Dispensing device for both froth and non-froth coatings

摘要

A dispensing device (10) capable of dispensing both frothed and non-frothed liquids, the dispensing device having in order a fluid transport medium (20) defining a flow channel (25), a trigger controlled liquid flow regulator (30) defining a flow channel (35) through which fluid may flow when the trigger (37) is in one position but not when the trigger is in another position, a flow block (50) defining a flow channel (55) in fluid communication with a gas channel (65) and removably attached to the flow regulator, a flow restriction orifice (40) between the flow block and the flow regulator (30), a mixing block (70) defining a flow channel (75) containing mixing elements and optionally stabilization (80) and extension blocks each containing a flow channel (85) wherein each flow channel is in fluid communication with one another.

主权项

1. A dispensing device comprising in order the following members that together define a single flow channel through the dispensing device:
(a) a fluid transport medium defining a flow channel through which liquid can be pumped; (b) a trigger controlled liquid flow regulator defining a flow channel in fluid communication with the flow channel of the fluid transport medium, where one end of the flow regulator and its flow channel is attached to the fluid transport medium and through which fluid may flow when the trigger is in one position and liquid cannot flow when the trigger is in another position; (c) a flow block defining a flow channel in fluid communication with the flow channel of the flow regulator and removably attached to the flow regulator, the flow block further defining a gas channel fluidly connecting the flow channel to an inlet defined by a removable additional gas delivery channel in fluid communication with the flow channel of the flow block that delivers gas under pressure to the flow channel and through which gas is introduced under pressure and at a pressure greater than the pressure of the fluid in the flow block to a fluid flowing through the flow channel; (d) a flow restriction orifice either defined in the flow channel of the flow block or held in place as a distinct piece in the flow channel at the end of the flow regulator, at the start of the flow block or between the flow block and flow regulator, the flow restriction orifice having an opening that is smaller in cross sectional area than the flow channel downstream from it in the flow block; (e) a mixing block defining a flow channel in fluid communication with the flow channel of the flow block, the mixing block flow channel containing mixing elements; (f) a stabilization block defining a flow channel in fluid communication with the flow channel of the mixing block where the flow channel in the stabilization block is characterized by an absence of step changes in cross sectional dimensions and by inducing a gradual pressure drop along its length in a fluid being pumped through the flow channel of the dispensing device, wherein the stabilization block defines a flow channel of sufficient dimensions and shape such that foaming of a liquid through the flow channel is completed prior to exiting the stabilization block; and (g) an extension block defining a flow channel in fluid communication with the flow channel of the stabilization block.