Importance

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Abstract

In combination with a portable liquid container such as a bucket (20), a liquid-dispensing device (26) is disclosed. Device (26) automatically meters a desired quantity of a dilutable liquid concentrate into bucket (20) whenever bucket (20) is filled to a predetermined level with a suitable diluting liquid. Device (26) comprises a frame (28), a pump (40) mounted on frame (28), and a flexible-plastic pouch (56) containing the liquid concentrate and hung from frame (28). Frame (28) is carried atop a sidewall portion of bucket (20). Pump (40) includes a pump inlet (42), a pump outlet (44), and a pump chamber (46). Pump chamber (46) is in fluid communication with pump inlet (42) and outlet (44). Pouch (56) includes a valved outlet (96) so dimensioned relative to pump inlet (42) as to be removably snugly engaged with pump inlet (42) in a fluid-tight manner. Pump (40) further includes a piston or diaphragm (48) disposed within pump chamber (46) for transferring liquid concentrate from pump inlet (42) via pump chamber (46) to pump outlet (44). Device (26) further includes a float mechanism (66) disposed into bucket (20) and pivotally operatively connected to piston (48) for causing piston (48) to be reciprocatingly movable in piston chamber (46) between first and second positions for purposes of defining a first cycle which causes liquid to be drawn into pump chamber (46) via pump inlet (42) and for purposes of defining a second cycle which causes liquid to be discharged from pump chamber (46) via pump outlet (44). Device (26) still further includes a spring mechanism (142), on frame (28), for biasing float mechanism (66) in the first position.

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First Claim