozzle. 1. The additive reservoir assembly further comprises an additive reservoir assembly secured to the reservoir assembly receiving structure, wherein the additive reservoir assembly comprises a reservoir spout and a reservoir secured to the reservoir spout to accommodate the additive. Additive supply system according to. The additive supply system of claim 8, wherein the additive reservoir assembly comprises an outer housing that at least partially surrounds the reservoir. The additive supply system of claim 9, wherein the outer housing is snap-fitted to the reservoir spout. The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the mixing nozzle additive passage includes a first conical portion for converging the flow of the additive. The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one base fluid passage includes a passage and at least two base fluid ports arranged radially outward from the additive flow passage. The additive supply system of claim 1, further comprising a one-way seal disposed on the mixing nozzle to prevent backflow of the base fluid through the at least one base fluid passage . It is an additive supply system
A cap that secures the additive supply system to the base fluid vessel,
Mixing components connected to the cap, each comprising a mixing component base fluid passage and a mixing component additive flow passage extending through the mixing component, mixing the base fluid with the additive. The base fluid passage and the additive flow passage form separate paths so that the base fluid and the additive flow through the mixed component while being separated from each other . With the mixed components
A weighing component that, in cooperation with the mixing component, defines an adjustable weighing passage with the mixing component, wherein the adjustable weighing passage is the mixing. Components The metering components that provide regulation of the flow of additives in the additive flow passage.
An additive adjusting actuator that works with the cap to move relative to the cap, and movement of the additive adjusting actuator with respect to the cap causes movement of the metering component with respect to the mixed component. An additive supply system comprising the additive adjusting actuator, which cooperates with the measuring component so as to thereby adjust the adjustable measuring passage. A mixing chamber is further included in the cap, in which the flow of additives flowing through the mixing component additive flow path is a base fluid flowing through the mixing component base fluid passage. The additive supply system according to claim 14, which is mixed with the flow of the above. The additive supply system according to claim 14, wherein the mixing component is a mixing nozzle. The additive supply system according to claim 14, further comprising a check valve for preventing the backflow of the base fluid into the base fluid container. The additive supply system of claim 14, wherein the mixing component comprises a reservoir connection that connects the mixing component to an additive reservoir. The additive adjusting actuator is a dial mounted to move with respect to the cap, and includes an actuating tab extending from the dial, and the user moves the additive adjusting actuator with respect to the cap. The additive supply system according to claim 14, which is the dial that enables. Further comprising a spout configured to distribute the mixed fluid in the direction of distribution, the additive adjusting actuator is mounted on the cap so as to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of distribution. The additive supply system according to claim 14. The additive supply according to claim 1, wherein the mixing nozzle additive passage includes a conical portion arranged so as to converge the flow of the additive before the additive flows into the variable flow passage. system. The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one base fluid passage extends in parallel with the additive passage so that the base fluid and the additive flow in parallel with the mixing nozzle. The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein a backflow is prevented by an annular seal that seals at least one base fluid port in one direction on the mixing nozzle. 23. The additive supply system of claim 23, wherein the mixing nozzle has a seal retaining ring that holds the annular seal to the mixing nozzle. The additive supply system of claim 1, wherein the metering component has an annular shoulder disposed so as to lock and seal with the additive passage. The mixing nozzle has a threaded stem and
The weighing component has a screw that cooperates with the threaded stem so that the rotation of the measuring component causes the weighing surface of the measuring component to be axially displaced with respect to the measuring surface of the mixing nozzle. The additive supply system according to claim 1. The additive adjusting actuator is provided so as to rotate with respect to the cap base.
The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the additive adjusting actuator has at least one channel for rotating the additive adjusting actuator together with the measuring component. The additive adjusting actuator has a window and
The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the cap base has an indication that the degree of mixing of the additive and the base fluid is arranged as shown in the window. The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one base fluid passage has at least two base fluid passages arranged radially around the additive passage. The additive supply according to claim 1, wherein the additive adjusting actuator has a spout portion arranged to receive the base fluid from the at least one base fluid passage and receive the additive from the additive passage. system. The additive supply system according to claim 1, wherein the additive adjusting actuator is a dial attached for movement with respect to the cap base.

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