초록 ▼

A chemical mixing and metering apparatus is provided which can be easily incorporated into existing irrigation lines. The apparatus includes a venturi which is positioned along an irrigation supply line. The venturi is connected to a chemical supply container by a chemical conduit and by a bypass co

A chemical mixing and metering apparatus is provided which can be easily incorporated into existing irrigation lines. The apparatus includes a venturi which is positioned along an irrigation supply line. The venturi is connected to a chemical supply container by a chemical conduit and by a bypass conduit. A valve is positioned in the bypass conduit to regulate the flow of irrigation fluid from the irrigation supply line into the chemical supply container. A check valve or vent is provided in the container to prevent formation of a vacuum. The chemical mixing and metering apparatus is operable in two modes of operation. Firstly, the apparatus may be operated as a vacuum system by closing the valve in the bypass conduit. Secondly, the system may be operated in a force feed/vacuum mode by opening the valve in the bypass conduit. Moreover, the apparatus may be used to inject solid and/or liquid chemicals into an irrigation system.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus comprising: a chemical supply container for housing a chemical, the chemical supply container defining an opening and including a cover for sealing the opening; a removable chemical holder supported by the cover and extending into the chemical supply c

1. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus comprising: a chemical supply container for housing a chemical, the chemical supply container defining an opening and including a cover for sealing the opening; a removable chemical holder supported by the cover and extending into the chemical supply container; a venturi including a conduit having an inlet portion, a central portion and an outlet portion, the inlet portion of the conduit defining a convergent section and the outlet portion defining divergent section, the venturi being adapted to be positioned along an irrigation supply line; a chemical conduit interconnecting the central portion of the venturi conduit and the chemical supply container; and a bypass conduit interconnecting the inlet portion of the venturi conduit and the chemical supply container. 2. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, further including a valve positioned in the bypass conduit. 3. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chemical supply container has an opening at its upper end and includes a top cover for sealing the opening, the chemical conduit and the bypass conduit communicating with openings formed in the top cover of the chemical supply container. 4. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the venturi, the chemical conduit, the bypass conduit and the top cover are formed of monolithic construction. 5. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the venturi, the chemical conduit and bypass conduit are formed of monolithic construction. 6. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, further including a standpipe defining a fluid passage, the standpipe being positioned within the chemical supply container and extending from an upper portion of the chemical supply container to a bottom portion of the chemical supply container, the fluid passage of the standpipe communicating with the chemical conduit. 7. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the standpipe includes a filter at one end thereof. 8. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chemical supply container includes an opening and a cover for sealing the opening. 9. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removable chemical holder includes a cap portion and a reservoir portion, the reservoir portion defining an opening and the cap portion being removably secured within the opening of the reservoir portion. 10. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the reservoir portion is formed of a permeable material which allows liquid chemical to diffuse therethrough at a controlled rate. 11. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the reservoir portion includes at least one hole formed therethrough. 12. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the removable chemical holder includes a cap portion and a solid chemical attached to the cap portion. 13. A chemical mixing and metering apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the chemical holder includes a chemical selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides.