JP2007021494A - Radio frequency identification system for fluid treatment system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a fluid treatment system which includes a control unit for controlling overall operation of the fluid treatment system. <P>SOLUTION: A ballast circuit 103 is coupled with an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly 14. In the preferred fluid treatment system 10, the ballast circuit 103 is inductively coupled with the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly 14. The inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 inductively energizes an electromagnetic radiation emitting device 60 that is located in the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly 14 in response to a predetermined electric signal from the control unit 102. In addition, the fluid treatment system 10 includes a radio frequency identification system 124 that is used to monitor various functional and operational aspects of the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly 14 and a filter assembly 16 used in the fluid treatment system 10. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  This application is filed in 35.USC §119 of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 140,159, filed June 21, 1999, entitled Water Treatment System with Inductively Coupled Ballast. Claim for benefits under (e). This application is also based on 35 USC §119 (e) of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 140,090 entitled Usepoint Water Treatment System, filed June 21, 1999. They are also claiming benefits.

  This application includes, by way of reference, a US patent application entitled Use Point Water Treatment System filed on the same day as this question.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to water treatment systems, and more particularly to inductively coupled ballasts for contactless power transfer to ultraviolet lamps in water treatment systems.

The present invention addresses a number of problems associated with previous home or office use point water treatment systems. The first problem is that the energy efficiency of a conventional water treatment system that utilizes an ultraviolet lamp assembly therein is low. The lamp assembly is typically left in continuous operation to prevent microbial growth in the water treatment system as a result of the UV lamp not being switched on. When the conventional lamp assembly is switched on, it is in the ultraviolet lamp enough to output the predetermined intensity level required to properly destroy the microorganisms in the water treatment system. It takes a long start-up time for the gas to be excited. The water discharged from the water treatment system before the UV lamp is fully excited can contain unacceptably high levels of living microorganisms. Continuously operating lamp assemblies use large amounts of energy and are therefore inefficient. Similarly, if the lamp assembly is left in continuous operation, such as overnight, the water remaining in the water treatment system unit can become uncomfortably warm.

  The second problem is related to the design of the reflector assembly in the water treatment system. For the purpose of increasing lamp efficiency, it is possible to install a reflector assembly around the water carrying conduit and the ultraviolet lamp in which the microorganisms are irradiated. Incident light from an ultraviolet lamp that fails to hit the water transport conduit may be reflected back from the reflector wall and strike the water transport conduit again. Often these reflector assemblies have a circular cross section. Unfortunately, the large amount of ultraviolet light generated never reaches the water carrying conduit. On the contrary, most of the light is again absorbed by the UV lamp assembly.

  A third problem involves the electrical coupling of the lamp assembly to the water treatment system. Each time the lamp assembly is installed in or removed from the water treatment system, the lamp assembly must be mechanically and electrically coupled and disconnected in relation to the water treatment system. This often requires complex and expensive mounting assemblies. In addition, care must be taken to ensure that the electrical connection is not exposed to moisture while power passes through the water treatment system.

  Sometimes, coaxially aligned lamp and filter assemblies are used to minimize the size of the water treatment system. The lamp assembly and filter assembly in a particular water treatment system may or may not be removed from the water treatment system at the same time. If these assemblies are removed at the same time, they are often very heavy because they are filled with water and can themselves have significant weight. Alternatively, even if the lamp assembly and filter assembly can be removed separately from the water treatment system, the problem of water spilling from one of these assemblies occurs very frequently during handling.

  Another problem facing water treatment system units with lamp assemblies is that complex monitoring systems are required to monitor the lamp assemblies. As the lamp assembly ages, the intensity of light output from the lamp assembly generally decreases. In some cases, the intensity drops below the level necessary to produce the desired microbial lethality. The lamp assembly should be removed before the critical minimum strength is reached. Therefore, a monitor system is required to inspect the light intensity in the water treatment system. These monitoring systems are typically expensive. These often require costly UV sensors with quartz windows.

  Conventional ballast control circuits use a bipolar transistor and a saturation transformer to drive the lamp. This ballast control circuit oscillates at a frequency related to the winding arrangement of these transformers and the magnetic properties of the material. Circuits with saturated transformer oscillators produce outputs that fall into the category of square waves, half-bridge transistors need to hard switch under load, and separate inductors limit the current through the discharge lamp. I need.

  These and other disadvantages in prior art water treatment system units that utilize lamp assemblies and filter assemblies are addressed by the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention discloses an electronic control system for a water treatment system that includes an inductively coupled ballast circuit. A water treatment system filters water by directing a flow of water from the water supply to the filter assembly, among others. The filter assembly removes unwanted particulates from the water stream. After passing through the filter assembly, the water is directed to a replaceable UV lamp assembly. The UV lamp assembly destroys organic material in the water supply by exposing the water to high intensity UV light as the water flows through the UV lamp assembly. The UV lamp assembly provides virtually instantaneous high intensity UV light from the start of operation, which provides advantages over prior art water treatment systems that require warm-up time. After exiting the UV lamp assembly, the water stream is directed out of the water treatment system through the outlet assembly.

  The overall operation of the water treatment system is controlled by a control unit that is electrically connected to the UV lamp assembly and the filter assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit is similarly a flow sensor, ambient temperature sensor circuit, ambient light sensor circuit, ultraviolet sensor circuit, power detection circuit, display device, sound generation circuit, memory storage device, communication port and radio frequency identification system. Both are electrically connected. All of these devices are monitored or controlled by a control unit and generally provide various benefits to the water treatment system as described below.

  The flow sensor circuit is controlled by the control unit to determine when water is flowing in such a way that the UV lamp assembly can be energized and to track the amount of water being processed by the water treatment system. used. The ambient temperature sensor circuit measures the ambient temperature of the atmosphere in such a way that the water treatment system can maintain a temperature level higher than the freezing temperature or other predetermined temperature. The UV sensor circuit provides an electrical signal to the control unit corresponding to the intensity of the UV light being emitted by the UV lamp assembly. This is important because these measurements allow the control unit to make adjustments to increase or decrease the intensity of the ultraviolet light being emitted.

  The power detection circuit provides the control unit with an electrical signal that indicates the presence or absence of power to the water treatment system supplied from a conventional external power source such as a wall outlet. The display device is controlled by the control unit and displays information about the state of the water treatment system. The sound generation circuit is used by the control unit to provide an audible sound when a predetermined system condition requiring attention occurs in the water treatment system.

  The water treatment system further includes a memory storage device electrically connected to the control unit. Memory storage devices are used to store various data values related to the water treatment system and its associated components. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the memory storage device is an EEPROM or any other equivalent storage device. Connected to the control unit is a communication port that provides bi-directional communication capability between a peripheral device, such as a personal computer or handheld monitoring device, and the control unit.

  The radio frequency identification system includes an ultraviolet transponder positioned within each ultraviolet lamp assembly. In addition, the radio frequency identification system includes a filter transponder positioned within the filter assembly. The ultraviolet transponder and the filter transponder communicate with the radio frequency identification system using radio frequency. Each transponder contains certain information specific to the UV lamp assembly and the filter assembly. One skilled in the art will recognize that contact type identification systems can be used in place of radio frequency identification systems.

  A preferred UV lamp assembly is powered by an inductively coupled ballast circuit. The preferred inductively coupled ballast circuit is a self-excited oscillating half-bridge switching design operating at high frequencies that provides virtually instantaneous UV lamp lighting. Furthermore, the inductively coupled ballast circuit is self-oscillating once resonance is achieved, uses MOSFET transistors as switching elements, and accommodates air-core transformer coupling arrangements to simplify the design of UV lamp assemblies. Designed to. The UV lamp assembly is easily replaceable due to the air-core transformer coupling arrangement created by the inductively coupled ballast circuit.

  Preferred inductively coupled ballast circuits include a control circuit, an oscillator, a drive mechanism, a half-bridge switching circuit, a series resonant tank circuit, a secondary coil, a resonant lamp circuit, and an ultraviolet lamp. The oscillator is electrically connected to a control unit that starts the oscillator by providing an electrical signal to a control circuit that energizes the oscillator. In operation, the oscillator provides an electrical signal to the drive mechanism, which then activates the half-bridge switching circuit. The half-bridge switching circuit energizes a series resonant tank circuit that inductively energizes the UV lamp within the UV lamp assembly.

  The UV lamp assembly physically houses the secondary coil, the resonant lamp circuit and the UV lamp in an inductively coupled ballast circuit. Once the series resonant tank is energized, the UV lamp assembly is inductively energized, thus turning on the UV lamp. In the preferred embodiment, the resonant frequency for the inductively coupled ballast circuit is about 100 kHz. Thus, the secondary coil in the UV lamp assembly resonates even at about 100 kHz. As mentioned above, it is possible to adjust the operating resonance frequency up and down by the control unit in order to deal with proper component selection. Furthermore, the resonant frequency is similarly controlled by component selection in the series resonant tank, which will be described in detail below.

  Thus, a preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a control unit; an inductively coupled ballast circuit inductively coupled with the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly, wherein the inductively coupled ballast circuit is pre-determined from the control unit. A fluid treatment system for inductively energizing an electromagnetic radiation emitting device in an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly in response to an electrical signal is disclosed.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a method for providing electromagnetic radiation in a fluid treatment system is disclosed. The method is responsive to generating a predetermined electrical signal at the control unit, directing the predetermined electrical signal to the inductively coupled ballast circuit, and the predetermined electrical signal from the control unit. Inductively energizing the electromagnetic radiation emitting device within the inductively coupled ballast circuit.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, a fluid treatment system with a radio frequency identification system is disclosed. The fluid treatment system includes a control unit; and a base station electrically connected to the control unit; at least one radio frequency identification transponder positioned in an electromagnetic radiation emitting device assembly in wireless communication with the base station. Comprising. In yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly is replaced with a filter assembly.

  Another preferred embodiment disclosed by the present invention relates to a method for monitoring electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information in a fluid treatment system. The method includes providing an electromagnetic radiation emission assembly for use in a fluid treatment system, generating an electromagnetic radiation emission assembly information signal using an electromagnetic radiation emission identification transponder positioned in the electromagnetic radiation emission assembly. Transmitting an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal to a base station located in the fluid treatment system and deriving the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal to a control unit. In another preferred embodiment, the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly can be replaced with a filter assembly.

  These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Detailed Description of Presently Preferred Embodiments of the Invention Referring to FIG. 1, the present invention provides an electronic control system for a water treatment system 10 that generally uses carbon-based filters and ultraviolet light to purify water. Disclosure. In order to evaluate the present invention, it is important to know the general background of the mechanical aspects of the preferred water treatment system 10. A preferred water treatment system 10 includes a main housing 12, a replaceable UV lamp assembly 14 and a filter assembly 16. The UV lamp assembly 14 and the filter assembly 16 are removable and replaceable from the main housing 12. The main housing 12 includes a bottom face enclosure 18, a back enclosure board 20, a front enclosure board 22, a top enclosure board 24, and an inner sleeve enclosure board 26. The lens 28 houses the display device 106 so that information about the state of the water treatment system 10 can be displayed through the display device 106 (see FIG. 3). To assemble the water treatment system 10, the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 is securely attached to the main housing 12, and then the filter assembly 16 is attached to the main housing 12 so as to cover the entire ultraviolet lamp assembly 14.

  As those skilled in the art will recognize, the replaceable UV lamp assembly 14 can also be made in a form that it is not replaceable. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that the replaceable UV lamp assembly 14 may be compatible with a number of different types of electromagnetic radiation emitting assemblies. Thus, the present invention should not be considered as covering only water treatment systems that use ultraviolet lamp assemblies, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that the disclosure of the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 represents a preferred embodiment of the present invention. You should recognize that.

  Referring to FIGS. 2A-C, the main mechanical components of the water treatment system 10 are shown in perspective view in a manner relevant to the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 2A, the inner sleeve shroud 26 includes a plurality of inner sleeve covers 30, an outlet valve assembly 32 with an inlet valve assembly 32 and an outlet cup 36. Further disclosed is a bottom shroud assembly 38 that includes a bottom shroud 18 with an inlet assembly 40 and an outlet assembly 42. The electronic component assembly 44 is securely fitted within the bottom shroud 18, as will be described in detail below. These components are securely attached to the bottom shroud 18, back shroud 20, front shroud 22, top shroud 24, inner sleeve shroud 26 and lens 28 when the water treatment system 10 is fully assembled. It has been. In the preferred embodiment, a magnetic holder 46 and a magnet 48 are similarly housed in the upper face enclosure 24.

  Referring to FIG. 2B, the UV lamp assembly 14 generally includes a base subassembly 50, a secondary coil 52, a bottom support subassembly 54, a top support subassembly 56, a pair of quartz sleeves 58, a UV lamp 60, an O-ring 62 and a pair. The interlocking enclosure reflector subassembly 64 is included. Generally speaking, the secondary coil 52, the bottom support subassembly 54 and the enclosure reflector subassembly 64 are connected to the base subassembly 50. The enclosure reflector subassembly 64 houses a pair of quartz tubes 58, an ultraviolet lamp 60 and an O-ring 62. The top support assembly 56 is securely fitted over the entire top surface of the enclosure reflector assembly 64 when the UV lamp assembly 14 is fully assembled.

  As illustrated in FIG. 2C, the filter assembly 16 generally includes a base assembly, a filter block assembly 68, a filter housing 70, and an elastomeric filter housing grip 72. Generally speaking, the filter block assembly 68 engages on a base assembly 66 that is itself surrounded by a filter housing 70. The filter housing grip 72 engages on the upper surface of the filter housing 70 and thus provides a better grip for removing the filter housing 70. The filter assembly 16 filters the water stream by directing the flow into the filter block assembly 68 before directing it to the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14.

  Referring to FIG. 3, the present invention discloses an electronic control system 100 for the water treatment system 10 generally described above. In a preferred embodiment, the water treatment system 10 is controlled by a control unit 102, which is preferably a microprocessor. As illustrated, the control unit 102 is electrically connected to the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 through an inductively coupled ballast circuit 103. The control unit 102 is also electrically connected to the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 through two-way wireless communication, as will be described in further detail below. In operation, the control unit 102 has the ability to generate a predetermined electrical signal that is directed to the inductively coupled ballast circuit, which momentarily energizes the lamp assembly 14, which itself is water flow. Provides high intensity UV treatment.

