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Patent 2927382 Summary

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 2927382
(54) English Title: ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT SANITIZING ASSEMBLY WITH FLOW SWITCH AND KEYED LAMP
(54) French Title: DISPOSITIF D'ASSAINISSEMENT DE LUMIERE ULTRAVIOLETTE DOTE D'UN INTERRUPTEUR D'ECOULEMENT ET D'UNE LAMPE FIXEE
Status: Dead
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • A61L 2/10 (2006.01)
  • C02F 1/32 (2006.01)
  • H01H 35/38 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • SARCHESE, MICHAEL (Canada)
  • SCHMITT, CRAIG A. (United States of America)
(73) Owners :
  • WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (United States of America)
(71) Applicants :
  • WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC. (United States of America)
(74) Agent: BERUBE, CHRISTIAN
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(22) Filed Date: 2016-04-20
(41) Open to Public Inspection: 2016-10-21
Examination requested: 2021-04-12
Availability of licence: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): No

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
62/150,827 United States of America 2015-04-21
29/524,583 United States of America 2015-04-21
14/807,184 United States of America 2015-07-23

Abstracts

English Abstract


An ultra-violet (UV) assembly for treating a fluid with UV light has a
housing. A
mounting bracket defines a slot and a hollow. A UV source includes: a tab that

twist-locks in the slot; a connector that aligns with the hollow; and an RFID
tag. An RFID
antenna interacts with the RFID tag to emit a RFID tag position signal. A flow
switch
sends a flow signal. The flow switch includes: a guide; a shaft slidably
mounted to the
guide; a disc on the shaft; a magnet coupled to the shaft; and a sensor for
generating a
magnet position signal. During no flow, a spring biases the shaft so that the
magnet is
positioned to be detected by the sensor. During flow, the flow applies
pressure to move
the disc and, in turn, the magnet moves to be positioned to not be detected by
the sensor.


Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
1. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly for treating a fluid
with UV light
comprising:
a tubular housing defining: an interior chamber having a treatment zone; an
inlet; and an
outlet so that the fluid entering the inlet passes through the treatment zone;
a mounting bracket coupled to the tubular housing, the mounting bracket
defining at least
one slot and a hollow;
a UV source mounted in the interior chamber for supplying UV light to the
treatment
zone, the UV source includes: at least one tab that twist-locks in the slot; a
connector that aligns
with the hollow when locked for cabling to a ballast controller; and an RFID
tag;
an RFID antenna on the mounting bracket so that when locked, the RFID antenna
interacts with the RFID tag to emit a first signal indicating position of the
UV source; and
a flow switch sending a second signal indicating fluid flow for the interior
chamber, the
flow switch includes: a guide fixed in the inlet; a shaft mounted to the guide
for sliding motion; a
disc on a first end of the shaft so that flow against the disc moves the
shaft; a collar coupled to a
second end of the shaft for retaining the shaft within the guide; a spring
mounted between the
collar and the guide to bias the shaft toward a closed position; a magnet
coupled to the shaft for
motion therewith; and a sensor mounted to the housing for generating the
second signal based on
proximity of the magnet thereto,
wherein, during little or no flow through the inlet, the spring biases the
shaft so that the
magnet is positioned to be detected by the sensor, and during flow through the
inlet, the flow
applies pressure to move the disc and, in turn, the magnet moves to be
positioned to not be
detected by the sensor.
18

2. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly as recited in Claim 1,
further
comprising a ballast controller for receiving and processing the first and
second signals, wherein
the ballast controller powers the UV source based upon the first and second
signals.
3. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly as recited in Claim 2,
wherein the
ballast controller receives a signal indicating a flow rate and adjusts an
output of the UV source
based upon the flow rate.
4. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly as recited in Claim 2,
wherein the
ballast controller records at least one operational statistic of the UV source
to determine when to
replace the UV source.
5. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly as recited in Claim 4,
wherein the at
least one operational statistic is stored in the RFID tag.
6. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly as recited in Claim 1,
wherein the
interior chamber is defined by a housing defining an inlet along an axis and a
large diameter
portion of the housing adjacent the inlet flares outward from the axis, the
guide has a ring shaped
body with internal vanes defining a central aperture for receiving the shaft.
19

7. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly for treating a fluid with UV
light
comprising:
a tubular housing defining: an interior chamber having a treatment zone; an
inlet; and an
outlet so that the fluid entering the inlet passes through the treatment zone;
a mounting bracket coupled to the tubular housing, the mounting bracket
defining at least
one slot and a hollow;
a UV source mounted in the interior chamber for supplying UV light to the
treatment
zone, the UV source includes: at least one tab that twist-locks in the slot; a
connector that aligns
with the hollow when locked for cabling to a ballast controller; and an RFID
tag; and
an RHD antenna coupled to the mounting bracket so that in when locked, the
RFID
antenna interacts with the RFID tag to emit a signal.
8. An ultra-violet (UV) light source assembly as recited in Claim 7,
wherein the at
least one slot is two opposing slots and the at least one tab is two opposing
tabs, the connector is
adjacent one of the tabs, and at least one of the slots is sized to allow the
tab and adjacent
connector to pass therethrough.
9. A flow switch for an interior chamber, wherein the interior chamber is
defined by
a housing defining an inlet along an axis and a large diameter portion of the
housing adjacent the
inlet flares outward from the axis, the flow switch comprising:
a guide fixed in the inlet, the guide having a ring shaped body with internal
vanes defining
a central aperture surrounded by at leat one flowpath;
a plunger assembly having a disc and a shaft extending from the disc, wherein
the shaft is
coupled in the central aperture for sliding motion along the axis;

a collar coupled to a distal end of the shaft for retaining the shaft within
the central
aperture;
a spring mounted between the collar and the guide to bias the plunger assembly
toward a
closed position;
a magnet coupled to the plunger assembly for motion therewith; and
a sensor mounted to the housing for determining proximity of the magnet,
wherein, in the closed position during little or no flow through the inlet,
the spring biases
the plunger assembly so that the magnet is positioned to be detected by the
sensor, and
in an open position during flow through the inlet, the flow applies pressure
to move the
disc into the large diameter portion of the housing and, in turn, the magnet
moves to be
positioned to not be detected by the sensor.
21

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT SANITIZING ASSEMBLY
WITH FLOW SWITCH AND KEYED LAMP
[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
1. Field of the Disclosure
[0002] The subject disclosure relates to assemblies and methods for sanitizing
water using
ultraviolet light (hereafter abbreviated to "UV" or UV light") and, more
particularly to safer and
more efficient UV sanitizing assemblies and methods.
2. Background of the Related Art
[0003] Treatment of fluids via irradiation with ultraviolet light is known to
be an effective
method for disinfection without chemicals. The applications are as varied as
water, food, swimming
pools and the like in both industrial and residential applications. The
typical approach is treatment of
fluids within an enclosed treatment zone that is irradiated with ultraviolet
light as shown in Figure 1,
which is a cross-sectional view of a UV treatment system. The objective of
these systems, as for any
type of photo-reactor, is to provide a uniform amount of UV energy to each
individual element (e.g.,
contaminant molecule, microorganism) as the contaminant passes through the
treatment zone.
[0004] Referring to Figure 1, a typical prior-art UV treatment vessel 10 is
shown. In the vessel
10, a UV treatment zone 11 is contained within a chamber 12 which is in fluid
communication with an
inlet port 13 and an outlet port 14. Fluid entering the chamber 12 is
represented by the arrow "a" and
fluid exiting the chamber 12 is represented by the arrow "b". At least one UV
light emitting source
assembly 15 is located within the chamber 12 to provide radiant UV energy
within the UV treatment
zone 11, the flow of which is indicated by the arrow "c". Many forms of UV
emitting source
assemblies are available, including those utilizing mercury vapor lamps or UV
light emitting diodes.
[0005] The UV source 15 is housed within a UV transparent sleeve 16. The UV
source 15

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receives electrical energy via wires 17 from an electrical power supply not
shown designed to suit the
specific type of UV source 15. A sealing cap 18 with an o-ring seal 19 seals
the outside of transparent
sleeve 16 to the chamber 12, allowing a passageway for the UV source 15 and
wires 17 while
preventing undesirable escape of fluid.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] There are problems associated with UV treatment assemblies. The present

technology provides improvements to the current art, by providing enhanced
safety features.
For example, a keyed lamp assembly that prevents inadvertent operation is
disclosed. Also, a
very sensitive flow switch for UV assemblies is disclosed.
[0007] One embodiment of the subject technology is directed to an ultra-violet
(UV) light
source assembly for treating a fluid with UV light has a housing. A mounting
bracket defines a
slot and a hollow. A UV source includes: a tab that twist-locks in the slot; a
connector that aligns
with the hollow; and an RFID tag. An RFID antenna interacts with the RFID tag
to emit a first
signal indicating position of the UV source. A flow switch sends a second
signal indicating fluid
flow. The flow switch includes: a guide; a shaft slidably mounted to the
guide; a disc on the
shaft; a collar on the shaft; a spring mounted between the collar and the
guide to bias the shaft
toward a closed position; a magnet coupled to the shaft; and a sensor for
generating the second
signal based on proximity of the magnet thereto, wherein, during substantially
no flow, the spring
biases the plunger assembly so that the magnet is positioned to be detected by
the sensor, and
during flow, the flow applies pressure to move the disc and, in turn, the
magnet moves to be
positioned to not be detected by the sensor.
[0008] The UV light source assembly may also include a ballast controller for
receiving
and processing the first and second signals, wherein the ballast controller
power the UV source
based upon the first and second signals. The ballast controller can also
receive a signal indicating
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a flow rate and adjusts an output of the UV source based upon the flow rate.
The flow rate signal
may come from the flow switch or another sensor. The ballast controller can
record operational
statistics of the UV source to determine when to replace the UV source. The
operational statistics
can be stored in the RFID tag to prevent unintended over-use among other
things described
herein.
[0009] Another embodiment of the subject technology is directed to an ultra-
violet (UV)
light source assembly for treating a fluid with UV light including a tubular
housing defining: an
interior chamber having a treatment zone; an inlet; and an outlet so that the
fluid entering the inlet
passes through the treatment zone. A mounting bracket couples to the tubular
housing and
defines at least one slot and a hollow. A UV source mounts in the interior
chamber for supplying
UV light to the treatment zone. The UV source includes: at least one tab that
twist-locks in the
slot; a connector that aligns with the hollow when locked for cabling to a
ballast controller; and
an RFID tag. An RFID antenna couples to the mounting bracket so that in when
locked, the
RFID antenna interacts with the RFID tag to emit a signal.
[0010] One embodiment of the subject technology is directed to a flow switch
for an interior
chamber of an ultra-violet light assembly. The interior chamber is defined by
a housing having
an inlet along an axis and a large diameter portion of the housing adjacent
the inlet flares outward
from the axis. The flow switch includes a guide fixed in the inlet. The guide
has a ring shaped
body with internal vanes defining a central aperture surrounded by at leat one
flowpath. A
plunger assembly has a disc and a shaft extending from the disc, wherein the
shaft is coupled in
the central aperture for sliding motion along the axis and the disc is sized
and configured to move
within the inlet. A collar couples to a distal end of the shaft for retaining
the shaft within the
central aperture. A spring mounts between the collar and the guide to bias the
plunger assembly
toward a closed position. A magnet couples to the plunger assembly for motion
therewith and a
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magnet sensor mounts to the housing for determining proximity of the magnet.
In the closed
position during little or no flow through the inlet, the spring biases the
plunger assembly so that
the magnet is positioned to be detected by the sensor. In an open position
during flow through
the inlet, the flow applies pressure to the disc and, in turn, the disc moves
into the large diameter
portion of the housing and the magnet moves to be positioned to not be
detected by the sensor.
[0011] It should be appreciated that the present technology can be implemented
and utilized
in numerous ways, including without limitation as a process, an apparatus, a
system, a device, a
method for applications now known and later developed. These and other unique
features of
the technology disclosed herein will become more readily apparent from the
following
description and the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed
technology
appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same,
reference may be had to
the following drawings.
[0013] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of a prior art UV assembly.
[0014] Figure 2A is a perspective view of a UV assembly in accordance with the
subject
technology.
[0015] Figure 2B is a top view of a UV assembly in accordance with the subject
technology.
[0016] Figure 2C is a perspective view of a UV assembly with the ballast
controller
separated in accordance with the subject technology.
[0017] Figure 2D is a somewhat schematic view of the ballast controller in
accordance with
the subject technology.
[0018] Figure 3A is a perspective view of a UV source in accordance with the
subject
technology.
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[0019] Figure 3B is a top view of a UV source in accordance with the subject
technology.
[0020] Figure 4A is an exploded perspective view of a UV assembly in
accordance with the
subject technology.
[0021] Figure 4B is an exploded perspective view of a UV assembly being
assembled in
accordance with the subject technology.
[0022] Figure 4C is an exploded perspective view of a UV assembly almost fully
assembled
in accordance with the subject technology.
[0023] Figures 5A and 5B,are cross-sectional views of a flow switch in a
closed position
(e.g., no fluid flow) in accordance with the subject technology.
[0024] Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of a flow switch in the
open position
(e.g., fluid flow) in accordance with the subject technology.
[0025] Figure 7 is an exploded view of the flow switch in accordance with the
subject
technology.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0026] The present disclosure overcomes many of the problems associated with
prior art UV
assemblies. The advantages, and other features of the assemblies and methods
disclosed
herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary skill in
the art from the
following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments taken in
conjunction with the
drawings which set forth representative embodiments of the present invention.
All relative
descriptions herein such as left, right, up, and down are with reference to
the Figures, and not
meant in a limiting sense.
UV System with Lamp Key Embodiments
[0027] Referring now to Figures 2A-2C, various perspective views and a top
view of a UV
assembly 100 are shown with a housing 102 in partial cut-away in accordance
with the subject

