Beverage and other fluid reconstitution device

Abstract

The device outlined is a mixing device which allows precision mixing of concentrates with other fluids. It is inexpensive and has wide application in providing consumers reconstituted beverages from solid or liquid concentrates of all kinds for consumption without the use of conventional cans or bottles, and offers medical and industrial uses as well with fluids and gasses. It is anticipated that it will create an entire new class of fluid dispensing products.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A device which allows one substance to be mixed with another substance to dilute the second substance where the dilution is caused by the imposition of a barrier contained in a tube in which the diluting fluid flows; and 
 this barrier is perforated by one or more openings which, as the diluting fluid flows through the openings, create a pressure differential between the barrier sides; and    this pressure differential is used by openings in the tube to cause a portion of the diluent to flow outside of the main tube and through a concentrated material which it is desired to dilute into the main fluid; and    the fluid flowing through this concentrate exits the holes on the higher pressure side of the partial barrier in the main tube and reenters the other side of the barrier at lower pressure where it mixes with the main fluid stream to the desired concentration.    
     
     
         2 . A device which allows a concentrated material to be diluted with the dilution method used in claim One which provides a means of preparing drinks of various types for consumption.  
     
     
         3 . A method of containing the concentrated material as in claim One in a bag like container which is contained in a chamber in the drinking device where it can be mixed with a diluent.  
     
     
         4 . A method of forming the concentrate into a shape or shapes which will dissolve evenly as diluent passes over them so that the desired concentration is maintained throughout the dilution process.  
     
     
         5 . A method of manufacture and packaging which allows the chamber containing the concentrate to be packaged with one or more straw like tubes which when attached to the concentrate chamber allow the user to draw the liquid into the mouth in a conventional manner similar to a conventional drinking straw.  
     
     
         6 . The use of various types of diluents containing one or more substances, which when combined with the concentrate create a wide range of drinks including fruit, carbonated, teas, coffees, and alcoholic beverages.  
     
     
         7 . A container which can pass diluent through the concentrate chamber and device according to the principles of claim One and into another container which may be used to contain the reconstituted fluid.  
     
     
         8 . The use of the device outlined in claim One for dilution of industrial and medical materials such as chemicals and medications which may require that an additional material be dissolved in a liquid solvent.  
     
     
         9 . An application of claim One which allows a solid or finely divided liquid material to be substituted for the concentrate and where the diluent is an air or other gas stream wherein granular particles or finely divided liquid drops are introduced into the gas stream and carried along with the gas for industrial or medical purposes using the same principles.  
     
     
         10 . An application of claim One which creates a device which may be attached to hoses of various types and which disperses a chemical or other material into a liquid or gaseous stream as directed by an operator.  
     
     
         11 . An application of claim One wherein a check valve is interposed in the drink dispenser to prevent the fluid contained in the mixing device from passing back to the diluent reservoir.  
     
     
         12 . An application of claim One wherein adjustable diameter openings are positioned at the inlet and outlet of the concentrate chamber to allow the user to change the concentration of output diluent versus the pressure differential at the entry and exit chamber.