  In a preferred embodiment, the control unit 102 is similarly flow sensor circuit 104, display device 106, ambient light sensor circuit 108, visible light sensor circuit 110, power detection circuit 112, ambient temperature sensor circuit 114, audio generation circuit 116, The memory storage device 118, the communication port 120, the ballast feedback circuit 122, and the radio frequency identification system 124 are electrically connected. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, an ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 is connected to the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 and a filter radio frequency identification transponder 128 is connected to the filter assembly 16. The ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 and the filter radio frequency identification transponder 128 communicate with the radio frequency identification system 124 using two-way wireless communication, as described in further detail below.

  Generally speaking, the flow sensor circuit 104 is used by the control unit 102 to determine when water or fluid is flowing and to track the amount of water or fluid being processed by the water treatment system 10. The The display device 106 is driven by the control unit 102 and is used to display information about the state of the water treatment system 10. Several different types of display devices are known in the art and can be used in the present invention. However, a preferred display device is a vacuum fluorescent display device. The ambient light sensor circuit 108 measures the amount of ambient light and in turn provides an electrical signal to the control unit 102 so that it can adjust the intensity of the display device 106 accordingly.

  The visible light sensor circuit 110 provides the control unit 102 with an electrical signal related to the intensity level of light emitted by the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14. This is important because these signals allow the control unit 102 to increase or decrease the intensity of the electromagnetic radiation emitted by the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14. One of ordinary skill in the art could have the visible light sensor circuit 110 compatible with a variety of electromagnetic radiation sensor circuits capable of sensing the intensity of electromagnetic radiation emitted from various electromagnetic radiation emitting devices that can be used in the present invention. You will recognize that.

  The power detection circuit 112 provides the control unit 102 with an electrical signal that indicates the presence or absence of power to the water treatment system 10. Power is provided to the water treatment system 10 from an external power source such as a conventional power outlet. One skilled in the art will recognize that there are multiple circuits that monitor external power supplies and provide corresponding electrical signals in response to power loss.

  The ambient temperature sensor circuit 114 measures the ambient temperature of the atmosphere in such a way that the water treatment system 10 can maintain the temperature level above the freezing temperature or some other predetermined temperature setting. The control unit 102 can energize the ultraviolet lamp 60 to generate heat if necessary. The sound generation circuit 116 is used by the control unit 102 to generate an audible sound. This audible sound typically occurs during predetermined system conditions experienced by the water treatment system 10. These predetermined system states are recognized by the control unit 102, which then activates the sound generation circuit 116 to produce an audible sound.

  As described above, the memory storage device 118 is similarly electrically connected to the control unit 102. The memory storage device 118 is used to store various data values related to the water treatment system 10 and its associated components. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the memory storage device 118 is an EEPROM or any other equivalent storage device. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a variety of memory storage devices are available that can be used with the present invention.

  The communication port 120 is also electrically connected to the control unit 102, which provides the water treatment system 10 with the ability to perform bi-directional communication between a peripheral device, such as a personal computer or handheld monitoring device, and the control unit 102. provide. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, communication port 120 uses an RS-232 communication platform to communicate with peripheral devices. The communication port 120 may also be connected to the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 and the filter assembly 16 to monitor and control their various operating characteristics in other preferred embodiments. However, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, radio frequency identification system 124 is used to report information about ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 and filter assembly 16 to control unit 102.

  In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 3, the radio frequency identification system 124 uses signals from the ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 and the filter radio frequency identification transponder 128 to report various information to the control unit 102. use. In operation, the ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 and the filter radio frequency identification transponder 128 communicate with the radio frequency identification system 124 using wireless communication. Since the UV lamp assembly 14 and filter assembly 16 are designed to be replaceable at the end of their useful life, each UV lamp assembly 14 and filter assembly 16 stores information specific to each device. The transponders 126 and 128 are accommodated. One skilled in the art will recognize that the ultraviolet radio frequency transponder can be used in conjunction with other electromagnetic radiation emitting devices or assemblies. The radio frequency identification system 124 is described in further detail below.

  Referring to FIG. 4, in the presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 is energized by an inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 that is electrically connected to the control unit 102. Inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 is a self-excited oscillating half-bridge switching design that operates at high frequencies and provides virtually instantaneous UV lamp lighting. In addition, the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 is self-excited once resonance is achieved and uses a MOSFET transistor as a switching element in an air-core transformer coupled arrangement to simplify the design of the UV lamp assembly 14. Designed to accommodate. The UV lamp assembly 14 or other electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly is easily replaceable due to the air-core transformer coupling arrangement created by the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103. One skilled in the art will recognize that the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 can be adapted to function as a normal ballast circuit as well.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 includes a control circuit 142, an oscillator 144, a drive mechanism 146, a half-bridge switching circuit 148, a series resonant tank circuit 150, and a secondary coil 52 (see FIG. 2). ), The resonance lamp circuit 152 and the ultraviolet lamp 60 are included. The oscillator 144 is electrically connected to the control unit 102 that energizes the oscillator 144 by providing an electrical signal to the control circuit 142. In operation, the oscillator 144 provides an electrical signal to the drive mechanism 146 which in turn causes the half-bridge switching circuit 148 to be energized. The half-bridge switching circuit 148 energizes a series resonant tank circuit 150 that inductively energizes the UV lamps within the UV lamp assembly 14 itself.

  As further illustrated in FIG. 4, the UV lamp assembly 14 houses the secondary coil 52, the resonant lamp circuit 152, and the UV lamp 60, while the electronic assembly 44 (see FIG. 2A) includes the control circuit 142. , An oscillator 144, a drive mechanism 146, a half-bridge switching circuit 148, and a series resonant tank circuit 150 are housed. As previously described, once the series resonant tank circuit 150 is energized, the secondary coil in the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 is inductively energized. In the preferred embodiment, the resonant frequency for ballast circuit 103 is about 100 kHz. Thus, the secondary coil 52 in the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 also resonates at about 100 kHz. As described above, the operating resonance frequency can be adjusted up and down by the control unit 102 to address appropriate component selection. In addition, the resonant frequency can be similarly controlled by component selection in the series resonant tank circuit 150, which will be described in detail below.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the control circuit 142 is electrically connected to the control unit 102 and the oscillator 144. The control circuit 142 includes a plurality of resistors 156, 158, 160, 162, 164, 166, a plurality of capacitors 168, 170, 172, a diode 174, a first operational amplifier 176, and a second operational amplifier 178. . As illustrated, resistor 156 is connected to a first direct current (“DC”) power supply 180, the output of control unit 102, and resistor 158. Resistor 158 is further connected to diode 174, resistor 160 and capacitor 168. The first DC power supply 180 is connected to a capacitor 168 that is also connected to a diode 174. The diode 174 is further connected to a ground connection 182 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Resistor 160 is connected to the negative input of operational amplifier 176 and to the positive input of operational amplifier 178 to complete the current path from control unit 102 to operational amplifiers 176 and 178.

  Referring again to the control circuit 142 depicted in FIG. 5, the resistor 162 is connected to the second DC power source 184 and in series with the resistors 164 and 166. Resistor 166 is connected to ground connection 182 and capacitor 170, which is itself connected to first DC power supply 180 and resistor 164. The positive input of operational amplifier 176 is electrically connected between resistors 162 and 164, which provides a DC reference voltage to operational amplifier 176 during operation. The negative input of operational amplifier 178 is connected between resistors 164 and 166, which provides a DC reference voltage for operational amplifier 178 during operation. The output ends of operational amplifiers 176 and 178 are connected to an oscillator 144 as will be described in detail below.