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technology. In brief overview, the UV assembly 100 includes lamp key elements
that prevent
accidental exposure to UV light. The lamp key elements also provide increased
reliability by
eliminating the need to manually reset operational parameters related to the
UV source when
replacing said UV source, and to prevent use of improper UV sources. Further,
these advantages
and more are accomplished at a relatively low cost.
[0028] The UV assembly 100 includes a ballast controller 200 and UV source 300

coupled to the tubular housing 102. The ballast controller 200 is a power
source and control
center for the UV assembly 100. Preferably, the ballast controller 200
generates a constant
current output to drive the UV source 300 at optimal efficiency and regulate
dosage transmitted
into the treated fluid. The ballast controller 200 controls the UV source 300
through a cable 202
connected to a bulb connector 310 (best seen in Figure 3A). As such, the
ballast controller 200
may be remotely mounted as best seen in Figure 2C. Alternatively, the ballast
controller 200 is
mounted to a mounting bracket 150 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. The ballast
controller 200
also connects by a cable 204 to a power source (not shown) such as a 100V-
240V/50-60Hz
supply.
[0029] The UV assembly 100 may includes sensors and devices that connect to
the
ballast controller 200. For example, an antenna housing 116 contains an
antenna and other
components that generate an electric field required to operate a RFID tag as
described below.
The antenna housing 116 is connected via the cable 206 to the ballast
controller 200. The
antenna housing 116 is fixed to the mounting bracket 150. The ballast
controller 200 also
includes additional output/input connectors 208 for expansion capabilities.
[0030] The ballast controller 200 has a graphic display 210 for providing
information
related to the UV assembly 100. Preferably, the graphic display 210 is 2.1 by
1.5 inches. The
display 210 has a plurality of different screens. The graphic display 210 is
typically a touch
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screen as is known in the art for allowing user interaction. Each screen may
have areas that
display various information as icons, graphics, numbs, letters, etc. as
necessary to accomplish
operation in accordance with the subject technology. In one embodiment, the
display 210
includes a touch screen that can present a keypad and other interactive
buttons.
[0031] Typically, the graphic display 210 would provide a boot screen during
power up.
During the power up, if the ballast controller 200 detects an error in the UV
assembly 100 such as
an invalid lamp, the graphic display 210 would provide an indication of the
error with further
instructions. The ballast controller 200 also includes buttons 262 for
powering on/off, reset,
interaction with the graphic display 210 and the like as needed for the
operation described
herewith.
[0032] By user selection, the graphic display 210 would also include a home
screen that
provides information such as lamp life, UV assembly status (e.g., warming up,
sensor failure,
over-temperature etc.). Additional screens indicate the total system operating
time, dealer contact
information, replacement lamp information, replacement sleeve information and
the like. Each of
screens is available from a setup screen via branching menus and the like.
[0033] The UV assembly 100 may be part of an overall system (not shown). The
overall
system may include scale prevention, water softening, chemical feed(s),
reverse osmosis, media
filtration and the like to create a complete fluid treatment system. Further,
removing dissolved
substances such as hardness minerals, iron, manganese, tannins as well as
reducing the turbidity
and color improves the disinfection performance of the UV assembly 100. The UV
assembly 100
is also protected by such additional treatment. As pre-treatment for reverse
osmosis, the UV
assembly 100 protects membranes from bio-films or downstream equipment from
biological
fouling.
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[0034] Referring now to Figure 2D, a somewhat schematic block diagram of the
ballast
controller 200 implemented in accordance with the subject disclosure is shown.
The ballast
controller 200 includes one or more digital data processing devices and other
electronics
particularly suited to work in various embodiments of the subject disclosure.
The ballast
controller 200 preferably includes a printed circuit board with components for
receiving,
processing, displaying, and/or transmitting digital and/or analog data.
[0035] The ballast controller 200 includes a processor 250, which is generally
logic
circuitry that responds to and processes instructions. The processor 250 can
include, without
limitation, a central processing unit, an arithmetic logic unit, an
application specific integrated
circuit, a task engine, and/or any combinations, arrangements, or multiples
thereof. The
processor 250 is in communication with memory 252. Typical memory 252 includes
random
access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), mechanisms and structures for
performing
1/0 operations, and a storage medium such as a magnetic hard disk drive(s).
The memory 252
includes software 254 and a plurality of modules as needed to perform the
functions of the
subject technology. Alternatively, one or more of the modules could be
embodied as an all
hardware device on one or more printed circuit boards or the like.
[0036] For example, the software 254 may include an operating system for
execution on
the processor 250. Software or code generally refers to computer instructions
which, when
executed on one or more digital data processing devices, cause interactions
with operating
parameters, sequence data/parameters, database entries, network connection
parameters/data,
variables, constants, software libraries, and/or any other elements needed for
the proper execution
of the instructions, within an execution environment in memory.
[0037] The memory 252 also has plurality of modules. A module is a functional
aspect,
which may include software and/or hardware. Typically, a module encompasses
the necessary
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components to accomplish a task. It is envisioned that the same hardware
(e.g., memory and
processor) could implement a plurality of modules and portions of such
hardware being available
as needed to accomplish the task.
[0038] For example, a database module 256 creates, stores and maintains
multiple
databases necessary for the proper operation of the subject technology. A
program module 258
stores an instruction set to allow the operator to program operation and
otherwise interact with
the ballast controller 200. An algorithm module 260 stores an instruction set
to allow the
processor to apply one or more algorithms to operation of the ballast
controller 200 as well as
vary the actual algorithms according to user input.
[0039] The ballast controller 200 also has input and output devices such as
buttons 262 or
a keypad and a display 210, respectively. The buttons 262 may have any number
of buttons,
dials, selector switches and the like as necessary to accomplish operation in
accordance with the
subject technology.
[0040] Still referring to Figure 2D, the ballast controller 200 also includes
a WiFi module
264 and/or wired communication channels to facilitate communication with
external sensors,
networks, devices, elements and the like. Those of ordinary skill will
recognize that the hardware,
software, modules, sensors, elements, devices and various processes discussed
herein are merely
exemplary of the structure and functionality performed by the disclosed
technology and thus such
hardware and processes (and/or their equivalents) may be implemented in
commercial
embodiments in various combinations without materially affecting the operation
of the disclosed
technology. It is also envisioned that the ballast controller 200 and/or other
components may be
incorporated into a more comprehensive site controller that controls the
operation of additional
systems (e.g., heating and air conditioning) along with additional sensors and
the like.
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[0041] Referring again to Figures 2A-2C, the housing 102, the ballast
controller 200 and
UV source 300 couple to a mounting bracket 150. In brief overview, the 'UV
source 300 is keyed to
the mounting bracket 150 so that an inappropriate UV source does not properly
fit in the mounting
bracket 150. Further, the ballast controller 200 also recognizes usage of a
proper UV source 300 and
prevents operation when an improper UV source is connected and when the UV
source 300 is
removed.
[0042] Referring now to Figure 3A, a perspective view of a UV bulb assembly
300 for the
UV source 300 in accordance with the subject technology is shown. The UV bulb
assembly 300
includes a cap assembly 320 coupled to a bulb 302. When mounted in the UV
assembly 100, the
bulb 302 is protected by a sleeve 304 and centrally located in the interior
chamber 106 of the
housing 102 (see Figure 2A). The quartz sleeve 304 allows for transmission of
UV light while
minimizing the temperature fluctuation effect and protecting the bulb 302
during use.
[0043] The cap assembly 320 is generally dome-shaped and includes a bulb
connector 310
and knurled manual grip area 312. The cap assembly 320 also includes a rear
locking tab 324 (best
seen in Figure 4A) and a front locking tab 322 adjacent the bulb connector
310. The opposing tabs
322, 324 are designed to provide a turn-to-lock engagement with the mounting
bracket 150. The
cap assembly 320 also includes an inner flange 326 for coupling the cap
assembly 320 to the bulb
302.
[0044] An RFID tag 328 is mounted inside the cap assembly 320 for verifying
proper
lamp installation. The RFID tag 328 consists of a High Frequency (HF) antenna
tuned to
transmit and receive at 13.56MHz (other frequencies may be utilized) and
coupled to an
integrated circuit (not shown) within the RFID tag 328. The integrated circuit
(IC) is powered
through energy received from a HF antenna when in the presence of an
electromagnetic field.
When not in the presence of an electromagnetic field, the IC remains passive
and does not

