US20180087285A1 - Material consumption indicator and applications thereof - Google Patents
Material consumption indicator and applications thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180087285A1 US20180087285A1 US15/717,746 US201715717746A US2018087285A1 US 20180087285 A1 US20180087285 A1 US 20180087285A1 US 201715717746 A US201715717746 A US 201715717746A US 2018087285 A1 US2018087285 A1 US 2018087285A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- consumable resource
- container
- indicator
- chemical
- environment
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 title description 16
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 16
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims description 146
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims description 33
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 claims 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 27
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 25
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 18
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 18
- ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chlorine atom Chemical compound [Cl] ZAMOUSCENKQFHK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 17
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 9
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 9
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 9
- WKBOTKDWSSQWDR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Bromine atom Chemical compound [Br] WKBOTKDWSSQWDR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- GDTBXPJZTBHREO-UHFFFAOYSA-N bromine Substances BrBr GDTBXPJZTBHREO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 7
- 229910052794 bromium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 7
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 6
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000009182 swimming Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004433 Thermoplastic polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001971 elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000005038 ethylene vinyl acetate Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004794 expanded polystyrene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000005060 rubber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002803 thermoplastic polyurethane Polymers 0.000 description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 108010076504 Protein Sorting Signals Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 229920006328 Styrofoam Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000002253 acid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000001309 chloro group Chemical group Cl* 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007799 cork Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000779 depleting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000011161 development Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000006260 foam Substances 0.000 description 1
- ZFSLODLOARCGLH-UHFFFAOYSA-N isocyanuric acid Chemical compound OC1=NC(O)=NC(O)=N1 ZFSLODLOARCGLH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004814 polyurethane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000011160 research Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008261 styrofoam Substances 0.000 description 1
- -1 synthetic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D83/00—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents
- B65D83/04—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills
- B65D83/049—Containers or packages with special means for dispensing contents for dispensing annular, disc-shaped, or spherical or like small articles, e.g. tablets or pills the dispensing means forming a part of a removable closure, e.g. gripping teeth, cavity
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04H—BUILDINGS OR LIKE STRUCTURES FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES; SWIMMING OR SPLASH BATHS OR POOLS; MASTS; FENCING; TENTS OR CANOPIES, IN GENERAL
- E04H4/00—Swimming or splash baths or pools
- E04H4/12—Devices or arrangements for circulating water, i.e. devices for removal of polluted water, cleaning baths or for water treatment
- E04H4/1281—Devices for distributing chemical products in the water of swimming pools
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D43/00—Lids or covers for rigid or semi-rigid containers
- B65D43/02—Removable lids or covers
- B65D43/0202—Removable lids or covers without integral tamper element
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D51/00—Closures not otherwise provided for
- B65D51/24—Closures not otherwise provided for combined or co-operating with auxiliary devices for non-closing purposes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D85/00—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials
- B65D85/62—Containers, packaging elements or packages, specially adapted for particular articles or materials for stacks of articles; for special arrangements of groups of articles
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
- C02F1/685—Devices for dosing the additives
- C02F1/686—Devices for dosing liquid additives
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/68—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by addition of specified substances, e.g. trace elements, for ameliorating potable water
- C02F1/685—Devices for dosing the additives
- C02F1/688—Devices in which the water progressively dissolves a solid compound
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F1/00—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage
- C02F1/72—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation
- C02F1/76—Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by oxidation with halogens or compounds of halogens
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01F—MEASURING VOLUME, VOLUME FLOW, MASS FLOW OR LIQUID LEVEL; METERING BY VOLUME
- G01F23/00—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
- G01F23/22—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
- G01F23/28—Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring the variations of parameters of electromagnetic or acoustic waves applied directly to the liquid or fluent solid material
- G01F23/284—Electromagnetic waves
- G01F23/292—Light, e.g. infrared or ultraviolet
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2103/00—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated
- C02F2103/42—Nature of the water, waste water, sewage or sludge to be treated from bathing facilities, e.g. swimming pools
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C02—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F—TREATMENT OF WATER, WASTE WATER, SEWAGE, OR SLUDGE
- C02F2209/00—Controlling or monitoring parameters in water treatment
- C02F2209/42—Liquid level
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to containers and more particularly to indicators that indicate when service to the container may be needed.
- Containers have a plethora of uses, including storing and dispensing chemicals (e.g., solid, liquid, etc.) that are mildly to severely toxic to humans.
- a container may be used as chemical dispensing system that houses chemical (e.g., chlorine tablets) for use in swimming pools.
- the chemical dispensing system includes openings so that when it is placed in a pool the chemical tablets are exposed to the water. When exposed, the chemical tablets interact with the water and slowly dissolve to better maintain desired chemical levels of the water. After a certain amount of exposure, such chemicals need to be replaced to keep the chemical levels of the water within a desired range.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispensing mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container indicator and an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7B is a schematic block diagram of an example of an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 7C is a schematic block diagram of another example of an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes a section 12 , an indicator 16 , and a container top 18 .
- the section 12 is an area, volume or space that allows container 10 to contain a consumable resource 14 .
- the consumable resource is one or more of a dissolvable solid and a miscible liquid.
- the indicator 16 indicates the level (e.g., amount) of the consumable resource 14 present in the container 10 .
- the level of the consumable resource 14 within container 10 may be ascertained without direct contact with the container 10 contact (e.g., physical removal from the environment 20 ).
- the indicator 16 may include one or more identifiers (e.g., numbers, colors, levels (e.g., high, medium, low, etc.) and amounts (e.g., 1 tab, 2 tabs, etc.).
- the indicator may include amount identifiers of full, half full and empty.
- the indicator may include number identifiers in a range of 1-10 (e.g., 1 being empty, 10 being full).
- the indicator may include color identifiers, with red representing empty, yellow representing half full and green representing full.
- the environment 20 is any substance (e.g., liquid, air, etc.) that may benefit from dissemination of the consumable resource 14 .
- the environment 20 may be a swimming pool or spa and the consumable resource is chlorine tablets.
- the consumable resource may be a miscible liquid
- the environment 20 may be air in a certain area (e.g., room, office, etc.) and the interaction of the air with the miscible liquid causes a humidity level to change.
- the environment 20 may be a mixture of solids and liquids in a water treatment tank.
- the container top 18 may be a variety of sizes.
- the container top 18 may be a circumference of the container 10 .
- the container top 18 may be a diameter that is one half a diameter of the container 10 .
- the container top 18 may also be mechanically coupled to the indicator 16 and/or may allow for the indicator 16 to pass through the container top 18 .
- the container top 18 may further be or function as the indicator 16 .
