Liquid dispenser and method for preventing liquid segregation

摘要

An apparatus for selectively dispensing liquids, such as paint colorants. The apparatus comprises container assemblies with a container and a pump. A pump conduit connects the pump to a valve assembly. A recirculation conduit connects the container to the valve assembly bypassing the pump. The valve assembly is configured to be switched between a dispensing position and a recirculation position closing off the dispense conduit. Method of preventing segregation of a multiphase liquid in a pump conduit between a container and a dispense conduit. A valve assembly between the pump conduit and the dispense conduit closes off the dispense conduit while it opens a recirculation conduit between the container and the valve assembly. The liquid is circulated via a circuit formed by the container, the pump conduit, the valve assembly and the recirculation unit.

主权项

1. An apparatus for selectively dispensing one or more of a plurality of liquids, the apparatus comprising a plurality of container assemblies, wherein each of the container assemblies comprises:
a container; a pump operatively connected to the container; a valve assembly; a pump conduit connecting the pump to the valve assembly; a recirculation conduit connecting the container to the valve assembly bypassing the pump; and a dispense conduit connected to the valve assembly; wherein each of the valve assemblies of each of the container assemblies is configured to be switched between a dispensing position and a recirculation position by a common actuator thereby closing off the respective dispense conduits; wherein the common actuator is a driving axle extending through the valve assemblies.