Including Means Restricting Solvent Contact To One End Of Body Of Solute Patents (Class 422/264)
  • Patent number: 6807980
    Abstract: A hydraulic giant, with an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe in its body, which are connected through an axle hole; at the terminal of inlet pipe, there is a blocking cove, which leans upward with a water-distribution hole on the bottom side for downward water distribution from the inlet pipe. There is a guiding hole beneath the intersection of outlet pipe and inlet pipe, on top of which is a regulating valve for flow control. A globe valve switch for controlling water input being installed in the head end portion of the inlet pipe, where will be followed by the connection of a water hose or a further appliance. A tubular cleaning solution container, which is removed freely and is set below the water-distribution hole and guiding hole on the body of hydraulic giant for containing cleaning solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Inventor: Yu Chung Liao
  • Publication number: 20040154984
    Abstract: According to the present invention a new device is provided for preparing biocide solutions of constant concentrations. More specifically, solid biocide is dissolved, in a controlled and monitored way, to provide solutions, all having the same and constant dose of biocide per volume. The new device overcomes the main disadvantage of the existing solid-biocide feeders, namely the decrease in the biocide concentration with time due to the gradual depletion of solid biocide in the feed container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2004
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Inventors: Eitan Dafny, Ronen Shechter, Rami Pedahzur, David Feldman
  • Patent number: 6773668
    Abstract: A solid detergent dispenser for use with a dishwashing machine includes a chamber and a lid. The chamber is configured and arranged to receive a solid detergent having a particular composition. A water inlet receives water from a water source, and the water flows through a tunnel into the bottom of the chamber. The chamber is flooded with water from the bottom to ensure relatively constant erosion of the solid detergent, which ensures that a relatively constant concentration of the solid detergent is used in the dishwashing machine. A water outlet allows water to flow out of the chamber into the dishwashing machine. The water must flow into the chamber faster than it flows out of the chamber to ensure that the appropriate amount of dissolution of the solid detergent occurs. The only valve used in the preferred embodiment is a valve to control the amount of water flowing into the water inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab, Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence P. Everson, Lee M. Monsrud, Michael P. Kremer, Edward D. Sowle
  • Publication number: 20040101455
    Abstract: A device for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent is provided. The device includes a solid detergent reservoir for holding solid detergent, a stock solution reservoir for holding stock solution, and a hot water heater for controlling the temperature of water used to generate the stock solution from the solid detergent. A method for generating a liquid detergent concentrate from a solid detergent and a method for washing a vehicle are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2003
    Publication date: May 27, 2004
    Applicant: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Terry James Klos, Scott A. Johansen, Paul J. Mattia
  • 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: 6701953
    Abstract: A chemical mixing and metering apparatus is provided which can be easily incorporated into existing irrigation lines. The apparatus includes a venturi which is positioned along an irrigation supply line. The venturi is connected to a chemical supply container by a chemical conduit and by a bypass conduit. A valve is positioned in the bypass conduit to regulate the flow of irrigation fluid from the irrigation supply line into the chemical supply container. A check valve or vent is provided in the container to prevent formation of a vacuum. The chemical mixing and metering apparatus is operable in two modes of operation. Firstly, the apparatus may be operated as a vacuum system by closing the valve in the bypass conduit. Secondly, the system may be operated in a force feed/vacuum mode by opening the valve in the bypass conduit. Moreover, the apparatus may be used to inject solid and/or liquid chemicals into an irrigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Stay Green, Inc.
    Inventor: Vito Agosta
  • 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: 6651690
    Abstract: A system for releasing growth inhibiting chemicals downstream in an air conditioner drain assembly. The system also allows a user to vary the concentration and time for releasing the growth inhibitor chemical. A main elongated tubular member is perpendicularly connected with inlet and outlet tubular members that include rotably mounted female connectors that are removably connected with threaded male connectors. The latter in turn are connected to upstream and downstream drain pipe lines. The inherent structure of the system facilitates its operation and maintenance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Inventor: Gregory Coogle
  • Patent number: 6641787
    Abstract: The present invention is a chemical dispenser, preferably for dispensing chlorine or bromine to pools, spas, and hot tubs. The preferred embodiment is a buoyant vessel connected to a sea creature-shaped dispenser vessel by a line, where the sea creature-shaped dispenser vessel has a buoyant shell and a cargo chamber that has an insertion port and a permeable surface with a plurality of dissolution ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Inventors: George Siggins, Richard L. May
  • Patent number: 6582668
    Abstract: A buoyant dispensing device for dispensing a material into a body of water. An inner receptacle contains the material and has apertures to permit the material to escape therefrom. A housing having an outer receptacle houses the inner receptacle therein and has corresponding apertures. The inner and outer receptacles are rotatable and fixable with respect to one another to enable a varying degree of overlap between the apertures to control the amount of material dispensed therethrough. Vanes circumscribe the receptacles and corresponding spokes and guard rings interconnect the receptacles and the vanes and keep the receptacles spaced a predetermined distance from other objects. The vanes absorb an impulse force from the body of water and impart the impulse force to the receptacles in the form of a rotational reaction force whereby the dispensing device rotationally and linearly displaces itself within the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventor: Ivan L. Green
  • Publication number: 20030113245
    Abstract: A device and method for dispensing chemical agents into a body of water includes a plastic, Bucket-like container having the chemical agents disposed therein. The side walls of the container are perforated with a plurality of perforations. Wrapped around the outside walls of the container is a removable cover layer disposed over the perforations. Disposed within the container is a layer of closed cell foam to provide the container with sufficient buoyancy to float at the surface of a body of water. The device is especially useful in the neutralization of pH within a lake or pond.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2002
    Publication date: June 19, 2003
    Inventors: Jerry F. Robinson, Gerald Reid
  • Patent number: 6544414
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for stabilizing and preserving water soluble solid chemical used in erosion feeders for sanitizing water. Outside ambient air is forced through the chemical stored in a feeder chamber. Depending on the temperature of outside ambient air, the air may be heated before being introduced into the feeder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • 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
  • Patent number: 6471858
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for cantileverly mounting in an off-line condition in an axially component of a water system with the dispenser apparatus carrying a water treatment composition therein that can be released into a water system with one embodiment of the dispenser apparatus including a pair of replaceable containers for holding a water treatment composition with the containers serially located so that the water flowing into one container flows into the second container with the second container removable from the first container so that the second water treatment composition can be replenished without having to replenish the water treatment composition in the first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 6453935
    Abstract: A fluid injector made of pressure rated components that attach to a fluid flow line so that flow is transferred from the flow line, into the injection unit and back to the fluid flow line. The inlet flow is used to pressurize the storage tank and provide a solution to mix with injection solutions in the tank to provide an accurate preset or adjustable injection rate into the fluid flow line. Vent/proportioner ports provide back flow protection, prevent fluid from siphoning from the storage tank, provide an internal air release port and set injection ratios. A mixing control valve adjusts the injection ratios by mixing outgoing injection solutions with incoming fluid from the fluid flow line. Flexible bladders isolate one or more injection solutions within one storage container which are injected simultaneously at independent injection rates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: E-Z Flo Injection Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Dan Gilmore
  • Patent number: 6451271
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for dissolving chemical tablets for creating a variable rate of chemical dissolution in a stream of constant flow rate of untreated liquid, especially water. The apparatus includes a housing in which a container is placed. The container includes a sieve plate or perforated grid which separates the container into an upper chamber in which chemical tablets are stored and a lower mixing chamber. A collection reservoir is defined in an annular outside the container wall and inside of the housing. Several arrangements are illustrated by which a vortex of liquid is generated of controllable variable intensity in the lower or mixing chamber thereby creating uneven liquid pressure beneath the perforated grid as a function of radial distance. As a result, fluid passes aggressively through outer radial perforations or holes in the grid and which impinge on the chemical tablets stacked on the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6432371
    Abstract: A container apparatus comprising a hollow container body having a first end and a second end. The first end constitutes the top of the device while the second end constitutes the bottom of the device. A lid is removable from the second end. This removable lid will enable access to the interior of the container. This access will allow for items, such as chemicals, to be placed therein. Secured to the first end is a three dimensional ornamental. Punchable indentations are located along the encompassing side wall of the container body for allowing the container to act as a chlorinater when submerged in water and having the appropriate amount of holes punched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: Jack Oliver, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6416662
    Abstract: A liquid purification apparatus having a main body having means to allow liquid to enter the main body is disclosed. An exit means allows exit of liquid from the main body. A solid compound is located within the main body for dissolution by the liquid. Means cooperating with the solid compound expose a substantially consistent surface area of the compound to the liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Austech Limited
    Inventor: Ralph Michael Schmidt
  • Patent number: 6413416
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus includes a water treatment vessel providing a water treatment zone which, in use, will contain a volume of water to be treated. A water inlet leads into the vessel, with a water outlet leading from the vessel. A cartridge holder for holding a water treatment cartridge containing a water treatment substance for treating water in the vessel, and a controller for controlling the level of water in the vessel, are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: P.P.A. Water Industries
    Inventor: Leon Buchan
  • Patent number: 6403032
    Abstract: In assembly for dispensing agents into drains and the like, includes a retaining member having a perforate wall structure substantially surrounding and enclosing a quantity of a sanitizing agent therein. The retaining member is preferably flexible and tubular, and may be formed into a donut-shaped configuration. The retaining member may be provided of a mesh material. The mesh initially holds the sanitizing agent, provided as a powder or in granular form therein. Upon wetting of the sanitizing agent, it may assume a gel-like consistency and erode to dispense the sanitizing agent into the liquid passing through the retaining member. A mount may be employed to both hold the retaining member in a proper position and configuration, and to secure edges of the retaining member in a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: West Agro, Inc.
    Inventors: James Carman Abercrombie, Scott John Abercrombie, Curtis Walter Thomas
  • Patent number: 6397879
    Abstract: A fluid treatment device adapted to be disposed in-line with a fluid flow path, particularly suited for use as an in-line toilet cleaner. The device is suitable for use with fluid pressures of at least 500 pounds per square inch. The device includes inlet and outlet ports for connection to a fluid supply and a fluid exhaust. The device has a fluid treatment chamber for use with a replaceable fluid treatment cartridge inserted therein. The fluid treatment cartridge may be a chemical compound such as a detergent, or a mechanical or electrical treatment device. The device also includes a valve mechanism for controlling the portion of fluid that passes through the treatment chamber before exiting the device, and an adjusting knob for manipulating the valve position. The device has a pressure release valve. The device may include an indicator for indicating when the treatment cartridge must be replaced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Inventors: Russ Ring, Morrison Richard
  • Patent number: 6379630
    Abstract: A salt grid for supporting salt above a portion of a concentrated brine solution in a brine tank for use in a water softening system. The grid comprises first and second platforms disposed at first and second elevational levels with respect to the vertical wall of the brine tank. The fluid level in the brine tank can be adjusted to be higher than the lower platform of the salt grid but lower than the upper platform of the salt grid. In this manner, salt dissolves only above the lower platform part of the grid and consequently, the dirt included in the salt only passes through the lower platform of the grid. The brine well which transports brine solution from the brine tank to the resin tank is located away from the localized area in which the dirt collects at the bottom of the brine tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Chemical Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Rudy B. Wilfong, Alan B. Channell
  • Patent number: 6372126
    Abstract: A chlorinator for aerobic waste treatment systems that is in functional attachment with a waste stream and that includes a plurality of chlorine tablets therein. The chlorinator includes a cylinder portion that has a plurality of openings therethrough providing fluid communication between the waste stream and the plurality of chlorine tablets so that the waste stream comes into contact with all surfaces of at least one of the chlorine tablets. The chlorinator includes a cylinder portion adapted to hold the chlorine tablets therein, the cylinder portion having a plurality of openings providing fluid communication between the waste stream and chlorine tablets and a cylinder floor. The cylinder floor includes a floor aperture. In one embodiment there is a support disk hinged and oriented over the floor aperture so as to cover the floor aperture and a device to sense the presence of chlorine tablets within the cylinder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Inventor: Gary R. Reeves
  • Patent number: 6361749
    Abstract: Separation apparatus and method for separating magnetic and/or magnetically-labeled particles from a test medium in a reaction chamber which incorporates baffles, a spinner, a stirrer, or a plunger operable to be displaced along a collection surface to define a narrow flow path through which the particle-laden test medium must flow. The collection surface is a thin-walled non-magnetic material having a plurality of magnetic pole faces positioned therearound. Test medium within a reaction chamber is caused to flow past a collecting surface, and a high-gradient magnetic field is applied to the surface to capture magnetically responsive particles in the test medium. The particles are deflected toward the collection surface in the flow path for the test medium. The narrow flow path assures that substantially all of the particles pass within the high-gradient magnetic field along the collection surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Immunivest Corporation
    Inventors: Leon M. M. Terstappen, Gerald V. Doyle, Paul A. Liberti, Gerald J. Dolan
  • Publication number: 20020030004
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for dissolving chemical tablets for creating a variable rate of chemical dissolution in a stream of constant flow rate of untreated liquid, especially water. The apparatus includes a housing in which a container is placed. The container includes a sieve plate or perforated grid which separates the container into an upper chamber in which chemical tablets are stored and a lower mixing chamber. A collection reservoir is defined in an annular outside the container wall and inside of the housing. Several arrangements are illustrated by which a vortex of liquid is generated of controllable variable intensity in the lower or mixing chamber thereby creating uneven liquid pressure beneath the perforated grid as a function of radial distance. As a result, fluid passes aggressively through outer radial perforations or holes in the grid and which impinge on the chemical tablets stacked on the grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2001
    Publication date: March 14, 2002
    Applicant: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6337024
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for dissolving chemical tablets for creating a variable rate of chemical dissolution in a stream of constant flow rate of untreated liquid, especially water. The apparatus includes a housing in which a container is placed. The container includes a sieve plate or perforated grid which separates the container into an upper chamber in which chemical tablets are stored and a lower mixing chamber. A collection reservoir is defined in an annular outside the container wall and inside of the housing. Several arrangements are illustrated by which a vortex of liquid is generated of controllable variable intensity in the lower or mixing chamber thereby creating uneven liquid pressure beneath the perforated grid as a function of radial distance. As a result, fluid passes aggressively through outer radial perforations or holes in the grid and which impinge on the chemical tablets stacked on the grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2002
    Assignee: Hammonds Technical Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Carl L. Hammonds
  • Patent number: 6325926
    Abstract: A dispense device includes a dispense head and threaded canister. A chemical container assembly disposed within the canister includes a support tube which telescopically receives a chemical container. The chemical container includes inlet and outlet holes to allow a flow through the container to come into contact and subsequently dissolve chemical treatment material disposed within the container. The support tube engages the dispense head to aid in defining the separation distance between the dispense head and the outlet hole of the chemical container. A chemical sleeve disposed about the support column treats fluid passing through said chemical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Austin C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6325925
    Abstract: A dispense device includes a dispense head and threaded canister. A chemical container assembly disposed within the canister includes a support column which telescopically receives a chemical container. The chemical container includes inlet and outlet holes to allow a flow through the container to come into contact and subsequently dissolve chemical treatment material disposed within the container. The support column engages the dispense head to aid in defining the separation distance between the dispense head and the outlet hole of the chemical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Inventor: Austin C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6298871
    Abstract: A chemical feeder that produces a solution of a chemical treating agent, e.g., calcium hypochlorite, is described. The chemical feeder comprises a housing (22) having a base (36), side wall (20) extending upwardly from the base, and a closed upper end (28), all of which define a cavity (2). An elongated substantially vertical hollow container (10) is centrally located within the cavity. The bottom of the side wall (12) of the container is adjacent to the base, and contains a plurality of perforations 14 in the lower portion of the side wall, which is spaced from the inside side wall of the housing. At least one hollow canister (40) having a plurality of perforations (47, 49) in its base and the lower portion of its side wall is interposed, e.g., slidably received, within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, inc.
    Inventors: Stanley R. Pickens, Richard H. Ferguson
  • Patent number: 6294086
    Abstract: A chlorinator for aerobic waste treatment systems. The chlorinator includes a cylinder portion that has a plurality of openings through which the waste water flows through to make contact with at least one chlorine table. The cylinder portion of the chlorinator also includes an inner surface that is non-reactive with the chlorine tablets and that enables the chlorine tablets to slide thereon. The waste stream comprises septic wastewater, which originates from toilet systems, and gray wastewater, which originates from somewhere other than toilet systems, such as sinks. The chlorinator selectively treats the septic wastewater by contacting it with the chlorine tablets but does not contact the gray wastewater with the chlorine tablets. In the preferred embodiment, a passageway provides fluid communication between the upstream side of the waste stream and the base portion of the chlorinator without directing any of the gray wastewater through the cylinder portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Inventor: Gary R. Reeves
  • Patent number: 6287466
    Abstract: A pool chlorinator connectable to a water inlet conduit of a swimming pool having a housing with a supply conduit and outlet conduit. The supply conduit terminates with a flexible connector which is adapted to press tightly against the wall surface of the swimming pool and suction cups are employed to mount the housing to the wall of the swimming pool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Ihassan F. Yassin
  • Patent number: 6287458
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for use in a cylindrical pipe connected to a water supply pipe wherein the apparatus uses a plurality of tablets for treating water flowing through the water supply pipe. The apparatus determines and indicates the level of the stack of tablets within the tablet cylinder. The apparatus determines the level of the stack of tablets by a status indicator rod that moves up and down according to the level of the stack of tablets. The level of the stack is indicated by a visual indicator wherein the status indicator rod moves along one or more markings. The level of the stack is also indicated by an audible and/or visual indicator such that as the status indicator rod reaches a predefined level, an electrical connection is made resulting in an alarm being triggered. The alarm may be either an audible alarm and/or a visual notification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Inventor: Jack A. C. Lawrence
  • Patent number: 6280617
    Abstract: A device for delivering chemical solutions into a liquid flow within a chemical dispensing unit, where said chemical solution is created by dissolving solid chemical contained within a chemical cartridge, the unit having a base member and housing connected into a fluid flow line such that liquid flows into the base member, into the housing and back out through the base member or through the top of the housing, the chemical dispenser device having an upper conduit member, an apertured midsection, a chemical containing lower cartridge and a coaxial tube extending through the cartridge, the cartridge having an intake aperture located on the upper portion of its side wall and a dispensing aperture on its top, such that a saturated chemical solution is formed in said cartridge and passes into the liquid flow through the dispensing aperture due to the pressure differential of the liquid flowing into the apertured midsection and out through either the upper conduit or through the coaxial conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: John B. Brandreth, III
  • Patent number: 6267886
    Abstract: A device for delivering chemical solutions into a liquid flow, where said chemical solution is created by dissolving solid chemical contained within a chemical cartridge, the device having a uni-directional flow housing connected into a fluid flow line, and further having a chemical dispenser having an upper conduit member, an apertured midsection and a chemical containing lower cartridge, the cartridge having an intake aperture located on the upper portion of its side wall and a dispensing aperture on its top, such that a saturated chemical solution is formed in said cartridge and passes into the liquid flow through the dispensing aperture due to the pressure differential of the liquid flowing into the apertured midsection and through the upper conduit out of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: John B. Brandreth, III
  • Patent number: 6241884
    Abstract: A dispense device includes a dispense head and threaded canister. A chemical container assembly disposed within the canister includes a support column which telescopically receives a chemical container. The chemical container includes inlet and outlet holes to allow a flow through the container to come into contact and subsequently dissolve chemical treatment material disposed within the container. The support column engages the dispense head to aid in defining the separation distance between the dispense head and the outlet hole of the chemical container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Inventor: Austin C. Hansen
  • Patent number: 6238554
    Abstract: This invention relates to a fuel filter for use with internal combustion engines. The fuel filter includes a fuel additive that can be released into fuel. The rate of release for the fuel can be controlled. In one form the fuel additive can be released a substantially constant rate to maintain a uniform level of fuel additive in the fuel. Use of the present invention provides a fuel filter having an extended life span that is longer than fuel filters typically used with combustion engines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: Harold R. Martin, Jr., David M. Stehouwer
  • 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: 6183631
    Abstract: An apparatus for associating a solution at an infinitely-variable level and/or flow rate with respect to an agent including an agent amount indicator that promotes agent-solution association adaptable for use in a chlorinator, or comparable component, of a fluid treatment plant. An embodiment configured according to the invention includes a chamber with an inlet and a vertically-inferior outlet. The level and flow of fluid in the chamber is regulated by a weir mounted on the outlet. Fluid in the chamber passes through an agent the retainer maintained in the chamber and washes over the agent, dissolving and depleting the agent. A magnetic follower on top of the agent urges the agent toward the bottom of the retainer. As the agent becomes depleted, the follower approaches the bottom of the retainer until it attains a predetermined distance from a sensor which activates a low-agent-supply alarm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Cormier General Contractor, Inc.
    Inventors: Murphy Cormier, Ronald J. Suchecki, Jr., Donald L. Brown
  • Patent number: 6183630
    Abstract: A chlorinator for aerobic waste treatment systems that is in functional attachment with a waste stream and that includes a plurality of chlorine tablets therein. The chlorinator includes a cylinder portion that has a plurality of openings therethrough providing fluid communication between the waste stream and the plurality of chlorine tablets so that the waste stream comes into contact with all surfaces of at least one of the chlorine tablets. The cylinder portion of the chlorinator also includes an inner surface which has a coating that is non-reactive with the chlorine tablets and that enables the chlorine tablets to slide thereon. The waste stream comprises septic wastewater, which originates from toilet systems, and grey wastewater, which originates from somewhere other than toilet systems. The chlorinator also includes a device for selectively treating the septic wastewater with the chlorine tablets and not treating the grey wastewater with the chlorine tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gary R. Reeves
  • Patent number: 6178987
    Abstract: An apparatus, method, and composition provide a long-term, solid cartridge made of cleaning agents mixed at an azeotrope with a solubility limiting agent for controlling an equilibrium concentration of the composition in a solvent, such as water, for example. In use, the cleaning agents are dissolved only to a predetermined concentration needed for a single dose of a cleaning appliance, such as a clothes washing machine, for example. The apparatus may be configured to cyclically expose the solid cartridge to the solvent. A dosing amount of the solvent dissolves a pre-determined concentration of cleaning agents, controlled by the solubility limiting agent. The apparatus discharges the dose of cleaning agent to a cleaning appliance, and readies itself again by dissolving a dose of cleaning agent from a surface of the solid cartridge into the solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: Eco-Safe, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Eddie Lee Caruthers, Jr., Eric D. Briggs, James A. Corenflos
  • Patent number: 6176253
    Abstract: A device for introducing substances into water, comprising a housing forming a first chamber communicatable with a water supply, a second chamber communicable with a consumer, and a partition separating the first chamber from the second chamber and having an opening, a connecting a unit including a first communication which communicate the first chamber with a source of substance so that water supplied from the source of water through the first chamber flows into the source of substance, and a second communication which communicate the source of substance with the second chamber so that a mixture of water and substance is supplied from the source of substance into the second chamber, and a controlling element installed in the opening of the partition between the chambers and controlling a flow of water from the first chamber into the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventors: Sam Zhadanov, Eli Zhadanov
  • Patent number: 6173732
    Abstract: A chemical feeding system for adding either liquid or 100% water soluble solid chemicals including fertilizer, insecticide and a herbicide to a lawn sprinkler system either above or below ground level. The system has one or two vertically oriented mixing chambers containing a removable sponge filter. An effluent tube is attached to the bottom of the mixing chamber for recycling through an adjustable flow meter valve. A drain tube with a shutoff valve and a one-way check valve leads to the main sprinkler system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2001
    Inventors: Richard N. Davis, Dorthy A. Davis
  • 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: 6138703
    Abstract: Describes a chemical feeder for supplying chemical treating agents, e.g., calcium hypochlorite, to a liquid stream, e.g., an aqueous stream. The chemical feeder includes (a) a housing 11 having a chamber 12 therein for receiving solid chemical material, and a single principal opening 33 in the base 87 of the housing, (b) a valve casing 42 positioned below housing 11 and having a single first opening 36, a single second opening 39, a valve chamber 90 that provides fluid communication between openings 36 and 39, and a valve body 57 that is moveable within valve chamber 90 for selectively regulating the flow of fluid between openings 36 and 39, and (c) a fluid conduit 69 positioned below valve casing 42 and having a fluid inlet 72, a fluid outlet 75 and a feeder opening 84. First opening 36 of valve casing 42 is in fluid communication with opening 33 in base 87 of housing 11, and feeder opening 84 of fluid conduit 69 is in fluid communication with second opening 39 of valve casing 42.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: PPG Industries, Ohio
    Inventors: Richard H. Ferguson, Stanley R. Pickens, Marilyn D. Higgins
  • Patent number: 6119707
    Abstract: A swimming pool cleaning device powered by pressurized water running into the pool from an outlet jet port connected to the pool pump. The device has two hose sections, the first being approximately one foot is screwed into the outlet jet port. Attached to an opposite end is a swivel connector which is connected to a second hose that is approximately as long as the pool itself. The second hose has floats positioned along the exterior and wear rings for protecting the hose from wear and tear effects from using the apparatus. Attached to the second hose is a cleaning head having angled through-hole exit ports, which when water is flowing through the hoses causes the head and second hose to rotate relative to the first hose. Second and third versions include using brush sleeves over hose or rings and the cleaning head. A cage having a chlorine table can be located in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Ginger Jordan
  • Patent number: 6066252
    Abstract: An alarm mechanism for use in chlorinators using chlorine tablets. The alarm mechanism signals when the chlorine tablets have dissolved to a pre-determined quantity and are in need of replenishment. The alarm mechanism has a low tablet register mechanism and an indicator. The low tablet register mechanism registers when the chlorine tablets dissolve to the pre-determined quantity, and preferably includes a counterweight mechanism calibrated and constructed so that it is activated when the chlorine tablets dissolve to the pre-determined quantity. The indicator indicates when the low tablet register mechanism registers that the chlorine tablets have dissolved to the pre-determined quantity. Preferably, the indicator includes a sensor and an alarm. The sensor senses when the register mechanism registers the dissolution of the chlorine tablets to the pre-determined quantity. The alarm, such as a horn or a light, signals the activation of the sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Inventor: Gary R. Reeves
  • Patent number: 6058946
    Abstract: A delivery device for delivering a dose of washing material, especially a detergent tablet, into the interior of a washing apparatus such as a machine dishwasher. In one preferred form, the device comprises:a chamber for containing the dose of washing material to be delivered, the chamber including at least one opening for allowing communication between the interior of the chamber and the outside of the device;closure means for selectively closing or opening the at least one opening in the chamber; andtemperature sensitive actuation means constructed and arranged for causing the closure means to move from their closed condition to their open position at a point or stage in the wash cycle of the apparatus at which a predetermined temperature within the interior of the apparatus is reached. The temperature sensitive actuation means preferably comprises a temperature sensitive actuation element, e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2000
    Inventors: Riccardo Paolo Federico Bellati, Robert John Monaghan, Martyn Noel Wallwork, Matthew David Cotterill, Alan Digby Tomlinson, Marco Franciscus Van Dijk
  • Patent number: 6007788
    Abstract: A container for dispensing detergent for an automatic washing apparatus includes a straight, inwardly tapered side wall which has an open top and a bottom portion. The bottom portion includes an integral screen which includes a water inlet. Detergent is placed in the container and snap-on covers are positioned over the top and bottom of the container. To dispense detergent from the container, the bottom cover is removed and the container placed in a dispensing unit which sprays water through the bottom. Dissolved detergent is collected and flows to the washing apparatus. The container is easy to manufacture, easy to fill, easy to ship and use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: DiverseyLever, Inc.
    Inventors: Tiziano Joseph Bellon, James Wesley Livingston, Patricia Anne Anderson, Donald Wright, Charles Alan Messamer, Clifford Francis Mc Namara
  • Patent number: 5975113
    Abstract: A dispenser for tableted chemical treatment material into an air conditioner condensate pan drain line comprises a container for the tablets and a removable cover sealed to the container by a gasket. The cover includes legs that extend into the container to prevent the tableted material from floating upward and blocking the inlet and outlet to the container. The container is secured in the drain line by conduits on either end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Michael L. Haining, John E. Singletary
  • Patent number: RE37369
    Abstract: A coolant filter for use in filtering a coolant solution which flows through the coolant filter includes a filter housing assembly which is made up of an outer housing which is crimped to a nutplate which defines an internally threaded flow outlet. A generally cylindrical filter element is positioned inside of the filter housing assembly and a first endplate is bonded to the end of the filter element which is adjacent to the nutplate. An endplate member is provided for attachment to the opposite end of the filter element and is configured in such a way so as to define an interior chamber where supplemental coolant additive pellets are stored. A closing plate is applied across the open end of the interior chamber so as to create an enclosed chamber for the supplemental coolant additive pellets. A slow release mechanism is provided for controlling the rate of release of the supplemental coolant additive from the enclosed chamber into the coolant solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2001
    Assignee: Fleetguard, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Douglas Hudgens, Charles L. Matheson