TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to liquid sprayers and more particularly to liquid sprayers having density sensing float restriction valves.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Battery operated sprayers are a convenient way to spray large volumes of liquid, such as, for example, liquid disinfectant. Typically, battery operated sprayers have a feed tube leading from the sprayer to a container, such as, for example, a one gallon container, and more particularly to the bottom of the container. Battery operated sprayers and manual pump sprayers may be used in applications such as, for example, disinfecting and sanitizing. When the container is empty, it is imperative that a user replace a container or refill container with fluid compositions that are suitable for the required sanitizing and disinfecting. If a user fills the container with an improper fluid than the surface or object will not be disinfected or sanitized properly. Accordingly, there is a need for battery operated sprayer that prevents the dispensing of an unauthorized fluid.

SUMMARY

[0003] Exemplary sprayer systems and density sensing flow restrictor valves are disclosed herein. An exemplary sprayer system includes a container for holding a fluid, a hand-held sprayer and a density sensing flow restrictor valve. The density sensing flow restrictor valve is connected to the container and includes a float, a valve seat, a liquid inlet, and a liquid outlet. The float has a density that is lower than the density of water and has a density that is greater than the density of ethanol. Fluid flows into a bottom of density sensing flow restrictor valve and out a top of the density sensing flow restrictor valve. The valve seat is located in the top. When the float is in a fluid that has a higher density than the float, the float contacts the valve seat. A fluid conduit places the density sensing flow restrictor valve in fluid communication with the hand-held sprayer. A fluid intake conduit placing the density sensing flow restrictor valve in fluid communication with fluid in the container. [0004] Another exemplary sprayer system includes a container for holding a fluid, a hand-held sprayer, and a density sensing flow restrictor valve. The density sensing flow restrictor valve is connected to the container. The density sensing flow restrictor valve includes an upper housing that has a valve seat secured thereto. A liquid outlet in also in the upper housing. The valve further includes a lower housing that has a liquid inlet located therein. A float chamber is defined between the upper housing and the lower housing and a float is located in the float chamber. There is a main vertical fluid flow path through the float chamber and one or more float retaining members that at least partially prevent separate the float from main vertical fluid flow path. The float has a density that is lower than the density of water and has a density that is greater than the density of ethanol. A fluid conduit places the density sensing flow restrictor valve in fluid communication with the hand-held sprayer and a fluid intake conduit placing the density sensing flow restrictor valve in fluid communication with fluid in the container.

[0005] Another exemplary sprayer system includes a container for holding a fluid, a hand-held sprayer, and a density sensing flow restrictor valve. The density sensing flow restrictor valve is connected to the container. The density sensing flow restrictor valve includes an upper portion, a valve seat secured to the upper portion, a liquid outlet in the upper portion, a lower portion, a liquid inlet located in the lower portion, a float chamber defined between the upper portion and the lower portion, and a float located in the float chamber. A main vertical fluid flow path goes through the float chamber and one or more float retaining members are included that at least partially separate the float from main vertical fluid flow path. The one or more float retaining members maintain the float in a vertical orientation such that an axis of a cylindrical body portion is substantially aligned with a central axis of the flow restrictor valve. The float has a density that is lower than the density of water and has a density that is greater than the density of ethanol. A fluid conduit places the density sensing flow restrictor valve in fluid communication with the hand-held sprayer and a fluid intake conduit places the density sensing flow restrictor valve in fluid communication with fluid in the container.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is an exemplary embodiment of a battery operated sprayer system; [0008] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view exemplary embodiment of the density sensing flow restrictor valve shown in an open position;

[0009] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view the exemplary density sensing flow restrictor valve shown in a closed position;

[0010] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary density sensing flow restrictor valve;

[0011] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary density sensing flow restrictor valve of Figure 4;

[0012] Figure 6-8 are additional exemplary floats;

[0013] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the flow restrictor;

[0014] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the flow restrictor;

[0015] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the flow restrictor of Figure 10; and

[0016] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of flow restrictor;

[0017] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the flow restrictor of Figure 12; and

[0018] Figures 14 and 15 are cross-sectional views of another exemplary flow restrictor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following includes definitions of exemplary terms used throughout the disclosure. Both singular and plural forms of all terms fall within each meaning. Except where noted otherwise, capitalized and non-capitalized forms of all terms fall within each meaning.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a sprayer system 100. Sprayer system 100 includes a sprayer 102. Sprayer 102 includes a body 104, a trigger 106, an optional extendable wand 107. Extendable wand 107 includes a dispensing conduit 108, which has an outlet nozzle 110 located at one end. In this exemplary embodiment, dispensing conduit 108 is rotatable and folds back against body 104. In some embodiments, dispensing conduit may be fixed. In some embodiments, dispensing conduit 108 is retractable. The sprayer system 100 includes a container 130. Container 130 includes a dip tube 134 and an optional handle 132. In addition, a density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 is included in the system. A fluid feed tube 120 extends from sprayer 102 to the flow restrictor valve 180. The flow restrictor valve 180 is in fluid communication with the interior of container 130 through dip tube 134.

[0021] As described in more detail below, density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 includes a float that is selected to have a density that is denser than the composition of the fluid that is designed to be dispensed from the battery operated dispenser 100. The float is also selected to have a density that is less dense than the composition of fluids, such as, for example, water, that someone might attempt to spray with the sprayer 100. When the fluid composition that has a density greater than the density of float, float floats on top of the fluid in context seal that shuts off, or restricts, the flow fluid through density sensing flow restrictor valve 180.

[0022] Located within sprayer housing 104 is a pump (not shown), one or more batteries (not shown) and associated control circuitry (not shown). Feed tube 120 connects to fluid inlet of the pump, which is operated by the motor. The motor is powered by the one or more batteries. In some embodiments, the one or more batteries are rechargeable. In some embodiments, charge circuitry (not shown) is located in housing 104 and a connector (not shown) plugs into charging port (not shown) to connect the charging port to an electrical power source (not shown) to charge the one or more batteries.

[0023] The pump includes a fluid outlet not shown. A fluid conduit (not shown) places the pump in fluid communication with dispensing conduit 108.

[0024] During operation, when trigger 106 is depressed, voltage from the one or more batteries is connected across the terminals of motor to energize the motor. When the motor is energized, pump rotates and draws fluid from the container 130, through dip tube 134, through density sensing float restrictor valve 180 (provided the correct fluid is in the container), through feed tube 120 through the pump inlet. The fluid is pumped out of pump outlet, through the conduit, through dispensing conduit 108 and out of nozzle 110.

[0025] Figure 2 is cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a density sensing flow restrictor valve 180, with the float 230 located away from valve seat 204 and the density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 in an open position. Figure 3 is the cross-sectional view of the density sensing flow restrictor valve 180, with the float 230 located against the valve seat 204 and the density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 in a closed position.

[0026] In some embodiments, when the density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 closes or seals, it completely stops the flow of fluid. In some embodiments, density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 closes, it restricts flow to a point that fluid flowing out of the outlet nozzle is severely reduced. The term severely reduced means that the flow of fluid out of the outlet nozzle is not suitable for the sprayers intended purpose. In some embodiment, the term severely reduced means a fluid flow of less than about 30% of the flow rate of a fully opened density sensing flow restrictor valve 180. In some embodiment, the term severely reduced means a fluid flow of less than about 20% of the flow rate of a fully opened density sensing flow restrictor valve 180. In some embodiment, the term severely reduced means a fluid flow of less than about 10% of the flow rate of a fully opened density sensing flow restrictor valve 180. In some embodiment, the term severely reduced means a fluid flow of less than about 5% of the flow rate of a fully opened density sensing flow restrictor valve 180. In some embodiment, the term severely reduced means a fluid flow of less than about 1% of the flow rate of a fully opened density sensing flow restrictor valve 180.

[0027] Density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 includes a liquid inlet 226, tube connector to 225, lower housing to 210, float chamber housing to 215, upper housing 208, valve seat 204, tube connector 202, a liquid outlet 201, a float 230, and one or more float retaining walls to 220.

