Patents by Inventor David J. Cline

David J. Cline has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20080093225
    Abstract: An integrated water treatment system for sanitizing the water in a water system and reducing scaling includes an electrolytic cell through which water is passed. An electronic control system is coupled to the electrolytic cell, to provide a drive current to the cell to generate a sanitizer by electrolysis. The control system applies a variable frequency alternating voltage drive to said cell to reduce scaling build-up in the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2006
    Publication date: April 24, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Gregory G. Koerber
  • Publication number: 20080084785
    Abstract: A dynamic mixer includes a housing structure having a mixing chamber, having an inlet opening through which a material or materials to be mixed is passed into the mixing chamber and an outlet. A mixer rod has mixing rod portion disposed in the housing structure and a plurality of mixing paddle portions each having a mixing surface.. The mixing rod is adapted for attachment to a drive unit which imparts a rotational mixing force to the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2006
    Publication date: April 10, 2008
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Truc S. Tang, Richard T. Naruo, Stephen P. Gordon
  • Patent number: 6943325
    Abstract: An improved water heater for use in spas, hot tubs, pools, hydrotherapy pools, bath tubs, and similar bodies of water used indoors, outdoors, or both indoors and outdoors are used for both therapeutic and recreational purposes. The water heater uses heating element technology know as thick film on substrate comprising resistive elements bonded to the outer dry surface of a pipe to heat the pipe which in turn heats the water flowing therethrough. The heater is highly efficient due to the direct contact of the wet heating surface with the water and provides a smooth seamless inner heating surface by eliminating the need to pass electrical leads into the wet region of the heater. This virtually eliminates the risk of leaks in the water heater due to bulkhead fittings. The invention further eliminates the need for a heating element to be contained in the inner wet region of a spa heater, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Pittman, David J. Cline, Paul Rosenau, Timothy S. Clark
  • Patent number: 6913166
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and progressive cavity pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The system has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed. Where a valved nozzle is used, the pressure in the flow system is used to control the pumps rather than the valve. Such a system may be used as a sprayer with compressed air added. Drum rams are associated with the supply drums and the progressive cavity pumps may be placed on the drum ram. Maintenance of a steady state in the system is accomplished with back and forth movement of the pump, with compensation for pressure changes. Absolute rotational position of the pump can be monitored when a set pressure is maintained, to diagnose system conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Fluid Research
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6747367
    Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system acts as a power distribution system for controlling the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto
  • Publication number: 20040104244
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and progressive cavity pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The system has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed. Where a valved nozzle is used, the pressure in the flow system is used to control the pumps rather than the valve. Such a system may be used as a sprayer with compressed air added. Drum rams are associated with the supply drums and the progressive cavity pumps may be placed on the drum ram. Maintenance of a steady state in the system is accomplished with back and forth movement of the pump, with compensation for pressure changes. Absolute rotational position of the pump can be monitored when a set pressure is maintained, to diagnose system conditions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2003
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6675988
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and progressive cavity pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The system has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed. Where a valved nozzle is used, the pressure in the flow system is used to control the pumps rather than the valve. Such a system may be used as a sprayer with compressed air added. Drum rams are associated with the supply drums and the progressive cavity pumps may be placed on the drum ram. Maintenance of a steady state in the system is accomplished with back and forth movement of the pump, with compensation for pressure changes. Absolute rotational position of the pump can be monitored when a set pressure is maintained, to diagnose system conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Fluid Research Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6643108
    Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system acts as a power distribution system for controlling the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto
  • Patent number: 6629021
    Abstract: A control system for bathers with ground continuity and ground fault detection includes an electronic controller which controls operation of electrically powered devices such as an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus determines the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing. The system includes ground continuity detection, ground current detection and ground fault detection circuits. The ground continuity detector detects continuity of the electrical ground and provides an electrical detector signal to the controller indicative of a ground continuity status.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto, Allan Pinkul
  • Publication number: 20030168516
    Abstract: An integrated heater and control system for a pool or spa is described, and includes a housing structure. A heater assembly includes a burner and a heat exchanger, and is disposed within the housing structure. An electronic control system is mounted within or on the housing structure for controlling the heater assembly and pool or spa functions. In one exemplary embodiment, the control system distributes line voltage power and low voltage control signals to one or more external devices, such as a heater circulation pump and a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventor: David J. Cline
  • Patent number: 6590188
    Abstract: A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto, Stefan Daystrom
  • Publication number: 20020162857
