US3679055A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Reverse osmosis water purifier
Assignee: Polymetrics Inc
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Filing: 1970-07-15
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Granted: 1972-07-25
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Expires: 1990-07-15
Abstract
Abstract A water purifier for removing dissolved substances and solid impurities from water supplied at an elevated pressure to a reverse osmosis element located inside a pressurized storage tank. As purified water from the element is collected within the tank it further compresses air in the tank, which air is used to force the purified water from the tank when used. A valve connected in the conduit supplying water to the element is responsive to air pressure within the storage tank to cut off the water flow when the supply of purified water in the tank reaches a predetermined level.
Inventors
- 👤 Timothy M Clark
- 👤 Henry Shanfield
- 👤 David L Grunau
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 06:41
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01D; B01D61/00; B01D61/02; B01D61/08; B01D61/081; B01D2313/00; B01D2313/18; B01D2313/50; B01D2313/502; C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/44; C02F1/441
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
147 words
An apparatus for purifying, storing and dispensing water suitable for drinking purposes which is derived from a supply of water containing undesired components and having an elevated hydraulic pressure, said apparatus comprises: an airtight tank forming a reservoir with means capable of retaining air under pressure; a membrane unit located within said tank for separating purified water from the supply water by reverse osmosis; an inlet means in fluid communication wIth said reverse osmosis unit for conducting supply water thereto; a first outlet means for leading purified water from said reverse osmosis unit to said reservoir; a second outlet means for discharging the waste water from said reverse osmosis unit; and means surrounding said membrane unit for trapping purified water from said membrane unit and responsive to air pressure within said reservoir means for forcing the trapped purified water through said first outlet means of said tank.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
147 words
An apparatus for purifying, storing and dispensing water suitable for drinking purposes which is derived from a supply of water containing undesired components and having an elevated hydraulic pressure, said apparatus comprises: an airtight tank forming a reservoir with means capable of retaining air under pressure; a membrane unit located within said tank for separating purified water from the supply water by reverse osmosis; an inlet means in fluid communication wIth said reverse osmosis unit for conducting supply water thereto; a first outlet means for leading purified water from said reverse osmosis unit to said reservoir; a second outlet means for discharging the waste water from said reverse osmosis unit; and means surrounding said membrane unit for trapping purified water from said membrane unit and responsive to air pressure within said reservoir means for forcing the trapped purified water through said first outlet means of said tank.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 including valve means responsive to a change in pressure in said means surrounding said membrane unit for controlling the entry of water into said membrane unit.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
32 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said means surrounding said membrane unit in said tank comprises a flexible, expandable bladder which receives product water purified by said reverse osmosis unit.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The apparatus as described in claim 1 wherein said tank has a generally cylindrical shape with an opening at one end, a cover means secured in said opening and connected to said unit.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as described in claim 4 wherein said membrane unit comprises an elongated housing, a reverse osmosis element within said housing, said element having a central tube held in place by said cover member at one end and by said housing at its other end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus as described in claim 5 including a smaller tube within said central tube for carrying waste water passing through said element to said second outlet means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as described in claim 6 wherein said central tube, said smaller tube, said housing and said cover means are all plastic material.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3421628A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-07-25 | 1976-01-24 | 1976-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-25 | 1980-01-24 | 1980-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-25 | 1984-01-24 | 1984-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |