With Pump, Injector Or Siphon Patents (Class 210/191)
  • Patent number: 9896351
    Abstract: A vessel for treatment of radioactive liquid. The vessel comprises a shielded housing defining an ion exchange chamber therein. The ion exchange chamber is configured to receive ion exchange media in its interior between an interior top surface and an interior bottom surface. The vessel further comprises an inlet diffuser disposed in the ion exchange chamber proximate the bottom surface and an outlet collection header disposed in the ion exchange chamber proximate the top surface. Also, the vessel comprises a process inlet in fluid communication with the inlet diffuser and a process outlet in fluid communication with the outlet collection header.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: AVANTech, Inc.
    Inventors: Tracy A. Barker, James L. Braun
  • Patent number: 9051196
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device includes a tank containing a fluid treatment medium and a fluid. A distributor plate is received in the tank and separates the bed from a lower end portion of the tank. A baffle is positioned beneath the distributor plate and is configured to direct fluid exiting a riser tube of the fluid treatment device toward the peripheral of the tank to thereby provide a more evenly-distributed flow through the radius of the distributor plate and through the fluid treatment medium. The baffle may have a downwardly facing concave surface that traps air bubbles generated during a brine draw operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: Clack Corporation
    Inventor: Don Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20140353231
    Abstract: The present application presents the development of a method for enhancing filtration capabilities of ceramic elements by chemically binding a hydrophilic compound throughout the porous structure of a ceramic element. An enhanced ceramic filter includes a ceramic element with chemically bound hydrophilic molecules. The enhanced ceramic filter is used in a system for the separation of non-polar compounds from aqueous mixtures. An aqueous mixture is passed through the enhanced ceramic filter, allowing water to permeate, and concentrate to exit the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2013
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Eduardo Gomez Maqueo Arechiga, Felipe Alberto Lembcke Barriga
  • Publication number: 20140231328
    Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a rainwater collection and distribution device comprising at least one substantially elongate collector tank having an open upper free end and a closed lower free end, whereby the elongate collector tank is dimensioned to fit within a downpipe with its open upper free end exposed to rainwater entering the downpipe; the rainwater collection and distribution device further comprising a connection conduit having a lower open end adjacent the lower closed end of the elongate collector tank, and an upper free end connected to a pump; whereby, a delivery conduit is connected between the pump and a water storage tank. The advantage of providing the pump is that complete control may be exerted over the delivery of the collected rainwater to a water storage tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventor: Denis Sheehy
  • Publication number: 20140166582
    Abstract: Embodiments of a water treatment system, a water treatment method, and an ozone kit for a water treatment system are provided. The water treatment system includes an ozone gas source; a regenerating fluid source; a water tank; a manifold having a first port in fluid communication with the regenerating fluid source, a second port in fluid communication with an outlet of the ozone gas source, and a third port in fluid communication with the water tank via a venturi nozzle; and a control system configured to: cause regenerating fluid to be drawn through the venturi nozzle into the water tank; and cause ozone gas to be drawn through the venturi nozzle into the water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Inventor: Peter Strain
  • Patent number: 8721875
    Abstract: A hot-water supply system includes a switching valve (35) which has a bypass circuit which bypasses the water softening device (30) by directly connecting the water supply pipe (P1) and the inlet pipe (P3) of a hot-water supply device to each other, and a control unit (50). The control unit (50) includes a switching valve drive circuit which switches the switching valve (35) to the mode in which water is supplied from the water supply pipe (P1) to the hot-water supply device (1) via the bypass circuit, based on the determination of the timing of salt replenishment, and a display drive circuit which displays intention, in which salt replenishment is needed, on a display portion (51) of a remote controller (RC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Rinnai Corporation
    Inventor: Fumio Ogai
  • Patent number: 8535539
    Abstract: A method for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed of a resin tank for a water treatment system is provided. This method includes supplying a first pulse of regenerate solution into the resin tank to charge a first section of the ion exchange resin bed, and supplying a second pulse of regenerate solution to charge a second section of the ion exchange resin bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2013
    Assignee: Chandler Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8529768
    Abstract: A water treatment system is provided that includes first and second water treatment control valves. Each control valve includes orifices and a piston. Movement of the piston is operative to change the flow of water through the orifices. The inlet and outlet ports of the second control valve are reversed relative to locations of the inlet and outlet ports on the first control valve. Each control valve is in operative connection with a respective brine tank and a resin tank. A manifold is in operative connection with the inlet and outlet ports of the first and second control valves. The manifold includes an inlet and an outlet port and a three way valve. A controller is configured to selectively operate the three way valve to direct water from the inlet port of the manifold to one of the inlet ports of the first and second control valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Chandler Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8500999
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method and system for providing a regeneration stage in a water treatment system. The method can include entering a first air bleed state to allow pressurized, deoxygenated air to exit the water treatment system, entering a second air bleed state to equalize a first air pressure of remaining deoxygenated air inside the water treatment system with a second air pressure outside the water treatment system, entering a backwash state to expel remaining deoxygenated air and particulates from inside the water treatment system, and entering an air draw state to allow oxygenated air to enter the water treatment system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Tischendorf, Michael M. Lindfors, Kyle Paull
  • Publication number: 20130146087
    Abstract: Methods and systems for an integrated acid regeneration of ion exchange resins are disclosed for use in cleaning applications. Acid resins designed for use in a variety of cleaning application using a treated, softened, acidic water source are disclosed. Various methods of using the softened acidic water generated by acid regenerate-able ion exchange resins within a cleaning application, e.g. ware wash machine, are disclosed to beneficially reduce spotting, filming and scale buildup on treated surfaces, reduce and/or eliminate the need for polymers, threshold reagents and/or rinse aids, and using protons generated in the acidic water effluent for triggering events useful in various cleaning applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: ECOLAB USA INC.
    Inventor: Ecolab USA Inc.
  • Patent number: 8394267
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, in order to eliminate impurities, and the like, water to be treated is passed through each of reactor vessels, phosphorus contained in the water to be treated is removed by using an adsorbent, and thereafter the liquid held in each of the reactor vessels is discharged through each of first to third treated water discharge paths, thereby eliminating the impurities, and the like derived from the water to be treated. It is possible to eliminate the influence of the impurities in the water to be treated on the discharged desorption agent liquid containing phosphorus from the phosphorus adsorbent can be eliminated, and hence it is possible to obtain a phosphorus-containing liquid containing no substance other than the recovered phosphoric matter material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Shinobu Moniwa, Hidetake Shiire, Satomi Ebihara, Masahiko Tsutsumi, Nobuyuki Ashikaga, Satoshi Haraguchi, Akiko Suzuki, Hideyuki Tsuji, Tatsuoki Kohno, Kazuhiko Noda, Katsuya Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120312749
    Abstract: A water treatment system is provided that includes a brine tank and a resin tank and a control valve in operative connection with the tanks. The control valve includes a piston that is operative by a first motor to move between different positions to change the flow of water through orifices in the control valve, and a brine valve that is operative by a second motor to open and close the passage between the brine tank and resin tank. The second motor operates the brine valve independently of the operation of the piston by the first motor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120312750
    Abstract: A water treatment system is provided that includes a control valve. The control valve includes a plurality of orifices and a piston. Movement of the piston is operative to change the flow of water through the orifices. A brine tank is in operative connection with the control valve. The brine tank includes a pump. A resin tank is in operative connection with the control valve and includes an ion exchange resin bed. At least one controller is operatively configured to cause the pump to operate to push brine from the brine tank through the control valve and into the resin tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120312751
    Abstract: A water treatment system is provided that includes first and second water treatment control valves. Each control valve includes orifices and a piston. Movement of the piston is operative to change the flow of water through the orifices. The inlet and outlet ports of the second control valve are reversed relative to locations of the inlet and outlet ports on the first control valve. Each control valve is in operative connection with a respective brine tank and a resin tank. A manifold is in operative connection with the inlet and outlet ports of the first and second control valves. The manifold includes an inlet and an outlet port and a three way valve. A controller is configured to selectively operate the three way valve to direct water from the inlet port of the manifold to one of the input ports of the first and second control valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120312748
    Abstract: A method for regenerating the ion exchange resin bed of a resin tank for a water treatment system is provided. This method includes supplying a first pulse of regenerate solution into the resin tank to charge a first section of the ion exchange resin bed, and supplying a second pulse of regenerate solution to charge a second section of the ion exchange resin bed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: CHANDLER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventor: William D. Chandler, JR.
  • Publication number: 20120279912
    Abstract: A chemical component mixing apparatus for use with a fluid source in creation of a concentrated solution mixture is described. The mixing apparatus includes at least one mixing station. The mixing station includes an injector assembly, where the injector assembly includes at least one venturi chamber having at least one suction port in fluid communication with the at least one venturi chamber. The apparatus also includes at least one super concentrate chemical component housed within a chemical container, where the chemical container is fluidly connected by a first tube to the at least one venturi chamber via the at least one suction port, a receiving container fluidly connected to the injector assembly via a second tube, and a fluid source inlet introducing a fluid into the at least one mixing station, where the pressure within the at least one mixing station is less than 150 psi.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Brent McCurdy, Michael Maurizi
  • Patent number: 8221616
    Abstract: A control valve assembly (10) controls the flow of water to and from a treatment tank (16) and the regeneration of the treatment material therein. A housing of the valve assembly includes connections for a tank inlet and tank outlet. An inlet chamber (60), outlet chamber (34), a pressure-operated inlet valve (24) and an outlet valve (32). A pair of venturi chambers (81a, 81b) are configured to provide co-current and counter-current regeneration. A regeneration control subsystem includes a turbine (104) and a nozzle impinging thereon to produce rotation. An external port (130) receives fluid to provide a driving for the turbine in order to initiate regeneration. A bypass chamber (60) communicates with the inlet chamber (15). The inlet valve (24) has dual seating surfaces for controlling the communication between the inlet chamber, transfer chamber (70) and tank inlet (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventor: Raymond Lillback
  • Publication number: 20120048790
    Abstract: The device for producing ultrapure water according to the reverse osmosis principle, comprising a reverse osmosis filter which is subdivided by the RO membrane into a primary circuit and into a secondary circuit, and a pump for the primary circuit, and a flow resistance means required downstream of the RO membrane for pressure build-up in the primary circuit, is characterized in that at least one cleaning chamber with decalcification means and a discharge valve are located in the primary circuit and that the flow in the primary circuit is adjustable via a valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Inventor: Manfred Völker
  • Patent number: 7892419
    Abstract: Device for treating water with a supply (3); a treatment tank (4); a drain (9); a regulator (13); and a bypass (22) which connects the supply (3) to the drain (9), characterised in that in the main canalisation (2), on either side of the regulator (13), is provided a shut-off valve (12, 14); in that the device (1) comprises a first shunt canalisation (18) which bridges the first shut-off valve (12) and the regulator (13) and comprises a second shunt canalisation (20) which bridges the regulator (13) and the second shut-off valve (14), whereby both shunt canalisations (18, 20) comprise a shut-off valve (19, 21), and whereby the shut-off valves (12, 14) are open on either side of the regulator (13) during the treatment phase, whereas the other shut-off valves (19, 21) are open during the rinse or regeneration phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Delta Water Engineering Limited
    Inventor: Guido Van De Moortele
  • Publication number: 20100307984
    Abstract: A system and process for continuously and immediately removing contaminants from wastewater and treating wastewater, where the wastewater is treated to supply fluid that can be reused in the cleaning system or discharged safely into the environment is disclosed. The system and method comprises one or more pumping means for circulating and recirculating fluids captured or collected by the system to one or more of the processes in the system, such as wash water applications or further treatment cycles. According to one embodiment, the wastewater is transported through purification sections of the device. Depending on the system used, these sections could include several of the following: pretreatment to remove debris and certain heavy solids; treatment by methods such as a conductivity solution injection system and/or electrolytic coagulation system, a polymer injection system, and a inline mixer for mixing the polymer in the wastewater stream; and an ozone treatment system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: James Mortensen, Dennis Ashley, Ben Checketts
  • Publication number: 20100300976
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of producing regenerative water. The apparatus includes a main body, a basket, a regenerative substance block and an on/off valve. The main body has a water inlet port through which raw water is supplied into the main body, a water outlet port through which regenerative water is discharged out of the main body, and a drain port which drains an excess of raw water or regenerative water. The basket is provided in the main body. The regenerative substance block is contained in the basket and dissolved by the raw water. The on/off valve is provided on the water outlet port. The raw water dissolves the regenerative substance block for a predetermined duration. When the on/off valve is opened, the produced regenerative water is supplied through the water outlet port into a soft water tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: WOONGJIN COWAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sung Hun Yoon, Won Tae Kim
  • Publication number: 20100282677
    Abstract: A water softening system includes apparatus and process that recycles a substantial percentage of the brine. This system conventionally includes a brine tank and a softening tank through which hard water from a source passes during normal operation. During the regeneration cycle, the brine solution in the brine tank passes through the softening tank acquiring hardness ions, and then through a nanofilter that passes a much higher proportion of the brine ions than the hardness ions. The hardness ions flow from the upstream end of the nanofilter into a drain. The liquid passing through the nanofilter contains salt that returns to the brine tank for reuse. A preferred embodiment includes a pump to force the brine solution through the nanofilter and a throttling valve connecting the upstream side of the nanofilter to a drain, and through which the hardness ions flow.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2010
    Publication date: November 11, 2010
    Inventor: Peter S. Cartwright
  • Publication number: 20100276348
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device for generation of ion network for water treatment in tanks, especially for reduction of cloud and for stabilization of water surfaces, where the device is arranged on a floating body equipped with a drive for initiation of mutual motion of the floating body and water, whereas the floating body is equipped with an ejector and at least one source of electrolytically and/or photocatalytically treated water connected with an outlet (9) that leads into ejection and/or ejected water of an ejector. Eventually, an inlet of chemical agents (11) and/or an inlet of biological agents (12), an inlet of oxidation agent (13) or an inlet of air (14) lead into ejection and/or ejected water of the ejector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventors: Josef Kovar, Petr Kovár
  • Patent number: 7815794
    Abstract: Remote delivery of water softener pellets into a water softener by a vacuum. By using a vacuum the delivery system allows salt to be delivered to great distances to point of use (existing brine tank). This invention will allow people to drive into their garage close to the inventive salt loading hopper and either dump a bag of salt pellets or scoop out of it into the loading hopper, which is located a convenient minimized height off the floor. The current state prior to this invention was to carry the heavy bag of salt to the location of the water softener brine tank, which in most cases is located down the stairs in a basement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Michael J Muniak
  • Publication number: 20100206788
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for chlorine generation and distribution for the treatment of a pool, spa, body of water, or other water system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: CHLORKING, INC.
    Inventors: David Von Broembsen, Chris Warwick, Michael Podolak
  • Patent number: 7722772
    Abstract: The present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of enhancing the reliability of regeneration operation. Further, the present invention realizes an ion exchange apparatus capable of simplifying the construction of a salt water supply device. The ion exchange apparatus includes a resin bed housing part (2) in which an ion exchange resin bed (5) is housed; a flow passage control valve (3) for switching between a water service operation and a regeneration operation; and a salt water tank (40) for reserving salt water to be used in regeneration, the flow passage control valve (3) being connected to the salt water tank (40) through a salt water supply line (31), in which the salt water supply line (31) is provided with a flow detecting unit (48) for detecting a flow rate in a direction of supplying salt water and a flow rate in a direction of supplying refill water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Miura Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Furukawa, Hajime Abe, Makoto Hato, Hironao Kato, Kazutaka Baba
  • Publication number: 20090277842
    Abstract: In a method for regenerating ionic exchange resins (3) used for softening water and a device for softening water, a flow of brine (S) is fed into a housing compartment (2) of the resins (3) at a determined velocity and subsequently a first flow of water alone is fed at a lower velocity than the velocity of the flow of brine (S). The velocities are determined by a ratio between the passage section of a respective throat (8) for feeding the water, and the passage section of a nozzle (10) for feeding the brine (S).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: M.I.R. SNC DI BISCARINI S. & CAIELLO
    Inventor: Albano Latini
  • Publication number: 20090236290
    Abstract: The invention concerns a water treatment device comprising a reactor (1) and means for injecting (2) at least one reagent into said reactor, characterized in that it comprises means for supporting said injection means mobile relative to said reactor (1) between an active position whereby the injecting means (2) are arranged inside said reactor and a retracted position whereby the injecting means (2) are brought outside said reactor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 24, 2009
    Applicant: OTV SA
    Inventors: Abderrahmane Maloum, Abdelkader Gaid
  • Patent number: 7563361
    Abstract: A system for fluid treatment that provides alternative regeneration cycles within the same fluid treatment device. A second alternative regeneration cycle is available within the same device, which has independent cycles or processes from the first regeneration cycle. The first and second regeneration cycles can be programmed at the same time and be programmed to alternatively run based upon the number of individual cycles run, the time the cycles have run, the amount of fluid that has passed through the device, or the concentration of brine and/or chlorine in the fluid within the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Water-Right, Inc.
    Inventors: Guy Gruett, Kurt Gruett, Glenn Gruett
  • Patent number: 7549446
    Abstract: A multi-functional flow control valve for a water treatment system includes a valve body having a water inlet port, a water outlet port and an effluent outlet. A valve core connected with a valve rod is placed inside the valve body. The valve body defines a flow channel therein for connecting with an inside and an outside of a filter element of the water treatment system, respectively. The valve core includes a moving valve disk and a fixed valve disk whose head faces are aligned hermetically rotationally. The moving valve disk is connected to the valve rod. The fixed valve disk defines a plurality of through holes which are connected to the water inlet port, the water outlet port and the effluent outlet, respectively. The moving valve disk defines a through hole and two blind recesses therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Inventors: Runde Yang, Xiaorong Wu, Fengyang Ding
  • Publication number: 20090152197
    Abstract: A method and a device for desalination, that operates with reverse osmosis membranes (7) and pressure vessels (9) and (20) that are connected to the high pressure circuit via valves (17) and with the low pressure circuit via valves (10). The proposed system includes the operation of a water intake pump (2) and high pressure pump (5) and a circulating pump, when vessel (9) is connected to the high pressure circuit, vessel (20) is fed with fresh salty water in the low pressure, next vessel (20) is connected to the high pressure, vessel (9) is disconnected, then vessel (9) is rinsed, vessel (9) becomes complete with salty water in the low pressure, then vessel (9) is connected in the high pressure, next vessel (20) disconnected, vessel (20) is rinsed, vessel (20) becomes complete with fresh salty water in the low pressure. The process is repeated with alternation of vessels (9) and (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Inventors: Theodoros Lilas, Evanthia Antoniou, Athanasios Vatistas, Konstantina Lila, Artemis Maglara, Christos Syrseloudis
  • Publication number: 20080217244
    Abstract: A method for treating water includes directing the water to a ballasted flocculation system and mixing a coagulant, flocculant and a ballast with the water. Solids are separated from a clarified effluent at a speed greater than 15 m/h. The method further includes filtering the clarified effluent with one or more microfiltration membranes or ultrafiltration membranes to produce filtered water. Thereafter directing the filtered water to an RO unit or a nanofiltration membrane or membranes and subjecting the filtered water to filtration by the RO unit or the nanofiltration membrane or membranes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2006
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Applicant: OTV SA
    Inventor: Abdelkader Gaid
  • Patent number: 7297264
    Abstract: The present invention provides a water treatment system, such as a water softener, with a resin tank having a top distributor with a preliminary screen and second screen. The preliminary screen provides added protection by reducing the chance of larger particles from entering the various valves and screens. Prior to the regeneration cycle, an additional back wash and fast rinse cycle are added to rinse sediment to the drain and to clean the preliminary screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: EcoWater Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Greg A. Sebastian
  • Patent number: 7008530
    Abstract: A water softener employs a vessel, a distributor with a manifold body associated to said vessel and a valve control device. A control unit programs operation of the softener. An actuator unit has a cylinder divided into a first chamber and a second chamber. The actuator unit is adapted to move a spool to define different flow ways, for water. The first chamber communicates directly with a water inlet pipe, and the second chamber communicates with the inlet pipe through a valve and an outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2006
    Assignee: ATI Applicazioni Technologie ad Iniezione SpA
    Inventors: Franco Stocchiero, Giuseppe Fontana
  • Patent number: 6962657
    Abstract: A water treatment system for removing hard ions from source water. The water treatment system is of the type that includes a pair of ion-exchange water softener tanks connectable to a source of pressurized water and with a water system to supply softened water to the water system, the tanks each being capable of regeneration by flushing with a regeneration solution to replenish depleted ions. A process for preventing system failure due to salt crystallization includes flowing water during brine replenishment from a second nozzle and a first nozzle at a defined ratio. The first nozzle diluted the brine in a reservoir after regeneration cycle is complete. The second nozzle replenishes brine by flowing water directly onto a salt material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Kinetico, Incorporated
    Inventors: George Jordan, Christopher Hansen, Lisa Heiden
  • Patent number: 6926835
    Abstract: Sampling pipes 21 and 22 are inserted, separated from outlet openings, into first and second water softeners 4 and 11. Raw water flows through first water softener 4, and raw water does not flow through second water softener 11. Once the hardness component concentration of the treatment water sampled by sampling pipe 21 reaches a specified concentration, the watercourse selection of valves 2 and 6 and valves 9 and 13 are switched, causing raw water to flow through second water softener 11. First water softener 4 is regenerated by salt water from a salt water chamber 14. The resulting water softening device prevents the leaking of hardness components, even with there is a fluctuation in the water quality of the raw water or when there is performance deterioration in the ion exchange resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Iizuka, Akikazu Yamamoto, Tutomu Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 6919020
    Abstract: A distributor/collector system includes a distributor provided with an upper header having upper laterals carrying fluid away from the upper header and a collector provided with a lower header having lower laterals carrying fluid toward the lower header. Flow enters the distributor on one side of the vessel and exits the collector on an approximately opposite side of the vessel. The distance traveled by each fluid particle through the system is substantially the same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: Weatherford/Lamb, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Ekholm
  • Patent number: 6783684
    Abstract: A water softening apparatus (10) comprises a regeneration tank (12) and a brine tank (14). An ion exchange resin (26) is located within the regeneration tank (12) and salt (38) is located within the brine tank (14). Water mixes with the salt (38) in the brine tank (14) to form a brine solution. A tube (56) is connected with the brine tank (14) and receives a flow of brine solution from the brine tank (14). A sensor (86) is mounted in the tube (56) for sensing the conductivity of the brine solution as the brine solution flows through the tube (56). The sensor (86) generates a signal indicative of the conductivity of the brine solution. The conductivity of the brine solution is indicative of an amount of salt in the brine solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventor: Paul A. Teel, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040164013
    Abstract: Provided is a liquid chromatograph pump system which sucks eluent from an eluent reserving container, and which feeds pressurized high pressure eluent into a column, wherein a plunger reciprocating in a cylinder is formed on its outer peripheral surface with a stepped part along the sliding diretion of the plunger in the cylinder so as to define a working chamber between the stepper part and the inner wall surface of the cylinder, the flow rate of the liquid chromatograph pump being determined by the volume of the working chamber and the traveling speed of the plunger, thereby it is possible to stably feed a liquid at an extremely low flow rate, and to satisfactorily expel air bubbles upon a start of the liquid chromatograph pump system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventors: Kunihiko Takao, Kenji Hiraku, Isao Hayase, Hironori Kaji, Masahito Ito
  • Patent number: 6776913
    Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the removal of certain salts, such as those of calcium or magnesium, from water. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a method for efficiently softening water containing certain ions in a manner which limits the volume amount of undesirable waste that is sent to municipality waste treatment systems. Additionally, the present invention includes a water softening apparatus (100) and system (200) useable in small domestic water softeners and existing water and drainage lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Inventor: Juzer Jangbarwala
  • Patent number: 6644349
    Abstract: A water conditioner valve configured for use with a tank in a water conditioning system, including a main housing a working portion disposed within the main housing and further including at least one valve chamber, and at least a portion of the working portion is mounted within the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: USF Consumer & Commercial WaterGroup, Inc.
    Inventors: John Scanlan, Bradley Martin
  • Publication number: 20030010688
    Abstract: A valve for use in a fluid treatment system for control the flow of fluid between a source and a treatment media disposed in a treatment chamber has a housing having an inlet, and outlet and a passageway in fluid communication between the inlet and outlet. The tank also has a sealing member configured to reciprocate in the housing between a first position and a second position. The housing also has a containment chamber for retaining the sealing member in the first position out of the flow of fluid in the passageway.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: United States Filter Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Orr Reed
  • Patent number: 6475071
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for the cross flow filtration of polishing slurry compositions used in semiconductor wafer planarization. In one aspect, an apparatus according to the invention includes an elongated cylindrical filter element adapted to be rotated at predetermined angular velocities that is disposed within a cylindrical housing. The housing has an inlet that is fluidly connected to a source of polishing slurry through a pump, an outlet to provide filtered slurry to a planarization machine, and a bypass outlet that is fluidly connected to the source of polishing slurry to allow refiltration of the bypass fluid. A motor is also included to impart rotational motion to the cylindrical filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Joslyn
  • Patent number: 6379630
    Abstract: A salt grid for supporting salt above a portion of a concentrated brine solution in a brine tank for use in a water softening system. The grid comprises first and second platforms disposed at first and second elevational levels with respect to the vertical wall of the brine tank. The fluid level in the brine tank can be adjusted to be higher than the lower platform of the salt grid but lower than the upper platform of the salt grid. In this manner, salt dissolves only above the lower platform part of the grid and consequently, the dirt included in the salt only passes through the lower platform of the grid. The brine well which transports brine solution from the brine tank to the resin tank is located away from the localized area in which the dirt collects at the bottom of the brine tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Chemical Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Rudy B. Wilfong, Alan B. Channell
  • Patent number: 6284132
    Abstract: A water softener and a method of operating the same are provided to allow for the efficient use of either NaCl or KCl as the regenerant salt. A user interface is provided to allow the user to indicate to the computer controlling the water softener whether NaCl or KCl is being used. The computer controller adjusts the fill time and brine time, depending on the type of regenerant salt used and on the temperature of the brine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2001
