Patents by Inventor Merlin G. Tiede

Merlin G. Tiede 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: 5853572
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Robin M. Dykhouse, Dennis J. Kool, Ronald C. Markham, Bradley J. Pippel, Dennis E. Kidd, Merlin G. Tiede
  • Patent number: 5698091
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Robin M. Dykhouse, Dennis J. Kool, Ronald C. Markham, Bradley J. Pippel, Dennis E. Kidd, Merlin G. Tiede
  • Patent number: 5536395
    Abstract: A point of use water purification system for home use is provided comprising a carbon block filter housed in a self-contained disposable pressure vessel for removing particulates and organic contaminants from water. The filter is provided with a pore-size distribution, a binder and a flow path which optimizes filtration performance and enhances microbiological kill rates obtained in a source of radiant energy which is used to kill microorganisms in the filtered water. The source of radiant energy comprises an ultraviolet discharge lamp having an elongate central axis and a diverter for providing a spiral plug flow of water about the discharge lamp. A flow regulator adjusts flow through the system for varying line pressure conditions to ensure adequate exposure of microorganisms to ultraviolet energy. A lamp control circuit conserves power and optimizes ultraviolet output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 16, 1996
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Robin M. Dykhouse, Dennis J. Kool, Ronald C. Markham, Bradley J. Pippel, Dennis E. Kidd, Merlin G. Tiede
  • Patent number: 5393419
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of potable water having a substantially cylindrical pressure vessel which houses an ultraviolet light. The pressure vessel is in fluid communication with a filter stage which filters the water before treatment by the ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet lamp assembly sealed within a light permeable sleeve and having a single end cap provided with electrical terminals at one end only is disposed in watertight fashion within the pressure vessel. Downstream from an inlet to the pressure vessel is a deflector/baffle assembly provided to regulate the flow pattern and flow rate of the water within the pressure vessel thereby providing a uniform flow rate to achieve optimum kill rates of bacteria and other living organisms by exposure to the ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet lamp assembly is secured within the pressure vessel by a threaded closure nut which is easily secured or removed by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Merlin G. Tiede, Dennis J. Kool, Kenneth E. Lew