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 valve system enables use of a standard single line faucet with a water treatment system, protects water treatment systems and other fluid flow devices from unnecessary fluid pressure, and regulates or prevents fluid flow to a dispenser or outlet in response to a particular event, such as a leak. The valve system includes a housing having ports for: (1) receiving a supply fluid, (2) supplying the fluid to a device, such as a water treatment system, (3) receiving the fluid from the device and (4) supplying fluid to a dispenser. The valve system also includes an automatic shutoff device within the housing that prevents water from flowing into the housing and the water treatment system when the dispensing outlet is closed and that allows water to flow through the housing and into the water treatment system when the outlet is open. The valve system may also include a second actuator connected to the automatic shutoff that is capable of moving the automatic shutoff to a partially or fully closed position.

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.

Abstract: A flux concentrator and method for manufacturing a flux concentrator is provided. The method can include combining powdered soft magnetic material, a binder, a solvent, a internal lubricant; mixing the materials to create a mixture, evaporating the solvent from the mixture, molding the mixture to form a flux concentrator, and curing the flux concentrator. The flux concentrator may be laminated and broken into multiple pieces, which makes the flux concentrator more flexible. Breaking the flux concentrator does not significantly affect the magnetic properties. Since the permeability of the binder is very similar to that of air, adding tiny air gaps between the fractions is not significantly different than adding more binder.

Abstract: A fluid filter assembly including a flexible and formable enclosure so as to be useable in many filter applications. The enclosure defines a portion of a fluid flow path residing entirely within the filter assembly, eliminating any fluid contact within the remaining portions of the filter assembly. This flow path is advantageous to reduce the possibility of contamination and to ease in cleaning and maintenance of a device utilizing the filter assembly. The enclosure may be formed of UV-transparent material to allow for UV treatment of fluid passing though the filter assembly. Electronic controls may be combined with the filter assembly to control and monitor fluid flow. Check valves or other closure devices also may be included with the filter assembly to facilitate easy filter changes.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a UV bulb, a moisture detector, and a control circuit responsive to the moisture detector to terminate power to the bulb when moisture is detected. The moisture detector includes a nonconductive substrate and a pair of conductors on the substrate. When moisture is not present, the detector is nonconductive. However, when moisture accumulates on the detector, the moisture provides a conductive path between the conductors so that the detector becomes conductive. When moisture is detected, the control circuit terminates power to the bulb and/or provides an appropriate indication to the system user.

Abstract: An air treatment system includes features for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. In one embodiment, a sensor air passage utilizes a low pressure region created by the blower to draw air through the passage. In another embodiment, a filter frame includes a plurality of connectors formed integrally with the filter frame. In another embodiment, a screen is positioned adjacent to the blower intake. The screen includes a plurality of angled strands oriented in a particular direction. In another embodiment, a remote control holder is formed integrally with the housing. In another embodiment, a gasket is positioned between the blower and the housing, forming a seal between the blower and the housing.

Abstract: A valve system enables use of a standard single line faucet with a water treatment system, protects water treatment systems and other fluid flow devices from unnecessary fluid pressure, and regulates or prevents fluid flow to a dispenser or outlet in response to a particular event, such as a leak. The valve system includes a housing having ports for: (1) receiving a supply fluid, (2) supplying the fluid to a device, such as a water treatment system, (3) receiving the fluid from the device and (4) supplying fluid to a dispenser. The valve system also includes an automatic shutoff device within the housing that prevents water from flowing into the housing and the water treatment system when the dispensing outlet is closed and that allows water to flow through the housing and into the water treatment system when the outlet is open. The valve system may also include a second actuator connected to the automatic shutoff that is capable of moving the automatic shutoff to a partially or fully closed position.

Abstract: A valve system enables use of a standard single line faucet with a water treatment system. The valve system may include a housing having ports for receiving untreated supply water, supplying water to a water treatment system, receiving treated water from the water treatment system and supplying treated water to a dispenser. The valve system includes an automatic shutoff device that prevents water from flowing into the water treatment system when the dispensing faucet is closed and allows water to flow into the water treatment system when the faucet is open. The valve system may include a pressure relief mechanism that removes pressure from the water treatment system when the faucet is closed and a check valve for maintaining a desired amount of pressure within the valve system.

Abstract: An air treatment system includes features for maximizing efficiency and effectiveness. In one embodiment, a sensor air passage utilizes a low pressure region created by the blower to draw air through the passage. In another embodiment, a filter frame includes a plurality of connectors formed integrally with the filter frame. In another embodiment, a screen is positioned adjacent to the blower intake. The screen includes a plurality of angled strands oriented in a particular direction. In another embodiment, a remote control holder is formed integrally with the housing. In another embodiment, a gasket is positioned between the blower and the housing, forming a seal between the blower and the housing.

Abstract: A water treatment system including a UV bulb, a moisture detector, and a control circuit responsive to the moisture detector to terminate power to the bulb when moisture is detected. The moisture detector includes a nonconductive substrate and a pair of conductors on the substrate. When moisture is not present, the detector is nonconductive. However, when moisture accumulates on the detector, the moisture provides a conductive path between the conductors so that the detector becomes conductive. When moisture is detected, the control circuit terminates power to the bulb and/or provides an appropriate indication to the system user.

Abstract: A wall mount for attaching water treatment system to a wall plate consists of a platform and a vertical portion. The water treatment system rests on the platform. The water treatment systems extend through the back of the wall mount and extend through passages in the wall mount and into the water treatment system. The water tubes, when placed within the water treatment system, assist in maintaining the water treatment system on the wall mount.

Abstract: A demountable overhead utility cover unit is provided for use in a building room having a generally open plan for the purpose of transitioning between ceilings of different heights. The units are assembled in an end-to-end fashion and may be disassembled to take to a new location. Each unit comprises a horizontal header having hanging brackets on a top surface, a vertical support structure attached to the header and depending therefrom, a horizontal trough attached to the bottom of the vertical support structure and adapted to abut a top surface of the wall panels of a demountable movable wall system, and a plurality of cover panels attached to the support structure and positioned between the header and trough. Each of the cover panels has a horizontally elongated front elevational shape and the panels are detachably attached to the vertical support structure.

Abstract: An air suspension batting tee apparatus which includes an air blower for providing a moving air column which supports a spherical object, a conduit terminating at a nozzle for directing the air column, and an oscillator for producing a fluctuation in the flow of the air column through the nozzle. A ball suspended in the air column may be made to oscillate vertically. An air flow displacement arm may be used to produce oscillating movement of a suspended object in a cylindrical path around a vertical axis, thereby simulating motion of a curve ball or a screw ball. The nozzle may be adjusted to varying heights to place a suspended ball within a strike zone for varying sized batters.