US3768649A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Regeneration sensing system
Assignee: Fleckenstein A J
•
Filing: 1971-07-15
•
Granted: 1973-10-30
•
Expires: 1991-07-15
Abstract
Abstract An electrical system for sensing the desirability of regeneration of a water softener tank. A first probe measures the resistance of water flowing through the softener bed and this resistance is compared through an electrical network with a standard provided by the resistance of an auxiliary bed. A comparison circuit actuates a regeneration circuit when the resistance measured by the first probe is at a predetermined relationship to the resistance of the standard.
Inventors
- 👤 A Fleckenstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 19:03
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01J; B01J47/00; B01J47/14; B01J49/00; B01J49/80; B01J49/85
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for sensing the need for regeneration of water softening material in a water softening tank including a first resistance measuring probe positioned in the flow path of softened water in said softening tank having water softening material therein and a second standard resistance measuring probe of the same type as the first probe, said second probe being positioned within a substantially closed chamber in said tank, said chamber containing water softening material of the same type as that within the water softening tank but in a depleted condition, said chamber including means for admitting a predetermined quantity of water therein so as to provide a resistance for said standard probe as a defined resistance corresponding to the resistance of a depleted bed of water softening material, and means for comparing the resistance measured by said two probes and indicating a predetermined increase of resistance by said measuring probe.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
150 words
A system for sensing the need for regeneration of water softening material in a water softening tank including a first resistance measuring probe positioned in the flow path of softened water in said softening tank having water softening material therein and a second standard resistance measuring probe of the same type as the first probe, said second probe being positioned within a substantially closed chamber in said tank, said chamber containing water softening material of the same type as that within the water softening tank but in a depleted condition, said chamber including means for admitting a predetermined quantity of water therein so as to provide a resistance for said standard probe as a defined resistance corresponding to the resistance of a depleted bed of water softening material, and means for comparing the resistance measured by said two probes and indicating a predetermined increase of resistance by said measuring probe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said last named means is defined by a differential amplifier circuit for comparing said resistances and for energizing a relay coil when the magnitude of the resistance measuRed by said measuring probe bears a predetermined relationship to the resistance measured by said standard probe.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
127 words
The system of claim 2 wherein said differential amplifier is defined by a pair of transistors having collectors and emitters in parallel circuits, one of said transistors being in series with said relay coil and the other of said transistors being connected to shunt the other transistor, said one transistor having its base energized and controlled by current regulated by said measuring probe and the other transistor having its base energized and controlled by current regulated by the resistance of said standard probe, said one transistor being formed and adapted to pass an energizing current to said relay coil when said resistance of said measuring probe reaches said predetermined amount, said other transistor being formed and adapted to shunt said one transistor at lesser amounts of resistance.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for admitting a predetermined quantity of water includes an inlet to said chamber formed and adapted for communication with the water within said tank.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
74 words
A system as set forth in claim 1 wherein said means for admitting a predetermined quantity of water includes a fitting communicating with said chamber and communicating with a water supply line outside of said tank, said chamber including bleed apertures in the upper portion thereof so as to maintain the chamber under pressure from the water supply source exterior of the tank while preventing inflow of water from said tank to said chamber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said water supply is connected to a line carrying soft water from the tank.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said water supply is connected to a line carrying hard water from the tank.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for sensing the need for regeneration of water softening material in a water softening tank including a first resistance measuring probe adapted to be positioned in the flow of water in a softening tank and a second standard resistance measuring probe of the same type as the first probe, said second probe being positioned within a substantially closed chamber in said tank, said chamber containing water softening material of the same type as that within the water softening tank, said chamber including means for admitting a predetermined quantity of water therein so as to provide a resistance for said standard probe as a defined resistance, and means for comparing the resistances measured by said two probes and indicating a predetermined increase of resistance by said measuring probe.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
129 words
A system for sensing the need for regeneration of water softening material in a water softening tank including a first resistance measuring probe adapted to be positioned in the flow of water in a softening tank and a second standard resistance measuring probe of the same type as the first probe, said second probe being positioned within a substantially closed chamber in said tank, said chamber containing water softening material of the same type as that within the water softening tank, said chamber including means for admitting a predetermined quantity of water therein so as to provide a resistance for said standard probe as a defined resistance, and means for comparing the resistances measured by said two probes and indicating a predetermined increase of resistance by said measuring probe.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 8 wherein said probes are carried on a plastic support and said support includes portions defining said chamber, said first probe being positioned inbetween spaced flanges of said support.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 9 wherein said chamber defining portions include a small aperture for bleeding water admitted to said chamber therefrom to thereby maintain said chamber under pressure.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3176844A
Cited
US3574330A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |