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US4536845A
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Self-programmable controller for water conditioner recharging
Assignee: Culligan International Co
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Filing: 1983-08-31
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Granted: 1985-08-20
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Expires: 2003-08-31
Abstract
Abstract A process is provided for controlling the recharging of a water conditioner. Water usage during selected fractions of a predetermined period of time is sensed. Information signifying the water usage during the selected fractions is stored. A time fraction is automatically determined, based on the stored information, when water is unlikely to be used. A selected parameter, such as volume of water used since recharging, is sensed to determine if recharging is required. The water conditioner is recharged during the automatically determined time fraction if the selected parameter indicates that recharging is required.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald P. DeVale
- 👤 Stanley F. Rak
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 13:40
CPC Classifications
G; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/042; B; B01; B01D; B01D37/00; B01D37/04; B01J; B01J49/00; B01J49/80; B01J49/85; C; C02; C02F; C02F1/00; C02F1/42; G05B2219/00; G05B2219/20; G05B2219/25; G05B2219/25371
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
85 words
A process for controlling the recharging of a water conditioner, which comprises the steps of: sensing if water is being used during selected fractions of a predetermined period of time; storing information signifying water usage during said selected fractions; automatically determining a time fraction, based on the stored information, when water is unlikely to be used; sensing a selected parameter to determine if recharging is required; and recharging the water conditioner during said determined time fraction if said selected parameter indicates that recharging is required.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
85 words
A process for controlling the recharging of a water conditioner, which comprises the steps of: sensing if water is being used during selected fractions of a predetermined period of time; storing information signifying water usage during said selected fractions; automatically determining a time fraction, based on the stored information, when water is unlikely to be used; sensing a selected parameter to determine if recharging is required; and recharging the water conditioner during said determined time fraction if said selected parameter indicates that recharging is required.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as described in claim 1, wherein said selected parameter is volume of water used since recharging.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
A process as described in claim 1, wherein said selected parameter is the water quality.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A process as described in claim 1, wherein said selected parameter is the salt level of the water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
A process as described in claim 1, wherein the water conditioner is a water softener and said selected parameter is the condition of the ion exchange resin bed.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
A process as described in claim 1, wherein the water conditioner is a water filter system and said selected parameter is the condition of the filter.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
23 words
A process as described in claim 1, wherein said predetermined period of time is four weeks and said selected fraction is one hour.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
28 words
A process as described in claim 1, wherein said predetermined period of time is less than four weeks and said selected fraction is no more than one hour.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
28 words
A process as described in claim 2, wherein said volume selected to determine if recharging is necessary is between 200 gallons of water and 1,000 gallons of water.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for controlling the recharging of a water conditioner, which comprises: means for sensing if water is being used during selected fractions of a predetermined period of time; means for storing information signifying water usage during said selected fractions; means for automatically determining a time fraction, based on the stored information, when water is unlikely to be used; means for sensing a selected parameter to determine if recharging is required; and means for recharging the water conditioner during said determined time fraction if said selected parameter indicates that recharging is required.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
92 words
A system for controlling the recharging of a water conditioner, which comprises: means for sensing if water is being used during selected fractions of a predetermined period of time; means for storing information signifying water usage during said selected fractions; means for automatically determining a time fraction, based on the stored information, when water is unlikely to be used; means for sensing a selected parameter to determine if recharging is required; and means for recharging the water conditioner during said determined time fraction if said selected parameter indicates that recharging is required.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein said information storing means comprises an E 2 PROM.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein said selected parameter is volume of water used since recharging.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein said selected parameter is the water quality.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
18 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein said selected parameter is the salt level of the water.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein the water conditioner is a water softener and said selected parameter is the condition of the ion exchange resin bed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein the water conditioner is a water filter system and said selected parameter is the condition of the filter.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
23 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein said predetermined period of time is four weeks and said selected fraction is one hour.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as described in claim 10, wherein said predetermined period of time is less than four weeks and said selected fraction is no more than one hour.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
28 words
A system as described in claim 12, wherein said volume selected to determine if recharging is necessary is between 200 gallons of water and 1,000 gallons of water.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-08-19 | 1989-02-18 | 1989-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-08-19 | 1993-02-18 | 1993-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-08-19 | 1997-02-18 | 1997-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |