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.

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 modular modular control apparatus for a water treatment system which periodically undergoes a regeneration cycle including a backwash phase and a replenishment phase. The modular control apparatus has a modular design which includes interchangeable timer modules, a drive motor module, a drive mechanism, a valve cartridge unit, a brine valve module and interchangeable brine valve levers. The timer modules are rugged and relatively inexpensive but are not adjustable. Thus, to adjust the predetermined interval between regeneration cycles, a different timer module is installed. The drive mechanism includes two camming elements which in cooperation with an interchangeable lever and brine line sealing module draw a brine solution from the brine tank to replenish the treatment media and refill the brine tank with water to form a new brine solution. The use of interchangeable brine valve levers allows the quantity of brine solution used to replenish the treatment media to be easily adjusted.

Abstract: A filter and hydraulic mixing assembly for a water treatment system. The assembly includes two circulation tubes disposed alongside a center tube. During a backwash cycle fluid is conveyed through the center tube to a housing member where it is discharged immediately below the open bottom ends of the two circulation tubes thereby conveying media from the surrounding tank upwards through the circulation tubes. A cap member is fitted over the upper ends of the circulation tubes within the tank and direct the media being discharged from the circulation tubes into a downward spiraling helical flow pattern which provides enhanced agitation and lifting of the media bed. Discrete filter segments are selectively attachable to the housing member and interchanging the discrete filter segments permits the total filter slot area of the assembly to be adjusted and also permits the filter slot size to be altered. The filter segments are color coded, with each separate filter size having a different corresponding color.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pressurized water treatment system and method having a unitary liner and flange and a plurality of interchangeable heads. The system utilizes non-threaded connections where periodic detachment is desirable to eliminate the cross-threading problems posed by plastic threads. The coupling devices include an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the water treatment heads to the liner flange or other system components and an improved spring clip to removably attach inlet and outlet lines to water treatment heads and fittings. By including L-shaped tabs, the spring clip reduces the chance of inadvertent dislodgement. The use of common connectors allows any of the interchangeable heads to be used with the liner and other fittings. Adapters can also be used to allow non-system components to be integrated into the system. A fill port adaptor can also be disposed between the liner and water treatment head to provide access to the tank interior without the removal of the head.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pressurized water treatment system and method having a unitary liner and flange and a plurality of interchangeable heads. The system utilizes non-threaded connections where periodic detachment is desirable to eliminate the cross-threading problems posed by plastic threads. The coupling devices include an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the water treatment heads to the liner flange or other system components and an improved spring clip to removably attach inlet and outlet lines to water treatment heads and fittings. By including L-shaped tabs, the spring clip reduces the chance of inadvertent dislodgement. The use of common connectors allows any of the interchangeable heads to be used with the liner and other fittings. Adapters can also be used to allow non-system components to be integrated into the system. A fill port adaptor can also be disposed between the liner and water treatment head to provide access to the tank interior without the removal of the head.

Abstract: The present invention involves a pressurized water treatment system and method having a unitary liner and flange and a plurality of interchangeable heads. The system utilizes non-threaded connections where periodic detachment is desirable to eliminate the cross-threading problems posed by plastic threads. The coupling devices include an improved clamp assembly to removably secure the water treatment heads to the liner flange or other system components and an improved spring clip to removably attach inlet and outlet lines to water treatment heads and fittings. By including L-shaped tabs, the spring clip reduces the chance of inadvertent dislodgement. The use of common connectors allows any of the interchangeable heads to be used with the liner and other fittings. Adapters can also be used to allow non-system components to be integrated into the system. A fill port adaptor can also be disposed between the liner and water treatment head to provide access to the tank interior without the removal of the head.

Abstract: A submersible pump (10) consists of a pump unit (12) driven by a motor (11) and a suction inlet bowl (13) which draws in and filters fluid and provides the same to the pump unit (12) upon activation of the motor (11). The suction inlet bowl (13) includes a generally cylindrical upper portion (31) adapted to attach to the pump unit (12) and a generally cylindrical base (14) adapted to be attached to the motor (11). A fluid inlet portion (20) is located between the upper portion (31) and the base (14) and is recessed radially inwardly of the outer periphery of the base (12) and upper portion (31). The fluid inlet portion (20) includes a plurality of generally vertical slots (27) through which the fluid may pass and be filtered thereby.

Abstract: A multistage centrifugal pump, incorporates a first housing (14) having a cylindrical wall (30) defining a portion of the outer surface of the pump. A first diffuser (15) is fixed to the first housing (14) and has a discharge opening (43). A first impeller (16) is rotatably received within the first housing (14) in operative association with the first diffuser (15). The first impeller (16) includes an inlet opening (25). At least a second housing (14) is provided concentric with, and axially adjacent to, the first housing (14) and has a cylindrical wall (30) defining a portion of the outer surface of the pump. A second diffuser (15) is fixed to the second housing (14) and has a discharge opening (43). A second impeller (16) is rotatably received within the second housing (14) in operative association with the second diffuser (15). The second impeller (16) has an inlet opening (25) fluidly communicating with the discharge opening ( 43) of the first diffuser (15).