With External Supply Means For Regenerating Medium, E.g., Water Softening System Patents (Class 210/190)
  • Publication number: 20040144702
    Abstract: A water softener and a method of operating the same are provided to allow for the efficient use of either NaCl or KCl as the regenerant salt. A user interface is provided to allow the user to indicate to the computer controlling the water softener whether NaCl or KCl is being used. The computer controller adjusts the fill time and brine time, depending on the type of regenerant salt used and on the temperature of the brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2004
    Publication date: July 29, 2004
    Applicant: ECOWATER SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Zimmerman, Ralph H. Larson, Paul C. Myhre
  • Publication number: 20040112812
    Abstract: A scale removing operation of the heat exchange means or a regenerating operation of ion removing means is carried out using electrolytic water, thereby reducing the water processing amount. The present invention provides a water heater capable of preventing deterioration of performance caused by adhesion of scale, capable of preventing a trouble caused by clogging, and capable of increasing the lifetime. The water heater comprising a heat source, heat exchange means for heating supplied water, and electrolytic water generating means, wherein a removing operation of scale having salt as main ingredient deposited in a water pipe of the heat exchange means is carried out using produced water of the electrolytic water generating means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Applicant: MATSUSHITA ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Kawabe, Kazuo Nakatani, Yuji Inoue, Noriho Okaza, Shigehiro Sato
  • Patent number: 6749744
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for regenerating an ion exchange cartridge. In household appliances with an electric heating element for heating water, such as irons, coffee makers, and electric water kettles, deposition of scale is prevented by using an ion exchange cartridge (16) comprising a resin (23) which binds alkaline earth metal ions such as Ca2+ and Mg2+, but also negative ions such as SO42− and CO32− ions. The device is a simple tool in which the cartridge can be inserted for regeneration. The device comprises a reservoir (2) with an outlet (10) to which an inlet (6) of the cartridge can be coupled. By filling the reservoir with a brine, for example 1 l of water with 10% by weight of NaCl, said brine will flow through the cartridge replacing the alkaline earth metal ions, carbonate ions, and sulfate ions in the resin with the alkali metal ions (Na+) and the chloride ions (Cl−) of the brine. The brine can be easily drained into a sink.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventor: Godwin Dirk Zwanenburg
  • Publication number: 20030136718
    Abstract: An ion exchange resin plant comprises a tank (10) divided into two separate compartments, a first compartment (11) and a second compartment (12), containing the exchanging resins, said first and second compartments (11, 12) being arranged so as to allow the plant to operate in continuous so that when one compartment is effecting water purification, the other compartment is regenerating the exchanging resins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventor: Piero Becucci
  • Patent number: 6596159
    Abstract: A regeneration valve 131 is adapted for automatic activation of ion exchange resin in a water softener. The regeneration valve includes a switching valve 1, a control valve 32, a water injection valve 54, a cam mechanism (FIG. 13) and a timer mechanism which are compactly integrated in a single valve assembly. The timer mechanism includes a timer motor 80 provided with a switching gear adapted to be switched between 50 Hz and 60 Hz (FIGS. 16, 17). The ion exchange resin layer within the resin reservoir 2 can be uniformly activated so that the regeneration process can be achieved at a high efficiency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Maruyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Maruyama, Yoshisada Furukawa
  • Publication number: 20030132848
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of anticipating salt depletion in a brine tank of a water softener system, the system including a controller having a user interface and display, the method comprising the steps of tracking salt usage; determining the amount of salt remaining in the brine tank; calculating the number of days before salt is required in the brine tank based on salt usage and the amount of salt remaining in the brine tank; and providing an indication of the number of days to empty, whereby a user is able to anticipate the need to replenish the salt supply and plan accordingly to assure continuous satisfactory operation of the water softener system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Zimmerman, Gregory John Kennedy, Jose A. Castro, Wesley F. Chapman, John E. Ziegenfuss
  • Publication number: 20030132164
    Abstract: The present invention provides a controller for a water softener having an ion exchange resin capable of receiving hard water ions from hard water during a softening step and releasing the hard water ions during a regeneration step. The controller includes a processor programmed to cause termination of the softening step and initiate the regeneration step when both a first and a second condition are met. The first condition is met when the resin is saturated with hard water ions, and the second condition is met when current demand for soft water is at or below a prescribed flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2002
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: USF Consumer & Commercial Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Lance FitzGerald, John N. VanNewenhizen
  • Patent number: 6589491
    Abstract: A salt platform (500) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (502), a bottom member (504) and a plurality of vertical spacing members (506). The top member 502 is preferably formed as an integral molding. The bottom member (504) is preferably identical to the top member (502). The top surface of the top member (502) forms a support for the salt grid. A salt grid (600) is also disclosed which has a series of lips (646) at the peripheral edge with each lip joining with the rest of the salt grid about a linear hinge line (648).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: Donald B. Peddicord, Steven M. Peddicord, Michael W. Freitas, James E. Kilgore
  • Publication number: 20030116492
    Abstract: A water softener system including a hard water flow pipe through which hard water flows, a modular water softener assembly, and a regeneration tank is provided. The modular water softener assembly includes an elongated tube having a first end, a second end, a length extending therebetween, and a predetermined inner volume for storing an amount of water softening particles. The water softener assembly also includes a first end cap coupled to the tube at the first end having a first port in flow communication with the hard water flow pipe and a second port in flow communication with an outlet pipe through which soft water flows. The water softener assembly is supported by the hard water flow pipe and the outlet pipe. The regeneration tank contains a regenerate for regenerating the water softening particles and is in flow communication with the water softener assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Publication date: June 26, 2003
    Inventors: David M. Fullmer, Richard L. Butsch
  • Patent number: 6582595
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a water conditioning apparatus that is compact and easily recharged without removal from the installation location. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a water conditioning apparatus that is generally rectangular in shape and is configured to fit into rectangularly shaped spaces of limited size. In another embodiment, the water conditioning apparatus is configured to fit in a corner location. In still another embodiment, the water conditioning apparatus is of modular configuration and includes a self-contained selector valve system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Alex S. Peabody
  • Publication number: 20030062296
    Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2002
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Publication number: 20030052060
    Abstract: A water softening apparatus (10) comprises a regeneration tank (12) and a brine tank (14). An ion exchange resin (26) is located within the regeneration tank (12) and salt (38) is located within the brine tank (14). Water mixes with the salt (38) in the brine tank (14) to form a brine solution. A tube (56) is connected with the brine tank (14) and receives a flow of brine solution from the brine tank (14). A sensor (86) is mounted in the tube (56) for sensing the conductivity of the brine solution as the brine solution flows through the tube (56). The sensor (86) generates a signal indicative of the conductivity of the brine solution. The conductivity of the brine solution is indicative of an amount of salt in the brine solution.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Publication date: March 20, 2003
    Inventor: Paul A. Teel
  • Patent number: 6527958
    Abstract: A water softener for reducing water hardness, suitable for use in a household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, has a container within which ionic exchange resins are housed, which reduce the degree of hardness of water contacting them, and apparatus for regenerating the softening efficiency of the resins. Mounted in the container are a sensor for checking a physical characteristic of the resins and, in response thereto, detecting the degree of exhaustion of said resins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: T & P S.p.A.
    Inventors: Carlo Carli, Emilio Cazzini
  • Patent number: 6475071
    Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus and method for the cross flow filtration of polishing slurry compositions used in semiconductor wafer planarization. In one aspect, an apparatus according to the invention includes an elongated cylindrical filter element adapted to be rotated at predetermined angular velocities that is disposed within a cylindrical housing. The housing has an inlet that is fluidly connected to a source of polishing slurry through a pump, an outlet to provide filtered slurry to a planarization machine, and a bypass outlet that is fluidly connected to the source of polishing slurry to allow refiltration of the bypass fluid. A motor is also included to impart rotational motion to the cylindrical filter element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael J. Joslyn
  • Patent number: 6458272
    Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Publication number: 20020125195
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange system from removing arsenic from water. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: Peter L. Jensen, Gerald A. Guter, Dan Ziol
  • Patent number: 6447678
    Abstract: Regeneration of water treatment media is disclosed which includes a water treatment unit having one or more media therein, and which upon initiation of flow of the water, imparts turbulence and abrasion to the treatment medium to automatically cleanse the medium of light solid contaminants, as well as contaminant coatings on the media. This greatly improves the operation of the media and extends its life. In addition, the water treatment unit disclosed may simply be rotated through any one of a number of positions between service, backwash, flush, off, and/or bypass operational modes for further regeneration of the treatment media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: Yiu Chau Chau
  • Patent number: 6444127
    Abstract: A highly versatile drive arrangement that drives a linearly reciprocating piston of a water conditioning unit control valve without imparting any significant side loads on the support structure for the piston's drive rod or the associated seals. The drive arrangement includes a reversible electric motor and a motion converter, such as a lead screw arrangement, that converts the rotary motion of the electric motor's pinion or other output element to reciprocating linear motion of the piston. The reversible motor can be controlled, based on signals from a motion monitor such as an encoder, to drive the piston to any desired position within the piston upon command. This, in turn, permits the operation of the water conditioning unit to be optimized for prevailing conditions and permits the control valve's operation to be altered if, e.g., the piston becomes stuck or encounters an obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Clack Corportion
    Inventors: Don Vaughan, Richard W. Wilder, Robert A. Clack
  • Publication number: 20020117431
    Abstract: The disclosed invention is a fixed bed ion exchange water purification system. It employs a combination of electronically controlled process steps and specific systems configurations to duplicate the effects of moving resin beds from one operating position to another as is required in moving bed ion exchange water purification systems. The invention combines features of single fixed bed ion exchange systems with those of a moving bed system. The invention applies to the treatment of water having typical industrial and drinking water concentrations of various ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2001
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Inventors: Peter L. Jensen, Gerald A. Guter, Dan Ziol
  • Publication number: 20020108909
    Abstract: A self-regenerating ion exchange water softener has a lower tank for a resin chamber and an upper tank for a regenerative salt chamber, with an opening positioned between them, and with a restrictive pressure-sensitive valve, sensitive to pressure of water in the resin chamber, having a restricted opening limiting flow of water upwardly into the regeneration chamber or downwardly into the resin chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2001
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Inventor: Gilles Hughes
  • Patent number: 6402944
    Abstract: A seal stack, configured for supporting, guiding, and sealing a piston of a water softener control valve or the like, can be preassembled prior to its insertion into the associated valve bore and compressed after it is inserted into the bore. This post-assembly seal stack compression assures reliable assembly of the seal stack, facilitates valve assembly and disassembly, and negates the need to hold tight tolerances in bore diameter design and seal diameter design. The seal stack includes a plurality of static seals, a plurality of dynamic seals which are either combined with or separated from the static seals, and a plurality of spacers that support the seals. Each of the static seals is disposed between two adjacent spacers and seals against a peripheral surface of the bore, and each of the dynamic seals is disposed between two adjacent spacers and seals against the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Clack Corporation
    Inventor: Don Vaughan
  • Publication number: 20020058003
    Abstract: A compact, portable, easily installed, self-contained, negative pressure odor control vessel for odor control possessing oxidizing properties, as well as counter-vailing and absorption properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: LEIGH E. FALKMAN, OWEN R. ANDERSON, DENNIS VAN DOVER
  • Patent number: 6354172
    Abstract: A mechanical timer to control multiple steps of a process comprising a first cam having a shaft, and a second cam having a shaft, wherein the shaft on the first cam extends into the shaft of the second cam. The rotational relationship between the first and second cams determines the length of time for at least one process step. First and second user adjustable elements are attached to the first and second cams. These user adjustable elements do not require any disassembly of the mechanical timer by the user or require any tools. A plurality of switches engage the cams to control various process steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Aquion Partners Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Peter Piacenza, Amy Cotton, Stephen Gaynes, John H. Kargenian
  • Publication number: 20020017495
    Abstract: Sampling pipes 21 and 22 are inserted, separated from outlet openings, into first and second water softeners 4 and 11. Raw water flows through first water softener 4, and raw water does not flow through second water softener 11. Once the hardness component concentration of the treatment water sampled by sampling pipe 21 reaches a specified concentration, the watercourse selection of valves 2 and 6 and valves 9 and 13 are switched, causing raw water to flow through second water softener 11. First water softener 4 is regenerated by salt water from a salt water chamber 14. The resulting water softening device prevents the leaking of hardness components, even with there is a fluctuation in the water quality of the raw water or when there is performance deterioration in the ion exchange resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: Hiroshi Iizuka, Akikazu Yamamoto, Tutomu Kurokawa
  • Patent number: 6331255
    Abstract: A well (12) outside of a brine tank (10) is provided which provides better accessibility to the brine refill valve (112) or other components within the well. Also, apertures (42-48) of differing elevations above the bottom of the brine tank can communicate between the brine tank and the well (12). Selected ones of the apertures can be plugged to select the quantity of water which can be removed and refilled in the brine tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2001
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 6293298
    Abstract: A water softener valve for controlling water flow to and from a water softener is disclosed that includes a cylindrical shaft extending from said inner surface of a piston chamber that fits into a pressure relief port when the piston is in the service position. The shaft clears the pressure relief port of any debris and closes the pressure relief port during the service cycle. The water softener valve also has a flow meter with at least two helically expanding vanes. A magnet on of the vanes trips a sensor as the turbine rotates, thereby providing means for calculating the flow of water through the valve. The valve also has a flow control button located at an inlet of the valve rather than at the drain, preventing the obstruction of the water flow by regeneration sediment of the tank at the drain. The valve also contains an internal piston port for permitting the free flow of water through the valve during a change in softener cycles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: iNetWater LLC
    Inventors: Earl Brane, Boyd Cornell
  • Patent number: 6290845
    Abstract: A two-chambered water softener tank with a bi-directional valve for controlling the flow of water between the chamber for use with a water softener is disclosed. The tank includes an outer shell, an upper chamber located within the outer shell containing a redox medium, a lower chamber located within the outer shell and beneath the upper chamber that contains an ion exchange resin, a first port allowing water to flow into the upper chamber, a second port allowing water to flow into the lower chamber, and a third port for allowing water to flow between the upper chamber and lower chamber. The water softener tank also includes a bi-directional valve engageable with the third port for regulating flow of water through the third port from the upper chamber to the lower chamber during service of the water softener and from the lower chamber to the upper chamber during regeneration of the water softener. The bi-directional valve remains open as water flows from the upper chamber to the lower chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: iNetWater LLC
    Inventors: Earl Brane, Boyd Cornell
  • Patent number: 6238567
    Abstract: Described is a method for making brine to be used for regenerating water softening appliances. The brine is made in a reservoir having a float mechanism therein coupled to a seal that prevents the brine from dropping below a predetermined level in the reservoir. This creates a stock buffer of brine that always remain in the reservoir so that after adding a sufficient volume of water to regenerate a softening applicant, an effective concentration of brine is immediately available above the predetermined level for carrying out the regeneration. This allows for minimal wait time between subsequent regenerations of one or a plurality of water softening appliances. Preferably, an over-flow warning device cooperating with the reservoir water intake is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Padema, Naamloze Vennootschap
    Inventor: Guido Ivo Cesar Maria Van de Moortele
  • Patent number: 6214214
    Abstract: A water treatment system including a pair of water treatment tanks, each tank defining a flow path extending from a tank inlet to a tank outlet and containing a water treatment material disposed along the flow path for treating water as it travels from the inlet to the outlet. A system controller controls which of the tanks is on-line and which of the tanks is off-line and controls the regeneration of an exhausted tank. The system controller is operative to provide a final rinse in the service direction. This is accomplished by a purge valve which communicates the outlet of a tank being regenerated to a drain under predetermined operating conditions. The operation of the purge valve is responsive to fluid signals applied to an inlet valve and an outlet valve associated with the tank being regenerated. More specifically, the fluid signals that close the outlet valve and open the inlet valve, are utilized to cause the opening of the purge valve in order to communicate the tank outlet with the drain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Hansen, Stuart Park, Peter Halemba
  • Patent number: 6206042
    Abstract: A modular modular control apparatus for a water treatment system which periodically undergoes a regeneration cycle including a backwash phase and a replenishment phase. The modular control apparatus has a modular design which includes interchangeable timer modules, a drive motor module, a drive mechanism, a valve cartridge unit, a brine valve module and interchangeable brine valve levers. The timer modules are rugged and relatively inexpensive but are not adjustable. Thus, to adjust the predetermined interval between regeneration cycles, a different timer module is installed. The drive mechanism includes two camming elements which in cooperation with an interchangeable lever and brine line sealing module draw a brine solution from the brine tank to replenish the treatment media and refill the brine tank with water to form a new brine solution. The use of interchangeable brine valve levers allows the quantity of brine solution used to replenish the treatment media to be easily adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: Chemical Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Channell, Rudy B. Wilfong, Robert W. Wilfong, Danny J. Painter
  • Patent number: 6193882
    Abstract: A water softening system includes a resin tank which has an open drain during a regeneration cycle, and a pressurized brining system communicating with the resin tank. The brining system includes a closed brine reservoir with an outlet communicating with the resin tank and an inlet adapted to be coupled to a pressurized source of water, a salt reservoir at atmospheric pressure, and a semi-permeable membrane in communication with and forming a partition between the reservoirs and allowing free movement of salt ions therethrough while substantially inhibiting flow of water therethrough to form brine in the brine reservoir, which brine is then urged through the brine outlet and into the resin tank by the water pressure in the brine reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: RSWC Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Grayson
  • Patent number: 6090285
    Abstract: A tank top pretreatment unit and assembly comprises a treatment unit installed inside a water treatment tank, such as a water softener tank, and in the top of the tank for treating the water either prior to its treatment with the primary treating medium in the tank or following such treatment. The treatment unit includes a plurality of chambers which are configured to contain a finely divided water treatment medium of a different kind than the primary treatment medium. Some of the elements may be arranged in series, but many or all are arranged in parallel flow which reduces the pressure drop of the water across the treatment unit, and the inlet openings to the chambers and outlet openings from the chambers are elevationally spaced from each other and the area of the outlet openings is less than the area of the inlet openings to maximize contact and dwell time in the chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Inventor: Yiu Chau Chau
  • Patent number: 6003690
    Abstract: A device suitable for hindering the removal of currency notes stored in a cash drawer comprising an arm pivotably mountable to the cash drawer and a covering plate having an area for substantially covering a currency note, the covering plate being attached to the arm, so that when the arm is pivotably mounted to the drawer the covering plate may be located in a position where it substantially covers one or more currency notes stored in the drawer. The plate and the arm are pivotably connected and an abutment can be provided between the plate and the arm to limit pivotable movement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Inventors: Leslie Edwin Allen, Patrick William Cormack
  • Patent number: 5910244
    Abstract: A control valve for a fluid treatment system, such as a water softener or a water filter, includes a manifold which mounts a pair of open-ended, cylindrical valve bodies having ports in fluid communication with passages in the manifold. Interchangeable single and double poppet valve assemblies are received into the open ends of the valve body. The poppet valve assemblies have diaphragm valve actuators disposed between chambers that are in fluid communication with selective ones of an array of pilot valves that are also mounted on the manifold. The valve assemblies may be piloted to one position by a spring. A tank adapter connects the manifold to a treatment tank. The tank adapter can be connected to the manifold in two alternate alignments which connect passages in the manifold to the top and bottom of the treatment tank so that co-current or countercurrent flow of regenerative fluid and the fluid to be treated can be alternately selected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: Autotrol Corporation
    Inventors: Theodore C. Stamos, Stephen L. Galbraith, Thomas P. Honzelka
  • Patent number: 5908549
    Abstract: A filtration and regeneration system for in-line filtration of dirt and impurities from a brine/solution having contaminant flushing capabilities and a direct non-saturated feed of liquid resin cleaners to resins or filter media. An alternate embodiment includes the filtration and regeneration system in combination with other components, including a control panel and controlled valving, to provide a brine reclamation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald W. Wigen
  • Patent number: 5879559
    Abstract: A control unit for operating a valve system in a water conditioner system includes a drive motor having an output shaft coupled to the valve system, a valve position slide switch, an electronic regeneration controller, and a settable mechanical clock. The electronic controller can be programmed by the use of electrical jumpers/dip switches/control knobs. As the drive motor drives the output shaft coupled to the valve system, the drive motor also contemporaneously rotates a dual lead screw in the valve position slide switch. The dual lead screw drives an electrical contactor along a series of electrical contacts in a closed loop fashion. Each of the discrete electrical contacts corresponds to a position of the valve. The electronic controller controls the position of the valve in accordance with dwell times programmed into the electronic controller. If a demand regeneration scheme is desirable, a hardness setting rotary potentiometer can be used to provide analog electrical control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1999
    Assignee: Erie Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Michael R. Schreiner, Sheldon P. Carr, Nick W. Buettner
  • Patent number: 5858216
    Abstract: A filtration and regeneration system for in line filtration of dirt and impurities from a brine/solution having contaminant flushing capabilities and a direct non-saturated feed of liquid resin cleaners to resins or filter media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 12, 1999
    Inventor: Gerald W. Wigen
  • Patent number: 5788933
    Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignees: Donald B. Peddicord, Steve M. Peddicord
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 5751598
    Abstract: A water softening apparatus is provided including a water tank, a brine tank, chlorination electrodes for providing chlorination to water flowing in the water tank and a circuit for providing electrical energy to the chlorination electrodes. A microprocessor controls the circuit, with the microprocessor being software controlled to determine when regeneration should commence, when backwash should terminate, when brine/slow rinse should commence, when the chlorination electrodes should be energized, when the chlorination electrode energization should terminate, when brine/slow rinse should terminate, when fast rinse should commence, and when fast rinse should terminate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 12, 1998
    Assignee: Culligan International Company
    Inventors: John E. Zabinski, Roger Rehfeldt
  • Patent number: 5736052
    Abstract: An apparatus for continuously separating ion exchange resin particles with upwardly flowing carrier fluid. The apparatus includes a first vertically oriented separation vessel and a first collection vessel for receiving the first fraction of resin particles from the upper zone of the first separation vessel. A first rejuvenation tank is connected to the first collection vessel for receiving the first fraction of resin particles from the first collection vessel. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus further includes a second vertically oriented separation vessel and a second collection vessel for receiving the first sub-fraction of the second fraction of resin particles from the upper zone of the second separation vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1998
    Assignee: Framatome Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: John R. Concklin
  • Patent number: 5685975
    Abstract: A water softening device includes a cylindrical housing with an inlet formed at one end for admitting water to be treated. A filtering material is located in an upstream zone adjacent the inlet. A plate is positioned in relative spaced relation to an opposite end of the housing. A downstream zone, free of filtering material, is located between the plate and the opposite end. Openings are formed in the plate to allow passage of softened water to flow between the upstream and downstream zones. A conduit is axially located in the housing and has a first open end communicating with the downstream zone. A second end of the conduit forms an outlet of the device. A check valve is located at the first end of the conduit for allowing unidirectional flow of water undergoing softening from the downstream zone to the conduit, the check valve restricting flow between the zones during brine regeneration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 11, 1997
    Assignee: BWT France
    Inventors: Dominique Joubert, Michel Pecolatto, Martial Sabatier, Veronique Tharreau, Jean Michel Arribard
  • Patent number: 5651880
    Abstract: A salt dispenser for placement within a water softener brine tank has a cylindrical, rectangular or square plastic sleeve with multiple holes which allow the passage of water while retaining salt pellets. The salt dispenser is particularly advantageous for brine tanks which do not support the salt pellets or crystals above the bottom of the tank. The salt dispenser allows water to access the salt within the brine tank from all sides which leads to an even reduction in the height of the salt bed within the salt dispenser. Many water softener systems are supplied with brine tanks in which the salt rests directly on the bottom of the brine tank. Water is supplied to the brine tank by a float valve which also functions to allow brine to be withdrawn from the tank. After brine is withdrawn the float valve permits water to be added until a predetermined water level is reached. The introduction of water into the brine tank causes some of the salt pellet crystals to dissolve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 29, 1997
    Inventor: Stanley O. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5650064
    Abstract: An automatic device for the regeneration of a bed of ion-exchanging resins s constituted by a valve body internally provided with two communicating seats, in whose inside pistons which are caused to move by a couple of cams keyed on a motor-shaft slide. The valve body is provided with openings, alternately intercepted by the pistons, to realize different flows of the fluid. In running conditions, water passes through a tank containing a bed of ion-exchanging resins, whose regeneration takes place in counter-current with solutions of sodium salts. This operating stage and the following one of resin washing are carried out according to an automatic sequence by way of cams, which act on the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: S.I.A.T.A. Societa' Italiana Apparecchiature Trattamento Acque S.p.A.
