US1990722A

US1990722A - Water softener

Info

Publication number: US1990722A
Authority: US
Publication date: 1935-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 1952-02-12

Description

Feb. 12I 19x35.l

Filed Jan. 14, 1932 9. AHlwM 1,990,722

WATER soFTENER 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Feb. .12, 1935. Q BASHlQUM l 1,990,722

WATER SOFTENER Filed Jan. 14. 1932 :s sheets-sheet :5

Patented Feb. 12, .193sv is the PATENT .OFFICE .WATER soFrENEn Jacob C. Bashioum, Erie, Pa., assigner to Uniflow Manufacturing Company, Erie, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Appueauon January 14,"19szs'er1al Nn. 586,516 1o claim.. (cl. 21o-24) 4 This invention relates to water softeners. One of the principal objects of the invention provision of a water softener having manual means for initiatingthe regenerating operations, and means for automatically effecting the successive steps of the regenerating operations l and. the return to softening operation according to predetermined sequence periods.

Another object of the invention is the provision motor of a water softener having an operating for the control mechanism, which motor is actuated by an independent flow of water and is effective to operate the control mechanism according to predetermined sequence periods.

Another object is to provide a water softener controlA mechanism .of this character comprising a vacuum motor operated by an independent flow of water and adapted to actuate the valve mechanism of the softener to -control the sequential Aperiods of operationof the softener.

`Other objects and'advantages of the inventio will be -apparent from the `following description, the accompanying drawings,- and the appended claims.' y f -In `the drawings, which disclose a preferred embodiment of the invention,

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a softener constructed in accordance with. thisV invention;

Fig. cover Fig. of Fig 2 yis a plan view of the softener with theY removed from the operating mechanism;

3 is a sectional view taken onthel line 3 3 2; f

Flg.'4 isa planviewofthe control unit; z. Fig.-5 s a plan view ofthe, underside 'of the valve Figi.

box;

Fig.` 6 is an end elevational view of the valve...

v7 is a diagrammatic view showingv the 8 isa diagrammatic showing Aof -the valves inlbrine iiow position during the regenerating g cycle; I

` Fig. `9 is a-'diagrammatic showingof the valves cycle.

In the drawings, in

and

inilushing position-durlng the regenerating .Y reference designate like 'parts' throughout the several views thereof, the vnumeral 10 designates a softening tank which contains suitable mineral for the softening treatment of water passedA mineral of the tank l0. Mounted on the'tank 10 y "isav alve vbox 12 containing cored flow passages which like characters' of A 14 of the box 12'and an extending portion 15 of 5 the removable cover 1'6 of the softening tank 10. Communication between the valve box and the interior of the softener tank 10 is provided by a cored passage 18 in the softener cover 16 that connects through a passage 21 in the extension l5 with a cored passage 22 of the valve box Within the projection 14,'and connects at 19 with a soft water pipe 20, Pipe connections to the valve box comprises a hard water inlet 25, a pipe to drain 26, and a pipe'27 which leads into the 15 bottom of the softener. l pipes there is a tube 23leadingfto fthe"'bttom of the brine Ytank/forY withdrawal of regeneratingsolution therefrom, a. tube 29 leading to the brine tank for the supply of rellwateigfand a tube 30 which connects to a control mechanism' for automatic actuation of the valves.

The valve box serves as a unit housing for th'e valves that direct the flow through the softener l during vsoftening and regeneration. These include the valve 32 serving tocontrol the flow of brine from the tank 11 to the tank 10, the valve 33- controlling thedirection of ow througlrthe softener, and the. valve 34 which controls the flow'of waterffrom the softener to, drain. 'I'hese valves are of theplunger type and are urged by means of springs-35 toward the positioninwhich they stand during'softening.

` valvesagain'st the, tension f the springs 35 from 35 .the softening position to a Vlatched position to initiatethe regenerating cycle,`and vautomaticallyoperable means are provided to control the return`r of these valv to softening position-to provide a regenerating cyclev of predetermined duration. As shown, the valve box 12 carries 1 spaced arms 37 which support a rock shaft 38 to which an operating lever 39 isjiixed. The' free lend ofthe lever formed intoa handle 40 for convenience of the operator when grasping the lever to move it to initiate the regenerating cycle. Ashort arm 41, fixed to the rock shaft 38, pivotally carries at its free end a pin 42 to which a. yoke 43 is attached which engages andmoves the valves to the. regenerating position upon movement of the lever'39. Movement of the lever in the reverse direction is prevented by the provision of .a projecting linger 44 on the lever which overlies the valve box.

The

valves

32, 33 and 34 are of'generally sim-` In addition to thesewnn-.

change-over periods in the sequence of operations. The control'mechanism is started by actuation of the handle to initiate the regenerating cycle.

This positions the valves to permit passage of water through an ejector that creates suction for the operation of the vacuum motor by which the rack is caused to advance toward the position of engagement with the latches. The ngers 116 and 120 are positioned on the rack so that the finger 116 will engage and release the latch Z5 before the finger 120 reaches engagement with the latch 70. Thevalve 32, held by the latch 75,

controls brine flow through the softener and is released prior to the

valves

33 and 34 which are controlled by the latch 70 and remain openA throughout the regenerating cycle.

Movement of the control mechanism is terminated upon release of the latch 70 which permits the valves to return to softening position and stops the flow through the ejector which provides the driving f orce for the vacuum motor. This movement of the

valves

33 and 34 to softening positionalso serves to control the return of the rack 101 to its initial position so that it is then ready to operate through the next regenerating cycle. As shown, the block 62 carries a projecting finger 167- which is adapted to engage an upwardly projecting pin 168 on the retaining pawl 110. The free end of the arm 98 has a projecting end portion 169 -which overlies the free end of the retaining pawl 110. Upon release of the latch 70, and outward-movement of block 62; the finger 167 engages the pin 169 and moves the pawl 110 out of engagement with the rack and into engagement with the part 169 to thereby disengage also the pawl 99. Release of the pawls 99 and 110 from engagement with the rack permits the spring 107 to return the rack to the starting position.

Each operating part of the softener is provided with actuating means of ample power to assure positive operation at the proper time. The springs 66 which close the valves in regenerating position upon operation of the hand lever are strong. The springs35 which close the valves in softening position upon release 'of' the latches are also strong enough to insure valve movement and positive valve closure. The control mecha'- of this drive mechanism not only provides an abundance of power to effect positive release of the latches but it also serves to insure operation of the softener -even under adverse circumstances so that a cycle of operation of -predetermined duration is assured.

The positioning of the valves and iiow of water through the softener during its cycle of operation is shown diagrammatically in Figs. 7, 8 and 9. Fig. 7 shows the valves in softening position during which time water enters the softener through thehard water pipe 25 and follows the course of the arrows through the valve 33 and the pipe 27 to the bottom of the softener whereupon the hard water is treated in its paage up through the softener and is discharged into the soft water pipe 20 leading to the fixtures served by the'rsoftener. During this time the flow-passage to the control ejector and the passage to the of the brine.

is closed.

The outlet from the softener tank is through a readily removable strainer that is threaded-ly connected at 126 to a sleeve 127 'which is carried by ribs 128 from a cap 129 heldto the softenertop by screws 130. To remove the strainer it is only necessary to remove the screws and lift the cap and attached strainer through the opening 132. In place, all water from the softener is required to pass through the strainer as the sleeve 127 is a close t in the opening 133 consequently the only passage to the, cored conduit 18 is' through the strainer and out through the openings between the ribs 128, into the passageway 18. Acheck valve prevents flow into the valve box during the softening period when the ow is in such direction that without the check valve the water would enter the valve box. v

Upon actuation of the lever -39 to move the valves to initiate the regenerating cycle the valves assume the position shown diagrammatically in Fig. 8 wherein the hard water from the pipe 25 enters the valve 33 and from there ows through a passage 138 to an ejector 140 to create suction in the tube 30 that leads to 'the vacuum motor to the drain pipe 26. A separate quantity of water is utilized to actuate the ejector from that which `passes through the softener. In this position of 186. Theflow from the ejector 140 leads directly j and from here through a passage 142 to an ejector 143 which connects to the tube 28 extending to the bottom of the brine tank for withdrawal The brine is carried fromthe ejector 143 through a passage 145 into the top of the" softener for treatment of the mineral. This' passage 145 is in part shown at 22 and 18 in Fig. 3. The spent brine passes from the bottom of the' tank 10 through'the pipe 27 and out through the valve 34 to the drain pipe 26. During this same time water flowing through the pas'- sage 141 is carried by the rell pipe 29 to the brine tank to replace that lost by withdrawal through the pipe 28. A float valve 146 at the end of the pipe 29 .controls the maximum level within the tank 11.

Brine is withdrawn through the ejector 143 until the control mechanism has operated for a sufficient length of time to cause the finger 116 to engage the latch `75 and release the brine valve 32 to stop the brine iow and move the valve to the position shown in Fig. 9 wherein the valves are illustrated in the flushing position. Here hard water from' the pipe 25 continues to flow through the valve 33 and through the ejector 140 as described above. Also, it flows through the pas- I sage 141 and through the valve 32. 'I'he valve 32 is now closed to the ejector but is open directly to the e leading to the top of the softener so that'hard water may flow thereinto with resulting overflow. The check valve 147 is constructed so that slight leakage is provided to permit suflicient flow during the Vushing period to completely wash away any brine contained in the ejector and associated passages for preventionofcorrosion.therein. Duringthe flushingperiod the control mechanism continues to operate until the finger 120 disengagesthe latch 70 and permits return of the

valves

33 and 34 to thesofteningpositionasshowninFig. '1. Ifthe softener is going to be subjected to fluctuating pressures then the general arrangement shown, in which the pressure fluid `that operates the vacuum motor is subject to the same fluctuations as the pressure fluid that goes through the softener, provides for properly proportioned iiow relationship. During the regenerating cycle flow from the soft water pipe back into the softener is prevented by the provision of a check valve 150.

In softening pomtion the flow to the vacuum motor ejector 140 is cut oil? as well as the flow to the-brine withdrawal and refill pipes. Also, in this position of the valves the packing around the valve stems is out of communication with any water under pressure as the

valves

32, 33 and 34 are all closed against openings leading to the packing glands and leakage at the stems is eiectively prevented.

The arrangement of the valve control permits rapid regeneration of the mineral. During the period of brine flow the brine valve 32 is posi# tioned so that water entering the tank first passes through the ejector 143 for the additionof brine. When this valve 32 moves at the end of the brine flow period it .provides a by pass around the brine ejector and a free iiow path to thetank 10. During the flushing period hard water may now freely in large volume through the

passages

141 and 145 without having to go through the ejector 143, consequently the flushing out of spent brine may be eifectively accomplished in but a few minut time.

The ejector 140 that provides suction for operation of the vacuum motor 86 is connected directlybetweenthehardwaterinletandtbe drain outlet. By so connecting the 4ejector for thedrivingmecbanismafreeiiowisassuredand an effective suction is produced regardless of other conditons in the softener. lAlthough this wateriswasted,theammntusedissmallasthe iiow through this ejector during the cycle amounts to about 30 gallons.

Allpartsofthesoftenerarereadilyle for inspection or replacement. The complete control mechanism is mounted on the softener as aunit; allofitbeingcarriedby thebasemember '93 which is attached to the softener by the readily removable screws 151. The complete valve box may be removed, after detaching the pipes connected to it, by removal of the two screws 13. If it is desired to inspect the valves it is only necessary to remove the screws 152 which holdv the cap 153 of the valve box to the body 154 after which the cap with the valves may be lifted oiI. All of the pipe connections to the valve box` are made to the lbody 154 and all passages between the valve discs and valve seats 54 are so cored in the valve box that all of the exterior connections are made to the valve box body. Removal of the cap 153 permits inspection of the valve bodies and associated parts. 'I'he strainer 125, as mentioned, may be inspected by removal of the screws 130. Access to the check valve 135 is through a readily removable plug 156 threadedly mounted in the softener top. The complete interior of the 'softener tank is exposed by removing the cap screws 157.

Adjustment of the softener, such as may be required for varying conditions of water pressure or of resistance to free flow, is accomplished by provision of an adjustable needle valve 158 which controls the rate of brine withdrawal, and by adjustment of the screws 117 and 121 of the latch releasing mechanism for adjustment of the duration of the brine flow period and flushing period.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus, and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is `dened in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: l. In a water softener, a plurality of valves movable to effect softening and regeneration, means urging said valves to the position of softening, manual means for moving said valves to in-v itiate the regenerating cycle, means for retainingl direction during the regenerating cycle toward engagement with the retaining means for release of the valve means to softening position, means urging said member in the oppomt'e direction, means for advancing said member toward the retaining means, and means on said valve means engageable with said advancing means upon release of said valve means to the softening position to move said advancing means out of engagement with said member for its movement in the direction ursed.

3. In a water softener, a brine tank,- a softening tank, an ejector operable during the regenerating cycle for passing brine from the brine tank into the softening tank, a second ejector, valve means controlling the fluid flow to said brine ejector and to said second ejector, means for moving said valve means to initiate the regenerating cycle and operation of both ejectors, and means operated by the second ejector to terminate the operation of the brine ejector.