    Abstract: A dispensing system including a housing with an interior bulkhead and four progressive cavity pumps mounted within the housing on one side of the bulkhead. The pumps are mounted with the bores in vertical orientation. Gear boxes including bevel gears coupling the vertically mounted pumps with horizontally mounted motors located on the other side of the interior bulkhead. A dispensing head is located above the housing with outlet passages extending from the motors to the dispensing head defining a path to the dispensing head which is continuously upward. The dispensing head includes valves driven by a pneumatic cylinder. A solenoid controls flow of pressurized air to the pneumatic cylinder from a position adjacent the dispensing head on the boom supporting both.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: FLUID RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Publication number: 20020089236
    Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system acts as a power distribution system for controlling the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto
  • Patent number: 6405899
    Abstract: A dispensing system including a housing with an interior bulkhead and four progressive cavity pumps mounted within the housing on one side of the bulkhead. The pumps are mounted with the bores in vertical orientation. Gear boxes including bevel gears coupling the vertically mounted pumps with horizontally mounted motors located on the other side of the interior bulkhead. A dispensing head is located above the housing with outlet passages extending from the motors to the dispensing head defining a path to the dispensing head which is continuously upward. The dispensing head includes valves driven by a pneumatic cylinder. A solenoid controls flow of pressurized air to the pneumatic cylinder from a position adjacent the dispensing head on the boom supporting both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Fluid Research Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Timothy S. Clark, Stephen P. Gordon, Michael R. Engle
  • Patent number: 6407469
    Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system controls the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads. The emergency switch closure also remotely induces a ground fault, tripping the GFCI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Balboa Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto, Paul Rosenau
  • Publication number: 20020070611
    Abstract: A control system for a pool and spa. Main line voltage is provided through a single line voltage service and a single ground fault circuit interrupter circuit, facilitating a ground fault test and simplifying installation. The control system acts as a power distribution system for controlling the pool and spa equipment, with a circuit board assembly including individual fuse protection devices and switching circuits. A test algorithm is included, wherein the control system is disabled from normal operation if the GFCI test fails. The pool operator manually enters a water fill command, and the controller system automatically opens the fill valve for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically closes the valve. An emergency disconnect switch is mounted near the bathing area, connected by low voltage wiring to the controller system cabinet. The controller system senses the emergency switch closure and disconnects line voltage to the line voltage loads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto
  • Publication number: 20020047006
    Abstract: A control system for bathers includes an electronic controller which controls operation of an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. The heater assembly includes a heater housing and electric heater element. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. The presence of water in the heater housing is detected electronically, by turning on the heater, and monitoring the temperature sensors for unusual temperature rises or other faults for a period of time thereafter. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus can also be used to determine the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: April 25, 2002
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto, Stefan Daystrom
  • Publication number: 20020038169
    Abstract: A control system for bathers with ground continuity and ground fault detection includes an electronic controller which controls operation of electrically powered devices such as an electric heater assembly connected in a water flow path for heating water. A solid state water temperature sensor apparatus provides electrical temperature signals to the controller indicative of water temperature at separated first and second locations on or within the heater housing. A solid state water presence sensor apparatus determines the presence of water within the heater housing, providing electrical water presence signals to the controller indicative of the presence or absence of a body of water within the heater housing. The system includes ground continuity detection, ground current detection and ground fault detection circuits. The ground continuity detector detects continuity of the electrical ground and provides an electrical detector signal to the controller indicative of a ground continuity status.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Cindy Otto, Allan Pinkul
  • Publication number: 20020014496
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A rotor is inserted into the double helix bore with an interference fit. The dispense head has no dynamic fluid sealing surfaces and instead uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale. The system also has numerous feedback components for accurately controlling the pressure, flow rates, fluid levels and amounts of fluids dispensed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2001
    Publication date: February 7, 2002
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Steven Smith, Timothy S. Clark
  • Patent number: 6286566
    Abstract: A system for metering and dispensing single and plural component liquids and solids as described herein. The dispensing system has a microprocessor-based control system and volumetrically efficient non-reciprocating pumps which provide a very accurate control of component ratios, shot sizes, flow rates and dispense durations. The dispensing system maintains constant pressure between the output of the pump and the dispense head. The progressive cavity pump is formed from individual, interlocking pressure sections, each of which has a double helix bore. A rotor is inserted into the double helix bore with an interference fit. The dispense head has no dynamic fluid sealing surfaces and instead uses bellows as a sealing mechanism. The dispensing system includes a simple, easy to use calibration procedure and a weight scale.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: Fluid Research Corporation
    Inventors: David J. Cline, Steven Smith, Timothy S. Clark