Liquid Dispensing System With Enhanced Mixing

Abstract

A dispense apparatus and system for dispensing suspensions or emulsions. The system ensures uniformity of distribution of the dispersed phase within the continuous-phase liquid by moving the fluid through the dispense cartridge, such as with a continuous or pulsating flow. In one embodiment, peristaltic pumps are positioned upstream and downstream of the dispense cartridge, in fluid communication with and forming a single loop with a fluid source. Circulation between the fluid source and the dispense cartridge is maintained. In a second embodiment, a pump circulates fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge and is also in fluid communication with a fluid source such as with a pinch valve to allow proper filling of the dispense cartridge from the fluid source. In a third embodiment, a reversing pump is placed between the dispense cartridge and fluid source to continually or continuously pump fluid into and out of the dispense cartridge.

1 . A fluid dispensing apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of fluid, comprising a reservoir in fluid communication with a fluid source, and a reversing pump in fluid communication with said fluid source and said reservoir for alternately pumping fluid into said reservoir from said fluid source and out of said reservoir to said fluid source. 
     
     
         2 . The fluid dispensing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said pump is a peristaltic pump. 
     
     
         3 . The fluid dispensing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid is a suspension. 
     
     
         4 . The fluid dispensing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said fluid is an emulsion. 
     
     
         5 . The fluid dispensing apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said reversing pump is responsive to the fluid level in said reservoir such that when said fluid level reaches a predetermined level, said pump alternates direction. 
     
     
         6 . The fluid dispensing apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a dispense cartridge which houses said reservoir. 
     
     
         7 . Method of minimizing in a reservoir the separation of a two-phase fluid, comprising providing a supply source of said fluid in fluid communication with said reservoir, pumping said fluid from said source to said reservoir with a reversing pump operating in a first direction, and pumping said fluid from said reservoir to said source with said reversing pump operating in a second direction. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said fluid is a suspension. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said fluid is an emulsion.