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consume or radiate energy through the HF antenna. The IC contains a unique
serial number and
digital memory for storing custom user information including, but not limited
to, lamp type, lamp
serial number, lamp usage, lamp control parameters and the like. Information
is written to and
read from the IC through the HF antenna by modulating the electromagnetic
field in proximity to
the tag. As a result, information travels with the UV source 300 and can be
read by the ballast
controller 200.
[0045] Referring now to Figure 4A, a perspective exploded view of the UV
assembly 100
with the mounting bracket 150 partially cut-away is shown. The housing 102
defines an inlet 120
and an outlet 122 so that fluid flows through the interior chamber 106 for
treatment. A top 124 of
the housing 102 is configured to sealingly engage the UV source 300 so that
the bulb 302 is
centrally located within the housing 102 in a fluid tight manner. The top 124
preferably threads
onto the housing 102 and contains an inner seal (not shown) for preventing
fluid leakage from the
housing 102. The housing 102 also couples to the mounting bracket 150. In one
embodiment,
the housing 102 is glued to the mounting bracket 150.
[0046] Referring additionally to Figures 4B and 4C, perspective views of the
UV source
300 being secured in the housing 102 are shown. The mounting bracket 150
couples to an
antenna housing 116 with an RFID antenna 110 therein. The RFD antenna 110 is
configured to
interact with the RFD) tag 328 as described herein. The mounting bracket 150
is generally
formed by bending a flat plate to create a rear portion 152 upstanding from a
central portion 154
and a front portion 156 depending from the central portion 154. The upward
rear portion 152
defines two keyholes 158 for easily mounting the bracket 150, and thereby the
UV assembly 100,
on fasteners 160.
[0047] The central portion 154 of the mounting bracket 150 defines a central
opening 162
for retaining the housing 102. In one embodiment, the housing 102 is inserted
into the central
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opening 162 without the top 124 so that screwing the top 124 to the housing
102 securely couples
the mounting bracket 150 and housing 102 together. The central opening 162
also includes a rear
slot 164 (best seen in Figure 4A) and a front slot 166. The rear slot 164 is
configured so that
when the UV source 300 is positioned as shown in Figures 4B and 4C, the rear
tab 324 passes
there through. In other words, a shape of the rear slot 164 matches the rear
tab 324 of the cap
assembly 320.
[0048] Similarly, a shape of the front slot 166 matches the front tab 322 and
bulb
connector 310 so that, when positioned as shown in Figures 4B and 4C, the
front tab 322 and
bulb connector 310 pass there through. Once in position as shown in Figure 4C,
clockwise
rotation of the UV source 300 captures the tabs 322, 324 under the mounting
bracket 150 so that
the UV source 300 is fixed longitudinally with the bulb 302 centered in the
housing 102.
Additionally, the bulb connector 310 aligns with a hollow portion 168 of the
front portion 156.
This hollow portion 168 allows coupling and decoupling the cable 202 to the
bulb connector 310
only when the UV source 300 is properly positioned.
[0049] With the UV source 300 fully installed, it is not possible to remove
the UV source
300 unless the cable 202 is disconnected because the tabs 322, 324 lock the UV
source 300 in
longitudinally and the cable 202 in the bulb connector 310 prevents rotation
by virtue of
orientation within the hollow portion 168 cut into the front portion 156 of
the mounting bracket
150. Also, when the UV source 300 is in the fully installed position, the RF1D
tag 328 is aligned
with the antenna housing 116, so as these two items are in close enough
proximity to operate.
Based upon a signal received from the antenna 110, the ballast controller 200
is able to control
power to the UV source 300, determine if the UV source 300 is proper,
determine a number of
hours used for the particular UV source 300 and the like as described below.
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[0050] To change the UV source 300, the cable 202 must be removed from the
bulb
connector 310. Then, the UV source 300 is rotated counterclockwise to release
engagement of
the tabs 322, 324 so that the UV source 300 can be pulled out of the housing
102 in an axial
direction. Displacement of the UV source 300 from a fully installed position
causes an increase
in the distance between the antenna 110 and the RFED tag 328. Thus, requiring
the cable 202 to
be disconnected and reading the antenna signal act as duplicative safety
measures to prevent
inadvertent UV exposure when the UV source 300 is not properly positioned. For
additional
safety, as shown in Figure 4D, if the cable 202 is inserted in the bulb
connector 310 with the UV
source 300 outside of the housing, the cable 202 prevents the UV source 300
from being coupled
to the mounting bracket 150 for safety because the bulb connector 310 will not
pass through the
front slot 166. Additionally, the antenna signal, as read by the ballast
controller 200, will prevent
the UV source 300 from being powered on when the RFID tag 326 is not adjacent
the antenna
housing 116 even if the cable 202 is connected.
UV Assembly with Flow Switch
[0051] Another embodiment of the subject technology includes a flow switch for

