Variably proportional mixing device

Abstract

A variably proportional mixing device is provided for automatically mixing two fluids stored in separate containers in various ratios without measuring, comprising a self-venting spout that attaches to an existing gas can or other container for storing a fluid having a threaded opening therein. The spout doses gas with oil at the specific ratio required by an engine manufacturer and is easily adjusted to accommodate a plurality of other ratios. To accomplish this, a constant volume of gasoline is dosed with an amount of oil that is adjusted by the user. This adjustment mechanism comprises a wheel valve having various-sized orifices. Twisting the valve using a knob or key then provides the correct volumetric area for the oil to flow through. Markings will be visible on the valve, through a window, that correspond to a plurality of different ratios, typically ranging from 16:1 to 50:1. The dosing valve can also be shut-off completely to allow pure gasoline through the spout, such as for 4 cycle engines. A spring-loaded button or trigger mechanism is incorporated to allow for a positive closure when not in use. Static mixing elements are added at the end of the spout to ensure a thorough mixture of oil and gas.

1 . A device for automatically mixing a first and a second fluid in various predetermined ratios without measuring, the first fluid being stored in a first container of the type having a screw-cap opening, said device comprising: means for attaching said device to said first container; a second container for receiving and retaining said second fluid; means for selecting one of said predetermined ratios; means for controlling the flow of fluid from said second container such that the ratio of the flow of fluid from said first container to the flow of fluid from said second container corresponds to said selected predetermined ratio; and means for mixing the fluids from said first and second containers. 
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for attaching said device to said first container comprises an adaptor ring. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said second container comprises an oil reservoir having a removable screw cap. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said means for selecting one of said predetermined ratios comprises a ratio adjustment knob. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 4 , wherein said means for controlling the flow of fluid from said first container comprises an oil regulator. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein said oil regulator includes a plurality of orifices selectable by rotating said oil regulator using said ratio adjustment knob. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein said oil regulator is housed within a water-tight oil regulator housing. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 7 , wherein said second container is attached to said oil regulator housing by means of oil connectors. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , further including a mixing chamber within which said first and second fluids are allowed to mix. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 9 , further including a flapper valve and shutoff button connected to said mixing chamber to prevent said first and second fluids from escaping when said shutoff button is released. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 10 , further including a return spring attached to said shutoff button to bias said shutoff button in a closed position. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 11 , wherein said oil ratio cylinder includes venting means. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 12 , further including at least one venting tube. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein said means for mixing the fluids from said first and second containers further comprises a nozzle. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein said means for mixing the fluids from said first and second containers further includes at least one static mixer disposed within said nozzle. 
     
     
         16 . A method for automatically mixing a first and a second fluid in various predetermined ratios without measuring, the first fluid being stored in a first container of the type having a screw-cap opening, said method comprising: providing a device for automatically mixing said fluids, said device comprising: means for attaching said device to said first container; a second container for receiving and retaining said second fluid; means for selecting one of said predetermined ratios; means for controlling the flow of fluid from said second container such that the ratio of the flow of fluid from said first container to the flow of fluid from said second container corresponds to said selected predetermined ratio; and means for mixing the fluids from said first and second containers pouring said first fluid into said first container; pouring said second fluid into said second container; attaching said device to said first container; selecting a predetermined ratio; limiting the flow of said second fluid from said second container such that the ratio of fluid from said first container to fluid from said second container corresponds to said selected predetermined ratio; introducing said flow of fluid from said first container to said limited flow of fluid from said second container; and mixing said fluid from said first container with said fluid from said second container. 
     
     
         17 . A mixing apparatus for mixing and dispensing two fluids in an operator selectable ratio, said apparatus comprising
 a second fluid reservoir for receiving, storing and dispensing the second fluid;   a screw cap for coupling said apparatus to a conventional dispenser container, said conventional container capable of receiving, storing and dispensing a first fluid;   a mixing housing comprising an oil spool plunger having multiple seals and oil ports;   said plunger selectably operable into either a flow state or closed state;   said mixing housing in fluid communication with both first and second fluid reservoirs when said plunger is in an open state;   a dispensing nozzle in fluid communication with said mixing housing;   wherein one of said oil ports is selected to provide an oil flow to said mixing housing;   and said oil port provides a predetermined flow of oil so that a predetermined mixture of each fluid is dispensed from said nozzle.   
     
     
         18 . A mixing apparatus as in  claim 17  and further comprising:
 an internal cavity in said plunger housing with fluid communication with each and every oil port in said housing and wherein said cavity exits from said plunger in a downward manner.   
     
     
         19 . A mixing apparatus as in  claim 18  and further comprising:
 wherein said mixing housing comprises multiple ports for fluid communication including venting for each fluid reservoir.