Water filter abstract
As apparatus for monitoring usage of a replaceable water filter
is adapted to determine the extent of filter usage and indicate
the need for filter replacement. It includes elements for processing
the flow of water over time to determine the extent of filter usage,
and elements for activating and deactivating the processing elements
upon starting and stopping of water flow. It further includes elements
for indicating the extent of filter usage as determined by the processing
elements by comparison to preset levels. The elements include a
single magnet which is freely movable within a housing channel whose
movement is solely responsive to pressure changes brought about
by the stopping and starting of the water flow.
Water filter claims
I claim:
1. A system for metering the flow of a fluid through a filter to
determine the level of filter usage for enabling a determination
regarding filter replacement, in which a source of the fluid is
adapted to be connectable to the filter such that the fluid may
flow through the filter and the system, comprising:
a housing having a channel therein, adapted to be mounted in the
path of fluid flow through the system, such that fluid is adapted
to flow through the housing channel; and
means for determining the level of filter usage, comprising means
for determining the volume of the flow of fluid based solely upon
the volume of fluid flow over time, adapted to compare the determined
level of filter usage to a predetermined level of filter usage based
upon the volume of fluid flow over time to determine the level of
filter usage, means for activating and deactivating the volume determining
means upon the starting and the stopping of fluid flow, wherein
the activating-deactivating means comprise a single magnet, freely
movable within the housing channel responsive solely to fluid pressure
upon the starting and the stopping of the flow of fluid through
the housing channel in the path of fluid flow through the system
so as to activate and de-activate the volume determining means,
and means for sensing the movement of the single magnet and for
responding thereto to activate or deactivate the volume determining
means.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein the single magnet is freely movable
without being constrained by a biasing force, and is adapted to
activate and deactivate the volume determining means substantially
instantaneously responsive solely to fluid pressure and not to a
biasing force.
3. The system of claim 1 wherein the housing channel is generally
uniform in diameter for reciprocal movement of the single magnet
therein.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein the housing channel is generally
straight and without any bend therein.
5. The system of claim 1 wherein the volume determining means
comprises means for processing data.
6. The system of claim 5 in which the data processing means comprises
a microprocessor, and further comprising means for electronically
activating the microprocessor.
7. The system of claim 1 in which the single magnet is adapted
to be reciprocally movable between first and second positions upon
starting and stopping of the fluid flow, and the sensing means is
adapted to activate the volume determining means upon starting of
the fluid flow and movement of the single magnet from the first
position towards the second position as a result thereof, and to
deactivate the volume determining means upon stopping of the fluid
flow and movement of the single magnet from the second position
towards the first position as a result thereof.
8. The system of claim 1 in which the sensing means comprises
a reed switch.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising means for indicating
the level of filter usage as determined by the determining means,
to indicate the need for filter replacement.
10. The system of claim 9 in which the indicating means comprises
a plurality of indicator lights.
11. The system of claim 10 in which the plurality of indicator
lights are adapted such that one of the plurality of indicator lights
turns on dependant upon the level of filter usage as determined
by the processing means.
12. The system of claim 10 wherein the plurality of indicator
lights are adapted such that one of the plurality of indicator lights
turns on dependent upon the level of filter usage as determined
by the volume determining means, and wherein the plurality of indicator
lights comprise a first indicator light, adapted to turn on from
the time the water first starts to flow until the first preset level
of water flow over time is reached to indicate that the filter does
not need to be replaced, a second indicator light, adapted to turn
on from the time the first preset level is reached until a second
preset level is reached to indicate that the filter will need to
be replaced, and a third indicator light, adapted to turn on from
the time the second preset level is reached to indicate that the
filter needs to be replaced.
13. The system of claim 12 wherein the first indicator light is
a light of a first color, the second indicator light is a light
of a second color different from the first color, and the third
indicator light of a third color different from the first and second
colors.
14. The system of claim 12 wherein the first indicator light is
a light of a green color, the second indicator light is a light
of a yellow color, and the third indicator light is a light of a
red color.
15. The system of claim 1 wherein the housing channel from a fluid
inlet through the area wherein the single magnet is movable is generally
straight.
16. The system of claim 1 in which the housing further includes
a base portion in which the volume determining means and the activating-deactivating
means are mounted.
17. The system of claim 16 in which the housing further includes
a head portion in which the indicating means is mounted.
18. The system of claim 1 in which the housing further includes
a head portion, a base portion in which the volume determining means
and the activating-deactivating means are mounted, and means for
connecting the head portion and the base portion.
19. The system of claim 1 in which the activating-deactivating
means include a battery, connected to the volume determining means.
20. The system of claim 19 in which the activating-deactivating
means further includes an oscillator, connected to the battery for
converting the battery direct current into alternating current for
the volume determining means, and connected to the volume determining
means.
21. A system for metering the flow of a fluid through a filter
to determine the level of filter usage for enabling a determination
regarding filter replacement, in which a source of the fluid is
adapted to be connectable to the filter such that the fluid may
flow through the filter and the system, comprising:
a housing having a channel therein, adapted to be mounted in the
path of fluid flow through the system, such that fluid is adapted
to flow through the housing channel; and
an element for determining the level of filter usage, comprising
an element for determining the volume of the flow of fluid based
solely upon the volume of fluid flow over time, adapted to compare
the determined level of filter usage to a predetermined level of
filter usage based upon the volume of fluid flow over time to determine
the level of filter usage, an element for activating and deactivating
the volume determining element upon the starting and the stopping
of fluid flow, wherein the activating-deactivating element comprises
a single magnet, freely movable within the housing channel responsive
solely to fluid pressure upon the starting and the stopping of the
flow of fluid through the housing channel in the path of fluid flow
through the system so as to activate and deactivate the volume determining
element, and an element for sensing the movement of the single magnet
and for responding thereto to activate or deactivate the volume
determining element.
22. A method of metering the flow of a fluid through a filter to
determine the level of filter usage for enabling a determination
regarding filter replacement, in which a source of the fluid is
adapted to be connectable to the filter such that the fluid may
flow through the filter and the system, in a system which comprises
a housing having a channel therein, adapted to be mounted in the
path of fluid flow through the system, such that fluid is adapted
to flow through the housing channel, and means for determining the
level of filter usage, comprising means for determining the volume
of the flow of fluid based solely upon the volume of fluid flow
over time, adapted to compare the determined level of filter usage
to a predetermined level of filter usage based upon the volume of
fluid flow over time to determine the level of filter usage, means
for activating and deactivating the volume determining means upon
the starting and the stopping of fluid flow, wherein the activating-deactivating
means comprises a single magnet, freely movable within the housing
channel responsive solely to fluid pressure upon the starting and
the stopping of the flow of fluid through the housing channel in
the path of fluid flow through the system so as to activate and
deactivate the volume determining means, and means for sensing the
movement of the single magnet and for responding thereto to activate
or deactivate the volume determining means, wherein the method comprises:
determining the level of filter usage, comprising:
determining the volume of the flow of fluid based solely upon the
volume of fluid flow over time, which comprises comparing the determined
level of filter usage to a predetermined level of filter usage based
upon the volume of fluid flow over time to determine the level of
filter usage;
activating and deactivating the volume determining means upon the
starting and the stopping of fluid flow, wherein the single magnet
freely moves within the housing channel responsive solely to fluid
pressure upon the starting and the stopping of the flow of fluid
through the housing channel in the path of fluid flow through the
system so as to activate and deactivate the volume determining means;
and
sensing the movement of the single magnet and responding thereto
to activate or deactivate the volume determining means.
23. A method of metering the flow of a fluid through a filter to
determine the level of filter usage for enabling a determination
regarding filter replacement, in which a source of the fluid is
adapted to be connectable to the filter such that the fluid may
flow through the filter and the system, in a system which comprises
a housing having a channel therein, adapted to be mounted in the
path of fluid flow through the system, such that fluid is adapted
to flow through the housing channel, and an element for determining
the level of filter usage, comprising an element for determining
the volume of the flow of fluid based solely upon the volume of
fluid flow over time, adapted to compare the determined level of
filter usage to a predetermined level of filter usage based upon
the volume of fluid flow over time to determine the level of filter
usage, an element for activating and deactivating the volume determining
element upon the starting and the stopping of fluid flow, wherein
the activating-deactivating element comprises a single magnet, freely
movable within the housing channel responsive solely to fluid pressure
upon the starting and the stopping of the flow of fluid through
the housing channel in the path of fluid flow through the system
so as to activate and deactivate the volume determining element,
and an element for sensing the movement of the single magnet and
for responding thereto to activate or deactivate the volume determining
element, wherein the method comprises:
determining the level of filter usage, comprising:
determining the volume of the flow of fluid based solely upon the
volume of fluid flow over time, which comprises comparing the determined
level of filter usage to a predetermined level of filter usage based
upon the volume of fluid flow over time to determine the level of
filter usage;
activating and deactivating the volume determining element upon
the starting and the stopping of fluid flow, wherein the single
magnet freely moves within the housing channel responsive solely
to fluid pressure upon the starting and the stopping of the flow
of fluid through the housing channel in the path of fluid flow through
the system so as to activate and de-activate the volume determining
element; and
sensing the movement of the single magnet and responding thereto
to activate or deactivate the volume determining element.
Water filter description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates generally to water filtering systems. It
relates specifically to an apparatus for monitoring usage of a water
filter to determine and indicate the need for filter replacement.
2. Description of the Related Art
Water filter systems in counter-top faucet fixtures for drinking
water previously have included a carbon filter in a stainless steel
tank. After use of the filter over time, for example after three
years, the carbon filter should be replaced. However, without an
indication of the extent of filter usage, the user may not be aware
that the carbon filter should be replaced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The apparatus of the invention overcomes the above problems and
others associated with prior systems.
It comprises an apparatus for monitoring usage of a water filter,
adapted to determine the level of filter usage and indicate the
need for filter replacement.
The apparatus includes elements for determining the extent of filter
usage, which include elements for processing the flow of water over
time, and elements for activating and deactivating the processing
elements upon starting and stopping of water flow. The processing
elements include a microprocessor, and elements for electronically
activating the microprocessor. The activating-deactivating elements
include a magnet, movable responsive to starting of water flow and
water pressure resulting therefrom, and stopping of water flow and
loss of water pressure resulting therefrom, and elements for sensing
movement of the magnet and activating or deactivating the processing
elements responsive thereto.
It further includes elements for indicating the level of filter
usage as determined by the determining elements. The indicating
elements include a plurality of indicator lights, adapted such that
one of the plurality of indicator lights turns on in sequence dependent
upon the level of filter usage as determined by the determining
elements.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is an elevational sectional partly-exploded view of the
water filter usage monitoring apparatus of the invention;
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the processor and electrically-activating
elements of the apparatus;
FIG. 3 is a side elevational sectional view of the cap and indicating
elements of the apparatus;
FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the indicating elements of the apparatus;
and
FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the magnet and casing in the apparatus
of the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
In the exemplary embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-5 apparatus 10
is adapted to monitor usage of a water filter to determine the level
of filter usage, to compare the determined level to preset levels,
and to indicate the need for filter replacement based on the extent
of filter usage. Apparatus 10 is modular, such that it is replaceable
when the filter is being replaced.
Apparatus 10 includes elements 20 for processing the flow of water
through the filter over time, to determine the level of filter usage
and to compare the determined level to preset levels, elements 22
for activating and deactivating processing elements 20 upon starting
and stopping of water flow, and elements 24 for indicating filter
usage as determined by processing elements 20 to indicate the need
for filter replacement.
Apparatus 10 further includes a housing 26 in which processing
elements 20 activating-deactivating elements 22 and indicating
elements 24 are mounted. Housing 26 has an opening 28 therein for
dispensing water therethrough.
Processing elements 20 include a microprocessor 30 and elements
32. for electronically activating microprocessor 30 mounted on
a printed circuit board 34. Electronically activating elements 32
include a battery 36 adapted to be useable for substantially the
life of a filter, for example for about three years, and an oscillator
38 for accurate system timing, connected to microprocessor 30.
Activating-deactivating elements 22 include a magnet 40 encased
in a casing 42 and a housing 44 which has a channel 46 in which
magnet 40 is reciprocally movable, connected to housing 26. It further
includes an element 48 for sensing movement of magnet 40 to activate
and deactivate processing elements 20. Magnet 40 is adapted to be
reciprocally movable in channel 46 of housing 44 between first and
second positions responsive to starting of water flow and water
pressure resulting therefrom, and stopping of water flow and loss
of water pressure resulting therefrom. The first and second positions
of magnet 40 may comprise a first position at which magnet 40 is
at rest and a second position to which magnet 40 is movable by water
pressure resulting from the flow of water through channel 46.
Magnet movement sensing element 48 is adapted to sense movement
of magnet 40 to activate microprocessor 30 upon starting of water
flower and water pressure resulting therefrom and movement of magnet
40 from the first position towards the,second position as a result
thereof, and to deactivate microprocessor 30 upon stopping of water
flow and loss of water pressure resulting therefrom and movement
of magnet 40 from the second position towards the first position
as a result thereof. It comprises a reed relay switch 50.
Indicating elements 22 comprise a plurality of indicator lights
60 mounted on a pc board 62 and pins 64 connectable to pc board
34. One of the plurality of indicator lights 60 turns on dependent
upon the level of filter usage as determined by microprocessor 30.
In the exemplary embodiment as shown as in FIG. 4 there are three
indicator lights 60 each of a different color, preferably green,
yellow, and red. The green light turns on from the time water first
starts to flow until a first preset level of water flow over time
is reached as determined by microprocessor 30 and indicates that
the filter does not need to be replaced. The yellow light turns
on from the time the first level is reached until a second preset
level is reached as determined by microprocessor 30 and indicates
that the filter will need to be replaced. The red light turns on
from the time the second preset level is reached, and indicates
that the filter needs to be replaced.
Housing 26 includes a cap 70 in which indicating elements 24 are
mounted, an outlet housing 72 in which processing elements 20 and
activating-deactivating elements 22 are mounted, and connecting
elements 74 for connecting outer housing base 62 and cap 70 so as
to substantially seal housing 26 to prevent water from leaking thereinto.
To install apparatus 10 housing 26 is mounted in a sink fixture,
and a filter cartridge is connected to housing 44. A source of water
is connected to the filter such that water may flow through the
filter and apparatus 10.
Upon connection of cap 70 outlet housing 72 apparatus 10 is in
reset mode to indicate that it is ready for operation, such that
for example indicator lights 50 flash in sequence cycling through
green, yellow and red five times.
In operation, upon starting the flow of water and generating water
pressure resulting therefrom, pressurized water flows through the
filter and into channel 46 in housing 44 moving magnet 40 from
a first position towards the second position shown in FIG. 1. As
magnet 40 moves towards the second position, the reed element in
reed switch 50 is attracted in the direction thereof, closing the
switch in reed switch 50 and activating electronic elements 32 and
microprocessor 30 such that microprocessor 30 turns on and processes
the flow of water over time to determine the level of filter usage.
Indicator lights 60 are activated so as to turn on, dependent upon
the level of filter usage as determined by microprocessor 30. In
the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1 the green light would
turn on for a time when the filter did not need to be replaced,
the yellow light would turn on for a time when the filter will need
to be replaced, and the red light would turn on for a time when
the filter needed to be replaced.
Upon stopping the flow of water and loss of water pressure resulting
therefrom, magnet 40 moves from the second position shown in FIG.
1 towards the first position. As magnet 40 moves towards the first
position, the reed element in reed switch 50 returns to its original
position, opening the switch in reed switch 50 and deactivating
electronic elements 32 and-microprocessor 30 such that microprocessor
30 turns off and stops processing the level of filter usage.
A preferred embodiment of the invention has been set forth above,
for the purpose of explaining the invention. However, it is to be
understood that variations in such embodiment may be made which
are nevertheless within the scope and spirit of the invention as
set forth in the claims. |