    Inventor: Luigi Ferrali
  • Patent number: 5643541
    Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 1, 1997
    Inventors: Steven M. Peddicord, Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 5628899
    Abstract: A control mechanism for a liquid treatment system including a first tank having an inlet and an outlet and a second tank having an inlet and an outlet. The control mechanism includes an inlet passage for receiving liquid to be treated and an outlet passage for dispensing treated liquid. A first valve is provided having a first chamber in fluid communication with the inlet passage and a second chamber in fluid communication with the outlet passage. The first valve is rotatable between a first position and a second position. A second valve is provided in fluid communication with the second chamber of the first valve. The second valve is adapted to selectively open and close a fluid path between the second chamber of the first valve and the first tank and to selectively open and close a fluid path between the second chamber of the first valve and the second tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 13, 1997
    Assignee: Fleck Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Don Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5590687
    Abstract: A control mechanism is provided for operating a control valve in a water conditioning system. The control mechanism includes a timing mechanism for regulating the regeneration cycle and service cycle of the water conditioning system and a control valve positioning mechanism for operating the control valve of the water conditioning system. The control valve positioning mechanism and the timing mechanism are driven by a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a timing drive gear which is in driving engagement with the timing mechanism and a control valve drive gear which is in driving engagement with the control valve positioning mechanism. A clutch selectively couples the control valve drive gear to the timing drive gear to provide selective conjoint rotation of the control valve drive gear with the timing drive gear. The clutch includes a coupling member having a first end wrapped around a stem of the timing drive gear and a second end wrapped around the stem of the control valve drive gear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1997
    Assignee: Fleck Controls, Inc.
    Inventor: Don D. Vaughan
  • Patent number: 5490932
    Abstract: A control valve for a water treatment system which includes a turbine rotatably mounted within a water receiving chamber. A pair of nozzles communicate water from a water receiving chamber to the turbine in a driving relationship. The nozzles each define a passage, preferably converging slightly in cross-section and defining centerlines that converge and intersect at a region swept by the turbine. Preferably, the intersection of the centerlines occurs intermediate a circle defined by central regions of the turbine blades and a circle defined by peripheral edges of the turbine blades. At least one of the nozzles is slidably held in a slot formed in a dividing wall forming part of the control valve and is replaceable by a plug. A confronting surface defines a uniform gap between an outlet side of the nozzles and a peripheral portion of the turbine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1996
    Assignee: Kinetico Incorporated
    Inventors: Christopher L. Hansen, Stuart L. Park
  • Patent number: 5480555
    Abstract: A control system for a water softener, control device therefor and methods of making the same are provided, the system comprising a microcontroller operatively interconnected to an output of a comparator to effect a subsequent operation of a recycling unit for the water softener when the output signal is at a certain condition thereof, the system causing the output signal to have a phase shift relative to the phase of an A.C. power supply of the system when a sensing electrode unit in the ion exchange bed of the water softener is at a certain resistance value relative to the resistance value of a reference electrode unit that is also disposed in the ion exchange bed, the phase shift comprising the certain condition of the output signal, the microcontroller determining the certain condition by comparing the phase of the output signal to the certain phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1996
    Assignee: Robertshaw Controls Company
    Inventor: Gregory J. Momber
  • Patent number: 5464532
    Abstract: A water softening system using resin beads of two or more ranges of mesh sizes with the quantities of each range of resin sizes being in a predetermined proportion to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Duane Nowlin, Bruce Gillett
  • Patent number: 5460724
    Abstract: In a regenerating ion exchanger installation with a resin container, the water, acid and/or alkaline solution pipe conduits inlets lead into a common pump inlet conduit, whereby each inlet can be individually decoupled from the inlet conduit of the pump by means of a specially controllable cut-off valve. The pump is a compressed air-diaphragm pump and feeds directly into a fluid conduit ending at either the upper or the lower side of the resin container and exhibits a counting device for stroke counting, whereby a control device is provided connected to the counting device for the control of the volume flow of water out of the water inlet and acid or alkaline solution out of the acid or alkaline solution inlet via the controllable cut-off valves based on the corresponding stroke count of the compressed air-diaphragm pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Guetling GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Ulrich Schwering, Roland Schaich