Patents by Inventor Christopher J. Ball

Christopher J. Ball 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).

  • Patent number: 8323514
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for cleaning a media support structure in a filter cell in a liquid filter system, wherein a cleaning solution does not significantly enter a filter media zone. The method comprises supplying a cleaning solution to a filter cell to a level sufficient to submerge the media support structure, but not to significantly enter the filter media zone. Additionally, the cleaning solution level is monitored to ensure the cleaning solution does not significantly enter the filter media zone. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be continuously recirculated and reintroduced to the filter cell during the cleaning operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Xylem Water Solutions Zelienople LLC
    Inventors: John L. Geibel, Eugene M. Vegso, Christopher J. Ball, Robert L. Laird, Thomas M. Getting, Dean T. Berkebile
  • Publication number: 20120103897
    Abstract: An underdrain flume plate for use in a filter including at least one central opening having an upstanding flange to interface with a cut-out in an underdrain lateral to form a passageway for connecting the lateral to the flume. The flume plate may also include at least one raised channel at each end of the plate with a solid or cut-away top surface, and/or holes and/or slots for connection of the flume plate to anchor rods and may be configured to overlap one another when placed side by side. The present invention also includes a method of installing underdrain laterals in a filter, including arranging a grid of anchor rods on a filter floor such that anchor rods are provided on both sides of the flume, and providing at least one underdrain flume plate adapted for attachment to the anchor rods such that the flume plate covers the flume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: ITT Manufacturing Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel E. Bruce, John L. Geibel, Christopher J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20110174719
    Abstract: An underdrain filter block for use in draining and backwashing a filtering media in a filter bed includes a top wall, a pair of side walls extending from the top wall, and a bottom wall extending between the pair of side walls. The top wall, the pair of side walls, and the bottom wall define an upper portion and a lower portion. The lower portion includes a grout chamber having a plurality of openings defined by at least one of the bottom wall and the pair of side walls.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: ITT WATER & WASTEWATER LEOPOLD, INC.
    Inventors: Dean T. Berkebile, Daniel E. Bruce, Christopher J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20110073549
    Abstract: A media retainer assembly for retaining filter media in a filter assembly includes a top plate for supporting the filter media, the top plate having a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; a bottom plate having a top surface and a plurality of openings extending therethrough; and scouring media, the scouring media being adapted to abrade the surfaces of the top and bottom plates. The top plate is connected to the bottom plate such that the top surface of the bottom plate is spaced from the bottom surface of the top plate to define at least one chamber between the top plate and the bottom plate. The top surface of the top plate is in fluid communication with the chamber via the openings in the top plate. The scouring media is supported by the bottom plate within the at least one chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Applicant: ITT WATER & WASTEWATER LEOPOLD, INC.
    Inventors: John L. Geibel, Christopher J. Ball
  • Publication number: 20100237025
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method and system for cleaning a media support structure in a filter cell in a liquid filter system, wherein a cleaning solution does not significantly enter a filter media zone. The method comprises supplying a cleaning solution to a filter cell to a level sufficient to submerge the media support structure, but not to significantly enter the filter media zone. Additionally, the cleaning solution level is monitored to ensure the cleaning solution does not significantly enter the filter media zone. Alternatively, the cleaning solution may be continuously recirculated and reintroduced to the filter cell during the cleaning operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: ITT WATER & WASTEWATER LEOPOLD, INC.
    Inventors: John L. Geibel, Eugene M. Vegso, Christopher J. Ball, Robert L. Laird, Thomas M. Getting, Dean T. Berkebile
  • Patent number: 5313673
    Abstract: A sensor for a flushing device having an electric solenoid operated flush valve. The sensor includes a control box, a first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a radiation detector adapted to detect reflected radiation from the first radiation emitting source mounted in the control box, a lens cover attached to the control box and adapted to permit radiation to pass therethrough and a control circuit contained within the control box responsive to the sensing unit and connected to the solenoid for initiating operation of the flush valve. The control circuit includes a magnetically activated device for bypassing the sensing unit to initiate operation of the flush valve and deactivate the flush valve for a fixed period of time. Also disclosed is a method of operating the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Christopher J. Ball, Makoto Kodaira
  • Patent number: 5062453
    Abstract: An on demand, non-contact sensor controlled flush valve actuation system includes a flush valve between a water supply and a plumbing fixture. An actuator for the flush valve includes a moveable piston in fluid communication with a control water inlet, with a control water conduit carrying water from the flush valve through a solenoid operated control valve to the actuator assembly. A radiation sensing/detecting unit generates a first control signal in response to the return reflection of infrared radiation. A timer receives the first control signal and, in response thereto, generates a second control signal of a predetermined duration which activates the solenoid. When the solenoid is activated, a portion of the pressurized supply water flows into the actuator assembly and against a piston therein, with the piston moving to operate a trip mechanism for the flush valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 5, 1991
    Assignee: Zurn Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Saadi, Allen R. Becker, Christopher J. Ball, John Steffan
  • Patent number: D684597
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Xylem Water Solutions Zelienople LLC
    Inventor: Christopher J. Ball