providing a signal to the ballast controller 200 to indicate whether or not
fluid is flowing through
the housing 102. As a result, the UV source 300 may be dimmed or even turned
off to conserve
energy when fluid is not flowing or flowing slowly. In still another
embodiment, the UV
assembly 100 is part of a fluid network that includes a flow sensor (not
shown). The flow sensor
may be part of the UV assembly 100. The flow sensor provides a flow rate to
the ballast
controller 200, which adjusts the output of the UV source 300 based upon the
flow rate.
[0052] Referring now to Figures 5A and 5B, a flow switch 400 in accordance
with the
subject technology is shown in cross-sectional view in a closed position
(e.g., no fluid flow). The
housing 102 has an increasing diameter portion 128 adjacent the inlet 120. The
flow switch 400
13

CA 02927382 2016-04-20
10050-003
mounts in the increasing diameter portion 128 of the interior chamber 106 by,
for example,
coupling to the inlet 120. Figures 6A and 6B are cross-sectional views of the
flow switch 400 in
the open position (e.g., fluid flow).
[0053] Referring now to Figure 7, an exploded view of the flow switch 400 is
shown.
The flow switch 400 includes a shaft guide 402 that is fixes in the inlet 120.
The shaft guide 402
may be glued, welded, snap fit or otherwise secured in place. The shaft guide
402 has a ring
shaped body 404 with internal vanes 406 defining a central aperture 408. Thus,
the shaft guide
402 provides a plurality of flowpaths through the inlet 120.
[0054] A plunger assembly 410 is slidably mounted in the central aperture 408
for up and
down motion depending upon the status of fluid flow. The plunger assembly 410
has a disc 412
mounted on a shaft 414. In particular, it is the shaft 414 captured in the
central aperture 408. The
disc 412 is sized and configured to move within the inlet 120. A collar 416
couples to a distal
end 418 of the shaft 414 for retaining the shaft 414 within the central
aperture 408. A spring 420
surround the shaft 414 adjacent the collar 416. By pushing against the guide
402, the spring 420
biases the disc 412 toward a closed position. The plunger assembly 410 also
includes a cylinder
422 holding a magnet 424. A spacer 426 in the cylinder 422 positions the
magnet 424 radially
outward. When flow against the disc 412 moves the shaft 414 up, the magnet 424
moves with
the shaft 414.
[0055] Referring again to Figures 5A, 5B, 6A and 6B, in order to sense the
position of the
magnet 424, and thereby whether or not fluid is flowing, a sensor 430 is
mounted to the housing
102. The sensor 430 provides a signal to the ballast controller 200 via cable
432. In the closed
position, during little or no flow through the inlet 120, the spring 420
biases the plunger assembly
400 so that the disc 412 is in the inlet 120 and the magnet 424 is aligned for
detection by the
sensor 430. In the open position during flow through the inlet 120, the flow
applies pressure to
14

CA 02927382 2016-04-20
10050-003
move the disc 412 into the increased diameter portion 128 of the housing 102
and, in turn, the
magnet 424 moves out of proximity so as not to be detected by the sensor 430.
In short, starting
and stopping flow causes the sensor 430 to change state. As could be
appreciated by those of
ordinary skill in the art, the flow switch 400 provides an indication of very
low flow because
minimal flow is required to push the disc 412 upward.
Operation
[0056] The subject technology provides features that facilitate safe operation
and
maintenance of the UV assembly 100. In operation, the ballast controller 200
has will first check
for a valid RFID tag 328 being adjacent the antenna 110 before attempting to
send power to UV
source 300. If a valid RFID tag 328 is not detected, then the ballast
controller 200 will not
attempt to send power to the UV source 300. Therefore, if the UV source 300 is
connected via
cable 202 slightly outside of the interior chamber 106, the RFID tag 328 will
not be detected due
to distance from the antenna housing 116 and the UV source 300 will not
produce UV light.
[0057] In order to install a new UV source 300, the tabs 322, 324 must pass
through the
respective slot 164, 166, which is prevented if the cable 202 is connected.
Only once the UV
source 300 has been inserted and rotated into a locked position with the
connector 310 oriented in
the hollow 168 can the cable 202 be connected. Thus, in addition to the
ballast controller 200
requiring a proper signal from the RFID antenna 110 by virtue of proper
installation, there is a
mechanical structure to further insure proper installation. Additionally, the
flow switch 400
provides a signal to the ballast controller 200 indicating whether or not
fluid flow is present. As a
result, when there is no fluid flow, the ballast controller 200 can dim or
power down the lamp to
conserve energy.
[0058] Further, the ballast controller 200 can record the operational
statistics of the UV
source such as run time, run time at full power, run time dimmed and the like
to provide

CA 02927382 2016-04-20
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particular indication that replacement is needed. These parameters can also be
stored in the RFID
tag 328 so that removal and replacement of a UV source 300 cannot circumvent
periodic
replacement. The ballast controller 200 may provide reminders to replace the
UV source 300
after a certain amount of usage in time or power output. The ballast
controller 200 can even
power down the UV source 300 after a predetermined threshold of usage is
reached.
[0059] In order to subsequently remove the UV source 300 for replacement, it
is
necessary to disconnect the cable 202 from the connector 310 (which prevents
the UV light from
being produced). Then, the UV source 300 can be rotated counter-clockwise and
lifted out of the
housing 102. Further, the UV source 300 moving away from the housing 102 takes
the RFD tag
328 away from the antenna 110 so that the signal generated thereby, as
processed by the ballast
controller 200, prevents power to the UV source 300 as well. This combination
of RFID tag to
prevent generation of UV light coupled with mechanical locking is safer and
more reliable than
using the RFD tag alone, as it prevents the possibility of ballast controller
malfunctioning and
timing issues. Once the UV source has been disconnected from the ballast
controller via the
cable, the ballast controller can be reset. For example, ballast controller
power can be cycled or a
manual reset button can be pressed in order to ready the ballast controller to
attempt to restart a
UV source.
[0060] As would be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art the
subject
technology is applicable to agriculture, aquaculture, breweries, bottling
plants, cooling towers,
dairies, the electronics industry, food, beverages, hospitals, laboratories,
pharmaceuticals, potable
drinking water, swimming pools, and the like.
[0061] While the invention has been described with respect to preferred
embodiments,
those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes and/or
modifications can be
made to the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. For example,
16

CA 02927382 2016-04-20
10050-003
each claim may depend from any or all claims, even in a multiple dependent
manner, even
though such has not been originally claimed.
17

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

For a clearer understanding of the status of the application/patent presented on this page, the site Disclaimer , as well as the definitions for Patent , Administrative Status , Maintenance Fee  and Payment History  should be consulted.

Administrative Status

Title Date
Forecasted Issue Date Unavailable
(22) Filed 2016-04-20
(41) Open to Public Inspection 2016-10-21
Examination Requested 2021-04-12
Dead Application 2023-11-27

Abandonment History

Abandonment Date Reason Reinstatement Date
2022-11-25 R86(2) - Failure to Respond

Payment History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Amount Paid Paid Date
Application Fee $400.00 2016-04-20
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 2 2018-04-20 $100.00 2018-04-12
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 3 2019-04-23 $100.00 2019-04-08
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 4 2020-04-20 $100.00 2020-07-08
Request for Examination 2021-04-20 $816.00 2021-04-12
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 5 2021-04-20 $204.00 2021-04-16
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 6 2022-04-20 $203.59 2022-04-15
Maintenance Fee - Application - New Act 7 2023-04-20 $210.51 2023-04-14
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
WATTS WATER TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Past Owners on Record
None
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Request for Examination 2021-04-12 3 70
Examiner Requisition 2022-07-25 5 264
Abstract 2016-04-20 1 17
Description 2016-04-20 17 680
Claims 2016-04-20 4 111
Drawings 2016-04-20 9 150
Representative Drawing 2016-11-04 1 10
Cover Page 2016-11-04 1 42
Maintenance Fee Payment 2018-04-12 1 33
Maintenance Fee Payment 2019-04-08 1 33
New Application 2016-04-20 4 106