- the container top is geometrically situated (e.g., concaved, sloped, angled, etc.) and includes an insertion area 13 , such that a consumable resource may be added (e.g., poured, placed, etc.) to the section, without removal of the container top 18 .
- the insertion area may be a variety of sizes to accommodate varying consumable resources.
- the insertion area may include a cylindrical tube with a diameter of 0.5 inches.
- the insertion area may be a slot with an inverting flap that remains closed until sufficient pressure is provided and that functions to allow for insertion of a one inch chlorine tablet.
- the container top 18 may further be configured to rotate within the container, such that the rotation allows the insertion area to be opened or closed. Further note the container top 18 may be manually rotated (e.g., by a user, robot, drone, etc.) or may be automatically (mechanically, electronically, etc.) rotated as the consumable resource is consumed, such that when the consumable resource is full, the insertion area is closed and when the consumable resource is below a threshold, the insertion area is opened.
- the section 12 may include a spring loaded mechanism 30 as illustrated in FIG. 9A . As the consumable resource 14 is consumed, the spring loaded mechanism 30 expands causing indicator 16 to increase in height with respect to the container.
- the indicator 16 may be mechanically coupled to the container top 18 , such that at a point (e.g., half full, empty, etc.) the increase in height of the indicator causes the top 18 to rotate, which causes the insertion area to open.
- a first amount of the consumable resource 14 is present within the section 12 of the container 10 .
- a second amount of the consumable resource is present within the section 12 of the container 10 .
- the container 10 contains 4 full chlorine tablets and at time t 2 , the container 10 contains four 3 ⁇ 4 full chlorine tablets.
- the indicator 16 drops in height above the container from time t 1 to time t 2 , which indicates the reduction in the amount of the chlorine tablets.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes section 12 and an indicator 16 .
- the section 12 includes an outer housing 21 and a separate housing 22 for containing the consumable resource 14 .
- the outer housing 21 is of a first material and the separate housing is of the first material and/or of a second material.
- each of the first and second materials is one or more of a molded plastic, a molded carbon fiber, a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), rubber, carbon fiber, cork, etc.
- the separate housing 22 includes the indicator 16 such that when the separate housing 22 changes position with respect to the outer housing 21 , the indicator 16 changes position.
- the separate housing 22 functions as the indicator 16 .
- the separate housing 22 is contained within the in the outer housing 21 and is free to move vertically. As such, when the consumable resource is consumed, the separate housing 22 moves within the outer housing 21 , causing the indicator 16 to be more or less visible, which indicates a level of consumption.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of embodiments of a container 10 that includes section 12 and a dispensing mechanism 24 .
- the dispensing mechanism 24 allows the consumable resource 14 to interact with the environment 20 .
- the dispensing mechanism 24 may be one or more of an opening (e.g., slit, tube) and a membrane (e.g., synthetic, ceramic, polymeric, etc.).
- the dispensing mechanism 24 may be a membrane such that the consumable resource 14 is dispensed at a fixed rate.
- the dispensing mechanism 24 may be a membrane such that the consumable resource 14 is dispensed at a variable rate that decreases as a dispensing factor (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.) decreases.
- a dispensing factor e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.
- the dispensing mechanism 24 is an opening slit that allows the environment 20 to interact with the consumable resource 14 .
- a dispensing mechanism allows an environment (e.g., water) to interact with a consumable resource (e.g., bromine tablet, acid, etc.), which causes consumption of the consumable resource.
- a consumable resource e.g., bromine tablet, acid, etc.
- the consumption of the consumable resource creates a desired mixture level between the consumable resource and a liquid (e.g., the environment) to be within a desired mixture range.
- FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes a section 12 and an indicator 16 .
- the section includes a separate housing 22 that contains consumable resource 14 .
- the section 12 also includes a buoyant material 28 that is coupled to at least one of the separate housing 22 and the indicator 16 . Note that at least some of one or both of the separate housing 22 and the indicator 16 may be the buoyant material 28 .
- the separate housing 22 is comprised of the buoyant material 28 .
- the buoyant material 28 functions to cause a physical change of the indicator 16 with respect to the container 10 as the consumable resource 14 is consumed.
- the container contains four full chlorine tablets and the buoyant material 28 causes the top of the indicator 16 to be a first distance d 1 from the top of the container 10 .
- the container contains four 1 ⁇ 2 full chlorine tablets and the buoyant material 28 causes the top of the indicator 16 to be a second distance d 2 (e.g., greater than the first, less than the first, etc.) from the top of the container 10 .
- FIGS. 4B-C are cross-sectional views of embodiments of a container 10 that includes a separate housing 22 .
- the separate housing 22 includes filler notches 46 which function to keep filler 35 in place.
- the filler is placed in the container without filler notches 46 .
- Filler 35 may be made from a variety of materials. These materials include one or more of, but is not limited to, a plastic, a metal, a foam and a rubber.
- the filler 35 may be a buoyant material comprised of Expanded Polystyrene Styrofoam (EPS).
- EPS Expanded Polystyrene Styrofoam
- the filler may be a copper disk.
- the filler 35 functions to allow the same container 10 to operate in different environments 20 or with different consumable resources 14 , while keeping the indicators 16 functioning appropriate for its use.
- the container is used in a 12,000 gallon pool. It is desired that the container hold 4 chlorine tablets to maintain a recommended ratio of 1-3 ppm chlorine.
- the container 10 is used in a 400 gallon Jacuzzi and it is desired that the container hold 3 bromine tablets to maintain a recommend ratio of 3-5 ppm bromine.
- additional fillers 35 may be added such that the indicators that accurately indicate a respective amount of the chlorine during the first time also accurately indicate a respective amount of bromine during both the first and second times. This allows the same indicator to be used for various applications while accurately indicating an amount of the consumable resource present within the container.
- FIG. 4D is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes a separate housing 22 and an adjustable indicator 48 .
- the separate housing 22 functions to contain a consumable resource and also to cause the adjustable indicator 48 to physically change position in relation to the container 10 .
- the adjustable indicator may be mechanically coupled to the separate housing 22 .
- Note the separate housing may also function as the adjustable indicator 48 .
- the adjustable indicator may be adjusted (e.g., shortened, lengthened, etc.) so that the container may contain varying levels of one or more consumable resources and the adjustable indicator will accurately indicate the amount of the one or more consumable resources present within the container 10 .
- FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 in an environment 20 that includes an indicator 16 , a container top 18 , a spring loaded mechanism 30 , and a separate housing 22 for containing a consumable resource 14 .
- the spring loaded mechanism 30 functions to expand as the consumable resource is consumed.
- the indicator 16 changes position with respect to a top portion of the container 10 .
- the separate housing 22 contains a first amount of the consumable resource 14 causing the spring loaded mechanism 30 to be at a first expansion, the first expansion causing indicator 16 to be at a first height d 1 .
- the separate housing 22 contains a second amount of the consumable resource 14 causing the spring loaded mechanism 30 to be at a second expansion, the second expansion causing indicator 16 to be at a second height d 2 .
- the change in height of the indicator 16 from d 1 to d 2 indicates a change in the amount of the consumable resource 14 that is present within container 10 .
- FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross sectional views of an embodiment of a container 10 that includes an indicator 16 , a container top 18 , a spring loaded mechanism 30 , and a separate housing 22 for containing a consumable resource 14 .
- the spring loaded mechanism is below one or more of the separate housing 22 and the consumable resource 14 .
- the spring loaded mechanism 30 exerts an upward force on one or more of the consumable resource 14 and the separate housing 14 .
- the spring loaded mechanism 30 expands and causes the indicator 16 to increase in height with respect to the container 10 .
- the increase in height of the indicator 16 indicates a remaining level of the consumable resource 14 .
- FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a container 10 in an environment 20 that includes a separate housing 22 , an indicator 16 , a section 12 for containing a consumable resource 14 , and an electronic circuit 50 .
- the electronic circuit 50 functions to determine a position of one or more of the container 10 , the separate housing 22 , and the indicator 16 .
- the electronic circuit monitors various conditions of the environment 20 and consumable resource 14 , ensures the consumable resource is being disseminated as desired (e.g., as programmed in memory 58 ) and sends an alert message. For example, the electronic circuit monitors a temperature and chlorine level of water in a swimming pool.
- the electronic circuit determines an amount of the consumable resource is below a threshold level and sends a user (e.g., a computing device, a refill drone, etc.) a message indicating the consumable resource is below the threshold level.
- the electronic circuit determines the consumable resource consumption rate is above a rate threshold.
- FIGS. 7B and 7C are a schematic block diagrams of the electronic circuit 50 .
- the electronic circuit 50 includes a processing module 52 , transceiver 54 one or more sensors 56 , and a memory 58 .
- the electronic circuit 50 includes a processing module 52 , transceiver 54 one or more environment sensors 55 , one or more indicator sensors and a memory 58 .
- the one or more sensors 56 determine a value of a physical position of the indicator with respect to the container to determine the amount of the consumable resource 14 present in the container 10 .
- the processing module 52 receives the value representative of the amount and may store the value in memory 58 and/or may send to the value to the transceiver 54 along with a command message to send the value to a computing device.
- the one or more environmental sensors 55 may detect one or more conditions of the environment 20 .
- the conditions include one or more of a temperature, a humidity level, a chlorine level, a bromine level, a total alkalinity level, a pH level, a water hardness level, and cyanuric acid level.
- the electronic circuit 50 also includes an ambient light sensor that functions to detect a change from a first ambient light condition to a second ambient light condition. For example, the ambient light sensor detects a change from light to dark. The electronic circuit may then convert the detection in a signal that is sent as a Bluetooth signal by transceiver 54 to a computing device. Note the transceiver 54 may be implemented by a receiver and transmitter that do not share common circuitry. As a specific example, a light receiving diode is positioned on indicator. When the position of the light receiving diode on the indicator is still within the container, it will produce a first electronic signal indicating the first ambient light condition (e.g., dark since it is still within the container). When the position of the light receiving diode on the indicator is outside of the container, it will produce a second electronic signal indicating the second ambient light condition (e.g., light since it is outside of the container).
- an ambient light sensor that functions to detect a change from a first ambient light condition to a second ambient light condition. For example, the
- FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 80 for use in a pool of water 84 (e.g., pool, spa, etc.) that includes the section 12 for containing chemical tablets 82 (e.g., chlorine, bromine, etc.) and a fill level indicator 86 .
- the buoyant chemical dispenser 80 also includes the dispensing mechanism 24 , which allows the pool of water 84 to interact with the chemical tablets 82 .
- the interaction between the chemical tablets 82 and the pool of water 84 causes a reduction of the chemical tablets 82 within the buoyant chemical dispenser 80 .
- the reduction of the chemical tablets 82 causes (e.g., due to a buoyant material 28 , a spring loaded mechanism 30 , a reduction of pressure, etc.) the fill level indicator 86 to change a physical position with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 80 .
- the change in position of the fill level indicator 86 with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 80 indicates a change in the amount of the chemical tablets within the buoyant chemical dispenser 80 .
- FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross sectional views of embodiments of a buoyant chemical dispenser 80 for use in a pool of water 84 (e.g., pool, spa, etc.) that includes the section 12 for containing chemical tablets 82 (e.g., chlorine, bromine, etc.), an electronic circuit 50 , a fill level indicator 86 , a container top 90 , and one or more sensors 95 .
- a sensor of the one or more sensors 95 may be one or more of, but not limited to, a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag, and may include a metal with conductive or magnetic properties.
- RFID radio frequency identifier
- the electronic circuit determines an amount of chemical tablets by interacting with a sensor of the one or more sensors 95 to determine a physical position of the fill level indicator 86 .
- the electronic circuit 50 may be placed in any location throughout a container 10 (e.g., the buoyant chemical dispenser 80 ).
- the electronic circuit 50 is placed in an area of the container 10 such that an environment sensor 55 of the electronic circuit 50 is able to sense information (e.g., chlorine levels, temperature, etc.) of the environment 20 .
- a plurality of electronic circuits 50 are placed in a plurality of areas (e.g., the bottom, the top) of the container 10 such that a sensor 56 of the electronic circuit 50 is able to sense respective forces to calculate a buoyancy of the container 10 .
- FIG. 10 is a side view a chemical dispensing system that includes a chemical dispenser 100 , a scoop 102 which functions as an indicator and a lid, and chemical distribution ports 104 .
- the scoop 102 may be chemical resistant and is positioned as a lid to keep the chemicals contained within the dispenser.
- the chemical distribution ports 104 all for an interaction between consumable resources located within the chemical dispenser 100 and the environment of chemical dispenser 100 .
- FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser 100 that includes an internal chamber 112 and a scoop 102 .
- the scoop 102 functions as an indicator and a lid.
- the internal chamber 112 stores chemical tablets 110 .
- FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser that is full of chemical tables 110 .
- the chemical dispenser includes an internal chamber 112 , and a removable scoop 102 for obtaining a chemical tablet 110 without direct contact to a user's skin.
- FIG. 13 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser that is empty or nearly empty.
- the chemical dispensing system includes a removable scoop 102 that is used to place a chemical tablet 110 , granulated and/or any other forms of chemicals into the inner chamber of the chemical dispenser while protecting the user's skin from direct contact.
- FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross sectional views of a chemical dispenser 100 that includes a scoop 102 that also functions as an indicator 102 and a lid 102 , and a buoyant platform 140 .
- the buoyant platform 140 causes the indicator 102 to rise in height due to a reduction in mass of chemicals occurring from an interaction of the chemicals within the chemical dispenser 100 with a surrounding environment.
- chemical dispenser 100 is used in a pool of water and is full of chemicals (e.g., chlorine tablets).
- a first amount of the chemicals within chemical dispenser 100 displace a first amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a first buoyancy.
- a second amount of the chemicals within chemical dispenser 100 displace a second amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a second buoyancy.
- a first buoyant platform 140 may be used with chemicals of a first mass and a second buoyant platform 140 may be used for chemicals of a second mass.
- FIGS. 16 and 17 are vertical cross sections of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes buoyant platform 140 coupled to fill level indicators 162 .
- Chemical tablets 110 inside of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 are atop of the buoyant platform 140 of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the fill level indicators 162 may function as a housing for the chemical tablets 110 .
- a first amount of the chemical tablets 110 are present within buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the first amount of the chemical tablets 110 displace a first amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a first buoyancy.
- a second amount of the chemical tablets 110 are present within buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the second amount of the chemical tablets 110 displace a second amount of water, causing the buoyant platform 140 to have a second buoyancy.
- the buoyant platform 140 increases in height with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the increase in height of the buoyant platform 140 causes an increase in height of fill level indicators 162 , which indicate an amount of the presence, or lack thereof, of chemical tablets 110 within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- a first buoyant platform 140 may be used with chemicals of a first mass and a second buoyant platform 140 may be used for chemicals of a second mass.
- FIGS. 18-20 are side views of an embodiment of buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes fill level indicators 162 .
- consumable resources within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 deplete over time.
- the fill level indicators increase in height with respect to the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the change in height of the fill level indicators 162 indicate an amount of the consumable resources present within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 is full of the consumable resources which causes the fill level indicators 162 to be at a first height above the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- FIG. 18 the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 is full of the consumable resources which causes the fill level indicators 162 to be at a first height above the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 is around half full of the consumable resources which causes the fill level indicators 162 to be at a second height above the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 is full of the consumable resources which causes the fill level indicators 162 to be at a third height above the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes a storage chamber 222 .
- the storage chamber 222 houses forceps 220 .
- the forceps 220 may also function as an indicator 220 that indicates an amount of a consumable resource present within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- FIG. 23 is a side view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes a storage chamber 222 for housing forceps 220 and a lid 230 .
- the forceps 220 allow for grasping chemical tablet 110 and placing chemical tablet 110 within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 without direct skin contact with the chemical tablet 110 .
- FIGS. 24 and 25 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of chemical dispensing system that includes forceps 220 , and a buoyant platform 140 .
- the buoyant platform 140 is positioned below both of chemical tablets 110 and forceps 220 .
- a buoyancy force acting on the buoyant platform changes (e.g., decreases), causing the buoyant platform to rise.
- the rise in the buoyant platform causes a corresponding rise in the indicator (e.g., forceps 220 ) which indicates the amount of the chemical tablets present within the chemical dispensing system.
- FIGS. 26 and 27 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes buoyant platform 140 .
- the buoyant platform 140 is coupled to the fill level indicators 162 and a housing inside an internal chamber.
- the housing holds chemical tablets 110 .
- the fill level indicators 162 function as the housing.
- the fill level indicators 162 include pivot points 260 .
- Chemical tablets 110 sit atop the buoyant platform 140 .
- the buoyancy of the buoyant platform 260 is related to the amount of chemical tablets 110 present atop of the buoyant platform. As a mass of the chemical tablets decrease, a corresponding buoyancy of the buoyant platform increases cause the fill level indicators to increase in height above a top portion of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 .
- FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 are side views of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes fill level indicators 162 that include pivot points 260 .
- the pivot points 260 allow at least a portion of the fill level indicators 162 to rotate at pivot points 260 .
- the rotated portions of the fill level indicators indicate that chemical tablets within the buoyant chemical dispenser 160 have been or soon will be fully depleted.
- processing module may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices.
- a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions.
- the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit.
- a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information.
- processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry.
- the memory element may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures.
- Such a memory device or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.
- the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences.
- the term(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level.
- inferred coupling i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference
- the term “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items.
- the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item.
- the term “compares favorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1.
- the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to provide the desired relationship.
- the one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or more aspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or more examples.
- a physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein.
- the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.
Abstract
Description
- The present U.S. Utility patent application claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/400,741, entitled “Chemical Dispensing Systems”, filed Sep. 28, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and made part of the present U.S. Utility patent application for all purposes.
- NOT APPLICABLE
- NOT APPLICABLE
- This invention relates generally to containers and more particularly to indicators that indicate when service to the container may be needed.
- Containers have a plethora of uses, including storing and dispensing chemicals (e.g., solid, liquid, etc.) that are mildly to severely toxic to humans. For example, a container may be used as chemical dispensing system that houses chemical (e.g., chlorine tablets) for use in swimming pools. The chemical dispensing system includes openings so that when it is placed in a pool the chemical tablets are exposed to the water. When exposed, the chemical tablets interact with the water and slowly dissolve to better maintain desired chemical levels of the water. After a certain amount of exposure, such chemicals need to be replaced to keep the chemical levels of the water within a desired range.
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FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a dispensing mechanism in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a dispensing mechanism in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a container indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4C is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 4D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an adjustable indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a spring loaded mechanism in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a container indicator and an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 7B is a schematic block diagram of an example of an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 7C is a schematic block diagram of another example of an electronic circuit in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 9B is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a buoyant chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a scoop indicator lid in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a chemical dispenser with a forceps indicator in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; -
FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention; and -
FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser in accordance with the present invention. -
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of acontainer 10 that includes asection 12, anindicator 16, and acontainer top 18. Thesection 12 is an area, volume or space that allowscontainer 10 to contain aconsumable resource 14. The consumable resource is one or more of a dissolvable solid and a miscible liquid. Theindicator 16 indicates the level (e.g., amount) of theconsumable resource 14 present in thecontainer 10. Thus, with use ofindicators 16, the level of theconsumable resource 14 withincontainer 10 may be ascertained without direct contact with thecontainer 10 contact (e.g., physical removal from the environment 20). - In an embodiment, the
indicator 16 may include one or more identifiers (e.g., numbers, colors, levels (e.g., high, medium, low, etc.) and amounts (e.g., 1 tab, 2 tabs, etc.). For example, the indicator may include amount identifiers of full, half full and empty. As another example, the indicator may include number identifiers in a range of 1-10 (e.g., 1 being empty, 10 being full). As yet another example, the indicator may include color identifiers, with red representing empty, yellow representing half full and green representing full. - The
environment 20 is any substance (e.g., liquid, air, etc.) that may benefit from dissemination of theconsumable resource 14. For example, theenvironment 20 may be a swimming pool or spa and the consumable resource is chlorine tablets. As another example, the consumable resource may be a miscible liquid, theenvironment 20 may be air in a certain area (e.g., room, office, etc.) and the interaction of the air with the miscible liquid causes a humidity level to change. As yet another example, theenvironment 20 may be a mixture of solids and liquids in a water treatment tank. - The
container top 18 may be a variety of sizes. For example, thecontainer top 18 may be a circumference of thecontainer 10. As another example, thecontainer top 18 may be a diameter that is one half a diameter of thecontainer 10. Thecontainer top 18 may also be mechanically coupled to theindicator 16 and/or may allow for theindicator 16 to pass through thecontainer top 18. Thecontainer top 18 may further be or function as theindicator 16. In one example, the container top is geometrically situated (e.g., concaved, sloped, angled, etc.) and includes aninsertion area 13, such that a consumable resource may be added (e.g., poured, placed, etc.) to the section, without removal of thecontainer top 18. Note that the insertion area may be a variety of sizes to accommodate varying consumable resources. For example, the insertion area may include a cylindrical tube with a diameter of 0.5 inches. As another example, the insertion area may be a slot with an inverting flap that remains closed until sufficient pressure is provided and that functions to allow for insertion of a one inch chlorine tablet. - The
container top 18 may further be configured to rotate within the container, such that the rotation allows the insertion area to be opened or closed. Further note thecontainer top 18 may be manually rotated (e.g., by a user, robot, drone, etc.) or may be automatically (mechanically, electronically, etc.) rotated as the consumable resource is consumed, such that when the consumable resource is full, the insertion area is closed and when the consumable resource is below a threshold, the insertion area is opened. As one example, thesection 12 may include a spring loadedmechanism 30 as illustrated inFIG. 9A . As theconsumable resource 14 is consumed, the spring loadedmechanism 30 expands causingindicator 16 to increase in height with respect to the container. Theindicator 16 may be mechanically coupled to thecontainer top 18, such that at a point (e.g., half full, empty, etc.) the increase in height of the indicator causes the top 18 to rotate, which causes the insertion area to open. - In this embodiment, at time t1, a first amount of the
consumable resource 14 is present within thesection 12 of thecontainer 10. At a second time t2, a second amount of the consumable resource is present within thesection 12 of thecontainer 10. For example, at time t1 thecontainer 10 contains 4 full chlorine tablets and at time t2, thecontainer 10 contains four ¾ full chlorine tablets. As a result of a reduction of chlorine tablets, theindicator 16 drops in height above the container from time t1 to time t2, which indicates the reduction in the amount of the chlorine tablets. -
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of acontainer 10 that includessection 12 and anindicator 16. Thesection 12 includes an outer housing 21 and aseparate housing 22 for containing theconsumable resource 14. The outer housing 21 is of a first material and the separate housing is of the first material and/or of a second material. For example, each of the first and second materials is one or more of a molded plastic, a molded carbon fiber, a polyurethane (PU), a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), poly (ethylene-vinyl acetate) (PEVA), rubber, carbon fiber, cork, etc. - The
separate housing 22 includes theindicator 16 such that when theseparate housing 22 changes position with respect to the outer housing 21, theindicator 16 changes position. In one embodiment, theseparate housing 22 functions as theindicator 16. Note that theseparate housing 22 is contained within the in the outer housing 21 and is free to move vertically. As such, when the consumable resource is consumed, theseparate housing 22 moves within the outer housing 21, causing theindicator 16 to be more or less visible, which indicates a level of consumption. -
FIGS. 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views of embodiments of acontainer 10 that includessection 12 and adispensing mechanism 24. Thedispensing mechanism 24 allows theconsumable resource 14 to interact with theenvironment 20. Thedispensing mechanism 24 may be one or more of an opening (e.g., slit, tube) and a membrane (e.g., synthetic, ceramic, polymeric, etc.). For example, thedispensing mechanism 24 may be a membrane such that theconsumable resource 14 is dispensed at a fixed rate. As another example, thedispensing mechanism 24 may be a membrane such that theconsumable resource 14 is dispensed at a variable rate that decreases as a dispensing factor (e.g., pressure, temperature, etc.) decreases. As yet another example and as shown inFIG. 3B , thedispensing mechanism 24 is an opening slit that allows theenvironment 20 to interact with theconsumable resource 14. In an embodiment, a dispensing mechanism allows an environment (e.g., water) to interact with a consumable resource (e.g., bromine tablet, acid, etc.), which causes consumption of the consumable resource. The consumption of the consumable resource creates a desired mixture level between the consumable resource and a liquid (e.g., the environment) to be within a desired mixture range. -
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of acontainer 10 that includes asection 12 and anindicator 16. The section includes aseparate housing 22 that containsconsumable resource 14. Thesection 12 also includes abuoyant material 28 that is coupled to at least one of theseparate housing 22 and theindicator 16. Note that at least some of one or both of theseparate housing 22 and theindicator 16 may be thebuoyant material 28. For example, in one embodiment theseparate housing 22 is comprised of thebuoyant material 28. Thebuoyant material 28 functions to cause a physical change of theindicator 16 with respect to thecontainer 10 as theconsumable resource 14 is consumed. In this embodiment, at a first time t1, the container contains four full chlorine tablets and thebuoyant material 28 causes the top of theindicator 16 to be a first distance d1 from the top of thecontainer 10. At time t2, the container contains four ½ full chlorine tablets and thebuoyant material 28 causes the top of theindicator 16 to be a second distance d2 (e.g., greater than the first, less than the first, etc.) from the top of thecontainer 10. -
FIGS. 4B-C are cross-sectional views of embodiments of acontainer 10 that includes aseparate housing 22. In one embodiment, theseparate housing 22 includesfiller notches 46 which function to keepfiller 35 in place. In another embodiment, the filler is placed in the container withoutfiller notches 46.Filler 35 may be made from a variety of materials. These materials include one or more of, but is not limited to, a plastic, a metal, a foam and a rubber. For example, thefiller 35 may be a buoyant material comprised of Expanded Polystyrene Styrofoam (EPS). As another example, the filler may be a copper disk. Thefiller 35 functions to allow thesame container 10 to operate indifferent environments 20 or with differentconsumable resources 14, while keeping theindicators 16 functioning appropriate for its use. As an example, at a first time, the container is used in a 12,000 gallon pool. It is desired that the container hold 4 chlorine tablets to maintain a recommended ratio of 1-3 ppm chlorine. In another example, thecontainer 10 is used in a 400 gallon Jacuzzi and it is desired that the container hold 3 bromine tablets to maintain a recommend ratio of 3-5 ppm bromine. Thus, after the first time and before the second time,additional fillers 35 may be added such that the indicators that accurately indicate a respective amount of the chlorine during the first time also accurately indicate a respective amount of bromine during both the first and second times. This allows the same indicator to be used for various applications while accurately indicating an amount of the consumable resource present within the container. -
FIG. 4D is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of acontainer 10 that includes aseparate housing 22 and an adjustable indicator 48. Theseparate housing 22 functions to contain a consumable resource and also to cause the adjustable indicator 48 to physically change position in relation to thecontainer 10. The adjustable indicator may be mechanically coupled to theseparate housing 22. Note the separate housing may also function as the adjustable indicator 48. The adjustable indicator may be adjusted (e.g., shortened, lengthened, etc.) so that the container may contain varying levels of one or more consumable resources and the adjustable indicator will accurately indicate the amount of the one or more consumable resources present within thecontainer 10. -
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of acontainer 10 in anenvironment 20 that includes anindicator 16, acontainer top 18, a spring loadedmechanism 30, and aseparate housing 22 for containing aconsumable resource 14. The spring loadedmechanism 30 functions to expand as the consumable resource is consumed. As the spring loadedmechanism 30 expands, theindicator 16 changes position with respect to a top portion of thecontainer 10. For example, at time t1, theseparate housing 22 contains a first amount of theconsumable resource 14 causing the spring loadedmechanism 30 to be at a first expansion, the firstexpansion causing indicator 16 to be at a first height d1. At time t2 theseparate housing 22 contains a second amount of theconsumable resource 14 causing the spring loadedmechanism 30 to be at a second expansion, the secondexpansion causing indicator 16 to be at a second height d2. The change in height of theindicator 16 from d1 to d2 indicates a change in the amount of theconsumable resource 14 that is present withincontainer 10. -
FIGS. 6A and 6B are cross sectional views of an embodiment of acontainer 10 that includes anindicator 16, acontainer top 18, a spring loadedmechanism 30, and aseparate housing 22 for containing aconsumable resource 14. In one embodiment, the spring loaded mechanism is below one or more of theseparate housing 22 and theconsumable resource 14. The spring loadedmechanism 30 exerts an upward force on one or more of theconsumable resource 14 and theseparate housing 14. Thus, as theconsumable resource 14 is consumed, the spring loadedmechanism 30 expands and causes theindicator 16 to increase in height with respect to thecontainer 10. The increase in height of theindicator 16 indicates a remaining level of theconsumable resource 14. -
FIG. 7A is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of acontainer 10 in anenvironment 20 that includes aseparate housing 22, anindicator 16, asection 12 for containing aconsumable resource 14, and anelectronic circuit 50. Theelectronic circuit 50 functions to determine a position of one or more of thecontainer 10, theseparate housing 22, and theindicator 16. The electronic circuit monitors various conditions of theenvironment 20 andconsumable resource 14, ensures the consumable resource is being disseminated as desired (e.g., as programmed in memory 58) and sends an alert message. For example, the electronic circuit monitors a temperature and chlorine level of water in a swimming pool. As another example, the electronic circuit determines an amount of the consumable resource is below a threshold level and sends a user (e.g., a computing device, a refill drone, etc.) a message indicating the consumable resource is below the threshold level. As another example, the electronic circuit determines the consumable resource consumption rate is above a rate threshold. -
FIGS. 7B and 7C are a schematic block diagrams of theelectronic circuit 50. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7B , theelectronic circuit 50 includes aprocessing module 52,transceiver 54 one ormore sensors 56, and amemory 58. In the embodiment ofFIG. 7C , theelectronic circuit 50 includes aprocessing module 52,transceiver 54 one ormore environment sensors 55, one or more indicator sensors and amemory 58. - The one or
more sensors 56 determine a value of a physical position of the indicator with respect to the container to determine the amount of theconsumable resource 14 present in thecontainer 10. Theprocessing module 52 receives the value representative of the amount and may store the value inmemory 58 and/or may send to the value to thetransceiver 54 along with a command message to send the value to a computing device. - The one or more
environmental sensors 55 may detect one or more conditions of theenvironment 20. The conditions include one or more of a temperature, a humidity level, a chlorine level, a bromine level, a total alkalinity level, a pH level, a water hardness level, and cyanuric acid level. - The
electronic circuit 50 also includes an ambient light sensor that functions to detect a change from a first ambient light condition to a second ambient light condition. For example, the ambient light sensor detects a change from light to dark. The electronic circuit may then convert the detection in a signal that is sent as a Bluetooth signal bytransceiver 54 to a computing device. Note thetransceiver 54 may be implemented by a receiver and transmitter that do not share common circuitry. As a specific example, a light receiving diode is positioned on indicator. When the position of the light receiving diode on the indicator is still within the container, it will produce a first electronic signal indicating the first ambient light condition (e.g., dark since it is still within the container). When the position of the light receiving diode on the indicator is outside of the container, it will produce a second electronic signal indicating the second ambient light condition (e.g., light since it is outside of the container). -
FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of abuoyant chemical dispenser 80 for use in a pool of water 84 (e.g., pool, spa, etc.) that includes thesection 12 for containing chemical tablets 82 (e.g., chlorine, bromine, etc.) and afill level indicator 86. Thebuoyant chemical dispenser 80 also includes thedispensing mechanism 24, which allows the pool ofwater 84 to interact with thechemical tablets 82. The interaction between thechemical tablets 82 and the pool ofwater 84 causes a reduction of thechemical tablets 82 within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 80. The reduction of thechemical tablets 82 causes (e.g., due to abuoyant material 28, a spring loadedmechanism 30, a reduction of pressure, etc.) thefill level indicator 86 to change a physical position with respect to thebuoyant chemical dispenser 80. The change in position of thefill level indicator 86 with respect to thebuoyant chemical dispenser 80 indicates a change in the amount of the chemical tablets within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 80. -
