Abstract: A cleaning solution generator comprising a housing with an interior reservoir and a brine tank, the cleaning solution generator being configured to generate an alkaline solution from a mixed solution and to operably direct the generated alkaline solution to the interior reservoir of the housing.

Abstract: A valve arrangement includes various improvements useable in the context of a fluid additive system, such as a water softener. For example, the valve assembly may include a seal assembly engaged by a reciprocating piston, in which the seal assembly includes a minimal number of parts, is easily assembled, and can be easily inserted in the bore of the valve body without jeopardizing the integrity of the seals. The valve assembly may further include a quick-disconnect system which allows a “control head” including a valve actuation system and electronic controls to be disconnected from the rest of the valve arrangement with only a partial rotation of the control head. The valve assembly may also include a venturi used for drawing regeneration fluid into the system, and an associated venturi cleaner system which allows a user to unclog the fluid-flow orifice of the venturi without any disassembly of parts of the valve arrangement.

Abstract: Devices for receiving fluid such as water are described. Principally (although not necessarily exclusively) designed for use as chlorinators, the devices may divert water flowing in conduits into the devices for treatment and subsequent return to the flow stream. A device may connect to a pipe without tools and require only one hole to be formed in a pipe wall.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and methods for introducing additives into a fluid flow. An additive vessel, with chambers for one or more additives, is attached to a primary flow fixture in a configuration that permits a diversion of part of the primary flow through the additive vessel then back to the outlet of the primary flow fixture. When the apparatus is engaged, a part of the primary flow is diverted to the additive vessel, combines with the additive, and then is re-introduced to the fluid stream, exiting the primary flow fixture.

Abstract: An electronic bypass system for a water softener having a raw water inlet and a bypass outlet, having a valve assembly associated with the water softener including at least one piston and a controller in communication with the at least one piston. The at least one piston is configured for automatically controlling water flow in a conduit between the raw water inlet and the bypass outlet in response to a signal sent from the controller.

Abstract: A control valve assembly for a fluid treatment system including a valve housing defining a plurality of compartments and a piston assembly associated with each of the compartments. Each of the piston assemblies is configured to be independently movable in each of the compartments. The control valve assembly also includes a gearbox that is associated with the housing and includes a plurality of cams driven by a motor, where each of the cams is configured to drive a corresponding one of the piston assemblies.

Abstract: Devices for receiving fluid such as water are described. Principally (although not necessarily exclusively) designed for use as chlorinators, the devices may divert water flowing in conduits into the devices for treatment and subsequent return to the flow stream. A device may connect to a pipe without tools and require only one hole to be formed in a pipe wall.

Abstract: Operation of a water softener is controlled by a set of valves within a body that has water inlet, water outlet, a regenerant connector and a drain outlet. Openings are provided in an exterior wall of the body through which a plurality of valve elements are received. The body has opposing exterior side walls through which a seam diagonally extends, thereby separating the body into two parts sealed together at that seam. The diagonal seam divides internal fluid chambers between each part and facilitates molding the parts so that the entire body can be fabricated by only two parts.

Abstract: A bypass valve has a body with an inlet for receiving untreated water, an untreated water outlet for connection to a water treatment apparatus, a treated water inlet and an outlet through which treated water flows. The body includes a first valve seat between the inlet and the outlet, a second valve seat between the treated water inlet and the outlet, and a third valve seat in a flow path between the inlet and the outlet. A set of first, second and third flapper valve elements selectively engage and disengage the first, second and third valve seats respectively. The three flapper valve elements are preferably connected to a common manually operable actuator which can be latched to hold the valve elements in different functional positions.

Abstract: An electronic bypass system for a water softener having a raw water inlet and a bypass outlet, having a valve assembly associated with the water softener including at least one piston and a controller in communication with the at least one piston. The at least one piston is configured for automatically controlling water flow in a conduit between the raw water inlet and the bypass outlet in response to a signal sent from the controller.

Abstract: Process and equipment for rapid and reliable infusion of treatment substances into a liquid mainstream. The equipment includes diversion of some of the liquid, boosting its pressure into an aspirating injector, which adds treatment substance and in turn discharges to a pair of opposed nozzles that inject the diversion stream with treatment substances back into the mainstream flow.

Abstract: “Plug-in” fluid flow diverters are disclosed. Additionally disclosed is water purification equipment adapted to communicate with the diverters. Such equipment is especially (although not solely) useful in connection with circulating streams of water present in systems associated with swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas, as the circulating nature of the water permits more of its volume ultimately to be diverted into the equipment for purification. The diverters, furthermore, may have entrances oriented to receive fluid travelling in only one direction through a conduit and be keyed to one or more components of the equipment for purposes of identification, inventory control, or otherwise.

Abstract: A bypass assembly is provided for bypassing a water softener. The bypass assembly includes a bypass valve, a shut off valve at the input to the water softener, and a shut off valve at the output of the water softener. The shut off valves are positioned between the bypass valve and the tank of the water softener. A t-shaped fitting is used to interconnect the water supply, bypass valve and first shut-off valve and a second t-shaped fitting is used to interconnect the water discharge port, the bypass valve and the second shut-off valve. The t-shaped fittings are provided with double street ends to facilitate interconnection of the t-shaped fittings to corresponding valves.

Abstract: A water treatment system bypass valve assembly that includes a unique multi-functional auxiliary port. The auxiliary port may be fitted with a check valve that relieves vacuum drawn on the water treatment system to which the bypass assembly is connected, which may be caused by a water supply failure. The auxiliary port also provides easy access for sampling untreated water and adding chemicals to the treatment system. Additionally, the auxiliary port can be used as a conduit to transport treated water to the treatment system during regeneration thereof. Bosses are formed on the bypass valve assembly that can be later drilled and tapped to provide further access to the fluid passages of the bypass valve for pressure testing and sampling. The rotatable valves that switch the assembly from the service to bypass position are integrally formed and removably secured in the housing of the assembly without requiring any additional fasteners.

Abstract: A water softener valve for controlling water flow to and from a water softener is disclosed that includes a cylindrical shaft extending from said inner surface of a piston chamber that fits into a pressure relief port when the piston is in the service position. The shaft clears the pressure relief port of any debris and closes the pressure relief port during the service cycle. The water softener valve also has a flow meter with at least two helically expanding vanes. A magnet on of the vanes trips a sensor as the turbine rotates, thereby providing means for calculating the flow of water through the valve. The valve also has a flow control button located at an inlet of the valve rather than at the drain, preventing the obstruction of the water flow by regeneration sediment of the tank at the drain. The valve also contains an internal piston port for permitting the free flow of water through the valve during a change in softener cycles.