4. In a water softener, a brine tank, a softening tank, an ejector for passing brine from the brine tank into the softening tank, a second ejector operable during the regenerating cycle, valve means controlling the iiuid iiow to said brine ejector and said second ejector, means for moving said valve means to initiate the regenerating cycle and operation of both ejectors, vacuum motor means operated by the second ejector, and means actuated by operation of the vacuum motor for controlling the operation of the brine ejector and the duration of the regenerating cycle.

5. In a water softener, valve means for directing the ow of water through the softener and comprising a valve box, axially spaced seats in said valve box, a valve, an axially movable valve stem attached to said valve and projecting from said valve box for movement of the valve to closed position against either of said valve seats, spaced projections on said valve stem, a member slidably mounted on said valve stem for movement between said projections, and spring means cooperatively associated with said projections and said member to tension the valve in closed position against either seat.

6. In a water softener, a valve box for directing the iiow of water through the softener, axially spaced valve seats in said valve box, a valve, an axially movable valve stem attached to said valve and projecting from said valve box for movement of the Valve to close position against either valve seat, spaced stops on said Valve stem, a member slidably mounted on said valve stem between said stops, aspring tensioned between said valve box and said member land vurging said member. into contact with one of said stops to tension the valve in closed position against one of said seats, a second spring tensioned between the member and the other of said stops, and means to move the member against tension of the rst mentioned spring to close the valve against the other seat by tension of the second mentioned spring.

'7. In a Water softener, valve means controlling softening and regeneration, spring means for said valve means, a manually operable handle for directly energizing said spring means and setting said valve means by manual power to initiate the regenerating operation, and automatically operable control means effective upon operation of the manual means for automatically releasing said valve means to the softening position, said control means comprising motor means, a freely movable valve releasing bar constantly urged toward an initial position and movable therefrom to the valve releasing position, a pawl movablel with the motor means and engaging said bar for intermittent advance from the initial position, a holdying pawl engaging said bar against return to the initial position, and means on the valve means engageable with said pawls toward the end of the valve movement to softening position to release said pawls for return of said bar to initial position.v

8. 'In water softening apparatus, the combination comprising a tank for water softening ma.- terial, a receptacle for a regenerating solution, a supply conduit for-water under pressure, a system of conduits interconnecting said supply conduit, receptacle, and tank for conducting water and the regenerating solution to said tank and then to waste, control means for directing a. fio'w oi water from said supply to the tank for softening, for directing a flow of regenerating solution to the tank, and for directing a flow of waterto said tank for flushing out the regenerating solution, a conduit for conducting a separate flow of .water from said pressure supply to waste, said separate ow being proportional to the iiow -through the softening tank during regenerating actuated by said suction to operate the said control means to regulate regeneration, flushing, and restoration of the system to permit water softening operation, and means movable to initiate the regenerating operation when the softening material has been used to a point which makes its regeneration desirable.

9. In a water softening apparatus, the combination comprising a tank for water softening material, a receptacle for a regenerating solution, a supply conduit for water under pressure, a system of conduits interconnecting said supply conduit, receptacle, and tank for conducting water and the regenerating solution to said tank and then to waste, control means for directing a flow of water from said supply to the tank for softening, for directing a fiow of regenerating solution to the tank, and for directing a ow of water to said tank for flushing out the regenerating solution, a conduit for conducting a separate ow of 'water from said pressure supply to waste, said separate iiow being proportional to the iiow'f through the softening tank during regenerating and flushing operations, an ejector responsive to said separate ow for creating suction, an air motor actuated by said suction to operate the said control means to regulate regeneration, ushing, and restoration of the system to permit water softening operation, and means movable to initiate the regenerating operation when the softening material has been used to a point which `makes its regeneration desirable.

10. In water softening apparatus, the combination comprising a tank for Water softening material, a receptacle for a regenerating solution, a supply conduit for Water under pressure, a systemvof conduits interconnecting said supply conduit, receptacle, and tank for conducting water and the regenerating solution to said tank and then to waste, control means for directing a ow of water from said supply to the tank for softening, for directing a ow of regenerating solutionv to the tank, and for directing a now of water to said tank for i'iushing out the regenerating solution, a conduit for conducting a separate flow'of water from said pressure supply to waste, said separate iiow being proportional to the ow through the softening tank during regenerating and ushing operations, means responsive to said separate flow for creating suction, an air motor actuated by said suction to operate the -said control means to regulate regeneration, ushing, and restoration of the system to permit water softening operation, and manual means movable to initiate the regenerating operation when the softening material has been used to a point which makes its regeneration desirable.

JAcoB c. BAsHIoUM.