Patents by Inventor Craig A. Schmitt

Craig A. Schmitt 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).

  • Publication number: 20230398477
    Abstract: A leak detection and response system includes a valve assembly with a housing defining an internal passageway. The valve assembly includes an internal inlet port, an internal outlet port, a valve port assembly, an external inlet port, and an external outlet port each in fluid communication with the internal passageway. The valve assembly includes a first sensor port disposed either between the external outlet port and the internal inlet port, or between the external inlet port and the internal outlet port. The valve assembly includes a first leak sensor positioned in the first sensor port for generating a signal indicating a presence of water. The valve assembly includes a controller configured to receive the signal from the first leak sensor, and control the valve assembly to align the valve port assembly to block water flow from the external inlet port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: December 14, 2023
    Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig SCHMITT, Monica PRESTON
  • Patent number: 11745127
    Abstract: A control system for a water filter assembly comprising a filter having an RFID tag and an RFID sensor to generate a RFID signal containing data related to the filter. A valve assembly moves between a shut off position, an operational position directing the flowpath of the water supply through the filter, and a bypass position. A controller communicate with a lawn irrigation system to determine if the irrigation system is operative. When operative, the controller has the valve assembly switch to the bypass position. The controller also receives the RFID signal to verify if the filter is proper. The controller also receives a leak signal from a leak sensor and has the valve assembly automatically switch to the shut off position if a leak occurs. The controller can name the leak sensor with a location and indicate battery life of the leak sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Monica Preston
  • Patent number: 11725781
    Abstract: A lid assembly being attached to a pressure vessel includes a filter access cap having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a tubular portion extending from the top portion to the bottom portion to define a throughhole, the top portion having a radial slot. The lid assembly includes a seal plate assembly connected to the bottom portion of the filter access cap and configured to rotate relative to the filter access cap to assist in releasing a pressure from the pressure vessel, and a relief valve for releasing non-atmospheric pressure when opened. Further, the lid assembly includes a seal stem located in the throughhole, wherein the relief valve is mounted in the seal stem, and an arm operatively engaging the relief valve and having a proximal end pivotally secured to the lid assembly, whereby when the arm is pivoted in a first direction the relief valve can be opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Monica Preston, Gilbert Ramirez
  • Publication number: 20230026027
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for a whole house water filter includes a cylindrical, or tubular, filter media coupled to a mixer tank with improved high flow mixing features. The mixer tank includes a bowl in which a flow diverter, a flow guide with angled fins and a filter media are provided. The flow diverter has a concave portion, i.e., a mushroom-shaped portion, the interior of which is in fluid connection with a central passage through which filtered water flows. In operation, the filtered water flows through the central passage and is deflected by the concave interior of the flow diverter down through the angled fins of the flow guide. The filtered water then passes out through an outlet. The mixer tank stirs the filter media and water mix to increase the kinetics of the mixing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Craig SCHMITT, Monica PRESTON, Gilbert RAMIREZ
  • Patent number: 11471794
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for a whole house water filter includes a cylindrical, or tubular, filter media coupled to a mixer tank with improved high flow mixing features. The mixer tank includes a bowl in which a flow diverter, a flow guide with angled fins and a filter media are provided. The flow diverter has a concave portion, i.e., a mushroom-shaped portion, the interior of which is in fluid connection with a central passage through which filtered water flows. In operation, the filtered water flows through the central passage and is deflected by the concave interior of the flow diverter down through the angled fins of the flow guide. The filtered water then passes out through an outlet. The mixer tank stirs the filter media and water mix to increase the kinetics of the mixing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Monica Preston, Gilbert Ramirez
  • Publication number: 20220324735
    Abstract: A water heating and treatment system with UV lamp water treatment sanitation for suppression of pathogens and undesired bacterial content in a domestic water system includes a water heater, and a cold water supply line to supply water to the water heater. The cold water supply line includes a UV sanitation lamp. A single or multiple temperature regulating mixing station supplies a temperature regulated heated water to one or multiple temperature zones. A water heater controller causes an activation of the water heater sanitation loop and a water temperature of the water heater to increase momentarily to a sanitization temperature above 151° F. (66° C.) for one or more periods of at least two minutes in a sanitation loop mode. A method for treating hot water to suppress pathogens including undesired bacterial content in a domestic water system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Theresa D'Amore, Paul Bothner, Jana Summey, Michael Trammell, Craig Schmitt
  • Patent number: 11396467
    Abstract: A water heating and treatment system with UV lamp and anti-scale water treatment sanitation for suppression of pathogens including undesired bacterial content in a domestic water system includes a water heater. A cold water supply line to supply water to the water heater includes an anti-scale device, and a UV sanitation lamp. A water heater sanitation loop includes a sanitation loop pump to circulate hot water within the water heater. The water heater controller causes an activation of the water heater sanitation loop and a water temperature of the water heater to increase momentarily to a sanitization temperature above 151° F. for one or more periods of at least two minutes in a sanitation loop mode. A method for treating hot water to suppress pathogens including undesired bacterial content in a domestic water system is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2022
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Theresa D'Amore, Paul Bothner, Jana Summey, Michael Trammell, Craig Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20220154841
    Abstract: A control system for a water filter assembly comprising a filter having an RFID tag and an RFID sensor to generate a RFID signal containing data related to the filter. A valve assembly moves between a shut off position, an operational position directing the flowpath of the water supply through the filter, and a bypass position. A controller communicate with a lawn irrigation system to determine if the irrigation system is operative. When operative, the controller has the valve assembly switch to the bypass position. The controller also receives the RFID signal to verify if the filter is proper. The controller also receives a leak signal from a leak sensor and has the valve assembly automatically switch to the shut off position if a leak occurs. The controller can name the leak sensor with a location and indicate battery life of the leak sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: Craig SCHMITT, Monica PRESTON
  • Patent number: 11333264
    Abstract: An all-in-one manifold assembly is fabricated separately from and coupled to a pressure vessel of a water filter system. The manifold assembly includes two valve assemblies configured to be rotated between an operational position, a by-pass position and a shut-off position. Rotation of the valve assemblies can occur by manual or automatic rotation. The manifold assembly may further include ports for one or more sensors. A controller can smartly operate the manifold assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Monica Preston
  • Publication number: 20200376416
    Abstract: A sanitizing filter for sanitizing a residential water filtering system has a water filter assembly including a cartridge operable for removable attachment to the water filter assembly. When the cartridge is attached to the water filter assembly, a water flow passes into the cartridge, mixes with sanitizing media within the cartridge, and passes back into the water filter assembly. The residential water filtering system is then filled and flushed repeatedly and the mixture of water and sanitizing media sanitizes the portions of the system that are downstream from the sanitizing filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Renato Trovo, Tracie Benefiel
  • Patent number: 10780377
    Abstract: A sanitizing filter for sanitizing a residential water filtering system has a water filter assembly including a cartridge operable for removable attachment to the water filter assembly. When the cartridge is attached to the water filter assembly, a water flow passes into the cartridge, mixes with sanitizing media within the cartridge, and passes back into the water filter assembly. The residential water filtering system is then filled and flushed repeatedly and the mixture of water and sanitizing media sanitizes the portions of the system that are downstream from the sanitizing filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Renato Trovo, Tracie Benefiel
  • Publication number: 20200256515
    Abstract: A lid assembly being attached to a pressure vessel includes a filter access cap having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a tubular portion extending from the top portion to the bottom portion to define a throughhole, the top portion having a radial slot. The lid assembly includes a seal plate assembly connected to the bottom portion of the filter access cap and configured to rotate relative to the filter access cap to assist in releasing a pressure from the pressure vessel, and a relief valve for releasing non-atmospheric pressure when opened. Further, the lid assembly includes a seal stem located in the throughhole, wherein the relief valve is mounted in the seal stem, and an arm operatively engaging the relief valve and having a proximal end pivotally secured to the lid assembly, whereby when the arm is pivoted in a first direction the relief valve can be opened.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Monica Preston, Gilbert Ramirez
  • Publication number: 20200256478
    Abstract: An all-in-one manifold assembly is fabricated separately from and coupled to a pressure vessel of a water filter system. The manifold assembly includes two valve assemblies configured to be rotated between an operational position, a by-pass position and a shut-off position. Rotation of the valve assemblies can occur by manual or automatic rotation. The manifold assembly may further include ports for one or more sensors. A controller can smartly operate the manifold assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2019
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Monica Preston
  • Publication number: 20200254365
    Abstract: A filter cartridge for a whole house water filter includes a cylindrical, or tubular, filter media coupled to a mixer tank with improved high flow mixing features. The mixer tank includes a bowl in which a flow diverter, a flow guide with angled fins and a filter media are provided. The flow diverter has a concave portion, i.e., a mushroom-shaped portion, the interior of which is in fluid connection with a central passage through which filtered water flows. In operation, the filtered water flows through the central passage and is deflected by the concave interior of the flow diverter down through the angled fins of the flow guide. The filtered water then passes out through an outlet. The mixer tank stirs the filter media and water mix to increase the kinetics of the mixing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Monica Preston, Gilbert Ramirez
  • Publication number: 20200156976
    Abstract: A water heating and treatment system with UV lamp and anti-scale water treatment sanitation for suppression of pathogens including undesired bacterial content in a domestic water system includes a water heater. A cold water supply line to supply water to the water heater includes an anti-scale device, and a UV sanitation lamp. A water heater sanitation loop includes a sanitation loop pump to circulate hot water within the water heater. The water heater controller causes an activation of the water heater sanitation loop and a water temperature of the water heater to increase momentarily to a sanitization temperature above 151° F. for one or more periods of at least two minutes in a sanitation loop mode. A method for treating hot water to suppress pathogens including undesired bacterial content in a domestic water system is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Theresa D'Amore, Paul Bothner, Jana Summey, Michael Trammell, Craig Schmitt
  • Publication number: 20180147506
    Abstract: A sanitizing filter for sanitizing a residential water filtering system has a water filter assembly including a cartridge operable for removable attachment to the water filter assembly. When the cartridge is attached to the water filter assembly, a water flow passes into the cartridge, mixes with sanitizing media within the cartridge, and passes back into the water filter assembly. The residential water filtering system is then filled and flushed repeatedly and the mixture of water and sanitizing media sanitizes the portions of the system that are downstream from the sanitizing filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2017
    Publication date: May 31, 2018
    Applicant: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Martin Hazine, Craig Schmitt, Renato Trovo, Tracie Benefiel
  • Patent number: 9932245
    Abstract: A purifying system for treating a fluid with UV light including a housing defining: a chamber having a treatment zone; an inlet; and an outlet. The light source supplies UV light to the treatment zone. The inlet, the tubular housing, or the outlet may extend inward into the chamber so that the fluid passes close to the light source and has a relatively increased duration in the treatment zone. The purifying system may also have a sensor coupled to the housing or light source for generating a first signal indicative of a first parameter of the treatment zone. A microcontroller can control the light source based on a signal from the sensor and data characterizing the light source. The microcontroller may also vary operation of the light source and collect data to create the data characterizing the light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2018
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Craig Schmitt, Michael Sarchese, Colin Powell
  • Patent number: 9738547
    Abstract: An ultra-violet (UV) assembly for treating a fluid with UV light has a housing. A mounting bracket defines a slot and a hollow. A UV source includes: a tab that twist-locks in the slot; a connector that aligns with the hollow; and an RFID tag. An RFID antenna interacts with the RFID tag to emit a RFID tag position signal. A flow switch sends a flow signal. The flow switch includes: a guide; a shaft slidably mounted to the guide; a disc on the shaft; a magnet coupled to the shaft; and a sensor for generating a magnet position signal. During no flow, a spring biases the shaft so that the magnet is positioned to be detected by the sensor. During flow, the flow applies pressure to move the disc and, in turn, the magnet moves to be positioned to not be detected by the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2017
    Assignee: WATTS REGULATOR CO.
    Inventors: Craig A. Schmitt, Michael Sarchese
  • Patent number: 9719236
    Abstract: A top-mount faucet assembly includes a coupling mounted on a counter that selectively couples a faucet thereto. The counter coupling has a disc-shaped collar with two keepers and a land for selectively locking the faucet. The land has a v-shaped part and a n-shaped part. The faucet has a main valve body with a locking assembly. To couple the faucet to the counter coupling, the main valve body is placed over the coupling and turned clockwise so that slots align with the keepers to fix the faucet axially to the coupling. As the faucet rotates clockwise, the locking assembly rides along the v-shaped part until captured by the n-shaped part to lock the faucet in place rotationally. To uncouple the faucet from the coupling, a button is pushed so that the locking assembly moves radially inward out from the n-shaped part, then the faucet is turned counter-clockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: WATTS REGULATOR CO.
    Inventors: Craig A. Schmitt, Adam J. Becker
  • Patent number: D826370
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: Watts Regulator Co.
    Inventors: Michael Sarchese, Craig A. Schmitt