US6284129B1
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Water treatment device with volumetric and time monitoring features
Assignee: Instapure Brands Inc
•
Filing: 2000-08-01
•
Granted: 2001-09-04
•
Expires: 2020-08-01
Abstract
Abstract A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal Generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a Performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is cap able of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller. The microcontroller interprets the signals as a first performance data. The microcontroller compares the first performance data against the respective performance threshold in the microcontroller to determine if the performance threshold has been surpassed, and if surpassed actuates the output device.
Inventors
- 👤 Edward C. Giordano
- 👤 Thomas W. Graves
- 👤 James M. Jennings
- 👤 Mark Vander Berg
- 👤 William James A. Storer
- 👤 Douglas R. Gibbs
- 👤 Douglas A. Lonsinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 11:43
CPC Classifications
C; C02; C02F; C02F9/00; C02F9/20; B; B01; B01D; B01D17/00; B01D17/02; B01D17/0208; B01D21/00; B01D21/0003; B01D21/0024; B01D21/24; B01D21/2405; B01D21/30; B01D21/34; B01D29/00; B01D29/60; B01D29/603; C02F1/00; C02F1/001; C02F1/003; G; G01; G01F; G01F1/00; G01F1/05; G01F1/06; G01F1/075; C02F2209/00; C02F2209/005; C02F2209/006; C02F2209/40; C02F2307/00; C02F2307/06; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/9464
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 41
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
A meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling flowing water between the inlet and outlet apertures, the meter system comprising: a flow reactive device; a signal generating member causing said flow reactive device to produce a spatially varying signal in reaction to water flow; a sensor generating a flow signal corresponding to water flow in the channel; an output device for indicating when the water treatment device is usable; and a controller coupled to receive and accumulate the flow signal, and including a first threshold representing a delay function during water flow, and a second threshold representing a termination of use, said controller comparing the accumulated flow signal to the first threshold, the controller not actuating the output device when the accumulated flow signal is below the first threshold, the output device thus indicating the delay function, and the controller activating the output device when the accumulated flow signal exceeds the first threshold and is below the second threshold.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
A meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling flowing water between the inlet and outlet apertures, the meter system comprising: a flow reactive device; a signal generating member causing said flow reactive device to produce a spatially varying signal in reaction to water flow; a sensor generating a flow signal corresponding to water flow in the channel; an output device for indicating when the water treatment device is usable; and a controller coupled to receive and accumulate the flow signal, and including a first threshold representing a delay function during water flow, and a second threshold representing a termination of use, said controller comparing the accumulated flow signal to the first threshold, the controller not actuating the output device when the accumulated flow signal is below the first threshold, the output device thus indicating the delay function, and the controller activating the output device when the accumulated flow signal exceeds the first threshold and is below the second threshold.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein said first threshold corresponds to a total number of gallons passed through said channel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the flow reactive device is a turbine rotatable about an axis and having a plurality of blades.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
A meter as defined in claim 3 , wherein said sensor is unexposed to the flowing water.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the signal generating member is a magnet.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein: the flow reactive device is a turbine rotatable about an axis, and having a plurality of blades equally spaced about the turbine, each blade having a distal end; and a magnetic member positioned in the distal end of one of the blades, and wherein at least one blade opposite the blade containing the member is enlarged.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
16 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a reed switch.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the sensor is a hall-effect sensor.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein said second threshold represents a period of time.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein said second threshold represents a volume of water flow.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
18 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein the signal generating member produces a magnetic field.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
53 words
A meter system as defined in claim 1 , wherein: said controller includes a third threshold representing a period of cautious use; said output device has a third signal corresponding to said third threshold; and said controller activates the third signal of said output device when the flow signal exceeds said third threshold.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
A meter system as defined in claim 12 , wherein: said controller includes a fourth threshold representing a termination of use; said output device has a fourth signal corresponding to said fourth threshold; and said controller activates the fourth signal of said output device when the flow signal exceeds said fourth threshold.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