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Zimmerman, Ralph H. Larson, Paul C. Myhre
  • Patent number: 6274375
    Abstract: A commercial and institutional kitchen retrofit system for 1. the automatic daily cleaning of commercial kitchen exhaust hoods and flues, 2. a low pressure, low volume, recirculating cleaning system designed for the removal of oily residue from hard surfaces and the accelerated bioremediation of the resulting collective hydrocarbon waste, 3. the collection and elimination of roof-top grease accumulations, 4. the systematic on site incubation and enhanced propagation of cultured, hydrocarbon specific, bacterial microorganisms in an automatically mixed aqueous solution containing PH neutral oxidizers and hydrocarbon base emulsifiers altogether, producing a regenerative, recyclable cleaning solution specifically developed for use in 5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Allied Directives, LLC
    Inventor: Pearson Vernie McMinn, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6129836
    Abstract: A two-chamber fluid control valve for a water softener system is provided. The valve includes a primary chamber having a primary inlet for passage of a primary fluid into the primary chamber and a primary outlet for passage of fluid out of the primary chamber, and a primary valve member disposed for closing the primary outlet. The valve also includes a secondary chamber having a secondary inlet and a secondary outlet fluidly communicating with, and for passing the secondary fluid into, the primary chamber, and a secondary valve member disposed for closing the secondary outlet to prevent the passage of air out of the secondary chamber and into the primary chamber, whereby primary and secondary fluids can be combined in the primary chamber prior to flowing out of the primary outlet of the primary chamber. The valve allows a homogeneous brine/secondary chemical solution to be formed therein and fed to a water softener tank to regenerate and treat the tank and the ion exchange medium therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2000
    Assignee: RSWC, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Grayson
  • Patent number: 5798045
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a process for treating, in particular softening water by ion exchange in a regenerable medium, with exhaustion of the medium being measure in a bypass provided parallel to the main flow of the medium to the water sampling point and a suitable system in which the bypass line includes a measuring cell. It is therefore the aim of the invention to secure a flow through the measuring cell irrespective of that of the medium. In order to achieve this aim, control of the main flow and a suitable increase of the pressure gradient in the bypass, irrespective of the flow, is effected by means of a control unit (40), increasing the pressure reduction in the measuring cell irrespective of the flow. The throttling of the main flow results in a relative reduction of the bypass resistance and therefore all increased flow to the measuring cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 25, 1998
    Assignee: Karl Spiegl GmbH & Co.
    Inventor: Peter Spiegl
  • Patent number: 5589058
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a water treatment system including a treatment tank having an ion-exchange mineral bed or filter bed therein, and a valve head assembly disposed on top of and in fluid communication with the treatment tank. The valve head assembly includes a passage for allowing a flow of fluid through the valve head assembly, a vacuum pressure creating device disposed within the passage, a drain disposed within the passage and at a downstream side of the vacuum pressure creating device, and a valve disposed within the passage and at a downstream side of the vacuum pressure creating device. The valve is movable to an open position and a closed position for allowing fluid flow through the vacuum pressure creating device, whereby a portion of fluid flows through the drain and a lesser remaining portion of fluid flows through the valve when the valve is in the open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1996
    Assignee: M. J. Bauer Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew J. Bauer
  • Patent number: 5415767
    Abstract: In a device for the treatment of water with a supply container for the provision of a regeneration agent solution and also with a piston-stroke controlled metering device for the allotting of feed-water into the supply container, wherein the exactly defined water volume which is displaced with one piston stroke can be supplied to the supply container as feed-water, the piston (5) carries at one of its axial ends a connecting rod (6) which engages tangentially in a toothed wheel (8) and can turn the latter by a certain angle .alpha. a defined by the piston stroke and the number of teeth of the toothed wheel (8) in a determined constant direction of rotation, wherein the toothed wheel (8) drives a mechanical valve control element with cyclic control program course, as for example a camshaft, a cam plate or the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 16, 1995
    Assignee: Judo Wasseraufbereitung GmbH
    Inventors: Hansjorg Schuler, Ralf Socknick