Abstract: An acoustic module with a transducer and a solid waveguide. The transducer and waveguide may be curved to focus the acoustic energy along a focal line. The transducer, the top surface of the waveguide and the bottom surface of the waveguide may extend along coaxial curves. The waveguide may include a recess closely receiving the transducer. The waveguide may include an integral skirt that provides a thermal mass. The acoustic module may include a space to accommodate thermal management options. For example, the acoustic module may include a heatsink, an active ventilation system and/or a phase change material. The ultrasound device may include a controller configured to perform a uniformity scan sweep during supply of operating power to the transducer. The uniformity scan sweep can extend through a frequency range that includes the operating point of the acoustic module and does not exceed an acceptable efficiency loss.

Abstract: A water treatment system is provided with an untreated water reservoir having a cavity through which a filter assembly may traverse such that untreated water in the cavity passes through the filter assembly into a treated water reservoir. Removal of the filter assembly may be facilitated by a seal disengagement element operable to unseat a seal formed during efforts to direct untreated water through the filter assembly.

Abstract: A water treatment system is provided with an untreated water reservoir having a cavity through which a filter assembly may traverse such that untreated water in the cavity passes through the filter assembly into a treated water reservoir. Removal of the filter assembly may be facilitated by a seal disengagement element operable to unseat a seal formed during efforts to direct untreated water through the filter assembly.

Abstract: A water treatment system is capable of meeting the particular needs of a variety of water treatment system applications. For instance, the water treatment system may include a customizable display, multiple interchangeable filters and disinfection systems. In one embodiment, a vessel containing the filters and disinfection assembly can be easily removed from a base that supplies water to the vessel. In another embodiment, the water treatment system includes a plate that includes at least one electrical connection. One or more electronics bricks with sensors, displays and the like can be removably attached to the plate such that each electronics brick is in electrical communication with said brick. In another embodiment, the water treatment system incorporates one or more stackable and interchangeable filter blocks that direct water flowing into the vessel through each filter media.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly for a fluid treatment system. The lamp assembly can include an inductive secondary, first and second electrodes coupled to the inductive secondary, and a lamp including a dielectric barrier interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric barrier can define a discharge chamber including a discharge gas, and one of the first and second electrodes can extend within the discharge chamber. The inductive secondary can be adapted to receive power from a nearby inductive primary to promote a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge chamber. The resulting dielectric barrier discharge can generate ultraviolet light for the treatment of air or water, or for other applications.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly for a fluid treatment system. The lamp assembly can include an inductive secondary, first and second electrodes coupled to the inductive secondary, and a lamp including a dielectric barrier interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric barrier can define a discharge chamber including a discharge gas, and one of the first and second electrodes can extend within the discharge chamber. The inductive secondary can be adapted to receive power from a nearby inductive primary to promote a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge chamber. The resulting dielectric barrier discharge can generate ultraviolet light for the treatment of air or water, or for other applications.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly for a fluid treatment system. The lamp assembly can include an inductive secondary, first and second electrodes coupled to the inductive secondary, and a lamp including a dielectric barrier interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric barrier can define a discharge chamber including a discharge gas, and one of the first and second electrodes can extend within the discharge chamber. The inductive secondary can be adapted to receive power from a nearby inductive primary to promote a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge chamber. The resulting dielectric barrier discharge can generate ultraviolet light for the treatment of air or water, or for other applications.

Abstract: A lighted display assembly for an appliance includes interchangeable display screens. Multiple light sources flash, turn on and turn off to indicate a status of the appliance by illuminating a selected one of the display screens. A display grid extends continuously between the light sources and the selected display screen and defines light passages that are each uniquely associated with one or more corresponding light sources. Light emitted by each light source is confined to a discrete area of the display screen by the corresponding light passage. The discrete areas of the interchangeable display screens may include any of a variety of markings, for example, markings in a different language. The assemblies may be tailored to the needs of a particular customer by selecting an appropriate display screen.

Abstract: An acoustic module with a transducer and a solid waveguide. The transducer and waveguide may be curved to focus the acoustic energy along a focal line. The transducer, the top surface of the waveguide and the bottom surface of the waveguide may extend along coaxial curves. The waveguide may include a recess closely receiving the transducer. The waveguide may include an integral skirt that provides a thermal mass. The acoustic module may include a space to accommodate thermal management options. For example, the acoustic module may include a heatsink, an active ventilation system and/or a phase change material. The ultrasound device may include a controller configured to perform a uniformity scan sweep during supply of operating power to the transducer. The uniformity scan sweep can extend through a frequency range that includes the operating point of the acoustic module and does not exceed an acceptable efficiency loss.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly for a fluid treatment system. The lamp assembly can include an inductive secondary, first and second electrodes coupled to the inductive secondary, and a lamp including a dielectric barrier interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric barrier can define a discharge chamber including a discharge gas, and one of the first and second electrodes can extend within the discharge chamber. The inductive secondary can be adapted to receive power from a nearby inductive primary to promote a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge chamber. The resulting dielectric barrier discharge can generate ultraviolet light for the treatment of air or water, or for other applications.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly for a fluid treatment system. The lamp assembly can include an inductive secondary, first and second electrodes coupled to the inductive secondary, and a lamp including a dielectric barrier interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric barrier can define a discharge chamber including a discharge gas, and one of the first and second electrodes can extend within the discharge chamber. The inductive secondary can be adapted to receive power from a nearby inductive primary to promote a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge chamber. The resulting dielectric barrier discharge can generate ultraviolet light for the treatment of air or water, or for other applications.

Abstract: A water treatment system is capable of meeting the particular needs of a variety of water treatment system applications. For instance, the water treatment system may include a customizable display, multiple interchangeable filters and disinfection systems. In one embodiment, a vessel containing the filters and disinfection assembly can be easily removed from a base that supplies water to the vessel. In another embodiment, the water treatment system includes a plate that includes at least one electrical connection. One or more electronics bricks with sensors, displays and the like can be removably attached to the plate such that each electronics brick is in electrical communication with said brick. In another embodiment, the water treatment system incorporates one or more stackable and interchangeable filter blocks that direct water flowing into the vessel through each filter media.

Abstract: A lighted display assembly for an appliance includes interchangeable display screens. Multiple light sources flash, turn on and turn off to indicate a status of the appliance by illuminating a selected one of the display screens. A display grid extends continuously between the light sources and the selected display screen and defines light passages that are each uniquely associated with one or more corresponding light sources. Light emitted by each light source is confined to a discrete area of the display screen by the corresponding light passage. The discrete areas of the interchangeable display screens may include any of a variety of markings, for example, markings in a different language. The assemblies may be tailored to the needs of a particular customer by selecting an appropriate display screen.

Abstract: A lighted display assembly for an appliance includes interchangeable display screens. Multiple light sources flash, turn on and turn off to indicate a status of the appliance by illuminating a selected one of the display screens. A display grid extends between the light sources and the selected display screen and defines light passages that are each uniquely associated with a corresponding light source. Light emitted by each light source is confined to a discrete area of the display screen by the corresponding light passage. The discrete areas of the interchangeable display screens may include any of a variety of markings, for example, markings in a different language. The assemblies may be tailored to the needs of a particular customer by selecting an appropriate display screen.

Abstract: A water treatment system having a sealing enclosure for separating an electronics module from a water treatment assembly within the housing of the water treatment system. The sealing enclosure is a one-piece component having a perimeter seal that extends continuously around the periphery of the sealing enclosure. The perimeter seal is configured to directly engage the housing to automatically create a seal as the sealing enclosure is installed in the housing. The sealing enclosure includes a stationary portion and a movable portion joined along a living hinge. The movable portion covers an accessible compartment and can be selectively swung open about the living hinge to provide access to the interior of the accessible compartment, for example, to replace the batteries. The movable portion can be closed to reengage the housing and reestablish the seal. The electronics module may include an electronic components mounting bracket. The sealing enclosure may be mounted to the bracket.

Abstract: A lighted display assembly for an appliance includes interchangeable display screens. Multiple light sources flash, turn on and turn off to indicate a status of the appliance by illuminating a selected one of the display screens. A display grid extends between the light sources and the selected display screen and defines light passages that are each uniquely associated with a corresponding light source. Light emitted by each light source is confined to a discrete area of the display screen by the corresponding light passage. The discrete areas of the interchangeable display screens may include any of a variety of markings, for example, markings in a different language. The assemblies may be tailored to the needs of a particular customer by selecting an appropriate display screen.

Abstract: A method for product information retrieval with a mailable item. The method includes providing a mailable item with a communication system and memory, transferring product usage information from the product to the mailable item, and mailing the mailable item to a recipient who can retrieve and analyze the product information. Incentives can be offered to entice a user to obtain the mailable item and/or to return the mailable item.

Abstract: A water treatment system is capable of meeting the particular needs of a variety of water treatment system applications. For instance, the water treatment system may include a customizable display, multiple interchangeable filters and disinfection systems. In one embodiment, a vessel containing the filters and disinfection assembly can be easily removed from a base that supplies water to the vessel. In another embodiment, the water treatment system includes a plate that includes at least one electrical connection. One or more electronics bricks with sensors, displays and the like can be removably attached to the plate such that each electronics brick is in electrical communication with said brick. In another embodiment, the water treatment system incorporates one or more stackable and interchangeable filter blocks that direct water flowing into the vessel through each filter media.

Abstract: A dielectric barrier discharge lamp assembly for a fluid treatment system. The lamp assembly can include an inductive secondary, first and second electrodes coupled to the inductive secondary, and a lamp including a dielectric barrier interposed between the first and second electrodes. The dielectric barrier can define a discharge chamber including a discharge gas, and one of the first and second electrodes can extend within the discharge chamber. The inductive secondary can be adapted to receive power from a nearby inductive primary to promote a dielectric barrier discharge in the discharge chamber. The resulting dielectric barrier discharge can generate ultraviolet light for the treatment of air or water, or for other applications.