155 words
A meter system for a water treatment device through which water flows, the device having an inlet port and an outlet port, the meter system comprising: a turbine; a signal generating member; a switch generating a flow signal corresponding to water flow in the channel; a controller having a plurality of thresholds programmed therein, said plurality of thresholds including a threshold for each of delay use during water flow, acceptance use, cautious use and termination of use conditions, receiving and accumulating the flow signal and comparing the accumulated flow signal to each of the plurality of thresholds; and an output device in communication with said controller and capable of providing a plurality of output signals, each of said output signals associated with one of said plurality of thresholds; and said controller actuating said output device to provide said one of said plurality of output signals associated with said one of the plurality of thresholds surpassed.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
155 words
A meter system for a water treatment device through which water flows, the device having an inlet port and an outlet port, the meter system comprising: a turbine; a signal generating member; a switch generating a flow signal corresponding to water flow in the channel; a controller having a plurality of thresholds programmed therein, said plurality of thresholds including a threshold for each of delay use during water flow, acceptance use, cautious use and termination of use conditions, receiving and accumulating the flow signal and comparing the accumulated flow signal to each of the plurality of thresholds; and an output device in communication with said controller and capable of providing a plurality of output signals, each of said output signals associated with one of said plurality of thresholds; and said controller actuating said output device to provide said one of said plurality of output signals associated with said one of the plurality of thresholds surpassed.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
A meter system as defined in claim 14 , wherein: said plurality of said thresholds includes corresponding time based and total-flow based thresholds.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
24 words
A meter system as defined in claim 14 , wherein: said controller has a delay condition programmed therein to occur prior to each use.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
68 words
A meter system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the meter system includes a filter having a set total useful life, and wherein: said acceptable use threshold is less than or equal to approximately 90% of total useful life; said cautious use threshold is greater than 90% and less than 100% of total useful life; and said termination of use threshold is 100% of total useful life.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
71 words
A meter system as defined in claim 14 , wherein the meter system is for a filter having a set total useful life of approximately 90 days, and wherein: said acceptable use threshold is approximately less than or equal to 81 days; said cautious use threshold is greater than approximately 81 days and less than 90 days; and said termination of use threshold is greater than or equal to 90 days.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
167 words
A water treatment device for attachment to the end of a faucet to filter water flowing from the faucet, said water treatment device comprising: a housing having an inlet configured to attach to the faucet and a filtered outlet, with a filtered flow-path defined in fluid communication between said inlet and said filtered outlets; a filter inside said housing positioned in the filtered flow path to filter said water flowing through said filtered flow-path; a meter system positioned in the filtered flow path inside the housing to meter the water flowing through said filtered flow-path, said meter system comprising: a flow reactive device producing a spatially varying signal in reaction to water flow; a sensor generating a flow signal corresponding to water flowing in said filtered flow-path; an output device for indicating when the filter has become useable; and a controller, including a threshold value, coupled to receive and accumulate the flow signal, the controller activating the output device when the accumulated flow signal exceeds the threshold.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
167 words
A water treatment device for attachment to the end of a faucet to filter water flowing from the faucet, said water treatment device comprising: a housing having an inlet configured to attach to the faucet and a filtered outlet, with a filtered flow-path defined in fluid communication between said inlet and said filtered outlets; a filter inside said housing positioned in the filtered flow path to filter said water flowing through said filtered flow-path; a meter system positioned in the filtered flow path inside the housing to meter the water flowing through said filtered flow-path, said meter system comprising: a flow reactive device producing a spatially varying signal in reaction to water flow; a sensor generating a flow signal corresponding to water flowing in said filtered flow-path; an output device for indicating when the filter has become useable; and a controller, including a threshold value, coupled to receive and accumulate the flow signal, the controller activating the output device when the accumulated flow signal exceeds the threshold.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
27 words
A water treatment device as defined in claim 19 , wherein said flow signal is related to the time of the water flowing in the filtered flow-path.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
27 words
A water treatment device as defined in claim 19 , wherein said flow signal is related to the volume of the water flowing in the filtered flow-path.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
A water treatment device as defined in claim 19 , wherein said meter system is positioned in the filtered flow-path downstream of said filter.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
19 words
A water treatment device as defined in claim 19 , wherein said filter is positioned above said meter system.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
29 words
A water treatment device as defined in claim 19 , wherein said meter system is contained in a meter case, and said filter is positioned above said meter case.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
20 words
A water treatment device as defined in claim 19 , wherein said flow reactive device is a magnetic-field producing structure.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
17 words
A water treatment device as defined in claim 19 , wherein said sensor is a reed switch.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
189 words
An end of faucet filter for mounting on the end of a faucet, the end of faucet filter having a water treatment device, an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling flowing water between the inlet and outlet apertures, the end of faucet filter further comprising: a flow reactive device; a signal generating member causing said flow reactive device to produce a spatially varying signal in reaction to water flow; a sensor generating a flow signal corresponding to water flow in the channel; an output device for indicating when the water treatment device is usable; and a controller coupled to receive and accumulate the flow signal, and including a first threshold representing a delay function during water flow, and a second threshold representing a termination of use, said controller comparing the accumulated flow signal to the first threshold, the controller not actuating the output device when the accumulated flow signal is below the first threshold, the output device thus indicating the delay function, and the controller activating the output device when the accumulated flow signal exceeds the first threshold and is below the second threshold.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
189 words
An end of faucet filter for mounting on the end of a faucet, the end of faucet filter having a water treatment device, an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling flowing water between the inlet and outlet apertures, the end of faucet filter further comprising: a flow reactive device; a signal generating member causing said flow reactive device to produce a spatially varying signal in reaction to water flow; a sensor generating a flow signal corresponding to water flow in the channel; an output device for indicating when the water treatment device is usable; and a controller coupled to receive and accumulate the flow signal, and including a first threshold representing a delay function during water flow, and a second threshold representing a termination of use, said controller comparing the accumulated flow signal to the first threshold, the controller not actuating the output device when the accumulated flow signal is below the first threshold, the output device thus indicating the delay function, and the controller activating the output device when the accumulated flow signal exceeds the first threshold and is below the second threshold.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
20 words
The end of faucet filter as defined in claim 27 , wherein said second threshold represents a period of time.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
20 words
The end of faucet filter as defined in claim 27 , wherein said second threshold represents a volume of flow.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
26 words
The end of faucet filter as defined in claim 27 , wherein said first threshold corresponds to a total number of gallons passed through said channel.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
29 words
The end of faucet filter as defined in claim 27 , wherein the flow reactive device is a turbine rotatable about an axis and having a plurality of blades.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
20 words
The end of faucet filter as define in claim 31 , wherein said sensor is unexposed to the flowing water.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
18 words
The end of faucet as defined in claim 27 , wherein the signal generating member is a magnet.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
19 words
The end of faucet as defined in claim 27 , wherein the signal generating member produces a magnetic field.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
68 words
The end of faucet filter as defined in claim 27 , wherein: the flow reactive device is a turbine rotatable about an axis, and having a plurality of blades equally spaced about the turbine, each blade having a distal end; and a magnetic member positioned in the distal end of one of the blades, and wherein at least one blade opposite the blade containing the member is enlarged.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
18 words
The end of faucet filter as defined in claim 27 , wherein the sensor is a reed switch.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
18 words
The end of faucet filter as defined in claim 27 , wherein the sensor is a hall-effect sensor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2004-09-03 | 2005-03-05 | 2005-09-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2008-09-03 | 2009-03-05 | 2009-09-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2012-09-03 | 2013-03-05 | 2013-09-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |