Abstract: A system for adapting a water softener for wireless communication is disclosed. In some embodiments, a system for adapting a water softener with a serial communication port for communication with a user via a remote server, an internet connection, and internet enabled device is provided, the system comprising: a wireless gateway device connected to a router; and a wireless adapter connected to the serial communication port, comprising: a gateway node; a transceiver; and a processor programmed to: establish a wireless connection with the wireless gateway; receive a first message from the water softener; cause the gateway node to modify the first message; cause the first modified message to be transmitted to the remote server via the wireless gateway; receive a second message from the remote server; modify the second message for output to the water softener; and transmit the second modified message to the water softener.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring the fill level of salt in a brine tank of a water softener system. Distance measurements may be taken by a wireless-enabled smart sensor device disposed at an interior surface of a brine tank cover. Calibration of the smart sensor device may include taking distance measurements corresponding to different fill levels of the brine tank, obtaining at least one corresponding user-defined fill ratio, and storing these as calibration data. Subsequent distance measurements may be used to determine a current fill ratio based on the calibration data. If the current fill ratio is below a threshold value, an alert may be sent to the user device indicating that salt should be added. If the current fill ratio is above a previous fill ratio, an alert may be sent to the user device requesting recalibration of the smart sensor device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a water filtration system that is fluidly coupled to a water feed line and/or a water supply line and is designed to filter contaminates from the water supply. The water filtration system includes an outer housing, a front cover, a rear cover, a pump, a reverse osmosis (RO) element, a pre-filter cartridge, a post-filter cartridge, a permeate flush tank, a RO manifold, and a sensor manifold. The water filtration system further includes a pump and at least one solenoid. When assembled, a RO housing, a pre-filter housing, and a post-filter housing surround the RO element, the pre-filter cartridge, and the post-filter cartridge, respectively. The filter cartridges hold replaceable filtration media in an interior cavity and contaminants and other impurities are removed as water flows through the filtration media of the filter cartridges.

Abstract: A modular water filtration system including a first filter manifold and a second filter manifold is provided. The first filter manifold includes a first bracket and a first pair of arm members horizontally extending from the first bracket. One of the first pair of arm members includes a protrusion defining a bore. The second filter manifold includes a second bracket and a second pair of arm members horizontally extending from the second bracket. One of the second pair of arm members includes a duct, and the duct is configured to receive the protrusion of the first filter manifold to provide fluid communication through the bore between the first filter manifold and the second filter manifold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a system for adapting a water softener for wireless communication. In some embodiments, a system for adapting a water softener with a serial communication port for communication with a user via a remote server, an internet connection, and internet enabled device is provided, the system comprising: a wireless gateway device connected to a router; and a wireless adapter connected to the serial communication port, comprising: a gateway node; a transceiver; and a processor programmed to: establish a wireless connection with the wireless gateway; receive a first message from the water softener; cause the gateway node to modify the first message; cause the first modified message to be transmitted to the remote server via the wireless gateway; receive a second message from the remote server; modify the second message for output to the water softener; and transmit the second modified message to the water softener.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a piston assembly for a control valve in a water softener system. The control valve includes a drive mechanism, one or more fluid passageways, and a seal assembly. The piston assembly includes a main piston moveably received within the seal assembly and including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a shuttle piston moveably received within the seal assembly. The shuttle piston includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and is configured to selectively engage the second end of the main piston to form a seal therebetween and to selectively move relative to the second end of the main piston to form an opening between the second end of the main piston and the first end of the shuttle piston, in response to movement of the main piston.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a piston assembly for a control valve in a water softener system. The control valve includes a drive mechanism, one or more fluid passageways, and a seal assembly. The piston assembly includes a main piston moveably received within the seal assembly and including a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a shuttle piston moveably received within the seal assembly. The shuttle piston includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and is configured to selectively engage the second end of the main piston to form a seal therebetween and to selectively move relative to the second end of the main piston to form an opening between the second end of the main piston and the first end of the shuttle piston, in response to movement of the main piston.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a control valve assembly that includes a piston slidably seated within a valve chamber and moveable between multiple positions to adjust a flow rate of fluid through the control valve assembly. The piston comprises flow zones and seal surfaces to define variable flow rates related to the position of the piston within the valve chamber and to selectively seal with the valve chamber.

Abstract: A water filtration system that includes a filter manifold having a rotatable cover is provided. A filter cartridge is provided that includes a sump having a filter head integrally secured to a first end and cap releasably secured to a second end. A locking mechanism extending from the cover locks into the filter manifold to position the cartridge in an “in-use” state. The filter cartridge further includes two offset cylindrical inlet and outlet members protruding from the filter head that are designed to engage corresponding inlet and outlets of the filter manifold through a horizontal engagement mechanism. A check valve is positioned within the filter manifold adjacent the inlet of the filter cartridge to control fluid flow through the water filtration system. The filter cartridge head includes fins upwardly extending therefrom that are configured to engage corresponding slots formed in a plurality of corrugated channels of the filter manifold.

Abstract: Diaphragm joint and convolutions, bottom screen diffuser, air stem, cap, and diaphragm restrictor systems for a pressure vessel are disclosed. A convoluted diaphragm divides the vessel into a pair of sealed chambers. The convoluted geometry of the diaphragm minimizes stress on the diaphragm at maximum displacement conditions. An H-ring, with or without being over-molded by the convoluted diaphragm, may be configured to receive end portions of the tank liners. A bottom diffuser, coupled to an inlet of the vessel, diffuses and mixes water flowing into and out of the vessel and drains water out of the vessel. Fiberglass windings surround and lock the tank liners in tension. The cap system includes a valve cap that engages an air stem. An outer cap covers a recess of the vessel and includes a hollow cavity that receives the valve cap. A diaphragm restrictor limits upward movement of the diaphragm within the vessel.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method of regenerating a capacity of a flow-through capacitor. A target value for a water property concentration in a discharge water stream exiting the flow-through capacitor is established. A feed value for the water property concentration in a feed water stream entering the flow-through capacitor is measured. An amount of the water property concentration to be added to the feed water stream is calculated based on the feed value to achieve the target value for the water property concentration in the discharge water stream. An amperage of the flow-through capacitor and a flow rate through the flow-through capacitor is controlled to add ions to the feed water stream to achieve the target value for the water property concentration in the discharge water stream. In some embodiments, the amperage can be set and the flow rate controlled to achieve the target concentration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a normally open valve, a normally closed valve, and a combination valve. The valves include a valve body with an inlet coupled to a fluid supply line, an outlet providing a service flow of fluid, a vent venting to atmosphere, a lower piston, a lower diaphragm, and a mechanical valve actuator. The mechanical valve actuator includes an upper piston, an upper diaphragm, a pilot piston with a bore and a plunger, and a spring. The spring is positioned either inside the pilot piston for the normally open valve or inside the upper piston for the normally closed valve. The valves are actuated based on a control fluid entering a system pressure port and exceeding a pressure set point in order to either open or close the valve.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods of removing ions from a feed water stream using a flow-through capacitor and a controller for performing the methods. A target value for a water property concentration or a fixed percent removal of a water property concentration to be removed is established for a treated water stream exiting the flow-through capacitor. A feed value for the water property concentration is measured in a feed water stream entering the flow-through capacitor. An amperage of the flow-through capacitor and a flow rate through the flow-through capacitor is controlled to remove ions from the feed water stream to achieve the desired removal of the water property.