[0028] In this exemplary embodiment, float chamber housing 215 is connected to lower housing 210, and an optional sealing member 223, such as, for example, an o-ring, is used to prevent fluid from leaking out of the density sensing flow restrictor valve 180. Similarly, float chamber housing 215 is connected to upper housing 208, and an optional sealing member 222, such as, for example, an o-ring, is used to prevent fluid from leaking out of the density sensing flow restrictor valve 180. In some embodiments, float chamber housing 215 is connected to upper housing 208 and lower housing 210 by another means, such as, for example, a glue or adhesive connection, a welded connection, a threaded connection, or the like, and may include a seal or gasket (not shown) to prevent leaking of fluid. In some embodiments, float chamber housing 215 and one or more of upper housing 208 and lower housing 210 are made of a single piece. [0029] In this exemplary embodiment float housing 215 is clear or transparent so that a user may be able to see the position of the float 230. In some embodiments, it may be helpful for a user to be able to immediately tell if the sprayer is not working because the float 230 is seated against the valve seat 204. In some embodiments, float housing 215 is opaque or not transparent so that a user may not be able to see the float 230. In some embodiments, it is beneficial for a user to not know that there is a density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 in the sprayer 100 so that the user does not tamper with and/or remove the density sensing flow restrictor valve 180.

[0030] Lower housing 210 includes a liquid inlet 226 and a tube connector 225. In this exemplary embodiment, tube connector 225 may be connected to, for example, dip tube 134, or may be connected to an intermediate tube that connects to dip tube 134. Other types of connectors may be used, which allows for the placement of density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 in different locations than what is shown and described herein.

[0031] Similarly, upper housing 28 includes a liquid outlet 201 and a tube connector 202. In this exemplary embodiment, tube connector 202 may be connected to, for example, dispensing conduit 120. Other types of connectors may be used, which allows for the placement of density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 in different locations than what is shown and described herein. Upper housing 208 includes valve seat 204. Valve seat 204 surrounds liquid outlet opening 270.

[0032] In this exemplary embodiment valve seat 204 is made of a section of soft tubbing, and is retained in place by inner ridge tube 272. In some embodiments, the inner ridge tube 272 aids allowing the use of softer tubbing. If the tube is too soft, float 230 may get stuck in the closed position. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 40 Shore A. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 45 Shore A. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 50 Shore A. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 55 Shore A.

[0033] Density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 includes float retention wall 220. Float retention wall 220 retains float 230 in its area, which is outside of the majority of the fluid flow path F as the fluid flows upward through the float chamber 250. Float retention wall 220 also guides float 230 so that when float 230 floats to the top of float chamber 250, float 230 seats against valve seat 204. In some embodiments, float retention wall 220 has an arcuate shape. In some embodiments, float retention wall 220 has one or more openings (not shown) therethrough. In some embodiments, the float retention wall 220 and the float chamber housing 215 have a clearance around at least a portion of the float 230 that is less than about 5 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments, the float retention wall 220 and the float chamber housing 215 have a clearance around at least a portion of the float 230 that is less than about 4 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments, the float retention wall 220 and the float chamber housing 215 have a clearance around at least a portion of the float 230 that is less than about 3 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments, the float retention wall 220 and the float chamber housing 215 have a clearance around at least a portion of the float 230 that is less than about 2 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments, the float retention wall 220 and the float chamber housing 215 have a clearance around at least a portion of the float 230 that is less than about 1 millimeters on each side of the float 230.

[0034] In this exemplary embodiment, float 230 has a “pill” shape. In some embodiments, it has been found that the pill shaped float 230 has a more consistent performance than a spherical shaped float. The pill shape may be described as an oval shape. As used herein, a pill shape generally has a cylindrical body portion with a half sphere at each end.

[0035] In some embodiments, it has been found that the length H of the float chamber 215 to the length Hl of the float 230 is critical. In some embodiments, the length H to the length

Hl should be greater than about 2 to 1. In some embodiments, the length H to the length Hl should be greater than about 3 to 1. In some embodiments, the length H to the length Hl should be greater than about 4 to 1. In some embodiments, the length H to the length Hl should be greater than about 5 to 1. In some embodiments, the length H to the length Hl should be greater than about 6 to 1.

[0036] In some embodiments, density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 is located in at least partially inside a cap (not shown) that connects to container 130.

[0037] Figure 4 is cross-sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of a density sensing flow restrictor valve 400, with the float 430 located away from valve seat 204 and the density sensing flow restrictor valve 400 in an open position. [0038] Density sensing flow restrictor valve 400 includes a liquid inlet 426, lower housing to 410, float chamber housing to 415, upper housing 408, valve seat 404, tube support 472, a liquid outlet 401, a float 430, and one or more float retaining walls to 420.

[0039] In this exemplary embodiment, float chamber housing 415 is connected to lower housing 410, and an optional sealing member 423, such as, for example, an o-ring, is used to prevent fluid from leaking out of the density sensing flow restrictor valve 400. Similarly, float chamber housing 415 is connected to upper housing 400, and an optional sealing member 422, such as, for example, an o-ring, is used to prevent fluid from leaking out of the density sensing flow restrictor valve 400. In some embodiments, float chamber housing 415 is connected to upper housing 408 and lower housing 410 by another means, such as, for example, a glue or adhesive connection, a welded connection, a threaded connection, or the like, and may include a seal or gasket (not shown) to prevent leaking of fluid. In some embodiments, float chamber housing 415 and one or more of upper housing 408 and lower housing 410 are made of a single piece.

[0040] In this exemplary embodiment float housing 415 is clear or transparent so that a user may be able to see the position of the float 430. In some embodiments, it may be helpful for a user to be able to immediately tell if the sprayer is not working because the float 430 is seated against the valve seat 404. In some embodiments, float housing 415 is opaque or not transparent so that a user may not be able to see the float 430. In some embodiments, it is beneficial for a user to not know that there is a density sensing flow restrictor valve 180 in the sprayer 400 so that the user does not tamper with and/or remove the density sensing flow restrictor valve 400.

[0041] Fluid flow path Fl is illustrated in Figure 4. The fluid flow path Fl extends upward from liquid inlet 204 to the upper area in float chamber 450 where the fluid flow path Fl passes through one or more apertures 460 in float retaining member 420, and into outlet 401.

[0042] Lower housing 410 includes a liquid inlet 426. Upper housing 408 includes a liquid outlet 401 and a tube connector 202. Upper housing 408 includes valve seat 404. Valve seat 404 surrounds liquid outlet opening 470.

[0043] In this exemplary embodiment valve seat 404 is made of a section of soft tubbing, and is retained in place by inner ridge tube 472. In some embodiments, the inner ridge tube 472 aids allowing the use of softer tubbing. If the tube is too soft, float 430 may get stuck in the closed position. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 40 Shore A. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 45 Shore A. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 50 Shore A. In some embodiments, it is critical that the tube has a hardness of greater than 55 Shore A.

[0044] Density sensing flow restrictor valve 400 includes float retention wall 420. Float retention wall 420 retains float 430 in its area, which is outside of the fluid flow Fl path as the fluid flows upward through the float chamber 450. Float retention wall 420 also guides float 430 so that when float 430 floats to the top of float chamber 450, float 430 seats against valve seat 404. In some embodiments, float retention wall 420 has an arcuate shape. In some embodiments, float retention wall 420 has one or more openings (not shown) therethrough.

[0045] Figure 5 is a cross section of density sensing float restrictor valve 400 and illustrates clearance S between float 30 and float retention wall 420 and the inner surface of float chamber housing 415. In some embodiments, clearance S is less than about 5 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments, clearance S is less than about 4 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments, clearance S is less than about 3 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments clearance S is less than about 2 millimeters on each side of the float 230. In some embodiments, clearance S is less than about 1 millimeters on each side of the float 230.

[0046] In this exemplary embodiment, float 430 has a “spherical” shape.

[0047] The floats may take on one of many different configurations and shapes. Some exemplary shaped floats are shown and described with respect to Figures 6-8. Figure 6 is a modified pill shaped float 600 having a partial spherical shaped top 602 and a larger partial spherical shaped bottom 604 connected by a tapered body 606.

[0048] Figure 7 is an exemplary pill shaped float 700 having a partial spherical shaped top 702 and a same sized partial spherical shaped bottom 704 connected by a cylindrical body 706. Preferably the height of the pill shaped float 700 is tall enough so that it cannot change orientation in area in which it is retained in the density sensing flow control valve. It has been found that the pill shaped float performs better than a spherical shaped float. It is believed, without limiting any inventions herein, that the pill shaped float may be less affected by flow flowing through the density sensing flow restricting valve. [0049] Figure 8 is an exemplary spherical shaped float 800. Spherical shaped float 800 may have a smooth shape. In this exemplary embodiment, spherical shaped float 800 includes on or more variations 802. The one or more variations may be, for example, protrusions, recesses, grooves, scuffing, or the like. The variations 802 help prevent float 800 from getting “stuck” against the valve seat (not shown) and not allowing the density sensing flow restrictor valve to open after it closes. In some embodiments, the variations 802 may allow some fluid to flow past the float 800. A small amount of fluid flow is acceptable in most embodiments as the small amount of fluid prevents the sprayer from operating properly.

[0050] The density of the float is critical to the correct operation of the density sensing float restrictor.

[0051] In one exemplary embodiment, the sprayer is designed to spray a mixture of water and alcohol to disinfect and/or sanitize a surface. If there is too much water, the sprayer needs to prevent the spraying of fluid because it fluid will not properly disinfect and/or sanitize a surface. The density of water (1.0 g/cm ³ ) is greater than the density of alcohol, such as, for example, ethanol (0.78945 g/cm ³ ), and accordingly the density of the mixture will be less than 1.0 g/cm ³ . and greater than 0.78945 g/cm ³ . To prevent a user from diluting the fluid mixture with water, the density sensing float restrictor valve will need to have a float that has a density of greater than 0.78945 g/cm ³ and less than 1.0 g/cm ³ so that it will not float when the correct fluid mixture is flowing through the density sensing flow restrictor valve.

[0052] In some exemplary embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.8 g/cm ³ and 0.99 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.85 g cm ³ and 0.99 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.90 g/cm ³ and 0.99 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.95 g/cm ³ and 0.99 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.95 g/cm ³ and 0.98 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.95 g/cm ³ and 0.97 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.8 g/cm ³ and 0.95 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.8 g/cm ³ and 0.90 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is between 0.85 g/cm ³ and 0.95 g/cm ³ .

[0053] In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.996 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.990 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.985 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.980 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.975 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.970 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.965 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.960 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.950 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.940 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.930 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture and the density of the float is less 0.920 g/cm ³ .

[0054] In some embodiments, the correct fluid to be dispensed contains an alcohol and water mixture that has a density of between about 0.94 g/cm ³ and 0.97 g/cm ³ and the float density is greater than about 0.97 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture that has a density of between about 0.95 g/cm ³ and 0.96 g/cm ³ and the float density is greater than about 0.96 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture that has a density of between about 0.95 g/cm ³ and 0.96 g/cm ³ and the float density is greater than about 0.97 g/cm ³ . In some embodiments, the fluid contains an alcohol and water mixture that has a density of between about 0.95 g/cm ³ and 0.96 g/cm ³ and the float density is greater than about 0.98 g/cm ³ . In these embodiments, if someone dilutes the correct fluid, and/or replaces it with a fluid that contains more water than the correct fluid, the float will float up to the top an seal against the valve seat to stop or inhibit flow through the sprayer.

[0055] In some embodiments, the float is made of plastic. In some embodiments, the float is made of plastic and contains air trapped within the plastic. In some embodiments, the float is made of plastic and contains one or more fillers trapped within the plastic. In some embodiments, the fillers are density increasing fillers. In some embodiments, the fillers are density decreasing fillers. In one embodiment, the float is made of high density polyethylene (HDPE), which has a density of between 0.94 g/ cm ³ and 0.97 g/ cm ³ and a filler, such as for, a glass fill, could be used to arrive at the desired density of the float.

[0056] Figures 9-13 illustrate additional exemplary embodiments of density sensing float restrictors. These exemplary embodiments may be similar to those described above and the properties discussed above may be applied to these exemplary embodiments without being redescribed herein.

[0057] Figure 9 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a density sensing float restrictor 900. Density sensing float restrictor 900 includes a liquid inlet 926, a float chamber housing 914, a flow divider 940, float retention wall 920, valve seat 904 and liquid outlet 901. Float retention wall 920 may include one or more openings therethrough. The one or more openings therethrough may be used to allow fluid to drain out of area that retains float 930 allowing float 930 to drop down when no fluid is in the float chamber 950. In this exemplary embodiment, float 930 is located in the center of density sensing float restrictor 900.

[0058] Figure 10 illustrates another exemplary embodiment of a density sensing float restrictor 1000. Density sensing float restrictor 1000 includes a liquid inlet 1026, a float chamber housing 1014, float retention wall 1020, valve seat 1004 and liquid outlet 1001. Float retention wall 1020 may contain one or more openings as discussed above to allow drainage of fluid. In addition, flow retaining wall 1020 includes a plurality of fingers 1022 (Figure 11). The fingers 1022 allow fluid to flow through and prevent float 1030 from dropping down into the senet or float chamber 1050. In addition, flow thought fingers 1022 may help seat float 1030 against seal 1004 when float 1030 nears the top of float chamber 1050.

[0059] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a density sensing float restrictor 1200. Density sensing float restrictor 1200 includes a liquid inlet 1226, inlet tube connector 1225, a float chamber housing 1214, a plurality float retention members 1220, valve seat 1204 and liquid outlet 1201, and outlet tube connector 1202. Float retention members 1020 may retain float 1230 out of the main fluid flow path as the fluid flows up through density sensing float restrictor 1200. The plurality of float retaining members 1220 allow fluid to drain out of area that retains float 1030 allowing float 1030 to drop down when no fluid is in the float chamber 1050. In this exemplary embodiment, float 930 is located in the center of density sensing float restrictor 900.

[0060] Figures 14 and 15 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a density sensing float restrictor valve 1400. Density sensing float restrictor valve 1400 has a housing 1402, a float guide 1406. Float guide 1406 has an open area 1502 located in the lower portion between the float compartment and the main flow path compartment. In some embodiments, float guide 1406 has an opening 1420 in the upper portion. A main fluid flow path MFP travels through the density sensing float restrictor valve 1400. Some of the fluid flowing along the main fluid flow path MFP forms a recirculating flow path RFP. In some embodiments, the recirculating flow path RFP helps prevent the float pill 1420 from bouncing or rising up while fluid is flowing through the density sensing float restrictor valve 1400. Accordingly, movement and tilting of the density sensing float restrictor valve 1400 during use does not result in performance issues. When the fluid stops flowing through the density sensing float restrictor valve 1400, the fluid flowing in the recirculating flow path RFP stops and if the density of the fluid is outside the requisite parameters, float pill 1420 will seal against seat 1421 and prevent future flow through the density sensing float restrictor valve 1400 until it is drained.

[0061] In some embodiments, float guide 1406 may be at an angle. As shown, the angle is 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the angle may be between about 75 degrees and 90 degrees.

[0062] All of the exemplary embodiments, shown herein locate the float outside of the main fluid flow path. Accordingly, the force of the fluid flow through the density sensing flow restricting valve does not force the float upward toward the valve seat.

[0063] It has been found that exemplary embodiments need not be straight up and down. Indeed, it has been found that exemplary embodiments may be at an angle of between 0 degrees (along a vertical axis) and up to 45 degrees off of the vertical axis.

[0064] It has been found that exemplary embodiments may withstand bouncing and slamming and continue to function properly. The term “function properly” means that the density sensing float will remain open, provided the correct density fluid is used, and will not prevent dispensing of fluid even when tilted to an angle of up to 45 degrees. Without limiting the scope of the invention, it is believed that the design having the float pill outside of the direct fluid flow path aids in this functionality. Also the pill float responds quickly to buoyancy forces and responds even to very slight buoyancy differences.

[0065] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. It is not the intention of the applicant to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions — such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on — may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggest that such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure; however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.