FIGS. 9A and 9B are cross sectional views of embodiments of abuoyant chemical dispenser 80 for use in a pool of water 84 (e.g., pool, spa, etc.) that includes thesection 12 for containing chemical tablets 82 (e.g., chlorine, bromine, etc.), anelectronic circuit 50, afill level indicator 86, acontainer top 90, and one ormore sensors 95. A sensor of the one ormore sensors 95 may be one or more of, but not limited to, a radio frequency identifier (RFID) tag, and may include a metal with conductive or magnetic properties. The electronic circuit determines an amount of chemical tablets by interacting with a sensor of the one ormore sensors 95 to determine a physical position of thefill level indicator 86. Theelectronic circuit 50 may be placed in any location throughout a container 10 (e.g., the buoyant chemical dispenser 80). For example, theelectronic circuit 50 is placed in an area of thecontainer 10 such that anenvironment sensor 55 of theelectronic circuit 50 is able to sense information (e.g., chlorine levels, temperature, etc.) of theenvironment 20. As another example, a plurality ofelectronic circuits 50 are placed in a plurality of areas (e.g., the bottom, the top) of thecontainer 10 such that asensor 56 of theelectronic circuit 50 is able to sense respective forces to calculate a buoyancy of thecontainer 10. -
FIG. 10 is a side view a chemical dispensing system that includes achemical dispenser 100, ascoop 102 which functions as an indicator and a lid, andchemical distribution ports 104. Thescoop 102 may be chemical resistant and is positioned as a lid to keep the chemicals contained within the dispenser. Thechemical distribution ports 104 all for an interaction between consumable resources located within thechemical dispenser 100 and the environment ofchemical dispenser 100. -
FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of achemical dispenser 100 that includes aninternal chamber 112 and ascoop 102. Thescoop 102 functions as an indicator and a lid. Theinternal chamber 112 storeschemical tablets 110. -
FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser that is full of chemical tables 110. The chemical dispenser includes aninternal chamber 112, and aremovable scoop 102 for obtaining achemical tablet 110 without direct contact to a user's skin. -
FIG. 13 is a cross section view of an embodiment of a chemical dispenser that is empty or nearly empty. The chemical dispensing system includes aremovable scoop 102 that is used to place achemical tablet 110, granulated and/or any other forms of chemicals into the inner chamber of the chemical dispenser while protecting the user's skin from direct contact. -
FIGS. 14 and 15 are cross sectional views of achemical dispenser 100 that includes ascoop 102 that also functions as anindicator 102 and alid 102, and abuoyant platform 140. Thebuoyant platform 140 causes theindicator 102 to rise in height due to a reduction in mass of chemicals occurring from an interaction of the chemicals within thechemical dispenser 100 with a surrounding environment. As an example,chemical dispenser 100 is used in a pool of water and is full of chemicals (e.g., chlorine tablets). At a first time, a first amount of the chemicals withinchemical dispenser 100 displace a first amount of water, causing thebuoyant platform 140 to have a first buoyancy. At a second time, a second amount of the chemicals (e.g., whenchemical dispenser 100 is in a near empty condition) withinchemical dispenser 100 displace a second amount of water, causing thebuoyant platform 140 to have a second buoyancy. Note a firstbuoyant platform 140 may be used with chemicals of a first mass and a secondbuoyant platform 140 may be used for chemicals of a second mass. -
FIGS. 16 and 17 are vertical cross sections of an embodiment of abuoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includesbuoyant platform 140 coupled to filllevel indicators 162.Chemical tablets 110 inside of thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160 are atop of thebuoyant platform 140 of thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. Thefill level indicators 162 may function as a housing for thechemical tablets 110. In an example, at a first time, as illustrated inFIG. 16 , a first amount of thechemical tablets 110 are present withinbuoyant chemical dispenser 160. The first amount of thechemical tablets 110 displace a first amount of water, causing thebuoyant platform 140 to have a first buoyancy. At a second time, as illustrated inFIG. 17 , a second amount of thechemical tablets 110 are present withinbuoyant chemical dispenser 160. The second amount of thechemical tablets 110 displace a second amount of water, causing thebuoyant platform 140 to have a second buoyancy. For example, from the first time to the second time, thebuoyant platform 140 increases in height with respect to thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. The increase in height of thebuoyant platform 140 causes an increase in height offill level indicators 162, which indicate an amount of the presence, or lack thereof, ofchemical tablets 110 within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. Note a firstbuoyant platform 140 may be used with chemicals of a first mass and a secondbuoyant platform 140 may be used for chemicals of a second mass. -
FIGS. 18-20 are side views of an embodiment ofbuoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includesfill level indicators 162. In this example, consumable resources within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160 deplete over time. As a result of the consumable resources depleting, the fill level indicators increase in height with respect to thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. The change in height of thefill level indicators 162 indicate an amount of the consumable resources present within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 18 , thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160 is full of the consumable resources which causes thefill level indicators 162 to be at a first height above the top of thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. As another example, as illustrated inFIG. 19 , thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160 is around half full of the consumable resources which causes thefill level indicators 162 to be at a second height above the top of thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. As yet another example, as illustrated inFIG. 20 , thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160 is full of the consumable resources which causes thefill level indicators 162 to be at a third height above the top of thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. -
FIGS. 21 and 22 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of abuoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes astorage chamber 222. Thestorage chamber 222 houses forceps 220. Theforceps 220 may also function as anindicator 220 that indicates an amount of a consumable resource present within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. -
FIG. 23 is a side view of an embodiment of abuoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includes astorage chamber 222 forhousing forceps 220 and alid 230. Theforceps 220 allow for graspingchemical tablet 110 and placingchemical tablet 110 within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160 without direct skin contact with thechemical tablet 110. -
FIGS. 24 and 25 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of chemical dispensing system that includesforceps 220, and abuoyant platform 140. Thebuoyant platform 140 is positioned below both ofchemical tablets 110 andforceps 220. As the chemical tablets deplete (e.g., due to an interaction of thechemical tablets 110 with water in a pool), a buoyancy force acting on the buoyant platform changes (e.g., decreases), causing the buoyant platform to rise. The rise in the buoyant platform causes a corresponding rise in the indicator (e.g., forceps 220) which indicates the amount of the chemical tablets present within the chemical dispensing system. -
FIGS. 26 and 27 are cross sectional views of an embodiment of abuoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includesbuoyant platform 140. Thebuoyant platform 140 is coupled to thefill level indicators 162 and a housing inside an internal chamber. The housing holdschemical tablets 110. In one embodiment, thefill level indicators 162 function as the housing. Thefill level indicators 162 include pivot points 260.Chemical tablets 110 sit atop thebuoyant platform 140. The buoyancy of thebuoyant platform 260 is related to the amount ofchemical tablets 110 present atop of the buoyant platform. As a mass of the chemical tablets decrease, a corresponding buoyancy of the buoyant platform increases cause the fill level indicators to increase in height above a top portion of thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160. -
FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 are side views of an embodiment of abuoyant chemical dispenser 160 that includesfill level indicators 162 that include pivot points 260. When thefill level indicators 162 rise above a threshold point (e.g., the top of the buoyant chemical dispenser 160), the pivot points 260 allow at least a portion of thefill level indicators 162 to rotate at pivot points 260. The rotated portions of the fill level indicators indicate that chemical tablets within thebuoyant chemical dispenser 160 have been or soon will be fully depleted. - It is noted that terminologies as may be used herein such as bit stream, stream, signal sequence, etc. (or their equivalents) have been used interchangeably to describe digital information whose content corresponds to any of a number of desired types (e.g., data, video, speech, audio, etc. any of which may generally be referred to as ‘data’).
- As may also be used herein, the terms “processing module”, “processing circuit”, “processor”, and/or “processing unit” may be a single processing device or a plurality of processing devices. Such a processing device may be a microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor, microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of the circuitry and/or operational instructions. The processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit may be, or further include, memory and/or an integrated memory element, which may be a single memory device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of another processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any device that stores digital information. Note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit includes more than one processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located (e.g., directly coupled together via a wired and/or wireless bus structure) or may be distributedly located (e.g., cloud computing via indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area network). Further note that if the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit implements one or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be embedded within, or external to, the circuitry comprising the state machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry. Still further note that, the memory element may store, and the processing module, module, processing circuit, and/or processing unit executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or functions illustrated in one or more of the Figures. Such a memory device or memory element can be included in an article of manufacture.
- As may be used herein, the terms “substantially” and “approximately” provides an industry-accepted tolerance for its corresponding term and/or relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance ranges from less than one percent to fifty percent and corresponds to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times, and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items ranges from a difference of a few percent to magnitude differences. As may also be used herein, the term(s) “configured to”, “operably coupled to”, “coupled to”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/or indirect coupling between items via an intervening item (e.g., an item includes, but is not limited to, a component, an element, a circuit, and/or a module) where, for an example of indirect coupling, the intervening item does not modify the information of a signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or power level. As may further be used herein, inferred coupling (i.e., where one element is coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and indirect coupling between two items in the same manner as “coupled to”. As may even further be used herein, the term “configured to”, “operable to”, “coupled to”, or “operably coupled to” indicates that an item includes one or more of power connections, input(s), output(s), etc., to perform, when activated, one or more its corresponding functions and may further include inferred coupling to one or more other items. As may still further be used herein, the term “associated with”, includes direct and/or indirect coupling of separate items and/or one item being embedded within another item.
- As may be used herein, the term “compares favorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., provides a desired relationship. For example, when the desired relationship is that signal 1 has a greater magnitude than signal 2, a favorable comparison may be achieved when the magnitude of signal 1 is greater than that of signal 2 or when the magnitude of signal 2 is less than that of signal 1. As may be used herein, the term “compares unfavorably”, indicates that a comparison between two or more items, signals, etc., fails to provide the desired relationship.
- The one or more embodiments are used herein to illustrate one or more aspects, one or more features, one or more concepts, and/or one or more examples. A physical embodiment of an apparatus, an article of manufacture, a machine, and/or of a process may include one or more of the aspects, features, concepts, examples, etc. described with reference to one or more of the embodiments discussed herein. Further, from figure to figure, the embodiments may incorporate the same or similarly named functions, steps, modules, etc. that may use the same or different reference numbers and, as such, the functions, steps, modules, etc. may be the same or similar functions, steps, modules, etc. or different ones.
- While particular combinations of various functions and features of the one or more embodiments have been expressly described herein, other combinations of these features and functions are likewise possible. The present disclosure is not limited by the particular examples disclosed herein and expressly incorporates these other combinations.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
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US15/717,746 US20180087285A1 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2017-09-27 | Material consumption indicator and applications thereof |
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US15/717,746 US20180087285A1 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2017-09-27 | Material consumption indicator and applications thereof |
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US16/371,359 Abandoned US20190225407A1 (en) | 2016-09-28 | 2019-04-01 | Water treatment container system |
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USD980381S1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2023-03-07 | CPA Pool Products, Inc. | Spa chlorinator |
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WO2023195572A1 (en) * | 2022-04-07 | 2023-10-12 | 김종민 | Food container lid |
Citations (3)
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US2934409A (en) * | 1957-10-04 | 1960-04-26 | Melvin L Biehl | Chemical dispenser for swimming pools |
US20020153043A1 (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2002-10-24 | Hillyard William C. | Pool Chlorinator |
US20080217258A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2008-09-11 | Ppa Water Industries (Pty) Limited | Treatment of water |
Family Cites Families (9)
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FR968094A (en) * | 1948-06-18 | 1950-11-17 | Capping and sampling device for vials or tubes of granules | |
US2804203A (en) * | 1956-04-25 | 1957-08-27 | C Dewitt Lukens Surgical Mfg C | Ligature receptacle |
US3189222A (en) * | 1964-08-31 | 1965-06-15 | Owens Illinois Glass Co | Dispensing closure having resilient fingers |
US3325052A (en) * | 1965-12-13 | 1967-06-13 | Charles J Sauber | Apparatus for limited access and withdrawal of discrete objects from containers |
US3383013A (en) * | 1966-10-24 | 1968-05-14 | Szekely George | Pill dispenser having a socket-type discharge assistant |
US4676396A (en) * | 1985-10-11 | 1987-06-30 | Mamolou Charles A | Combined filter housing and extractor therefor |
US4971222A (en) * | 1990-01-11 | 1990-11-20 | Eileen Rohde | Coffee filter dispenser |
US7578932B2 (en) * | 2004-11-05 | 2009-08-25 | Christopher Ralph Cantolino | Condensate recovery and treatment system |
EP1883581A2 (en) * | 2005-03-10 | 2008-02-06 | Reckitt Benckiser N.V. | Process for the preparation of a package containing compacted composition and the package obtained with this process |
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2017
- 2017-07-13 US US15/648,897 patent/US10246244B2/en active Active
- 2017-09-27 US US15/717,746 patent/US20180087285A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2019
- 2019-04-01 US US16/371,359 patent/US20190225407A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2934409A (en) * | 1957-10-04 | 1960-04-26 | Melvin L Biehl | Chemical dispenser for swimming pools |
US20020153043A1 (en) * | 2001-04-20 | 2002-10-24 | Hillyard William C. | Pool Chlorinator |
US20080217258A1 (en) * | 2005-09-07 | 2008-09-11 | Ppa Water Industries (Pty) Limited | Treatment of water |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD980381S1 (en) * | 2021-06-22 | 2023-03-07 | CPA Pool Products, Inc. | Spa chlorinator |
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US10246244B2 (en) | 2019-04-02 |
US20190225407A1 (en) | 2019-07-25 |
US20180086546A1 (en) | 2018-03-29 |
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