Including Monolithic Nonporous Body Of Solute Patents (Class 422/263)
  • Patent number: 11629080
    Abstract: A filterwell cartridge having ports for dispensing a dispersant directly into a filterwell of a hot tub, spa or the like with the filterwell cartridge peripherally and postionally supportable in a quick release mode through facial engagement of compound surfaces located on opposite sides of the filterwell cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2023
    Assignee: KING TECHNOLOGY INC.
    Inventors: David Guy, Jeffrey D Johnson, Paul Freeberg, Terry Goeman, Lyle Enderson, Darrin Swagel, Eric Barton
  • Patent number: 10655314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chlorine retention reservoir for a toilet. The chlorine retention reservoir comprises a housing having a base and a sidewall forming an interior volume with an open upper end. The open upper end includes a lip extending perpendicularly from the sidewall disposed around a perimeter thereof, wherein the lip receives a channel of a lid. The housing further includes an input port and an output port that receive a liquid therethrough. A plurality of baffles are disposed within the interior volume of the housing. A slot is disposed on an exterior surface of the housing, wherein the slot receives a fastener. The fastener removably secures the housing to an interior surface of a tank of a toilet. A chlorine tablet is placed within the housing where it is subjected to incoming water from a flush creating a chlorine solution that is discharged to a toilet bowl.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Inventor: James Richard Alsop, Sr.
  • Patent number: 10433681
    Abstract: A pump assembly for generating and dispensing of particles of a solid material with or without dispensing of a fluid. The pump assembly preferably includes a fluid pump which in a cycle of operation draws the fluid through a fluid inlet and dispenses the fluid out a fluid outlet. The pump assembly carries a block of the solid material coalesced together and a rasp member, which during the cycle of operation, moves relative the rasp in engagement with the block whereby the rasp member disengages particles of the solid material from the block which particles drop under gravity downwardly adjacent the fluid outlet, for example, onto a user's hand as in the case that the fluid is a hand cleaning fluid and the solid is a solid soap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: OP-Hygiene IP GmbH
    Inventors: Heiner Ophardt, Andrew Jones, Zhenchun Shi
  • Patent number: 10370181
    Abstract: A treatment apparatus for air conditioning and refrigeration system drains includes a body portion having an inlet, outlet, upwardly extending neck portion, and downwardly-depending reservoir extending below the inlet and outlet. The apparatus is installed with the inlet and outlet interposed in air conditioning drain line. A chemical insert cartridge is installed into the central cavity of the body. The cartridge includes a shell with a plurality of openings, and contains a quantity of biocide such as one or more biocide tablets, so that the tablets dissolve through the openings in the shell when exposed to the water in the drain line. As the drain water passes through the apparatus the biocide is released into the drain water, preventing algae growth and discouraging insects and pests from occupying the drain line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Clear Drain LLC
    Inventor: Lucas R. Plummer
  • Patent number: 10010836
    Abstract: A method for finely feeding granular solids into a liquid, in which method granular solids and a liquid are fed into a mixing space and mixed together, and a mixture of small solid particles and liquid is discharged from the mixing space. The granular solid matter in the mixing space is subjected to a liquid flow in such a manner the granular solids are brought to roll controllably in a controlled rolling space locating in the mixing space, whereby the grains of the granular solids abrase one another while rolling and tiny particles detaching in abrasion are carried away from the mixing space along with the liquid and large grain particles continue rolling in the controlled rolling space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: S. T. Ritvanen OY
    Inventor: Tapio Ritvanen
  • Patent number: 9003572
    Abstract: An improved hanger 19 for a lavatory treatment device 10 which comprises: a top plate portion 20 which from an approximate midpoint 21, depends a downwardly extending stalk 22, wherein the top plate portion 20 includes a left arm section 20A section and a right arm section 20B which extends outwardly from the midpoint 21 and in a forward direction with respect to the stalk 22, wherein the left arm section 20A and the right arm section 20B are preferably essentially symmetrical about the midpoint 21 and are angled forwardly with respect to the stalk 22, and at the ends of each of the left arm section 20A section and a right arm section 20B are each a downwardly extending to grip arm, 23A, 23B, which grip arms 23A, 23B are parallel and spaced part from one another, and also each is located forward of the stalk 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser LLC
    Inventors: Stella Louise Knorr, Sasha Miu, Adrian Charles Ian Scott-Murphy, Saravanabhavan Selvalingam
  • Patent number: 8955536
    Abstract: A faucet mountable water conditioning devices include a relatively simple configuration that allows for reduced cost, easy installation, and a pleasing aesthetic. In one or more implementations, a faucet mountable water conditioning device includes a universal faucet mounting mechanism. The universal faucet mounting mechanism allows the faucet mountable water conditioning device to connect and seal to a wide variety of faucet designs and sizes simply by pressing the mounting mechanism over the faucet. The faucet mountable water conditioning device can also include a base configured to hold a water conditioning source. In one or more implementations a connector can couple the base to the mounting mechanism; thereby, allowing the base to move between active and inactive positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Russell Bell, Patrick O'Loughlin, William Ouellette, Rachel Robinette, Evan Rumberger, William L. Smith
  • Patent number: 8920743
    Abstract: A faucet mountable water conditioning devices include a relatively simple configuration that allows for reduced cost, easy installation, and a pleasing aesthetic. In one or more implementations, a faucet mountable water conditioning device includes a universal faucet mounting mechanism. The universal faucet mounting mechanism allows the faucet mountable water conditioning device to connect and seal to a wide variety of faucet designs and sizes simply by pressing the mounting mechanism over the faucet. The faucet mountable water conditioning device can also include a base configured to hold a water conditioning source. In one or more implementations a connector can couple the base to the mounting mechanism; thereby, allowing the base to move between active and inactive positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Russell Bell, Patrick O'Loughlin, William Ouellette, Rachel Robinette, Evan Rumberger
  • Patent number: 8916106
    Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-dosing detergent delivery device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser N.V.
    Inventors: Renato Gaj, Marco Moro, Paolo Savini
  • Patent number: 8728406
    Abstract: Dispensers, principally of water-treatment chemicals, are detailed. The floating dispensers may be inherently unstable in use, rotating approximately ninety degrees (from a generally vertical position to a generally horizontal one) over the useful lifespan of the chemicals initially contained within. Movement of the dispensers to horizontal positions signals users to replace the depleted chemicals. The dispensers also may be stacked into smaller volumes for transit and storage and need not include a separate component for flow adjustment. Rotation of its components additionally may create a “dial-a-dosage” feature of the dispenser, effectively varying depletion rate of the chemicals contained therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventors: Hendrikus Johannes Van Der Meijden, Alexis Adrian Felipe Wadman, Robin Owen Ellis
  • Publication number: 20130340352
    Abstract: Methods for removing, or leaching, cobalt or other diamond-diamond bonding catalysts from polycrystalline diamond compacts (PDCs) or other structures formed from polycrystalline diamond include leaching under conditions that simulate use of PDCs in a hot hole drilling environment. A leaching agent may be formulated, when used under appropriate conditions, to remove or substantially remove cobalt or another catalyst from polycrystalline diamond without dissolving, degrading or otherwise attacking a substrate that supports or carries the polycrystalline diamond. The leaching agent may include one or more components that mimick the chemicals or conditions to which a PDC would be exposed in a hot hole drilling environment. Polycrystalline diamond structures from which cobalt or another diamond-diamond bonding catalyst has been removed or substantially removed are also disclosed, as are systems for leaching cobalt or other diamond-diamond bonding catalysts from polycrystalline diamond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Applicant: Eve Bit Sales, Inc.
    Inventor: Jonathan Eve
  • Patent number: 8480966
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method of producing regenerative water. The apparatus includes a main body, a basket, a regenerative substance block and an on/off valve. The main body has a water inlet port through which raw water is supplied into the main body, a water outlet port through which regenerative water is discharged out of the main body, and a drain port which drains an excess of raw water or regenerative water. The basket is provided in the main body. The regenerative substance block is contained in the basket and dissolved by the raw water. The on/off valve is provided on the water outlet port. The raw water dissolves the regenerative substance block for a predetermined duration. When the on/off valve is opened, the produced regenerative water is supplied through the water outlet port into a soft water tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Woongjin Coway Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sung Hun Yoon, Won Tae Kim
  • Patent number: 8480967
    Abstract: Soap dispensing systems are disclosed that employ concentrated forms of soap in order to permit the soap provider to decrease the costs associated with shipping soap to consumers. These dispensing systems are adapted to deliver both soap and rinse water, with the soap being delivered by dissolving or diluting a portion of the concentrated soap with water, and delivering the less concentrated soap to the user. In particular embodiments, the concentrated soap is provided in a disposable sanitary cartridge unit wherein all parts wetted with soap and carrying concentrated soap are disposable, to be replaced, when empty, with a new sanitary cartridge unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: GOJO Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Doug Zlatic, Dean DeCarlo, Courtney Cooper
  • Patent number: 8266729
    Abstract: The dispenser for a W.C. bowl comprises a support means (40) having a support (41, 42) for containing a first active substance in liquid or solid form and provided with at least one exit aperture (3) for said active substance; and hooking means (43) for supporting said support (41, 42) below the rim (21) of the W.C. bowl (20), in a position exposed to the action of the flushing water flow. According to the invention, at least one pocket (5) is provided, shaped to be associated with the outside of the support means (40), within said pocket (5) there being defined a chamber (6) comprising a perfuming substance or other active substance. Preferably, said perfuming substance is in the form of granules formed of absorbent plastic material. Alternatively, said perfuming substance is liquid and contained in an enclosure with an osmotic membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Re.Le.Vi—S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabio Pagani
  • Patent number: 8142731
    Abstract: A device for providing a relatively constant rate of dissolution of a solid article (2) within it has one or more opening (22) to allow the passage of water. There is a flow pathway between said one or more openings and the solid article, which flow pathway is obturated by a water-permeable packing (26), through which water must pass, in entering or leaving the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Reckitt Benckiser (UK) Limited
    Inventors: Fabio Costiniti, Paul John Duffield, Andrew Robert Edwards, Mark Laing, Joceline Langford, Kerry Anne Lawrence
  • Patent number: 8122522
    Abstract: The invention relates to metering dispensers for release of a product into a WC bowl of a toilet, comprising a fixing region which is constructed in order to fix the metering dispenser in the region of the toilet, in particular under a WC lid, and a storage container for accommodating the product. Such metering dispensers have the problem that the product can be metered only inaccurately and not very variably. This problem is solved according to the invention in that the storage container is constructed for accommodation of pre-portioned products and a delivery device which is constructed in order to deliver at least one pre-portioned product from the storage container into the WC bowl is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Symrise AG
    Inventor: Jan Looft
  • Patent number: 8038962
    Abstract: A device for the impregnation of a porous bone replacement material with an impregnation agent includes a container with a central axis and a cavity with a lid. The container has two sealable openings and elastic means. The elastic means are arranged in the cavity allowing a clamping force to be exerted on a bone replacement material inserted in the cavity. A single size container is sufficient for housing variously sized implants, where the implant placed in the cavity of the container is held, centered and protected against damage or breakage, for example, by shaking back and forth or during transportation of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Flavio Hoerger, Thierry Stoll
  • Patent number: 7993579
    Abstract: A method of dispensing a first solid product and a second solid product with a solid product dispenser includes placing the first solid product in a product housing of the dispenser and placing the second solid product in the product housing on top of the first solid product, the first and second solid products being different products. A portion of the first solid product is dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser until the first solid product has been partially depleted to a size small enough to allow the second solid product to also be dispensed, then a portion of the first solid product and a portion of the second solid product are dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser until the first solid product has been completely depleted, and then a portion of the second solid product is dispensed during each cycle of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Kristine J. Williams, Thomas P. Berg, Karen O. Rigley
  • Publication number: 20110048545
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology comprise a chamber adapted for placement therein of a tablet, when a spring-loaded plunger is in a resting position. In this manner, a tablet, such as one formed of a sheet of absorbent material (e.g., made from bamboo or rayon) and pressed into the tablet form, may be evenly doused with a liquid such as water or soapy water without spillage or substantial (more than a few drops) spillage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: EZ WYP, INC.
    Inventor: Elmar Polatov
  • Patent number: 7727465
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Spyros J. Papageorge
  • Publication number: 20100086445
    Abstract: A feeder is disclosed for dissolving a chemical and mixing it with a liquid. The feeder includes a hopper adapted to hold the chemical, a nozzle located in the hopper, and a supply of the liquid to the nozzle to dissolve the chemical on contact with the liquid from the nozzle to form a solution. A solution basin is disposed under the hopper and a drain is provided from the hopper into the solution basin. An outlet from the solution basin has an outlet valve which opens when a solution level in the solution basin rises.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Kenneth Mark Sims, Brian Bokowy, David Jack Thomas
  • Patent number: 7658844
    Abstract: A chemical feeder for dissolving chemical tablets includes a housing and a plurality of tapered pedestals positioned in the housing for supporting the chemical tablet as the tablet is dissolved by liquid flowing through the feeder. The housing also includes a cup configured to receive a cartridge for holding the tablet; the cup includes inlet and outlet ports for the liquid. The cartridge includes a plate at its lower end; the pedestals are formed on its interior surface. Each pedestal may have a pencil-point shape. When the chemical tablet is installed in the cartridge and the cartridge is installed in the cup, the tapered pedestals support the chemical tablet and thereby expose an underside of the tablet to the liquid. The tablet is immersed in the liquid according to the height of the pedestal; the dissolution rate of the tablet thus corresponds to the height of the pedestals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Arch Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Blanchette
  • Patent number: 7641791
    Abstract: A control system comprising a timer based controller and a valve wherein the timer-based controller has a fixed period and the timer based controller regularly cycles the valve between a first condition and a second condition with the first portion of the cycle directing a first flow of water through a dispensable material and the remaining portion of the cycle directing a lesser flow of water through the dispensable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2010
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090272698
    Abstract: A apparatus and method for killing microorganisms in a body of water that has been treated with ozone in the presence of bromide ions with the method comprising the steps of carrying out the ozonization of a body of water in the presence of bromide ions, adding a metal ion donor to the body of water, and adding a hypobromite ion scavenger to the body of water to interact with the metal ion donor to enhance a metal ion concentration in the body of water while suppressing the oxidization of the bromide by the Ozone to produce bromate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 14, 2009
    Publication date: November 5, 2009
    Inventors: John Hill, Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 7578932
    Abstract: A combination filter assembly housing (4) and treatment chamber (8) for use in recovering and sanitizing condensates from air conditioning systems and other sources with vapors released from dissolvable tablets (32), such as those used for treating swimming pool water or laundering purposes. Filter assembly housing (4) has a removable bottom cover, an internal p-trap and valve structure configured to reduce the likelihood of treatment vapors from treatment chamber (8) traveling back through filter assembly housing (4) and entering the associated condensate producing system. Applications can include, but are not limited to, use with systems that replenish water lost from swimming pools due to evaporation, to provide water for filling toilets, pressure washing, cleaning, and other gray water uses, and to provide potable water in areas where is in limited supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher Ralph Cantolino
  • Patent number: 7507331
    Abstract: A dispenser system that takes high pressure fluid such as a high pressure water source and reduces the volume flow of the high pressure water as it flows into a dispenser with the dispenser having a low pressure outlet, which offers negligible fluid resistance in comparison to the inlet fluid resistance to the dispenser, thereby ensuring that if a dispenser cap is accidentally removed from the dispenser while the unit is in operation the water will not spray out into and onto the user. The dispensing system includes a removable cartridge carrier with adjustable openings and a dispenser housing that one can maintain a uniform flow pattern under different flow rates to provide for a predicable control of a dispersion rate from a dispersant located in the system and a method of predictably changing the dispersion rate of a dispersant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2009
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffery Johnson, Marlin Frank
  • Patent number: 7445759
    Abstract: A system and method for extracting active elemental iodine from the contact of water with stored crystal iodine and for introducing the extracted elemental iodine into a water supply line and/or otherwise making the extracted elemental iodine available for an intended use. The system operates by allowing a portion of the water entering from a water supply line to be redirected to a first housing where it makes contact with stored crystal iodine causing to extract active elemental iodine. The iodinized water leaves the first housing and enters a second housing where it makes contact additional stored crystal iodine to help stabilize the elemental iodine concentration. The system can be designed to provide the elemental iodine in more than one potency concentration through the use of a metering valve and different travel routes for the elemental iodine out of the second housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Inventor: Spyros J. Papageorge
  • Patent number: 7300196
    Abstract: A chemical solution dispensing apparatus uses a dissolving tank to hold a solid chemical cake. The dissolving tank delivers the chemical solution into a holding tank by gravitational flow and then to a receiving system. A liquid level sensor in the holding tank senses the liquid level of the solution and calls for water delivery through a conduit into the dissolving tank. When the level reaches a low point a circuit opens a inlet flow valve to deliver water into the dissolving tank. When the level reaches a high point, the circuit closes a safety shutoff valve in the conduit line. A pressure regulator and control relay enable the conduit line to be properly pressurized by an inlet source of water through a shutoff valve that is normally open. When the level in the holding tank rises above the high point, an alarm signal is released to initiate an audible alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventor: John Fleig
  • Patent number: 7048898
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for preparing a fluid for a medical procedure by mixing of at least one medicament in the form of powder with water, the medicament is held in a vessel which defines a bottom, a side wall, and a top opening which is closed by an membrane for sealing the inside of the vessel. The apparatus includes an opener for opening the membrane of the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignees: Teijin Linited, Aksys Ltd.
    Inventors: Naohiko Moriyama, Tetsuya Yano, Ken Imai, Tsuneo Deguchi
  • Patent number: 6998057
    Abstract: A method for monitoring and adjusting the level of free chlorine in an aqueous fluid is described. In the described method, first aqueous fluid (50) substantially free of free chlorine is introduced into a suitable mixing vessel (26) wherein it contacts a solid chemical material that is a source of free chlorine and chloride ion. Second aqueous fluid (58) containing free chlorine and chloride ion is removed from the mixing vessel and forwarded to a holding tank (10). The chloride ion concentration of second aqueous fluid in the holding tank is measured by a chloride ion specific sensor in probe housing (22), which sensor is in electrical contact with microprocessor (30). Microprocessor (30), in response to the chloride ion measurement, sends an output signal to valve control means 44, which if necessary increases or decreases the flow of first aqueous fluid into mixing vessel (26). Second aqueous fluid in holding tank (10) is forwarded by pump means (20) to the point of application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Ferguson, Louis E. Colonna
  • Patent number: 6838007
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a chlorinator system useful for disinfecting water. This invention is especially useful for controlling the addition of a chlorine source to disinfect a drinking water supply which is situated at a remote location wherein electricity is unavailable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventors: A. Robert Marmo, David E. McConahy
  • Patent number: 6835218
    Abstract: A fuel additive composition comprising a sustained release component and an additive component, the additive component is effective to provide at least one benefit to a fuel when released into the fuel, the sustained release component is (1) a polymeric material, (2) substantially insoluble in the fuel, and (3) effective to reduce the rate of release of the additive component into the fuel relative to an identical composition without the sustained release component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignees: Dober Chemical Corp., FleetGuard, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Drozd, Harold R. Martin, Yu-Sen Chen
  • Patent number: 6749807
    Abstract: A single-use cartridge C contains a dose of a concentrated decontaminant for providing a decontaminant solution upon mixing with water. The cartridge is inserted into the well (16) of a decontamination system (A). Fresh water and then the decontaminant solution are recirculated through the well during a decontamination cycle. The cartridge includes a porous region (42), through which the decontaminant solution flows. Impregnated in the porous region is a chemical indicator (44), such as crystal violet, which gradually changes color on exposure to the decontaminant. The indicator provides a semi-quantitative indication of the integrated level of the decontaminant in the solution over time for determining whether an acceptable level of the decontaminant was present for decontamination. A preferred embodiment of the cartridge C includes nested inner and outer water-penetrable cups (50,150,70,170) for holding first and second reagents. The two cups are sealed together adjacent upper open ends (56,92,156,192).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2004
    Assignee: Steris Corporation
    Inventors: Brian E. Schindly, Christopher M. Fricker, George E. Grignol
  • Patent number: 6737028
    Abstract: A container for use with a solution dispenser, the solution dispenser generating a solution by impinging a solvent spray on a solid cast chemical product disposed within the container, the container being disposable in an inverted disposition in a solution dispenser bowl includes a container body suitable for containing a flowable chemical composition and supporting a casting of the chemical composition. The container body has a mouth for receiving the solvent spray therein; and has a container bottom being disposed generally opposed to the mouth; and further has an inclined side portion operably coupled to and extending between the container bottom portion and the container mouth, the cross sectional dimension of the side portion decreasing from the container bottom portion to the container mouth. A chemical dispenser includes at least one of the aforementioned containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Sunburst Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: William H. Scepanski, Timothy E. Laughlin
  • Patent number: 6656353
    Abstract: A dispensing device (10) for dispensing a measured amount of a chemical (60) into a fluid piping system including a cap member (24) having a fluid inlet port (33) and a fluid outlet port (34) between which is a tubular flow conduit (28). The cap member (24) also includes bypass and control members (44), which align with an inlet passageway (36) and an outlet passageway (42) in the cap member (24). Fluid flows into the cap member (24) through the inlet port (33). The tubular flow conduit (28) has the inlet passageway (36) therein to divert a portion of the fluid passing through the system into a canister (11) operatively connected to the cap (24). A container (16) is disposed within the canister (11) containing the chemical (60), which is partially dissolved by fluid introduced into the container (16) to create a use solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick H. Kilawee, Jamie W. Lerbs, John E. Thomas
  • Patent number: 6544487
    Abstract: Describes a chemical feeder that supplies treating agents, e.g., calcium hypochlorite, to a liquid stream, e.g., an aqueous stream. The chemical feeder is operated in a substantially flooded condition to provide a useful and safe pressure feeder, and optionally uses cyclonic flow to be relatively self-cleaning. One or more tablet canisters are utilized within the substantially flooded interior of the chemical feeder, and expose the lowermost tablets to the turbulent flow outside of the tablet canister. A substantially uniform chemical distribution rate over tablet life is provided by the chemical feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard H. Ferguson, Stanley R. Pickens, Paul T. Rice
  • Publication number: 20030012714
    Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus and method for storing and transporting peritoneal dialysate in dry or lyophilized form, and for forming a deliverable peritoneal dialysis solution therefrom. In one embodiment, a dry reagent bed, including reagents sufficient to produce a dialysis solution, is suspended in a diluent flow path through the apparatus housing. Continuous pressure on the reagent bed causes the bed to compact as it erodes when purified water is passed through the housing. The pressure ensures complete and even dissolution of the reagents. Through dry storage and simple dissolution, even in a home, the invention enables a wider variety of solution constituents, including reduced acid content and the use of bicarbonate as a stable buffer component. The latter is illustrated in a double-bed embodiment, where bicarbonate is stored separately from calcium or magnesium salts within a single housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Michael A. Taylor
  • Patent number: 6423280
    Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining an effective concentration of alkaline detergent in an aqueous medium in a warewashing machine, which apparatus comprises a batch-fill warewashing machine having an aqueous rinse system, an alkaline detergent dispenser and a sump sized for a predetermined volume of an aqueous solution of the alkaline detergent in the aqueous medium; a source of the aqueous medium fluidly connected to the rinse system; means for controlling the flow of the aqueous medium through the rinse system; diverting means for obtaining a predetermined portion of the aqueous flow from the rinse system and for directing the diverted portion through a metering cap and volume control to the alkaline detergent dispenser, thereby to dissolve the alkaline detergent; and means for directing the dissolved alkaline detergent to the sump; wherein the detergent is dispensed only in a rinse cycle and an effective concentration of alkaline detergent is maintained in the warewashing machine sump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Tarara, Glen W. Davidson, Steven E. Lentsch
  • Patent number: 6213353
    Abstract: This solid bowl feeder and equipment tray assembly includes a bowl having an outer wall providing a seating rim and an inner wall defining a bowl, and an equipment tray having an outer wall providing an upper end attachable to the underside of the bowl. The bowl includes optional spray assembly mounting locations and the tray is adapted to receive various arrangements of the control equipment. The tray also includes a PC board cooperating with an accessible switch for selecting the duration of the spray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Dema Engineering Company
    Inventors: Robert W. Haul, Jeffrey J. Smith
  • Patent number: 6143257
    Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 98a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2000
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John Ross Spriggs, Loleta T. Tolliver-Rogers, Daniel K. Boche, Ronald Bruce Howes, Douglas Sherwin Hoerning
  • Patent number: 5932093
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new and improved chlorine dispenser including a substantially cylindrical housing having a closed bottom and an open top in communication with an interior chamber. A pair of diametrically opposed apertures are disposed adjacent the bottom end for respectively receiving a water inlet and a water outlet pipe. A dial is rotatably mounted to the exterior surface of the housing immediately adjacent the bottom end. The dial is in communication with a valve means disposed within the water effluent line allowing the water flow through the interior chamber to be selectively adjusted. An elongated tubular shaft is received within the cylindrical housing and vertically depends from its bottom surface. On the exterior of the shaft is a switch means in communication with an output means which may be connected to an external or auxiliary alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1999
    Inventor: Joe Chulick
  • Patent number: 5928608
    Abstract: Swimming pool or drinking water is chlorinated by the use of an intermittent spray-type chlorinator assembly. The chlorinator assembly includes a chamber for holding a quantity of solid dry chlorinating chemical, typically in the form of briquettes or pellets.The water spray impacts, abrades, and dissolves the briquettes to a degree, and at a rate which is controlled by the velocity of the spray; the diameter of the support grid; the percentage of open space in, and the thickness of the support grid; and the cyclic timing of the spray. The chemical-water mixture falls into a chamber below the spray and is evacuated therefrom through discharge/check valve assembly to a return line that leads back to the source of the water being chlorinated. The spray duration times and the intervals therebetween can be selectively changed by an attendant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Arch Chemicals Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth John Levesque, Richard M. Mullins, Rocco Telese, David W. Blanchette
  • Patent number: 5873268
    Abstract: A dispenser 100 for dispensing a chemical product that is dissolved by diluent. The dispenser includes a package 170 having a diaphragm, or fingered collar 180 attached to its opening. The diaphragm 180 has a plurality of flexible members or flexible fingers 185. The dispenser may utilize an injection manifold 109 that is sized and configured to be positioned on a washing machine top proximate the gap between the washing machine's top and lid. Still further, the invention includes a low level chemical product indicator. The indicator includes a focused light source 98a and 99a. The focused light source is a high intensity light emitting diode having a viewing angle of less than 6.degree. and an intensity of above 10,000 mcd. The dispenser also includes an apparatus and method in which a dispensing time of a dispenser is dynamically varied in response to diluent temperature during operation of the dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 23, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John Ross Spriggs, Loleta T. Tolliver-Rogers, Daniel K. Boche, Ronald Bruce Howes, Douglas Sherwin Hoerning
  • Patent number: 5849253
    Abstract: A dispenser for powdered, granular, pellet, briquette or tablet-like material is provided. The dispenser includes a dispenser head through which the material dissolved in water can be dispensed. A spray device is provided at the head to spray water onto the material provided in the dispenser head. A suspension device is provided to suspend a bag containing the material above the dispenser head. The bag in its suspended orientation has a fastener along the bottom end which closes the bottom end of the bag. The fastener is not, however, releasable until after the bag is mounted in the dispenser. Then the fastener is releasable to allow the contents thereof to fall by gravity onto the dispenser head. The dispenser provides a system, which normally avoids contact of the toxic contents of the bag with the user. At the same time, the only waste is in the form of a bag which may be made of recyclable plastic, hence minimizing waste associated with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: Garry W. Crossdale, Peter J. Bacon, Michael Veveris
  • Patent number: 5827434
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated methods for reducing or deterring biological contamination is described. The apparatus features a housing defining a chamber and a reservoir for mixing a fluid with a barrier chemical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Inventor: Daniel Yando
  • Patent number: 5827486
    Abstract: A dispenser system is provided, comprising a dispenser head (3), a feeding jet for water (7) at the dispenser head, and a reservoir immediately above the dispenser head for material to be dispensed, wherein an external supply of water is fed to a tank (4) arranged at a predetermined head above the dispenser head (3), wherein a feeding line (9) connects the tank (4) to the feeding jet (7), and wherein variations of flow to the tank (4) are accommodated by means of an overflow line (10) from the tank to a flushing jet (10) at the dispenser head, such that the water at the feeding jet (7) is always at a known pressure. This dispenser system was found to be a flexible arrangement in which low water pressures and/or varying water pressures can be adequately accomodated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventor: Garry W. Crossdale
  • Patent number: 5810999
    Abstract: A water-purifying device has both a strainer and water purification materials, as well as an inlet and outlet. In the preferred embodiment, the water purification materials are contained within a separable purifier housing, and a deflector extending from a support plate into a strainer housing deflects incoming water to the purification materials. The device has particular application to claimed methods of purifying water for swimming pools, spas, cooling towers, fountains and the like. The purifier housing may be an attachment to existing pump inlet strainer basket housings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1998
    Assignee: Fountainhead Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven P. Bachand, Raymond P. Denkewicz, Jr., Mark A. Bollinger, Francis M. Lubrano
  • Patent number: 5707590
    Abstract: Disclosed is an indicator (15, 35) for determining the level of contents in an opaque, plastic container (10, 30, 40). The container (10, 30, 40) is filled with a solid chemical (11), such as a detergent. A spray of warm or hot water (19) impinges upon the eroding surface (16) of the solid chemical (11) to produce a chemical solution. The container (10, 30, 40) is provided with a thermo-chromatic strip (15, 35) or thermo-chromatic surface (41) for detecting the level of solid chemical (11) within the plastic capsule (10). A method of manufacturing the dispensing container (10, 30, 40) is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 13, 1998
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Jody A. Toetschinger, John E. McCall, Jr., Eric R. Balz
  • Patent number: 5660802
    Abstract: A water purifier for killing bacteria in water located in a confined area includes a water inlet, a water outlet, and a purification unit that kills the bacteria in the water. A first fluid path is located between the water inlet and the water outlet so that water flowing along the first fluid path flows from the water inlet to the water outlet without passing through the purification unit, and includes a constricted region that has a cross sectional area that is smaller than a cross sectional area of the water inlet. A second fluid path is located between the water inlet and the water outlet, and includes the purification unit, so that water flowing along the second fluid path flows through the purification unit as the water flows from the water inlet to the water outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 26, 1997
    Assignee: Fountainhead Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David D. Archer, Diane M. Brancazio, Susannah E. Gardner, Charles F. Heinig, Jr., Matthew D. Hern, Francis M. Lubrano, David A. Snow, David M. Sykes
  • Patent number: 5637230
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the treatment of potable water. A non-pressurized chlorinator has a first chamber which receives solid calcium hypochlorite tablets. A portion of the potable water flows into the first chamber to produce a chlorine solution in a second chamber of the chlorinator. An eductor is connected in a potable water flow line and draws the chlorine solution from the second chamber to chlorinate the water. A third chamber in fluid communication with the second chamber includes level sensors to control the flow of water into the chlorinator. The use of pumps for injection of chlorine into the potable water supply is eliminated thereby providing a highly reliable and cost effective system. The system is particularly advantageous in that it does not rely upon the use of chlorine gas nor is it necessary to transport or store highly unstable liquid chlorine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: City of Chandler
    Inventor: Arnold A. Billings