WO2000012922A1 - Float valve assembly for a water purification system - Google Patents
Float valve assembly for a water purification system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2000012922A1 WO2000012922A1 PCT/US1999/015902 US9915902W WO0012922A1 WO 2000012922 A1 WO2000012922 A1 WO 2000012922A1 US 9915902 W US9915902 W US 9915902W WO 0012922 A1 WO0012922 A1 WO 0012922A1
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- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- float
- valve
- primary
- valve assembly
- water
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
- F16K31/18—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float
- F16K31/20—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve
- F16K31/24—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve with a transmission with parts linked together from a single float to a single valve
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01D—SEPARATION
- B01D61/00—Processes of separation using semi-permeable membranes, e.g. dialysis, osmosis or ultrafiltration; Apparatus, accessories or auxiliary operations specially adapted therefor
- B01D61/02—Reverse osmosis; Hyperfiltration ; Nanofiltration
- B01D61/10—Accessories; Auxiliary operations
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K21/00—Fluid-delivery valves, e.g. self-closing valves
- F16K21/04—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation
- F16K21/18—Self-closing valves, i.e. closing automatically after operation closed when a rising liquid reaches a predetermined level
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
- F16K31/18—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float
- F16K31/20—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve
- F16K31/24—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve with a transmission with parts linked together from a single float to a single valve
- F16K31/26—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid actuated by a float actuating a lift valve with a transmission with parts linked together from a single float to a single valve with the valve guided for rectilinear movement and the float attached to a pivoted arm
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K33/00—Floats for actuation of valves or other apparatus
Definitions
- This invention relates generally to improvements in water purification systems of the type including a purification element or module for producing a supply of relatively purified water which is stored in a reservoir for convenient dispensing through a faucet vaive or the like. More particularly, this invention relates to an improved mechanical float valve assembly for controlling water inflow to the purification element or module in response to the water level within the storage reservoir.
- Water purification systems of the type including one or more purification elements or modules in the form of filters and/or reverse osmosis units are generally well known in the art for producing a relatively purified water supply used for drinking, cooking, etc.
- such purification systems commonly include a reverse osmosis filter or membrane which, in the presence of appropriate flow and pressure conditions, separates an incoming tap or feed water supply into the purified water supply and a relatively impure or reject water supply.
- the reverse osmosis membrane functions to remove particulate matter and a wide range of dissolved solids and other contaminants from a portion of the tap water inflow, and to concentrate those contaminants within the reject water supply, often referred to as brine, for waste disposal via a suitable drain.
- the purified water supply is normally collected for storage within a reservoir, and for ready dispensing on demand through a faucet valve or the like.
- One potential disadvantage associated with reverse osmosis purification systems relates to the inherent waste of at least a portion of the tap water inflow, by virtue of the flow of the concentrated brine water to the drain site. This disposal of a portion of the tap water inflow is generally acceptable during normal system operation to produce purified water, during filling of the storage reservoir. However, when the reservoir reaches a filled or substantially filled condition, there is typically at least some continued flow of water through the reverse osmosis membrane to the drain, wherein the amount of water wasted during this condition can be significant and undesirable.
- reverse osmosis purification systems have been designed to include a tap water inflow control valve responsive to filling of the storage reservoir, in order to reduce excessive water waste. More specifically, purification systems have been developed to incorporate a shut- off valve responsive to the pressure within a pressurized storage reservoir to halt tap water inflow to the system when the reservoir is filled. See, for example, U.S. Patent 4,776,952.
- Other purification systems of the type having an unpressurized storage reservoir have included float-operated solenoid valves responsive to reservoir water level to halt tap water inflow when the reservoir reaches a substantially filled condition.
- Such electric solenoid devices are, however, relatively costly and include metal components which are conducive to corrosion-caused malfunction resulting in reservoir overflows.
- the present invention relates to an improved and relatively cost efficient yet highly reliable mechanical float valve assembly for use in regulating tap water inflow to a purification system in response to the water level within a storage reservoir.
- the improved float valve assembly of the present invention incorporates an over-center switch means for achieving a substantially snap-action full closure of a tap water inflow control valve in response to rising water level within the reservoir.
- an improved float valve assembly for controlling water inflow to a water purification system, such as a purification system including a reverse osmosis module, in response to the water level within a storage reservoir.
- the float valve assembly comprises a valve unit having a housing defining a flow path from a tap water supply or the like to the reverse osmosis module, with a pair of primary and secondary valves mounted in series along said flow path.
- the primary and secondary valves are respectively operated by primary and secondary floats positioned within the reservoir for vertical displacement in response to rising and falling reservoir water level.
- the primary valve provides primary on-off regulation of water inflow to the purification module, and an over-center switch is provided for positive and substantially snap-action closure of the primary valve when the reservoir is full.
- the secondary valve provides a backstop shut-off function in the event of primary valve malfunction.
- the flow path extends vertically through the valve unit housing, and the primary and secondary valves are mounted along said flow path so that the primary valve is disposed vertically below the secondary valve.
- the primary valve is operated by the associated primary float to provide normal on-off regulation of water inflow to the purification module while the secondary valve remains in an open position.
- the reservoir water level will rise at least slightly above an upper limit sufficient to otherwise close the primary valve, whereupon the secondary float responds to such increased water level to displace the secondary valve to the closed position.
- a valve seat associated with the secondary valve is sized to insure that the secondary valve remains in the closed position in response to tap water pressure, upon subsequent descent of the reservoir water level, and a manually operable reset button is provided for manually reopening the secondary valve.
- the primary and secondary valves comprise a pair of banjo valves in association with a respective valve seat.
- Each banjo valve comprises a central valve disk or head coupled by a radial arm with an annular seal ring seated coaxially along the flow path through the valve unit.
- the associated float comprises a buoyant float member mounted at an outboard end of a float arm, which in turn has an inboard end extending through the annular seal ring and related radial arm to the valve head.
- the over-center switch associated with the primary valve comprises, in the preferred form, a magnetic switch unit including a first magnet carried by the associated float arm and at least one second magnet mounted on the valve unit housing.
- the first and second magnets are arranged in horizontally and relatively closely spaced relation, with like poles presented toward each other so that magnetic repulsion forces resist upward displacement of the float arm magnet to an on-center position aligned horizontally with the second magnet on the valve unit housing.
- continued filling of the reservoir with the primary valve in the open position eventually applies a sufficient upward force via the float to the float arm to cause the float arm magnet to displace upwardly and over-center relative to the second magnet with a substantially snap-type action to positively close the primary valve.
- This upward snap-type displacement of the float arm is permitted by mounting the associated buoyant float thereon with at least some lost motion in the vertical direction. Subsequent dispensing of water from the reservoir causes the water level to descend, resulting in downward displacement of the buoyant float eventually to apply a sufficient downward force to the float arm for snap- type over-center downward motion of the float arm magnet to re-open the primary valve for resumed production of purified water.
- FIGURE 1 is a schematic diagram of a water purification system including a reverse osmosis module, depicting use of a float valve assembly for regulating water inflow in response to the water level within a storage reservoir;
- FIGURE 2 is a fragmented perspective view illustrating the float valve assembly of the present invention installed within the storage reservoir;
- FIGURE 3 is an exploded perspective view of the float valve assembly
- FIGURE 4 is a plan view of a float arm for use in the float valve assembly
- FIGURE 5 is a plan view of the float arm of FIG. 4, assembled with a banjo-type valve;
- FIGURE 6 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;
- FIGURE 7 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a valve unit forming a portion of the float valve assembly, and showing primary and secondary valves in an open position;
- FIGURE 8 is an enlarged vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 7, and depicting the primary valve in a closed position and the secondary valve in an open position;
- FIGURE 9 is an enlarged vertical sectional view similar to FIG.7, and showing the primary valve in an open position and the secondary valve in a closed position;
- FIGURE 10 is an enlarged fragmented perspective view illustrating a reset button for re-opening the secondary valve, subsequent to water level responsive closure thereof;
- FIGURE 11 is a fragmented perspective view illustrating an over- center switch for providing positive closure of the primary valve
- FIGURE 12 is an enlarged fragmented vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 12-12 of FIG. 11 , and depicting the over-center switch in an open position;
- FIGURE 13 is an enlarged fragmented sectional view similar to FIG. 12, but showing the over-center switch in a closed position;
- FIGURE 14 is an enlarged fragmented vertical sectional view taken generally on the line 14-14 of FIG. 12.
- a water purification system referred to generally in FIGURE 1 by the reference numeral 10 includes an improved float valve assembly 12 for controlling water inflow to a purification or filtration element or module, such as the illustrative reverse osmosis module 14.
- the float valve assembly 12 is mounted within a reservoir 16 within which relatively purified water 18 produced by the reverse osmosis module 14 is collected and stored where it is ready for use by dispensing through a faucet 20 or the like.
- the float valve assembly 12 includes a pair of float-operated valves (not shown in FIG. 1 ) responsive to the water level within the reservoir 16 for on-off regulation of water inflow to the purification system.
- an over-center switch (also not shown in FIG. 1 ) is provided for positive, substantially snap-action closure of a primary float- operated valve when the reservoir water level rises to a full condition.
- the water purification system 10 is designed particularly for residential and other domestic applications to provide a ready supply of relatively purified water 18 produced from ordinary tap water or the like.
- the purification system 10 utilizes principles of filtration and/or reverse osmosis to convert the incoming tap water supply into dual water outflows comprising the relatively purified water having contaminants substantially removed therefrom, and a waste or reject water supply having the contaminants or impurities concentrated therein.
- the produced purified water is normally coupled by a pure water conduit 22 for flow from the reverse osmosis module 14 to the storage reservoir 16, whereas the waste or reject water is normally coupled for flow from the reverse osmosis module through a drain conduit 24 to a suitable drain.
- the waste or reject water is often referred to as brine.
- the faucet 20 is normally coupled via a dispense conduit 26 to the produced purified water, either by connection to the pure water conduit 22 or by connection directly to the reservoir 16.
- An additional filter element (not shown) may be provided for additional filtering of the purified water discharged from reverse osmosis module 14 to the pure water conduit 22.
- One exemplary reverse osmosis purification system of this type is shown and described in more detail in U.S. Patent 5,045,197, which is incorporated by reference herein.
- the storage reservoir 16 receives and stores the produced purified water 18 under unpressurized, substantially atmospheric pressure conditions.
- the flow conduit 26 coupled to the reservoir 16 is arranged for gravity flow dispensing of the purified water 18 through the dispense conduit 26 to the faucet 20.
- the float valve assembly 12 of the present invention is mounted within an upper region of the reservoir 16 for float actuated response to the reservoir water level to control tap water inflow to the reverse osmosis module 14. More particularly, as viewed in FIG. 2, the valve assembly 12 generally comprises a valve unit 28 in the form of a multi-part housing having an inlet fitting 30 adapted for connection by an inflow line 31 to the tap water source, and an outlet fitting 32 coupled by a supply line 34 to the reverse osmosis module 14. When the reservoir water level is relatively low, substantially less than a filled condition, the float valve assembly 12 permits water inflow to the reverse osmosis module 14 so that production of purified water and filling of the reservoir 16 may proceed.
- the float valve assembly 12 shuts off the water inflow to the system and thereby prevents potential substantial waste of water which would otherwise occur by flow through the reverse osmosis module 14 to the drain.
- the float valve assembly 12 Upon subsequent descent of the reservoir water level by dispensing a volume of the water 18 therein via the faucet 20, the float valve assembly 12 permits resumed tap water inflow to the system for resumed production of purified water.
- the float valve assembly 12 comprises a primary valve 36 and a secondary valve 38 (FIGS. 3 and 7) mounted in series along a flow path 40 (FIG. 7) formed in the valve unit 28 to extend generally vertically between the inlet and outlet fittings 30, 32.
- the two valves 36, 38 are individually and pivotally coupled to the inboard ends of a respective pair of float arms 42 and 44 which extend laterally therefrom to the exterior of the valve unit 28, terminating in outboard ends coupled respectively to a primary float 46 and a secondary float 48 (FIG. 3).
- both the primary and secondary floats 46, 48 comprise buoyant members such as hollow canisters adapted to move vertically upwardly in response to a rising water level within the reservoir 16, for shifting their respective primary and secondary valves 36, 38 from an open position to a closed position along the flow path 40, all in a manner to be described in more detail.
- the secondary float 48 is positioned at a vertical elevation sufficiently above the primary float 46, so that the primary float 46 and its associated primary valve 36 provides the primary or normal on-off water flow control through the valve unit 28.
- the over-center switch 49 is shown best in FIGS. 3 and 11-13, and functions to insure positive closure of the primary valve 36 with a substantial snap-type action in response to the water level rising to a full condition within the reservoir.
- the secondary float 48 and its associated secondary valve 38 provide backstop shut-off control in the event of primary float or primary valve malfunction.
- the valve unit 28 comprises a valve unit housing formed by a plurality of housing plates mounted in a stacked array by means of a plurality of screws 50 (FIG. 3 and 7) or the like. More particularly, an upper housing plate 52 includes the tubular inlet fitting 30 projecting upwardly therefrom for suitable connection to the tap water inflow line 31. This upper plate 52 is assembled in sequence with a pair of middle housing plates 53 and 54, the latter plate 54 being assembled in turn with a lower housing plate 55 defining the tubular outlet fitting 32. As shown best in FIG. 7, this assembly of housing plates 52-55 cooperatively defines the valve unit flow path 40.
- a strainer 56 is conveniently mounted between the upper two housing plates 52, 53 upstream from the primary and secondary valves 36, 38 to capture any large particulate which might otherwise interfere with valve unit operation.
- an appropriate seal ring 58 is also seated between the upper two housing plates 52, 53 to prevent water leakage therebetween.
- a plurality of vertically extending alignment pins 60 and related pin-receiving alignment ports 62 are formed in the housing plates 52-55 to insure correct interfitting assembly of the housing plates.
- the primary valve 36 is mounted between the lower housing plates 54, 55.
- This primary valve 36 comprises a banjo-type valve having a central valve disk or head 64 formed from a resilient or elastomeric material and coupled integrally by a radial arm 66 with an outer and generally concentric annular seal ring 68 seated coaxially along the flow path 40 and captured between the housing plates 54, 55.
- the valve head 64 is positioned along the flow path 40 to overlie an annular primary valve seat 70 through which water flow to the outlet fitting 32 is regulated.
- the float arm 42 associated with the primary valve 36 has its inboard end terminating in a small ring 72, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.
- This inboard end ring 72 is secured to the primary valve 36, preferably by comolding thereof within the central valve head 64, as viewed in FIGS. 5-7.
- the float arm 42 extends through the radial valve arm 66, comolded therein, and further through the seal ring 68 to extend radially outwardly from the valve unit 28 through a radially open slot 74 (FIG. 3) defined cooperatively by the lower two housing plates 54, 55.
- An outboard end of the float arm 42 is connected suitably to the primary float 46.
- the primary float 46 rises and falls according to the level of the purified water 18 within the reservoir 16.
- the primary float 46 descends vertically so that the associated float arm 42 extends laterally outwardly and downwardly from the valve unit 28, as viewed in FIG. 7.
- the float arm 42 lifts the valve head 64 from the underlying valve seat 70 to permit water flow to the reverse osmosis module 14.
- the float arm 42 moves the valve head 64 downwardly to seat upon the valve seat 70 and thereby halt water inflow to the reverse osmosis module 14.
- the over-center switch 49 comprises a magnetic switch unit including a first magnet 104 mounted on an upwardly projecting post 106 or the like formed on or mounted upon the float arm 42, to position the first magnet 104 for vertical displacement within the radially outwardly open slot 74 formed in the housing plate 54.
- Radially outwardly protruding segments 108 (FIGS. 11-13) of the housing plate 54 respectively carry a pair of horizontally aligned second magnets 110.
- second magnets 110 are oriented relative to the first magnet 104, so that like poles are presented toward each other as indicated in FIGS. 12 and 13.
- the second magnets 110 may be mounted on alternative structure such as a suitable mounting bracket or the like supported in a fixed position relative to the movable float arm 42, as by mounting onto the valve unit housing or onto the structure of the reservoir or other suitable stationary structure.
- the primary float 46 ascends to lift the outboard end of the float arm 42 in a manner moving the associated primary valve 36 progressively toward a closed position, as previously described.
- Lifting of the float arm 42 also lifts the first magnet 104 toward a horizontally aligned or on- center position between the second magnets 110.
- the magnetic repulsion forces attributable to alignment of like poles result in resistance to lifting of the float arm 42 as the magnets approach the on-center position (FIG. 12).
- These magnetic repulsion forces briefly resist further lifting of the primary float 46 and the float arm 42 while the reservoir 16 continues to fill with water, resulting in an increasing upward force applied via the float 46 to the float arm 42.
- the rising water level applies a sufficient vertically upward force to the float 46, to carry the first magnet 104 to and past the on-center position, wherein the magnetic repulsion forces assist in carrying the first magnet 104 upward to an over-center position above the second magnets 110 as shown in FIG. 13.
- Such upward and over-center displacement of the first magnet 104 and the associated float arm 42 functions to close the primary valve 36 in a positive manner with a substantially snap action.
- snap action positive closure of the primary valve 36 prevents the valve from hanging up in a slightly open position to permit continued water flow to the purification module 14, but at a low pressure which is insufficient for continued production of purified water and related continued filling of the reservoir.
- the magnetic repulsion forces assist in retaining the primary valve in the positively closed position.
- the primary float 46 is coupled to the outboard end of the associated float arm 42 in a manner permitting a limited degree of lost motion in a vertical direction, in order to accommodate the above-described snap- action positive closure of the primary valve 36.
- the primary float 46 is attached to the outboard end of the float arm 42 by means of a shoulder screw 112 or the like having an unthreaded slide shank portion 114 adjacent an enlarged head 116.
- the float 46 bears against the underside of the float arm 42 as shown in solid lines in FIG. 14.
- a weight 118 (FIG. 14) may be mounted at the bottom of the float 46, wherein the weight 118 is formed from a material such as polypropylene having a specific gravity near that of water, such that the weight has a substantially neutral buoyancy when submerged.
- the weight applies a significant increase in the downward force applied to the float arm 42 to re-open the primary valve 36.
- the secondary valve 38 is constructed and operates in a generally similar manner to the primary valve 36, except as detailed below. More particularly, the secondary valve 38 is mounted between the middle pair of housing plates 53, 54.
- This secondary valve 38 also comprises a banjo-type valve having a central valve disk or head 76 formed from a resilient or elastomeric material and coupled integrally by a radial arm 78 with an outer and generally concentric annular seal ring 80 seated coaxially along the flow path 40 and captured between the housing plates 53, 54.
- the secondary valve head 76 is positioned to overlie an annular secondary valve seat 82 through which water flow to the outlet fitting 32 can be regulated.
- the float arm 44 associated with the secondary valve 38 has its inboard end terminating in a small ring 84 which preferably is comolded within the central valve head 76 (FIG. 7) in the same manner as shown and described with respect to the primary valve 36. From the secondary valve head 76, the float arm 44 extends through the radial valve arm 78, also comolded therein, and further through the seal ring 80 to extend radially outwardly through a radially open slot 86 (FIG. 3) defined cooperatively by the housing plates 53, 54. An outboard end of the float arm 44 is connected in turn to the secondary float 48.
- the secondary float 48 In operation, during normal on-off regulation of the reservoir water level by the primary valve 36, the rising and falling reservoir water level does not rise sufficiently to move the secondary valve 38 from a normal open condition. That is, as viewed in FIG. 7, the secondary float 48 is normally not elevated by the reservoir water level, whereby the associated float arm 44 normally extends angularly downwardly from the valve unit 28 to lift or cock the secondary valve head 76 to the open position.
- the level of the purified water 18 within the reservoir 16 will rise to a second predetermined level slightly above the first level normally required to closed the primary valve head 64.
- the secondary float 48 will lift associated float arm 44 to a substantially horizontal attitude, as viewed in FIG. 9, so that the float arm 44 will move the secondary valve head 76 downwardly to seat upon the valve seat 82 and thereby halt water inflow to the reverse osmosis module 14.
- subsequent dispensing of water from the reservoir 16 resulting in a lowered water level within the reservoir does not automatically cause the secondary valve 38 to re-open.
- the open area defined by the secondary valve seat 82 is sufficiently large, so that the net downward closure force applied to the valve head 76 attributable to normal tap water pressure at the upper side thereof is sufficient to hold the secondary float 48 and the associated float arm 44 in a closed attitude despite subsequent water level descent. Accordingly, with this arrangement, while lowering of the reservoir water level below the second predetermined level permits movement of the primary valve 36 back to the open position, manual intervention for re-opening of the secondary valve 38 is required before pure water production can resume. This requirement for manual re-opening of the secondary valve serves as an alert that a system malfunction has occurred, and that remedial service is needed.
- FIG. 10 shows a manual reset button 88 for use in manually reopening the closed secondary valve 38.
- the reset button 88 comprises a resilient dome-shaped member 90 mounted within a reset port 92 formed in a lid or top wall 94 of the reservoir 16.
- a reset pin 96 is captured at the underside of the member 92 and protrudes downwardly within the reservoir to a position closely overlying the secondary float 48.
- manual depression of the button 88 as indicated by arrow 97 in FIG. 10 displaces the reset pin 96 downwardly against the secondary float 48, to push the secondary float back downwardly to a position wherein the float arm 44 lifts the secondary valve head 76 back to the normal open position.
- the resilient member 90 has sufficient inherent spring characteristics to retract upwardly to a normal position (as viewed in FIG. 10) following such reset depression.
- the valve unit 28 further includes a flow restrictor 98 in the form of an orifice formed in the upper housing plate 52 (FIG. 7) upstream from the primary and secondary valves 36, 38.
- This flow restrictor 98 has an internal diameter and length sufficient to control the water flow rate through the valve unit 28 to a relatively slow rate suitable for production of purified water, within a typical pressure range for tap water sources.
- a flow diverter 100 (FIG.
- the diverter disk 100 may be integrally molded within the housing plate 53, or otherwise suitably mounted therein, and comprises a diverter disk mounted centrally along the flow path 40 upstream from the secondary valve 38 and defining an annular passage in the form of an array of diverter ports 102 through which the tap water inflow can flow downwardly toward the secondary valve 38.
- the diverter disk 100 prevents the water downflow from undesirably impacting and displacing the secondary valve head 76 to the closed position. Instead, the diverter disk 100 causes the water to flow downwardly in a generally annular pattern about the periphery of the valve head 76 for flow through the open valve seat 82.
- the float valve assembly 12 of the present invention thus provides for float activated mechanical operation of the series-mounted primary and secondary valves 36, 38 in response to changing water level within the storage reservoir 16.
- Primary on-off regulation of tap water flow is provided by the primary valve 36, with the secondary valve 38 acting as a safety backup to shut off the tap water inflow in the event of primary valve failure.
- the over-center magnet-type switch functions to insure rapid and positive full closure of the primary valve 36, with a snap-type action, in response to the reservoir water level rising to a substantially filled condition.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (12)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
KR1020007004557A KR20010031516A (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
BR9906742-0A BR9906742A (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve unit for regulating the water inlet flow to a reservoir |
AU52125/99A AU5212599A (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
HU0004686A HU222384B1 (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
JP2000567870A JP2002523714A (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for water purification system |
IL15220199A IL152201A0 (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for regulating water inflow to a reservoir |
CA002307215A CA2307215C (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
PL99340344A PL340344A1 (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
IL13574899A IL135748A0 (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
NZ504015A NZ504015A (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | A float valve assembly for controlling water inflow to a water purification system |
EP99937250A EP1025378A4 (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
NO20002199A NO20002199L (en) | 1998-08-27 | 2000-04-27 | Liquid valve assembly for a water purification system |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/141,293 US6062255A (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1998-08-27 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
US09/141,293 | 1998-08-27 | ||
US09/270,955 | 1999-03-17 | ||
US09/270,955 US6089258A (en) | 1999-03-17 | 1999-03-17 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2000012922A1 true WO2000012922A1 (en) | 2000-03-09 |
Family
ID=26838964
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1999/015902 WO2000012922A1 (en) | 1998-08-27 | 1999-07-14 | Float valve assembly for a water purification system |
Country Status (14)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1025378A4 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2002523714A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20010031516A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1275187A (en) |
AU (1) | AU5212599A (en) |
BR (1) | BR9906742A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2307215C (en) |
HU (1) | HU222384B1 (en) |
ID (1) | ID24893A (en) |
IL (2) | IL152201A0 (en) |
NO (1) | NO20002199L (en) |
NZ (1) | NZ504015A (en) |
PL (1) | PL340344A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2000012922A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007010284A2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2007-01-25 | About Time Design Limited | Automatic fluid flow control device |
US8517045B2 (en) | 2008-03-27 | 2013-08-27 | About Time Design Limited | Automatic fluid flow control device |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR100766032B1 (en) | 2006-06-07 | 2007-10-11 | 옥수산업 주식회사 | Control apparatus for water level |
KR101125545B1 (en) * | 2009-12-08 | 2012-03-22 | 주식회사 크로버 | Water level regulator for water purifier tank |
Citations (3)
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US4436109A (en) * | 1983-02-25 | 1984-03-13 | Taylor Wesley L | Magnetically coupled positive acting level control |
US4776952A (en) | 1984-07-23 | 1988-10-11 | Burrows Bruce D | Regulated control valve assembly for a water purification system |
US5045197A (en) | 1990-08-03 | 1991-09-03 | Burrows Bruce D | Reverse osmosis purification system with unitary header manifold |
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GB199058A (en) * | 1921-12-21 | 1923-06-21 | William Leadbetter | Improvements in ball and float valves |
US3202174A (en) * | 1963-04-25 | 1965-08-24 | Bruner Corp | Float actuated fill valve |
CH406981A (en) * | 1964-02-04 | 1966-01-31 | Rey Adolf | Overfill protection for liquid containers |
US3613518A (en) * | 1969-12-31 | 1971-10-19 | Autorol Corp | Diaphragm actuator |
US4044996A (en) * | 1974-10-16 | 1977-08-30 | Heiichi Kodaira | Valve means |
US5080126A (en) * | 1991-01-04 | 1992-01-14 | R. P. Fedder Corporation | Float controlled valve |
DE19508258A1 (en) * | 1995-03-08 | 1996-09-12 | Rost & Co Gmbh | Toilet cistern fill valve |
US5934881A (en) * | 1995-10-13 | 1999-08-10 | Tlv Co., Ltd. | Snap action float valve assembly with reversible plate spring for liquid feeding device |
-
1999
- 1999-07-14 AU AU52125/99A patent/AU5212599A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-07-14 BR BR9906742-0A patent/BR9906742A/en unknown
- 1999-07-14 IL IL15220199A patent/IL152201A0/en unknown
- 1999-07-14 PL PL99340344A patent/PL340344A1/en unknown
- 1999-07-14 EP EP99937250A patent/EP1025378A4/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1999-07-14 WO PCT/US1999/015902 patent/WO2000012922A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1999-07-14 JP JP2000567870A patent/JP2002523714A/en active Pending
- 1999-07-14 HU HU0004686A patent/HU222384B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1999-07-14 CA CA002307215A patent/CA2307215C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-07-14 CN CN99801474A patent/CN1275187A/en active Pending
- 1999-07-14 NZ NZ504015A patent/NZ504015A/en unknown
- 1999-07-14 IL IL13574899A patent/IL135748A0/en unknown
- 1999-07-14 KR KR1020007004557A patent/KR20010031516A/en active IP Right Grant
- 1999-07-14 ID IDW20000773A patent/ID24893A/en unknown
-
2000
- 2000-04-27 NO NO20002199A patent/NO20002199L/en unknown
Patent Citations (3)
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US4436109A (en) * | 1983-02-25 | 1984-03-13 | Taylor Wesley L | Magnetically coupled positive acting level control |
US4776952A (en) | 1984-07-23 | 1988-10-11 | Burrows Bruce D | Regulated control valve assembly for a water purification system |
US5045197A (en) | 1990-08-03 | 1991-09-03 | Burrows Bruce D | Reverse osmosis purification system with unitary header manifold |
Non-Patent Citations (1)
Title |
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See also references of EP1025378A4 |
Cited By (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2007010284A2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2007-01-25 | About Time Design Limited | Automatic fluid flow control device |
WO2007010284A3 (en) * | 2005-07-22 | 2007-06-28 | South Bank Univ Entpr Ltd | Automatic fluid flow control device |
US8215335B2 (en) | 2005-07-22 | 2012-07-10 | James Wesley Barnham | Automatic fluid flow control device |
US8517045B2 (en) | 2008-03-27 | 2013-08-27 | About Time Design Limited | Automatic fluid flow control device |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
NO20002199D0 (en) | 2000-04-27 |
BR9906742A (en) | 2000-08-15 |
PL340344A1 (en) | 2001-01-29 |
HU222384B1 (en) | 2003-06-28 |
EP1025378A4 (en) | 2005-07-13 |
AU5212599A (en) | 2000-03-21 |
HUP0004686A3 (en) | 2001-11-28 |
CA2307215C (en) | 2004-07-06 |
IL135748A0 (en) | 2001-05-20 |
ID24893A (en) | 2000-08-31 |
HUP0004686A2 (en) | 2001-04-28 |
NO20002199L (en) | 2000-06-21 |
IL152201A0 (en) | 2003-05-29 |
JP2002523714A (en) | 2002-07-30 |
CA2307215A1 (en) | 2000-03-09 |
NZ504015A (en) | 2001-06-29 |
EP1025378A1 (en) | 2000-08-09 |
CN1275187A (en) | 2000-11-29 |
KR20010031516A (en) | 2001-04-16 |
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