  In operation, the control circuit 142 receives an electrical signal from the control unit 102, and this time as a window comparator that switches only when the input voltage generated by the control unit 102 is within a certain voltage window. Works. The preferred signal from the control unit 102 is AC (alternating current) which allows the control unit 102 to switch the UV lamp 60 on and off through the remaining components of the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 along with its duty cycle, as described below. ) Signal. The control circuit 142 similarly prevents accidental tripping and allows positive control if the control unit 102 fails.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the first DC power supply 180 and the second DC power supply 184 provide power to the circuit depicted in FIG. Those skilled in the electronics arts will recognize that DC power supply circuits are well known in the art and are outside the scope of the present invention. In the present invention, it is important to point out that such a circuit exists and can be designed to generate various DC voltage values from a given AC or DC power source. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, +14 VDC and +19 VDC signals are used as shown throughout the figure. One skilled in the art will recognize that the circuit disclosed in FIG. 5 can be designed to operate at different DC voltage levels and that these values should not be considered as limitations on the present invention.

  In the preferred embodiment depicted in FIG. 5, the output end of the control circuit 142 is provided with an interlock circuit 190 to prevent the UV lamp 60 from being energized when the water treatment system 10 is not properly assembled. Connected with. The interlock circuit 190 includes a magnetic interlock sensor 192, a plurality of resistors 193, 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204, a transistor 206 and a diode 208. Referring to FIG. 1, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic interlock sensor 192 is used by the water treatment system 10 when the top shroud 24 is not firmly positioned on the inner sleeve shroud 26, so that the water treatment system 10 It is positioned in such a way that 60 is not energized. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the magnetic interlock sensor 192 may be located at other suitable locations in the water treatment system 10.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the magnetic interlock circuit 190 outputs the output of the control circuit 142 through the transistor 206 when the magnetic interlock sensor 192 detects that the water treatment system 10 is not properly assembled as described above. To the ground connection 182. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, when the water treatment system 10 is not properly assembled, the output of the magnetic interlock sensor 192 energizes the gate of transistor 206 to current flowing through resistors 194, 196 and 198. This thus shorts the output signal of the control circuit 142 to the ground connection 182. The magnetic interlock sensor 192 is powered by a second DC power source 184 through a resistor 193 and is similarly connected to a ground connection 182. In addition, the magnetic interlock sensor 192 sends a signal to the control unit 102 through a combination of resistors 200, 202 and 204, a diode 208, a first DC power supply 180 and a second DC power supply 184. This signal also enables the control unit 102 to determine if the water treatment system 10 has not been properly assembled. For this purpose, the interlock circuit 190 provides two ways to ensure that the UV lamp 60 is not energized if the water treatment system 10 is not properly assembled.

  Referring again to FIG. 5, the oscillator 144 provides an electrical signal that energizes the drive mechanism 146 while the water treatment system 10 is processing the water stream. As described above, the oscillator 144 starts to operate immediately once an electrical signal is sent from the control unit 102 through the control circuit 142. The preferred oscillator 144 comprises an operational amplifier 210, a linear bias resistor 212, a buffer 214, a buffer feedback protection circuit 216 and a positive feedback circuit 218. The operational amplifier 210 is similarly connected to a second DC power source 184 and a ground connection 182 that energizes the operational amplifier 210.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the preferred buffer circuit 214 includes a first transistor 220, a second transistor 222, and a pair of resistors 224, 226. The output terminal of the operational amplifier 210 is connected to the gates of the transistors 220 and 222, thus controlling the operation of the transistors 220 and 222. The second DC power source 184 is connected to a resistor 224 that is also connected to the collector of the transistor 220. The emitter of the transistor 220 is connected to the resistor 226, the emitter of the transistor 222, and the input terminal of the driving mechanism 146. The collector of transistor 222 is connected to ground connection 182. During operation, the buffer circuit 214 buffers the output signal from the operational amplifier 210 to prevent a load change from drawing the vibration frequency. In addition, the buffer circuit 214 increases the effective gain of the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 that helps to ensure a rapid start of the oscillator 144.

  The buffer feedback protection circuit 216 includes a pair of diodes 228 and 230 that are electrically connected to the output terminal of the buffer circuit 214 by a resistor 226. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the second DC power source 184 is connected to the cathode of the diode 228. The anode of diode 228 and the cathode of diode 220 are connected to resistor 226 and linear bias resistor 212. Linear bias resistor 212 provides a bias feedback signal to the negative input of operational amplifier 210. In addition, the anode of diode 230 is connected to ground connection 182, which completes buffer feedback protection circuit 216. Buffer feedback circuit 216 protects buffer circuit 214 from drain to gate mirror effect feedback during operation of water treatment system 10.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the positive feedback circuit 218 includes a first multi-winding transformer 232, a plurality of resistors 234, 236, 238, a pair of diodes 240, 242 and a capacitor 244. . The secondary coil of the transformer 232 is electrically connected to the output terminal of the half-bridge switching circuit 148 and the input terminal of the series resonant tank circuit 150, as illustrated in FIG. In addition, one winding from each secondary coil of multi-winding transformer 232 is connected to the other winding of the opposite secondary coil in transformer 232.

  The first primary winding of transformer 232 is electrically connected to resistors 234, 236, 238, diodes 240, 242 and the positive input of operational amplifier 210. The second primary winding of transformer 232 is connected to resistor 238, the cathode of diode 242, the anode of diode 240, and capacitor 244. Thus, resistor 238 and diodes 242, 244 are connected in parallel with the first and second primary windings of transformer 232, as illustrated in FIG. Similarly, the capacitor 244 is electrically connected to the negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 210. Further, the resistor 234 is connected to the second DC power source 184 and the resistor 236 is connected to the ground connection 182. Resistors 234, 236 and 238 protect operational amplifier 210 from current overload, and diodes 240 and 242 clip the feedback signal sent to the input of operational amplifier 210.

  In operation, the oscillator 144 receives a signal from the control circuit 142 that charges the capacitor 244 that itself sends an electrical signal to the negative input of the operational amplifier 210. The output of the operational amplifier 210 is electrically guided to a drive mechanism 146 that energizes the half-bridge switching circuit 148. As illustrated in FIG. 5, transformer 232 is connected in this current path and sends electrical signals back through resistors 234, 236 and 238, thus limiting the current and possibly computing. An electrical signal is guided back to the input end of the amplifier 210. The transformer 232 allows the oscillator 144 to self-oscillate and the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 causes the control unit 102 to shut down the water treatment system 10 or the transistor 206 of the interlock circuit 190 to input to the oscillator 144. Stays oscillating until pulled low.

  Referring now again to FIG. 5, the output end of the oscillator 144 is electrically connected to a drive mechanism 146 that, in the preferred embodiment, includes the first primary winding of the second multi-winding transformer 246. The second transformer 246 is a preferred drive mechanism 146 because its phase adjustment arrangement ensures that the half-bridge switching circuit 148 is driven alternately, thus avoiding shoot-through conduction. The double arrangement of capacitors 248, 250 is electrically connected to the second primary winding of transformer 246, thus preventing DC current overflow in transformer 246. Similarly, capacitor 246 is connected to ground connection 182, and capacitor 250 is also connected to second DC power source 184.

  Both secondary coils of transformer 246 are electrically connected to half-bridge switching circuit 148, which receives energy from transformer 246 during operation. The half-bridge switching circuit 148, also illustrated in FIG. 5, is electrically arranged as a MOSFET totem pole half-bridge switching circuit 252 driven by both secondary coils of the transformer 246. MOSFET totem pole half-bridge switching circuit 252 includes a first MOSFET transistor 254 and a second MOSFET transistor 256 that provide advantages over conventional bipolar transistor switching circuits. Energy is transferred from the drive mechanism 146 to the MOSFET transistors 254, 256 through a plurality of resistors 258, 260, 262, 264. MOSFET transistors 254 and 256 are designed to soft switch at zero current and exhibit only conduction losses during operation. The output produced by MOSFET transistors 254 and 256 is more often in the form of a sine wave with less harmonics than the output produced by conventional bipolar transistors. The use of MOSFET transistors 254 and 256 provides an advantage by reducing radio frequency interference generated by MOSFET transistors 254 and 256 during switching during operation.

  In the preferred half-bridge switching circuit 148 depicted in FIG. 5, the first secondary coil of transformer 246 is connected to resistor 258 and resistor 260. The second secondary coil of the transformer 246 is connected to the resistor 262 and the resistor 264. Resistor 260 is connected to the gate of MOSFET transistor 254, and resistor 264 is connected to the gate of MOSFET transistor 256. As illustrated, the first secondary coil of resistor 246 and resistor 258 are connected to the emitter of MOSFET transistor 254. The second secondary coil of resistor 246 and resistor 264 are connected to the gate of MOSFET transistor 256. The collector of the MOSFET transistor 254 is connected to the second DC power source 184, and the emitter of the MOSFET transistor 254 is connected to the collector of the MOSFET transistor 256. The emitter and resistor 262 of MOSFET transistor 256 is connected to ground connection 182.

  A further benefit of the drive mechanism 146 is that the multi-winding transformer 246 is very convenient for applying a gate drive voltage to the MOSFET transistors 254, 256 above the second DC power supply 184, which is a requirement for effective operation. It is a simple method. MOSFET transistors 254 and 256 provide additional advantages because they have diodes inherent in their design that protect MOSFET totem pole half-bridge switching circuit 252 from load transients. In addition, excess voltage reflected from the series resonant tank circuit 150 due to load changes is returned to the supply rail by the intrinsic diodes in MOSFET transistors 254 and 256.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the half-bridge switching circuit 148 is itself connected to the input of a series resonant tank circuit 150 that inductively energizes the secondary coil of the UV lamp assembly 14. As described above, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the positive feedback circuit 218 of the oscillator 144 provides feedback to the operational amplifier 210 of the oscillator 144 during operation, so that the output of the half-bridge switching circuit 148 and the series resonance. It is connected to the input terminal of the tank circuit 150. However, the output terminal of the half-bridge switching circuit 148 is connected to the input terminal of the series resonant tank circuit 150 by the secondary coil of the transformer 232 as illustrated in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 5, the series resonant tank circuit 150 includes a parallel combination of an inductive coupler 270, tank capacitor pairs 271 and 272, diode pairs 274 and 276, and a capacitor 278. Inductive coupler 270 is connected between the secondary coil of transformer 232 and tank capacitors 271, 272. Similarly, the tank capacitor 271 is also connected to the second DC power source 184, and the tank capacitor 272 is also connected to the ground connection 182. Further, the tank capacitor 271 and the second DC power source 184 are connected to the anode of the diode 274. Both the cathode of the diode 274 and the capacitor 278 are connected to the second DC power source 184. Capacitor 278 is connected to the anode of diode 276 and to ground connection 182. Similarly, the tank capacitor 272 is connected to the cathode of the diode 276.

  It is important to point out that the series resonant tank circuit 150 sees all of the stray inductance of the component combination of the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103. This is important because this stray inductance, which is the combined inductance seen by the series resonant tank circuit 150, will dramatically limit power transfer to loads under any conditions outside of resonance. is there. The inductance of the secondary coil 52 and resonant lamp circuit 152 is also a reflected impedance value that helps determine and limit the power delivered to the secondary coil 52 of the UV lamp assembly. In general, accumulator / transformer combinations have power transfer limits due to stray and reflected inductance. In other words, the inductance of the transformer and capacitor appears in series with the load.

  The operating frequency for the series resonant tank circuit 150 is set near 100 kHz, which is determined by the parallel capacitance value of the tank capacitors 271, 272, which in the preferred embodiment is a 0.1 μF capacitor, and the inductance of the inductive coupler 270. . The tank capacitors 271 and 272 have a low dissipation factor and can handle a high level of current, which is about 14 amps at startup. This resonant frequency can be adjusted up and down and is selected only for proper component selection.

  Inductive coupler 270 includes ten turns of electrical wire to generate the power required to inductively energize secondary coil 52 within ultraviolet lamp assembly 14. Inductive coupler 270 is positioned within outlet cup 36 (see FIG. 2A) of water treatment system 10 and a wire is wrapped around outlet cup 36 with a diameter of about 3.5 inches. In a preferred embodiment, for the inductive coupler 270, it is particularly efficient in terms of both performance and operating temperature due to the fringe effect caused by the high current created while operating at 100 kHz. Litz wire is used. As noted above, the inductive coupler 270 inductively energizes the secondary coil 52 of the ultraviolet lamp assembly unit 14 during operation.

  Referring to FIG. 2A, the secondary coil 52 of the ultraviolet lamp assembly unit 14 is positioned in the outlet cup 36 and the inner sleeve shroud 26 when the water treatment system 10 is assembled. In a preferred embodiment, secondary coil 52 has 55 turns of a small diameter wire wound about secondary coil 52 with a diameter of about 2 inches. It is important to point out that the coupling between the base subassembly 50 housing the secondary coil 52 and the outlet cup 36 is designed to allow for significant gaps and misalignment. is there. In fact, the gap is used to adjust the coupling coefficient and thus adjust the operating point of the UV lamp 60. The present invention further provides further advantages by providing a coupling that does not require special contacts for the UV lamp assembly 14 for the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103.

  As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 described above can be easily incorporated into other lighting systems and drives the lamp without the need for physical connection, so that the prior art Provides advantages over the ballast circuit. This allows the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 to be easily replaced once the ultraviolet lamp 154 has reached the end of its operating life. The inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 has the ability to momentarily energize a plurality of different types of lamps or bulbs.

  Referring back to FIG. 5, the ballast feedback circuit 122 is electrically connected to the inductive coupler 270 and the control unit 102 of the series resonant tank circuit 150. The ballast feedback circuit 122 provides feedback to the control unit 102 while the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 is driving the ultraviolet lamp 60. Thus, the control unit 102 can monitor the energy provided by the inductive coupler 270 to the secondary coil of the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14. Thus, the control unit 102 has the ability to determine the amount of current and voltage applied to the ultraviolet lamp 60 in other embodiments as well as whether the ultraviolet lamp 60 is on or off.

  As described in FIG. 5, ballast feedback circuit 122 includes operational amplifier 280, resistor pair 282, 284, diode pair 286, 288 and capacitor 290. The signal from the series resonant tank circuit 150 is guided to the anode of the diode 286. The cathode of the diode 286 is connected to the capacitor 290 and the resistor 282. Further, the resistor 282 is connected to the anode of the diode 288, the resistor 284, and the positive input terminal of the operational amplifier 280. Resistor 284 is also connected to the positive input of operational amplifier 280 and first DC power supply 180. Capacitor 290 is also connected to first DC power source 180, while the cathode of diode 288 is connected to second DC power source 184. The negative input terminal of the operational amplifier 280 is directly connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier 280. The output of the operational amplifier 280 is connected to the control unit 102 and thus provides a feedback signal from the operational amplifier to the control unit 102.

  Referring to FIG. 6, the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 includes an ultraviolet lamp 60, a resonant lamp circuit 152, and a secondary coil 52. The ultraviolet lamp 60 includes a pair of light bulbs 300 and 302 and a pair of filaments 304 and 306. The light bulbs 300 and 302 are held together with the upper connection bracket 308 and the lower connection bracket 310. The secondary coil 52 is connected to a resonant lamp circuit 152 that is itself connected to the filaments 304 and 306 of the ultraviolet lamp 60. The resonant ramp circuit 152 includes a capacitor 312 that is electrically connected to the starter circuit 314.

  While the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 is described in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as described above, those skilled in the art will recognize that other electromagnetic radiation emitting assemblies may be used in the present invention. will do. For example, the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 can use a pulsed white light lamp or a dielectric barrier discharge lamp to inactivate microorganisms in the water stream. One skilled in the art will recognize that the inductively coupled ballast circuit 103 can be used to drive various types of electromagnetic radiation emitting devices that can be used with the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered as covering only water treatment systems that use ultraviolet lamp assemblies 14 that include ultraviolet lamps 300.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the starter circuit 314 includes a bridge rectifier circuit 320, a silicon controlled rectifier 322, diodes 324, 326, 328, 330 arranged in series, and a TRIAC (two-way three-pole thyristor) 332. , A plurality of transistors 334, 336, a plurality of resistors 338, 340, 342, 344, 346 and a plurality of capacitors 348, 350. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the TRIAC® 332 can be any equivalent device such as a FET transistor or a silicon controlled rectifier. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that the bridge rectifier circuit 320 comprises a plurality of diodes 352, 354, 356, 358 connected to the filaments 304, 306 of the ultraviolet lamp 60.

  Referring to FIG. 7, bridge rectifier circuit 320 is connected to silicon controlled rectifier 322, resistor 338 and ground connection 182. Similarly, the silicon controlled rectifier 322 is connected to the diodes 324, 326, 333 and Triac® 332 in series which are also connected to the ground connector 182. The resistor 338 is connected to the triac (registered trademark) 332, the resistor 340, and the resistor 342. The resistor 340 is connected to the collector of the transistor 334, the gate of the transistor 336, the capacitor 348, and the resistor 344. Capacitor 348 and resistor 344 are further connected to ground connection 182. Resistor 342 is connected to the emitter of transistor 336 and capacitor 350, which is also connected to ground connection 182. Triac® 332 is connected to the emitter of transistor 334, and the gate of transistor 334 is connected to the collector of transistor 336 and resistor 346. Resistor 346 is connected to ground connection 182 to complete starter circuit 314.

  Returning now to FIG. 6, in operation, the capacitor 312 removes the UV lamp from the secondary coil 52 by changing the reflected impedance of the UV lamp 60 through the inductive coupler 270 of the series resonant tank circuit 150 (FIG. 5). The current supplied to 60 is changed and limited. The starter circuit 314 is designed to short the filaments 304, 306 during start-up, thus causing maximum preheating of the bulbs 300, 302. Thus, the UV lamp 60 causes maximum dispersion of the mercury in the bulbs 300, 302, thus generating maximum intensity so that the highest dose of UV can be delivered to the water as it passes through the UV lamp assembly 14. . In other words, the starter circuit 314 is designed so that the UV lamp 60 is switched on immediately with maximum intensity. The placement of mercury in the bulbs 300, 302 is important for maximum output. When mercury condenses in the plasma passage, it is sent more evenly through the entire bulb 300,302. More rapid dispersion also allows for faster peak intensities, thus providing the ability to give a faster and stronger dose of ultraviolet light to the water stream at start-up.

  Referring to FIG. 2B, the O-ring 62 acts as a heat sink, allowing the mercury to condense in the plasma path for improved instantaneous ultraviolet power output, so that the ultraviolet lamp 60 plasma path and quartz tube pair 58 can be Between the passages of water flowing through. As the ultraviolet lamp 60 is energized, the highest circuit voltage potential is applied across the capacitor 312, filaments 304, 306 and starter circuit 314. Due to the low impedance value of the starter circuit 314 and the filaments 304 and 306 acting as a short circuit at startup, the current is high for maximum preheating of the UV lamp 60. This is because the preheating of the ultraviolet lamp 60 causes some initial mercury to be dispersed at the time of start-up. When the starter circuit 314 is heated, the RC time constant of the starter circuit 314 releases the shorting device, which in the preferred embodiment is a TRIAC® 332, thus providing the highest voltage across the filaments 304,306. The starter circuit 314 allows a better start than the thermistor because the thermistor consumes more energy after opening and does not open as quickly.

  Referring to FIG. 8, a preferred radio frequency identification system 124 is illustrated in electrical connection with the control unit 102. Radio frequency identification system 124 uses a base station to communicate with ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 and filter radio frequency identification transponder 128. The radio frequency identification system 124 enables contactless reading and writing of data transmitted bi-directionally between the base station 360 and the transponders 126, 128. In the preferred embodiment, the radio frequency identification system 124 is manufactured by TEMIC Semiconducters with the model number TR5551A-PP.

  A radio frequency identification system 124 is used by the control unit 102 to track information specific to each ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 and filter assembly 16. As mentioned above, both the UV lamp assembly 14 and the filter assembly 16 are designed to be easily replaceable. Since the ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 and the filter radio frequency transponder are located in the ultraviolet lamp assembly 14 or the filter assembly 16, these devices are never separated, so that the control unit 102 is Information can be read and written to and from the transponders 126, 128 through the station 360.

  Referring again to FIG. 8, the ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 includes a transponder antenna 362 and a read / write IDIC (e5551) chip 364. The read / write IDIC (e5551) chip further includes an EEPROM device 166 that physically stores relevant information about each respective UV lamp assembly 14 in a storage location. In presently preferred embodiments, the information includes UV lamp serial number, UV lamp start limit, UV lamp on time limit, UV lamp installation time limit, UV lamp cycle on time, cycle mode low temperature, minimum UV lamp on time, UV light. It consists of lamp high mode time and ultraviolet lamp preheating time. In addition, an EEPROM device 366 in the ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 enables the control unit 102 to track ultraviolet lamp installation time, ultraviolet lamp power on time, ultraviolet lamp start, and total ultraviolet lamp cold start.

  The UV lamp serial number is unique to each UV lamp assembly 14 and allows the control unit 102 of the water treatment system 10 to track which UV lamp assembly 14 is installed in the water treatment system 10. The UV lamp start limit is related to the maximum allowable start number of the UV lamp, and the UV lamp on-time limit is related to the maximum allowable installation time for the UV lamp 60. The UV lamp installation time limit is related to the maximum allowable installation time for the UV lamp assembly 14, and the UV lamp cycle on time limit is related to the minimum amount of time that the UV lamp 60 needs to be energized in the cold mode. The cycle mode low temperature information relates to the temperature value at which the water treatment system 10 switches to that low temperature mode, and the minimum UV lamp on time relates to the minimum amount of time that the UV lamp 60 must remain in the energized state. The UV lamp high mode time information relates to the amount of time that the UV lamp 60 operates in the high mode, and the UV lamp preheat time relates to the amount of time that the UV lamp 60 needs to be preheated.

  As previously mentioned, the EEPROM device 366 in the ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 is similarly capable of tracking the ultraviolet lamp installation time. This information tracks the number of hours that the current UV lamp 60 has been involved in the water treatment system 10. In the preferred embodiment, each time the UV lamp 60 is plugged into the water treatment system 10 for one minute, one minute is added to the total. The EEPROM device 366 also tracks the UV lamp power on time and the total UV lamp power on time. The UV lamp power on time and the total UV lamp power on time track the amount of time that the UV lamp 60 was on so that the control unit 102 can determine if a new UV lamp assembly 14 needs to be installed. To do. The UV lamp start storage location stores the number of times the UV lamp 60 has been started, so that the control unit 102 can use this information to determine the end of life of the UV lamp 60. The total UV lamp cold start location keeps track of the number of times the UV lamp 60 has been started when the ambient temperature sensor 114 indicates that the temperature is lower than a predetermined threshold.

  Referring again to FIG. 8, the filter radio frequency identification transponder 128 includes a transponder antenna 368 and a read / write IDIC (e5551) chip 370. The read / write IDIC (e5551) chip 370 further physically stores the relevant information for each respective filter assembly 16 in the storage location. In this preferred embodiment, the relevant information comprises a filter assembly serial number, a filter assembly capacity limit, a filter assembly installation time, and a blockage filter assembly threshold percentage.

  The filter assembly serial number is used to uniquely identify different filter assemblies 16 so that the control unit 102 can monitor which filter assembly 16 is installed in the water treatment system 10. The filter assembly capacity limit is related to the amount of water that is designed to filter before the filter assembly reaches the end of its useful life. The filter assembly installation time limit is used by the control unit 102 to calculate the remaining life of the filter assembly 16 based on a predetermined acceptable wet time. The occlusion filter assembly threshold percentage includes the maximum allowable flow reduction percentage for the filter assembly 16 before it needs to be replaced. This maintains the percentage of degradation of the filter assembly 16 until the control unit 102 initiates a blockage filter assembly 16 error.

  The radio frequency identification system 124 includes a base station 360, a coil 380, a plurality of diodes 382, 384, 386, 388, 390, 392, 394, and a plurality of resistors 396 that are electrically connected as illustrated in FIG. , 398, 400, 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420 and a plurality of capacitors 422, 424, 426, 428, 430, 432, 434, 436. One skilled in the art will recognize that the connection of the aforementioned components is well known to those skilled in the art. Radio frequency identification system 124 has been installed in water treatment system 10 using specifications described for TK5551A-PP manufactured by TEMIC Semiconductors as described above. In the present invention, it is important to point out that the base station 360 uses the coil 380 for bidirectional communication with the ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 and the filter radio frequency identification transponder 128.

  The control unit 102 is electrically connected to the base station 360 such that it can communicate with the base station 360. Thus, control unit 102 can read and write information to and from ultraviolet radio frequency identification transponder 126 and filter radio frequency identification transponder 128 by using coil 380. The radio frequency identification system 124 is connected to a first DC power source 180 and a second DC power source 184 as illustrated in FIG. 8, thereby providing the radio frequency identification system 124 with energy to operate in operation. Is done.

  One skilled in the art will recognize that other identification systems, such as contact identification systems, can be used with the present invention. However, this preferred embodiment of the present invention uses a radio frequency identification system 124 because of the inherent benefits it provides.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the flow sensor circuit 104 is connected to the control unit 102 to provide the control unit 102 with an electrical signal indicating that water is flowing through the water treatment system 10. The flow sensor circuit 104 includes a flow sensor 440, a plurality of capacitors 442, 444 and a resistor 446. The flow sensor is manufactured by Allegro with model number 3134. The capacitor 442 is connected to the flow sensor 440, the first DC power supply 180, and the second DC power supply 184. The flow sensor 440 is connected to a parallel combination of a resistor 446 and a capacitor 444 before being connected to the control unit 102. Resistor 446 and capacitor 444 are similarly connected to a second DC power source 184. In operation, the flow sensor 440 sends an electrical signal to the control unit 102 indicating that water is flowing into the water treatment system 10, thus causing the control unit 102 to momentarily activate the ultraviolet lamp 60. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are several variations on the disclosed flow sensor circuit 104 and that the disclosed flow sensor circuit 104 is provided as an example only and is considered to limit the present invention. You will recognize that it should not be done.

  Referring to FIG. 10, the ambient light sensor circuit 108 includes a photosensitive diode 450, an operational amplifier 452, a plurality of resistors 454, 456, 458, 460, a diode 462, and a capacitor 464 that are electrically connected as illustrated. Comprising. For the purposes of the present invention, it is sufficient to point out that the photosensitive diode 450 provides an electrical signal to the negative input of the operational amplifier 452, which in turn conditions the signal for the control unit 102. is there. The ambient light sensor circuit 108 is supplied with power from the first DC power supply 180 and the second DC power supply 184.10. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are several variations on the design of the ambient light sensor circuit 108 and that the presently disclosed preferred embodiments should not be viewed as limiting the present invention. That would be true.

  Referring to FIG. 11, as described above, the visible light sensor circuit 110 is connected to the control unit 102 to provide the control unit 102 with an electrical signal corresponding to the intensity of the ultraviolet lamp 60 during operation. In a preferred embodiment, the visible light sensor circuit 110 includes a photosensitive resistor 470, an operational amplifier 472, a diode 474, and a plurality of resistors 476, 478, 480, 482, as shown in FIG. 484, 486 and a capacitor 488. Further, the visible light sensor circuit 110 is supplied with power by the first DC power source 180 and the second DC power source 184. One skilled in the art will recognize that the visible light sensor circuit 110 takes the electrical signal generated by the photosensitive resistor 470 and amplifies it with the operational amplifier 472 before directing it to the control unit 102. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that the design of the visible light sensor circuit 110 can be varied and that the disclosed ultraviolet sensor circuit 110 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limiting the present invention. You will recognize that.

  Referring to FIG. 12, as described above, the preferred ambient temperature sensor circuit 114 is connected to the control unit 102 to provide the control unit 102 with an electrical signal that changes with a corresponding change in ambient temperature. The ambient temperature sensor circuit 114 includes a thermistor 490, an operational amplifier 492, a plurality of resistors 494, 496, and 498 and a capacitor 500 that are electrically connected as illustrated in FIG. In operation, the voltage drop across the thermistor 490 changes as the ambient temperature changes, thus increasing or decreasing the electrical signal sent from the output of the operational amplifier 492 to the control unit 102. One skilled in the art will recognize that the design of the ambient temperature sensor circuit 114 can vary. The preferred ambient temperature sensor circuit 114 illustrated in FIG. 12 is merely an example and should not be viewed as limiting the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 13, as described above, the preferred audio generation circuit 116 is connected to the control unit 102 to generate an audible sound in response to a predetermined system condition. A preferred sound generation circuit 116 includes a piezoelectric element 510, a plurality of transistors 512, 514, 516, a plurality of resistors 518, 520, 522, 524, 526, 528, electrically connected as shown in FIG. 530, 532, 534, a plurality of capacitors 536, 538, and a diode 540. As will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, the control unit 102 can energize the piezoelectric element 510 and thus cause the piezoelectric element 510 to generate an audible signal sound through vibration. Those skilled in the art will recognize that there are several devices and circuits that can generate audible signal tones. The speech generation circuit 116 disclosed herein is only an example and should not be considered as limiting the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, the communication port 120 is connected to the control unit 102 as described above. Communication port 120 is used by control unit 102 to communicate bi-directionally with a peripheral device (not shown) such as a personal computer or handheld device. In the preferred embodiment, the communication port 120 includes a plurality of zener diodes 550, 552, 554 and a plurality of resistors 556, 558, 560, 562, 564, 566 that are electrically connected as illustrated in FIG. , 568, 570. A first DC power supply 180 and a second DC power supply 184 provide power to the communication port 120. Communication port 120 is designed to use the RS-232 communication standard, as is well known in the art. A port connector 572 is provided so that the communication port 120 and peripheral devices can be connected. Those skilled in the art will recognize that different types of communication ports can be used and are outside the scope of the present invention. As such, the preferred communication port 120 disclosed herein is only an example and should not be considered limiting of the invention.

  Although the present invention has been described in its currently best known mode of operation and embodiments, other modes and embodiments of the present invention will be apparent to and will be considered by those skilled in the art. . Furthermore, while the preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to the water treatment system 10, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be readily incorporated into several different types of fluid treatment systems. Will recognize.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a filter assembly and an ultraviolet lamp assembly removed from the main housing and base unit of the water treatment system with the top shroud removed. A to C are exploded perspective views of main components of the water treatment system. 1 represents a block diagram of the main circuitry and assembly of a water treatment system. 1 represents a block diagram of an inductively coupled ballast circuit. FIG. 3 is an electrical circuit diagram of a part of an inductively coupled ballast circuit, a ballast feedback circuit, and an interlock circuit. Figure 8 depicts an ultraviolet lamp of a secondary coil, a resonant lamp circuit and an ultraviolet lamp assembly. It is an electric circuit connection diagram of a starter circuit. 1 illustrates an electrical circuit diagram of a radio frequency identification system used in a water treatment system. It is an electric circuit connection diagram of a flow sensor circuit. It is an electrical circuit connection diagram of an ambient light sensor circuit. It is an electrical circuit connection diagram of an ultraviolet sensor circuit. It is an electrical circuit connection diagram of an ambient temperature sensor circuit. It is an electric circuit connection diagram of an audible sound generation circuit. It is an electrical circuit connection diagram of a communication port.

Claims (48)

In a fluid treatment system comprising a radio frequency identification system,
A control unit positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A replaceable electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A base station installed in the fluid treatment system housing and electrically connected to a coil and the control unit, wherein the coil is wireless in response to a predetermined set of control signals from the base station. A base station capable of transmitting and receiving signals; and
A radio frequency identification transponder positioned within the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly in wireless communication with the base station;
System comprising.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder includes a response antenna and a read / write chip.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a serial number of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a starting limit of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting an on-time limit of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting an installation time of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a cycle on time of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a cycle mode low temperature to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a minimum electromagnetic radiation emitting device on-time to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a high mode time of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a preheat time of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the installation time of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the drive time of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the start of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device.   The fluid treatment system of claim 1, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track a cold start of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device. In a fluid treatment system comprising a radio frequency identification system,
A control unit positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A replaceable filter assembly positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A base station installed in the fluid treatment system housing and electrically connected to a coil and the control unit, the coil being responsive to a predetermined set of control signals from the base station. A base station capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals; and
A radio frequency identification transponder positioned within the filter assembly in wireless communication with the base station;
System comprising.   The fluid treatment system of claim 16, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder includes a response antenna and a read / write chip.   The fluid treatment system of claim 16, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a filter unit serial number to the base station for use by the control unit.   17. The fluid treatment system of claim 16, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a filter assembly volume limit to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 16, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting a filter assembly installation time limit to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 16, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder is capable of transmitting an occlusion filter threshold percentage to the base station for use by the control unit.   The fluid treatment system of claim 16, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the installation time of a filter assembly. In a method for monitoring electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information in a fluid treatment system,
Providing a replaceable electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly for use in the fluid treatment system;
Generating an electromagnetic radiation emission assembly information signal using an electromagnetic radiation emission identification transponder located within the replaceable electromagnetic radiation emission assembly;
Transmitting the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal to a coil connected to a base station in the fluid treatment system;
Sending the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal to a control unit;
Comprising a method.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly comprises an ultraviolet lamp.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly comprises a pulse driven white light lamp.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting device is a dielectric barrier discharge lamp.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting radio frequency identification transponder includes a response antenna and a read / write chip.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal includes a serial number of an electromagnetic radiation emitting device.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal includes a starting limit for the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emission assembly information signal includes an electromagnetic radiation emission on-time limit.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal includes an installation time limit for the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal includes a cycle on time of the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal comprises a cycle mode low temperature.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal includes a minimum electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly on time.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly high mode time.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly information signal includes an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly preheat time.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the installation time of the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the electromagnetic radiation emitting radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the drive time of the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the start of an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly.   24. The method of claim 23, wherein the radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track a cold start of an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly. In a method for monitoring information of a filter assembly within a fluid treatment system,
Providing a replaceable filter assembly for use in the fluid treatment system;
Generating a filter assembly information signal by a filter assembly radio frequency identification transponder located within the replaceable filter assembly;
Transmitting the filter assembly information signal to a coil connected to a base station in the fluid treatment system;
Sending the filter assembly information signal to a control unit;
Comprising a method.   42. The method of claim 41, wherein the filter assembly information signal includes a filter unit serial number.   42. The method of claim 41, wherein the filter assembly information signal includes a filter assembly volume limit.   42. The method of claim 41, wherein the filter assembly information signal includes a filter assembly installation time limit.   42. The method of claim 41, wherein the filter assembly information signal comprises an occlusion filter threshold percentage.   42. The method of claim 41, wherein the filter assembly radio frequency identification transponder allows the control unit to track the installation time of the filter assembly. In a fluid treatment system comprising a radio frequency identification system,
A control unit positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A replaceable electromagnetic radiation generating assembly positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A base station installed in the fluid treatment system housing and electrically connected to the control unit, capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals in response to a predetermined set of control signals from the control unit A base station having
A radio frequency identification transponder positioned within the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly in wireless communication with the base station;
System comprising. In a fluid treatment system comprising a radio frequency identification system,
A control unit positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A replaceable filter assembly positioned within the fluid treatment system housing;
A base station positioned within the fluid treatment system housing and electrically connected to the control unit, capable of transmitting and receiving radio signals in response to a predetermined set of control signals from the control unit A base station having
A radio frequency identification transponder positioned within the filter assembly in wireless communication with the base station;
System comprising.

Images