Including Parallel Perforated Members Perpendicular To, Or Parallel To, Major Axis Of Container Patents (Class 422/275)
  • Patent number: 8999259
    Abstract: A floating dispenser for floatingly delivering a dispersant or dispersants to a body of water with the floating dispenser floating in an upright condition when a dispersant is present in a dispenser cartridge of the floating dispenser with the dispenser self inverting 180 degrees in response to consumption of the dispersant in the dispenser cartridge to thereby provide a visual alert that one should replace the dispenser cartridge in the dispenser with a fresh dispenser cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: King Technology, Inc
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Donald Dalland, Lyle Enderson, Jeffrey D. Johnson, Paul Freeberg
  • Patent number: 8985135
    Abstract: A system for dosing a stream of fluid with at least one active substance is provided. The system includes a housing which defines a chamber having an inlet and an outlet to enable the flow of fluid through the chamber. The system also includes a block containing the active substance, the block including a body having an outer surface and a passage therethrough defining an inner surface. The block is positioned within the housing chamber in an operative position between the inlet and the outlet so that in use fluid flows over the inner and outer surfaces of the block to dissolve and/or erode the block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Quik Corp Fire Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Grant Sidney Mitchell
  • 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: 8900453
    Abstract: A plant oil extraction device that has a main body member with a hollow interior that receives a plant. A filter member is removably mounted on the main body and has a groove therein that receives glass frit. Thus, when a solvent is placed in the hollow interior with the plant the glass frit filters the plant particulate allowing plant oil and solvent to flow into a receiving vessel. Once the oil is collected the filter member may be removed from the main body such that the glass frit can be cleaned of all plant particulate and be reused.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Inventor: Samuel S. Miller
  • Patent number: 8753568
    Abstract: A microprocessor preprogrammable autonomous device with biofouling control and method for monitoring aquatic environment by disposing environmental sensors in a sensor chamber which programmably opens for allowing direct communication between the sensors and the fluid of interest for sampling and which is closed after the sampling sequence is completed to create an anti-fouling environment in the sensor chamber by dissolving a biocide salt in the chamber and exposing the sensors to the anti-fouling environment for a predetermined period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Inventors: Vincent M. Kelly, Louis Anthony Codispoti, Steven Edward Suttles
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8702863
    Abstract: A method for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals in a crystallizer is provided. First, a supersaturated BPA solution is introduced into a crystallizer that includes a cylindrical vessel and a concentrically-disposed draft tube that defines an annular space between the vessel and tube. Next, the BPA solution is circulated through the draft tube and annular space while a coolant is uniformly distributed in the circulating flow by radially injecting a volatile hydrocarbon compound at between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space of to form a BPA mixture. Phenol-BPA adduct crystals are produced in the vessel by evaporating the volatile hydrocarbon compound out of the BPA mixture. The method provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Badger Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Fetsko
  • Patent number: 8431084
    Abstract: A crystallizer for the evaporative production of phenol-BPA adduct crystals is provided that achieves more uniform crystal growth while suppressing undesired crystal nucleation. The crystallizer includes a cylindrical vessel; a draft tube concentrically disposed within the cylindrical vessel such that an annular space is defined between the vessel and tube; an impeller that circulates liquid in the vessel through the draft tube and the annular space, and a plurality of nozzles mounted around an inner wall of said cylindrical vessel that introduce an evaporative coolant into the vessel. Each of the nozzles includes a discharge end disposed between about 30% and 60% of a radial extent of the annular space, and is located below an upper end of the draft tube a distance of between about 50% to 150% of the diameter of the vessel. Such a nozzle arrangement provides a consistent and uniform concentration of coolant across the surface of the boiling zone that prevents or at least reduces unwanted crystal nucleation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Badger Licensing LLC
    Inventor: Stephen W. Fetsko
  • Publication number: 20130099155
    Abstract: A brine generation system includes a tank having an upper opening configured for receiving salt crystals to fill the tank. A divider separates a tank volume into an upper portion adapted for holding salt crystals a lower portion adapted for holding a brine solution. The divider is adapted to resist movement of salt crystals into the lower portion but is permeable to allow the brine solution to fall into the lower portion. A fluid conduit disposed within the upper portion includes at least one water jet for injecting water in a direction towards the salt crystals. The tank further includes an outlet positioned in the lower portion of the tank for withdrawing brine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: HENDERSON PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: HENDERSON PRODUCTS, INC.
  • Patent number: 8251080
    Abstract: A fluid treatment canister that may be used with, or independent of, a fluid treatment system, comprises a treatment housing, a first treatment housing end that is covered, and a second treatment housing end. A barrier support is coupled with the second treatment housing end, and includes a first and second barrier support portions, and is capable of receiving a barrier disposed between the first and second barrier support portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Automation and Control Services, Inc.
    Inventor: Roger F. Florkiewicz
  • Patent number: 8205863
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment can be a distributor for a liquid in a gas-liquid contacting vessel. The distributor can include: a first member forming a plurality of apertures permitting a liquid to pass there-through; a first compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a first aperture of the plurality of apertures; and a second compartment coupled to the first member forming a barrier proximate to a perimeter of a second aperture of the plurality of apertures. Generally, the first compartment forms a hole at a first height and the second compartment forms a hole at a second height different from the first height with respect to the first member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: UOP LLC
    Inventor: Daniel R. Monkelbaan
  • Patent number: 8092741
    Abstract: A water chlorinating device having a vessel (2) in turn having a bottom portion (6) for containing water; a grille (10) located over the bottom portion and for supporting a solid chemical chlorinating substance (11); a spray device (13) for directing at least one water jet on to the grille (10); and a mixing nozzle (29) located inside the bottom portion (6), at the bottom of the vessel (2), and for agitating the water in the bottom portion (6) by means of a water jet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: Marchi & Brevetti Interprise S.R.L.
    Inventor: Corrado Barani
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7927564
    Abstract: A histological specimen cassette for use in connection with a larger histological specimen cassette, wherein each histological specimen cassette has an internal chamber that includes a receptacle and a lid, the receptacle having a bottom wall, opposite side walls, opposite front and back walls, and an internal chamber or cavity, where the internal chamber or cavity is positioned between the sidewalls, the front and back walls and partially bound by the bottom wall, having a plurality of apertures that extend through the bottom wall and that create fluid passageways into the cavity, the lid having a plurality of apertures that extend through the lid and that create additional fluid passageways into the cavity, the histological specimen cassette being dimensioned such that the histological specimen cassette can fit entirely within the void of the larger histological specimen cassette when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Richmond, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. McCormick
  • Patent number: 7922984
    Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for delivery of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide and/or chlorine dioxide, and methods of its use and manufacture. The apparatus includes a sachet constructed in part with a hydrophobic material. The sachet contains one or more reactants that generate a gas in the presence of an initiating agent, e.g., water. The apparatus can also include a barrier layer and/or a rigid frame. In another embodiment, the apparatus is combined with a reservoir that can be used to deliver a gas to the reservoir and, optionally, a conduit. In another embodiment, the apparatus is incorporated into a fluid dispersion system that includes a dispersion apparatus, e.g., a humidifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Selective Micro Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Richard A. Hamilton, John J. Warner
  • Patent number: 7803335
    Abstract: A brine tank provides a supply of brine to a commercial water softening system that is located remotely from the brine tank. Fresh water is delivered into the brine tank through a central header pipe from which a plurality of perforated risers extends laterally to both sides of the central header pipe. The perforated risers are located beneath the inlet opening for the delivery of loose salt, yet spaced from the brine pump so that a uniform salt concentration will be attained in the brine before being pumped to the water softener. The inlet opening for the delivery of loose salt is provided with a double leaf hatch cover to provide a receiving opening that is larger than the inlet opening into the brine tank so that loose salt can be funneled into the brine tank without significant spillage on the ground.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Cope Company Salt
    Inventor: Benjamin W. Cope
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7484881
    Abstract: A static mixer for mixing components of liquid reactive multicomponent compounds includes a jacket (1) having a mixing section (4). The static mixer also includes an inlet (2), an outlet (3), at least one mixing element (5) arranged in the mixing section (4) and having its outer dimensions adapted to inner dimensions of the jacket (1), and at least one chamber (6) arranged between the inlet (2) and the outlet (3) for receiving additives (7) which are added to a mixture produced in the static mixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Hilti Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Wolfgang Schulz-Hanke, Petra Jakobstroeer
  • 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: 7419590
    Abstract: A liquid treatment method and system with the liquid treatment system having a container for holding a liquid treatment material therein with the liquid treatment device effectively positionable in various transitional regions in the liquid system to provide for an enhanced dispersant rate in response to increased activity in the body of water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: King Technology
    Inventors: Joseph A. King, Jeffrey D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 7419589
    Abstract: A water purification apparatus connected to a water system includes a hopper for holding chemical tablets on a perforated bed and an underlying basin. A spray head is detachably connected to the perforated bed and sprays water onto the tablets and parallel to the perforated bed. The basin receives the water through the perforated bed. Because the hopper allows for the use of different spray head designs, the rate at which water is introduced to the tablets, and thus the chemical output, may be modified by replacing one spray head for another having a different number of spray nozzles or having spray nozzles of a different size or shape. Consequently, the hopper of the present invention may be used for delivering the proper concentration of a variety of water treatment chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: Bio-Lab, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Eserkaln, Cuahutemoc H. Acevedo
  • Patent number: 7229599
    Abstract: A container for holding powdered reagents that interact with water to form an anti-microbial fluid for use in an apparatus for cleaning and microbially deactivating items. The container includes a fluid inlet connectable to a source of water on an apparatus for cleaning and microbially deactivating items and a fluid outlet in fluid communication with items to be microbially deactivated. A continuous fluid passage is defined through the container between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. A plurality of spaced-apart barrier elements are disposed within the fluid passage to define a plurality of isolated compartments within the container. The barrier elements are impervious to powdered reagents, but permeable to the chemical reagents when dissolved in a liquid. A first dry, powdered reagent is disposed within one of the compartments for forming an anti-microbial solution when water flows through the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2007
    Assignee: Steris Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey R. Horacek, Christopher A. Jethrow
  • Patent number: 6866832
    Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and apparatus for sanitizing perishable goods by mixing the goods with sanitizing fluid for a suitable period of time followed by separating the fluid and substantially neutralizing any residual sanitizing agent left in the goods. In one instance, the sanitizing agent includes ozone and water, therefore separation of the ozonated water advantageously proceeds with a squeezing effect to more adequately remove the ozonated water from the goods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Assignee: SafeFresh Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Anthony J. M. Garwood
  • Patent number: 6814946
    Abstract: A salt platform (700) is disclosed which incorporates a series of hubs (702), radial braces(704) and curved braces(706) which are snap fit together by use of mating locking members(734) and locking slots (716). The curved braces (706) can be formed with pipe holders to support pipe section(710,712) and pipe elbows (714). A stub spoke(750) can be used if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2004
    Inventors: Donald B. Peddicord, Michael W. Freitas, James E. Kilgore
  • Publication number: 20040057885
    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: September 16, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventor: Michael A. Taylor
  • Publication number: 20040022704
    Abstract: A salt platform (780) is disclosed for use in a fiberglass tank (800) or other vessel with a curved transition portion (802) between a flat bottom (804) and the side wall (806) of the tank. Salt platform (780) incorporates a series of hubs (702), stub spokes (750) and pipe sections (710, 712) which are snap fit together by use of mating locking members (734) and locking slots (716). The top hubs (702) have a radially directed stub spoke (750) mounted thereon and the free end of the stub spoke (750) receives a pipe section (782) which extends against or near the side wall (806) to support the edges of the salt grid. The salt platform (780) also has extra outer circumferential braces (786) which assist in supporting the edges of the salt grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Publication number: 20030215375
    Abstract: A structure (10, 44, 50) can be formed by using a plurality of hubs (12), connectors (14) and elongate members (16). The hubs (12) have a series of locking slots (18) formed at regular intervals about the outer circumference. A T-shaped portion (32) of a connector (14) is slid into a selected locking slot (18) until a flexible catch (34) on the connector (14) engages a locking bar (20) on the hub (12) to securely attach the connector (14) to the hub (12). Both the hubs (12) and connectors (14) can frictionally receive elongate members (16), allowing the construction of various types of structure, such as furniture. The structures can be assembled without tools, and can be readily be disassembled if desired.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 6632011
    Abstract: A mixing apparatus 1 comprising a chamber 12 with at least one inlet 16 allowing entry of a solute and a liquid solvent, at least one outlet 52 allowing exit of a solution of said solute and solution, and at least a separator 22 having at least one generally upwardly facing surface 40 and one generally downwardly facing surface 38a, wherein said surfaces define a passageway 50 allowing the solution of the solute and the solvent to pass through and out of the chamber 12, and wherein undissolved solute is descendable along the generally upwardly facing surface 40a.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2003
    Assignee: Process Automation International Limited
    Inventors: Paul Henington, Kwok Wai Wen
  • Patent number: 6589491
    Abstract: A salt platform (500) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (502), a bottom member (504) and a plurality of vertical spacing members (506). The top member 502 is preferably formed as an integral molding. The bottom member (504) is preferably identical to the top member (502). The top surface of the top member (502) forms a support for the salt grid. A salt grid (600) is also disclosed which has a series of lips (646) at the peripheral edge with each lip joining with the rest of the salt grid about a linear hinge line (648).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2003
    Inventors: Donald B. Peddicord, Steven M. Peddicord, Michael W. Freitas, James E. Kilgore
  • 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: 20030012713
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the transfer between a solid matter and a liquid, comprising an outer drum (1) and a perforated inner drum (2), means (4-5) for commonly rotating the drums (1 and 2), and means (18) situated inside the inner drum (2) for moving the solid matter (10). In between the two drums (1 and 2), a number of troughs (21) are formed which, during the rotation of the drums (1 and 2), bring up liquid (8) and pour it out higher up through the inner drum (2). Along the front rim of each trough (21), the drum (2) is provided with a drain opening (23), opposite to which means (24;26) are provided for preventing, when the drain opening (23), during the rotation of the drums (1-2), is at the bottom, the penetration of solid matter (10) through said opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Jean Baie, Federico Lopez, Etienne Le Clef
  • Publication number: 20020197197
    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: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2001
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventor: Ivan L. Green
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20020058003
    Abstract: A compact, portable, easily installed, self-contained, negative pressure odor control vessel for odor control possessing oxidizing properties, as well as counter-vailing and absorption properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 1998
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventors: LEIGH E. FALKMAN, OWEN R. ANDERSON, DENNIS VAN DOVER
  • Publication number: 20010048909
    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 18, 2001
    Publication date: December 6, 2001
    Inventor: Michael A. Taylor
  • 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: 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: 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: 6251234
    Abstract: An electroplating machine is disclosed as including an electrode positioning apparatus, an electrolyte delivery apparatus, an apparatus for covering a roller, an apparatus for dissolving copper oxide powder in an electrolyte passing through the apparatus, and an apparatus allowing the variation of the distance between two rollers. The electrode positioning apparatus has a first open end and a second end joined by two sets of connecting members, in which the connecting members in each set are parallel to one another and equally spaced from the adjacent member. The electrolyte delivery apparatus includes a pipe connected to a source of electrolyte and a nozzle through which the electrolyte is deliverable to an electrode mounted on the electrode positioning apparatus. The covering apparatus is elongate in shape and includes a cavity for accommodating a majority part of the outside surface of a roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignees: Process Automation International, Ltd., Shipley Company, LLC
    Inventors: Paul Henington, Kwok Wah Li, Kwok Wing Ng, Chi Chung Lee, Pin Chun Huang, Fang Hao Lee, Marlin Vance Marsh, Carl John Colangelo
  • Patent number: 6210646
    Abstract: A potassium permanganate feeder has an inlet container and an outlet container disposed in an outer container. An inlet tube disposed in the inlet container supplies fill water which flows out of the inlet container through a porous screen to dissolve potassium potassium crystals. The resulting potassium permanganate solution flows into the outlet container through a porous screen where it may be withdrawn through an outlet tube disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Ecowater Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph H. Larson, John L. Schlafer
  • Patent number: 6183704
    Abstract: A salt platform (400) is disclosed which incorporates a top member (402), a bottom member (404) and a spacing member (406) that spaces the top and bottom members a pre-determined vertical distance apart. A series of bracing member assemblies (408) are connected between the top member and bottom member to provide support for the salt platform. The top surface of the top member (402) and top portions of the bracing member assemblies (408) lie in a single plane (432) to support a salt grid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 6162407
    Abstract: A chemical dispenser for dispensing chemicals into a tank holding liquid, such as a swimming pool. The chemical dispenser has a housing, a lid, an inlet and an outlet. The lid is selectively attachable to the housing to permit a sanitizing chemical to be placed in the housing.In a method according to the present invention, a chemical dispenser having a housing, a lid selectively attachable to the housing, an inlet orifice and outlet orifice is provided, and the inlet orifice is positioned to receive circulated liquid from the circulating system outlet. Next, chemical to be dispensed into the circulated liquid is provided and placed in the housing. Then the lid is attached to the housing, and the outlet orifice is positioned such that the flow of liquid from the outlet orifice establishes a flow pattern in the tank which causes debris to travel to and be collected at a debris collection site of the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2000
    Inventor: Mart A. Pihl
  • Patent number: 6117316
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating a stream of tap water flowing from the outlet of a fire hydrant comprises a T-shaped diffuser is combination with a frame having a pair of screens extending transverse with respect to outlets of the diffuser. A mesh bag containing a material in tablet form in mounted on each screen. In a preferred aspect of the disclosure, the material is sodium sulfite for interacting with chlorine in the tap water and converting the chlorine to a salt harmless to aquatic life.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2000
    Assignee: Washington Suburban Sanitary
    Inventor: Russell Burton
  • Patent number: 5993753
    Abstract: A dual chemical feeder device treats a fluid simultaneously with two different chemical compositions which may not be wholly compatible. In an exemplary embodiment for application in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and the like, a chlorinator is combined with a sanitizing canister in a chlorinator/sanitizer to chemically treat the full flow of water through the apparatus with a chlorine-based chemical composition and another chemical composition. In alternate embodiments, the chlorinator/sanitizer is configured as a parallel treatment unit and as a series treatment unit. In the series treatment unit, the full flow through the chlorinator also flows through the sanitizing media in the santizing canister, so that all the water is both chlorinated and sanitized by the chlorinator/sanitizer. In the parallel treatment unit, the flow within the unit is divided into two streams which are separately treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: H-Tech, Inc.
    Inventor: Donald R. Davidson
  • Patent number: 5976364
    Abstract: An apparatus provides for dissolving biotic growth inhibitor composition, usually in the form of blocks or tablets, into air conditioner condensate fluid to prevent biotic growth. Condensate fluid from a collector pan or receptacle near the air conditioner enters the apparatus and contacts the inhibitor composition, typically an algicide, and slowly dissolves the inhibitor. The apparatus has an inhibitor housing for holding the biotic growth inhibitor and an inhibitor container, located within the housing, which allows contact between the inhibitor and condensate while retaining undissolved inhibitor in the housing and preventing it from being washed out. The apparatus is connected with the drain pipe by an inlet port and an outlet port which direct the condensate into and out of the inhibitor housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Assignee: Innovation Unlimited, Inc.
    Inventor: Danny R. Williams
  • Patent number: 5916533
    Abstract: A dispensing container for the controlled dispensing of chemicals in the treatment of a body of water to prevent growth of algae and other adverse conditions includes walls defining a storage compartment for the chemicals for treating the body of water, the walls have an inlet for the controlled flow of water from the body of water into the storage compartment and an outlet for controlling the flow of water out of the storage compartment, said storage compartment is open at one end, and a charging assembly is operatively connectable to the open end of the storage compartment for charging chemicals into the storage compartment. Additionally, the combination of the dispensing container as above described with a transport device and a bracket assembly for connecting the dispensing container to the transport device to pass the dispensing container through the body of water to be treated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Assignee: United Water New Jersey Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent Ruta, Stefano Martino, Jr., Norval W. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5792434
    Abstract: In a device for dissolving water-soluble, powdery polymers which has a pipe with an inlet to introduce the polymer solution containing gel components and an outlet to discharge the polymer solution, the gel content in the polymer solution is reduced without reducing the viscosity of the polymer solution by means of the fact that the pipe is formed of a plurality of pipe sections which are provided with filters and can be connected with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Stockhausen GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Friedhelm Ferlings, Uwe Gunther, Hans-Georg Hartan, Werner Fischer
  • Patent number: 5788933
    Abstract: A grid (250, 280) is disclosed which can be used as part of a salt platform (10, 50, 80) to support salt in an ion exchange water softener. The grid is preferably formed of ABS plastic and has a border portion (252) and bands (254, 256) without holes (274) formed therethrough for strength. When the grid is used as part of a salt platform having vertically oriented members (12-24) with open upper ends, cap portions (258-270), without holes formed therethrough, are used to cover the upper ends of the members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignees: Donald B. Peddicord, Steve M. Peddicord
    Inventor: Donald B. Peddicord
  • Patent number: 5759501
    Abstract: A container for institutional detergents, preferably tablets, includes a rigid large screened base and a flexible plastic film sidewall heat bonded to the peripheral surface of the base. The container is filled, preferably from its top portion, with tableted detergent and closed with a single heat seal along the top surface of the wall of the container. The screen surface is then closed with a removable, peel-off seal or removable cap. The upper portion of the container will include a handle which makes it easy to transport the container and place it into a dispenser for use. In use, a water nozzle will spray upwards onto the surface of the screen base through the holes in the screen, dissolving detergent and allowing the solution to pass downwardly to a drain, which directs it to a ware washing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Diversey Lever, Inc.
    Inventors: James Livingston, Donald Wright, Tiziano J. Bellon, Kenneth James Roach