Dispensing systems

A system for limiting the flow from a dispensing valve when a dispensing cartridge is replaced with the system including a dispenser cartridge with a cam and a water socket with a flow limiter therein that is activeable in response to the position of the dispenser cartridge in the dispensing valve and operable in response to an upstream fluid pressure in the dispensing valve.

REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The concepts of dispensers for delivering water purification material into a body of water such as a pool or the like are known in the art. One such example is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,566 which shows nestable canisters for use in inline dispersal valves that normally hold only a single canister with the nestable canisters suitable for replacing the single canister, which disperses a single chemical dispersant, with a first canister to disperse a first dispersant and a second canister to disperse a second dispersant. The dual canisters permit simultaneous but separate treatment of a temporarily bifurcated fluid stream that flows through a set of dispersal valve ports that were normally used for dispensing only one chemical dispersant into the dispersal valve. In addition, the nestable canisters may be provided with an improved bactericide and algaecide for killing bacteria and algae in the water with each of the canisters including a set of ports that connect to the inlet and outlet port in the inline dispenser.

A number of patents show valves or the like for controlling the flow through some type of inline dispensing system.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,875,170 shows a treatment system with a set of valves to control the flow of liquid through the treatment system.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,406,870 shows a swimming pool chlorinator that uses a ball valve to control flow of material into the body of water.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,596,812 shows a valve block for supplying chlorine that uses a ball valve to control the flow of liquid.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,476,116 shows a chlorinator that contains an opening that is formed by the relative position of two members with slots.

U.S. patent application 2011/0163124 shows a granular chemical dispenser that uses ganged valves to control the inlet to the dispenser.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,505,565 shows a device for treating or sensing through the use of flow sensors or objects acted upon by the flowing water.

King U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,566 shows an inline dispenser having replaceable cartridges container within a chamber of the inline dispenser.

U.S. patent application 2002/0153043 discloses a pool chlorinator with a check valve to prevent the water and gases to enter the chemical compartment through the return port.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A consumer friendly device for a dispensing valve comprising a converter with a cartridge activeable flow limiter for changing a normally open port-dispensing valve into a normally closed port dispensing valve when there is no dispensing cartridge in the dispensing valve. In one example the invention comprises a dispensing system wherein the dispensing cartridges carried by a dispensing valve can be replaced on the go with the dispensing valve including a flow limiter that reduces or shuts off the flow of fluid from a dispensing valve port when one of the dispensing cartridges is removed from a chamber in the dispensing valve. The converter allows one to convert a conventional dispensing valve to a flow limiting valve through the insertion of a converter containing flow limiters with the converter self securable to an interior surface of a dispensing valve and mateable with the existing ports of the dispensing valve. In another example the invention includes a cartridge dispenser that is mountable within a dispensing valve with the cartridge dispenser including a deactivator engageable with a flow limiter in the converter for opening the flow limiter when the cartridge dispenser is in a dispensing condition. The flow limiter is normally maintainable in a closed condition through the pressure forces acting on an underside of the flow limiter. Other features and examples are described herein.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG. 1is a front view of a typical dispensing valve10for delivering water treatment materials to a swimming pool or the like. The dispensing valve10includes a base or flange16, with an inlet fitting11on one end and an outlet fitting12on the opposite end. On top of flange16is a housing13having a cover14that is securable to the housing13. The cover allows one to remove and insert fresh cartridges into a chamber in the dispensing valve10. A rotateable control valve15allows one to control the amount of water that is diverted through the housing13and the dispensing cartridges that are located within the chamber in the housing13. An example of an inline dispensing valve is shown in King et al. U.S. Pat. No. 8,464,743 and is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 2is a cutaway view of a dispensing system with the dispensing valve10ofFIG. 1showing a first cylindrical dispensing canister22and a second annular dispensing canister21located in a nested relationship in a dispenser cartridge compartment or chamber20within housing13. Each of canisters21and22have a set of bottom extensions or sockets with ports for directing water into the dispersants in the canisters21and22and then returning water with dispersants therein into an outlet in the dispenser10. In this example an extension or socket21aof canister21is visible and in engagement with extension or water socket19aof dispenser10. Similarly, an extension or socket22aof canister22is visible and in engagement with extension or water socket19bof the dispenser10. Each of the sockets includes a first set of ports to allow fluid to flow from the dispensing valve into the dispersant in the dispensing cartridges and then return through another set of ports. An example of a dispensing system where two dispensing cartridges are fitted into the chamber of the housing to deliver multiple dispersants to a body of water can be found in King U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,566, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 3is a cutaway view of an inline dispensing valve10showing the axial insertion of a converter or backflow limiter30, which contains a first flow limiter40and a second flow limiter41that limits or prevents backflow of water into the chamber20of dispensing valve10. The arrow indicates the axial direction of insertion of the converter30into the lower end of the chamber20where features on the underside of converter30mate with the first extension socket19ain dispensing valve10and the second extension socket19bin dispensing valve10. Normally, the extension socket19aand extension socket19bof the dispensing valve10mates directly to a set of extension sockets on a set of dispensing cartridges, which enables the inline extension socket19aand extension socket19bto direct water to and from the mating dispensing cartridges in the dispensing valve. In this example, a converter or adapter30is about to be attached to the interior of dispensing valve10with the converter30forming a functional interface between the dispensing valve10and the dispensing cartridges located in the dispensing valve. Converter30contains a first flow limiter40or canister deactiveable valve and a second flow limiter41or a canister deactiveable valve for positioning in flow paths between the dispensing valve10and the dispenser cartridges in the dispensing valve10. A feature of the invention is that the flow limiters do not interfere with the flow during the dispensing of materials from the cartridges in the dispensing valve10but prevent or inhibit backflow through the chamber of the dispensing valve10when a dispensing cartridge is replaced. Thus a benefit of the flow limiters is that they minimize or eliminate adverse effects during the replacement of a spent cartridge without interfering with the performance of the dispensing valve. Thus problems due to backflow can be minimized or eliminated through placement of a converter in an existing dispensing valve and without adversely affecting the operation of the system.

Converter30is preferably made of a polymer plastic that is resistant to the dispersants and is rigid but with sufficiently resilient fins31athat form locking frictional engagement with the sidewalls of the dispenser housing while a set of bottom sockets35and36(FIG. 7) form mating frictional engagement with the extension water sockets19aand19bof the dispensing valve10.

FIG. 3shows the dispenser housing13includes an internal locater13A to enable one to correctly position dispensing cartridges within the chamber20. In this example the locater13A can be used to correctly align and position the converter30in the bottom of chamber20. A feature of the invention is that converter30can be hand mounted within dispensing valve10without the aid of tools and adhesives although one may elect to use tools or adhesives if so desired. That is, converter30can be securely mounted within dispensing valve10through frictional engagement between a set of radial fins31aand the chamber sidewall10aas well as the mating engagement between the extensions19aand19bon the dispensing valve10and a set of socket extensions35and36on the under side of converter30. In this example the mating and frictional engagement between the housing and the converter maintains the converter30in a fixed condition within the dispensing valve10. A benefit of the converter30is that because of its unique frictional mounting within the dispensing valve it allows a pool owner to update his or her dispensing valve by his or her self without the use of tools. A further benefit is that the converter30allows one to introduce flow limiters into an existing circulation system without having to replace the dispensing valve or to modify any of the structure of the dispensing valve. Thus the consumer benefits from a quick conversion from a non-flow limiting system to a flow limiting system. In addition the consumer benefits since the out of pocket expenses for system conversion are eliminated as the consumer avoids the expense of hiring a person to make the conversion.

WhileFIG. 3shows a converter30being axially inserted into a dispensing valve10FIG. 4shows an isolated top view of converter30revealing a set of radial fins31a, which are cantilevered radially outward from a central hub31. Fins31a, while rigid, are cantilevered to provide resiliency for forming frictional engagement with a smooth sidewall of a dispensing valve. As shown inFIG. 4converter30includes a first top socket50having an inner socket sidewall50aand a web or end cap forming a socket bottom member50bhaving a fluid passage48and a plurality of smaller fluid passages45that are located proximate flow limiter40and a second top socket51with an inner socket sidewall51aand a web or an end cap forming a socket bottom member51bhaving a fluid passage47and a plurality of smaller fluid passages46that are located proximate flow limiter41. As can be seen inFIG. 6the top socket50and the bottom socket35share an end cap50b. Similarly the top socket51and the bottom socket36share an end cap51b. When converter30is in a dispensing condition the plurality of fluid passages45and the plurality of fluid passages46permit ingress of fluid therethrough since flow limiter40and flow limiter41are automatically deactivated when dispensing cartridges are inserted into a dispensing valve carrying the converter30. Therefore, in normal operation of the dispensing valve10the flow limiters40and41do not limit or interfere with the normal flow of dispersants between the dispensing cartridges and the dispensing valve. However, when converter30is in the flow limiting condition the flow limiters41and42form an obstruction to fluid ports45and46to limit or block flow therethrough.

In order to appreciate the operable and deactivated condition of flow limiters40and41reference should be made toFIGS. 5-7.FIG. 5shows a side view of converter30with the flow limiters concealed within the converter30. In order to reveal the flow limiting position of the flow limiters and non flow limiting position of the flow limiters reference should be made toFIG. 6andFIG. 7, which show a sectional view taken along lines6,7ofFIG. 4to reveal the position of the flow limiters under different conditions.FIG. 6shows the flow limiters40and41in a flow limiting condition. In the flow limiting condition flange81obstructs the fluid flow through ports45and flange81aobstructs the fluid flow through ports46. In contrast,FIG. 7shows the flow limiters40and41in a deactivated condition. In the deactivated condition fluid can flow past flange81and through ports45as well as past flange81aand through ports46. In the flow limiting condition, as shown inFIG. 6, the flange81of flow limiter40, has been axially displaceable in socket50to block the apertures45′ and limit or prevent flow therethrough since the flow limiter40has a flange81having a diameter larger than a diameter of the set of fluid ports in the end cap50b. Similarly, the flow limiter41has been axially displaceable in socket51to block the apertures46and limit or prevent flow therethrough since it has a flange having a diameter larger than the diameter of the set of fluid ports in the end cap51b.

FIG. 6Cis a perspective-isolated view of a one-piece flow limiter40for limiting or obstructing the fluid flow through a dispensing valve in response to a fluid condition within the dispensing valve. As flow limiter40and flow limiter41are identical only flow limiter40is described herein. Flow limiter40includes a flat circular flange or disk81with a central cylindrical stem83extending vertically upward from the center of flange81. The stem83allows the flow limiter40to move up and down in a hole in the socket bottom while the stem is radially restrained by the sidewalls50fof a hole50din an the end cap or socket web50bof socket50(FIG. 6D). Stem83contains a split head84,85with a first split head84ahaving a retaining barb84aand a second split head85having a retaining barb85a. Split head84and split head85are resilient and can be pinched together to facilitate insertion of the stem83into an opening50din web or end cap50b. Once inserted the split head ends84and85are allowed to expand causing barb84aand barb85ato act as a top stop to thereby retain the flow limiter40in the socket of the converter30. Similarly, disk81functions as a bottom stop to retain the flow limiter40in the socket of the converter30. While the purpose of the split stem is to facilitate insertion of the stem into an opening in the socket bottom other means or methods may be used to insert or restrain axial displacement of a flow limiter.

A feature of the converter30is that during operation of dispensing valve10the dispensing cartridges within the dispenser mechanically maintain the flow limiter40and the flow limiter41in a deactivated condition to allow fluid from the dispensing valve10to flow into and out of the dispensing cartridges, which are located in chamber20in the dispensing valve10and mate with the converter. However, removal of the mateable dispenser cartridges from the dispensing valve10automatically activates the flow limiter40and flow limiter41through utilization of the water pressure in the dispensing valve which urges the flow limiter40and flow limiter41to a closed condition that limits or prevents backflow into an open chamber of the dispensing valve. A benefit of the integral activation and deactivation feature is that if a consumer should accidentally remove a dispensing cartridge from the dispensing valve without shutting off the water pressure the flow limiters automatically limit or prevent backflow of water into the chamber of the dispensing valve thus minimizing chances of a water spill or injury to the person.

FIG. 6Ashows a partial sectional view showing converter30bridged across the chamber20to reveal the frictional cooperation between the dispenser housing sidewall10aand converter30. That is, the peripheral frictional engagement of the edge of radial fins31awith the inner sidewall10alimits lateral and axial displacement of the converter30. In addition converter socket35extends into dispenser socket19aon dispensing valve10so that outer sidewall35aof converter socket35is in mating engagement with inner sidewall19ca of dispensing valve socket19awhich extends vertically upward from the bottom of dispenser10. Similarly, converter socket36extends into dispenser so that outer sidewall36aof socket36is in mating engagement with inner sidewall19dof socket19bto limit or prevent flow leakage therebetween. The mating engagement between sockets of the converter and the sockets of the dispensing valve is preferably a frictional fit along the entire peripheral region of the sockets to provide a flow path for water to flow through the dispenser sockets and the converter sockets before entering chamber20which contains a set of dispensing cartridges.

A feature of converter30is that it can be hand mounted in an existing dispensing valve without the aid of tools and without having to alter the internal structure of the dispensing valve solely through frictional engagement between the dispensing valve and the converter although other methods may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. A reference toFIG. 6Bshows a detail of a radial fin31revealing an angled peripheral edge31bof radial fin31ain biting engagement with sidewall10a. The radial fin31ais cantilevered from hub31of converter30with the peripheral edge31bof the radial fins engaging the sidewall at an acute angle Θ. The radial fin is also an acute angle φ with respect to plane37which extends through an edge31aof the radial fins31of the converter (FIG. 5) so that the end face31b(FIG. 6B) is located at an acute angle to the sidewall with a sharp corner or angled edge31bin contact with the side wall. The use of an angled edge31bfor engaging the sidewall10aincreases the frictional resistance to removal of the converter from the inline dispenser. In addition the location of the fin31at an acute angle θ with respect to the sidewall10aallows the fin31ato flex with respect to the hub31as the hub is forced downward into the dispenser. The flexing allows the fins31ato accommodate an inside housing10where the diameter of the housing may vary since the fin31acan flex to cause the fin edge31cto bite into the sidewall10a. While the peripheral edge31ais shown as comprising a set of radial fins32the radial fins may be omitted as illustrated in the converter210. In the example shown inFIG. 5andFIG. 6the end face31cof the fins is perpendicular to fin31aso that the slight upward acute angle of fin31awith respect to plane37, as illustrated inFIG. 5andFIG. 6andFIG. 6Bcauses edge31bto engage the wall10a. A feature of the angled fin31ais that it inhibits or prevents removal of converter30since upward force on converter30increases the friction forces since the upward force to increase in diameter thus increasing the binding of the converter to the housing.

While a frictional mating engagement between the dispensing valve10and the converter30generates sufficient frictional resistant to maintain the converter30within a dispensing valve one may want to taper the sidewalls of the sockets of either the dispenser or the dispensing cartridges to facilitate starting engagement between the sockets as the converter is inserted into the inline dispenser. Still in other cases one may want the mating engagement between the converter and the dispensing valve to be the result of an interference fit between the sockets in the converter and the sockets in the inline dispenser.

A reference toFIG. 6shows an isolated view of the converter30with flow limiter40and flow limiter41in the flow limiting condition andFIG. 7shows and isolated view of the converter30with the flow limiter40and flow limiter41in the non-flow limiting condition.

A reference toFIGS. 8-12reveals the converter and the converter mateable dispensing cartridges for insertion in a dispensing valve and the steps of an operator in first inserting a converter into a dispensing valve and then inserting mateable dispensing cartridges into the dispensing valve as well as the effect of the step of inserting or removing a mateable dispenser cartridge from the dispensing valve. The conventional step of inserting mateable dispensing cartridges into the converter automatically changes the flow limiters in the converter from a flow limiting condition to a non flow limiting condition while the conventional step of removing the mateable dispenser cartridges from the converter automatically changes the flow limiters in the converter from a non flow limiting condition to a flow limiting condition. In both instance the operation of changing the flow limiter condition from one state to another is seamless and requires no special action by the pool owner.

FIG. 8shows the first step (indicated by the arrows) of mounting a converter30with flow limiters in a dispensing valve10through frictionally engagement between the converter fins31aand the sidewall10aas well the engagement of the converter socket35with a first extension socket19bof the dispensing valve10and the second extension19a(located behind extension19b).

FIG. 9is a side view partially in section showing the second step where the converter30has been frictionally engaged with sidewall10aas well as matingly engaged with the dispensing valve extension water socket19band extension water socket19a(FIG. 3).

FIG. 10is a side view partially in section showing the third step where a set of nested dispensing cartridges60and70, which are mateable with the converter30, are in the process of being inserted into the top sockets of the converter30, which is mounted on the extension sockets of the dispensing valve10.FIG. 11andFIG. 11Ashow isolated views of nested dispensing cartridges60and70that contain features that seamlessly deactivate the flow limiters40and41in the converter30.

FIG. 11is a pictorial end view of an annular dispensing cartridge60for insertion into dispenser10. To facilitate correct insertion, the dispensing cartridge60includes an alignment slot60efor rotational alignment of the dispenser cartridge60with respect to the dispensing valve housing as well as alignment of a first socket60ahaving a set of fluid ports60fwith a first dispensing valve socket and a second socket60bhaving a set of fluid ports60gfor alignment with a second dispensing valve socket. Located in cartridge socket60bis a deactivator cam60c. In this example cam60ccomprises a rigid, rectangular shaped, rib that extends axially outward from end cap60dof cartridge socket60b.FIG. 12Bshows that the height h of cam60cis less than the height L of a portion of sidewall60bthat extends below socket60. The deactivator cam60cextends in a same direction as the axis of insertion of the flow limiter40in the converter30. Consequently, the step of axially inserting the cartridge60into the dispenser10can be used to deactivate the flow limiter40as cam60cforces the flow limiter40from the flow limiting condition shown inFIG. 12Ainto the non-flow limiting condition shown inFIG. 12andFIG. 12B. On the other hand the action of removing the dispensing cartridge60from the dispensing valve activates the flow limiter40since cam60cis removed from contact with the flow limiter40thus allowing the water pressure within the dispensing valve to bring the flow limiter40into the flow limiting position illustrated inFIG. 12A.

Through the insertion of a dispenser cartridge60with a cam60chaving a top cam face60rinto a dispensing valve one simultaneously and automatically deactivates the flow limiter40as the dispenser cartridge60is installed in an inline dispenser. A benefit of this feature is that a pool maintainer need not change his or her procedure for replacing dispensing cartridges since the act of replacing the dispensing cartridge automatically deactivates or activates the flow limiter40. Consequently, opportunity for errors in replacing a dispensing cartridge are not affected by the operator. In fact the pool maintainer need not be aware of the deactivator cam60cas the flow limiter is positioned so that the alignment of the socket of the dispensing valve with the socket in either of the converter or the dispensing valve automatically aligns the cam face60rof deactivator cam60cwith the end of flow limiter40as illustrated inFIG. 12B. Consequently, the primary action of insertion or removal of a dispensing cartridge from a dispensing valve seamlessly controls the operation of the flow limiter. Consequently, the pool maintainer need not take any additional action to activate the flow limiter since the axial removal of the dispenser cartridge60automatically activates the flow limiter40as the deactivator cam60cis withdrawn from contact with the stem head84,85of flow limiter40, which frees the flow limiter40to respond to fluid conditions within the system. Thus, a pool maintainer automatically activates or deactivates a flow limiter through the action of replacing a dispensing cartridge in the dispenser.

When the dispensing cartridge60is removed from a dispensing valve cam60cactivates the flow limiter40and when the dispenser cartridge60is inserted into the dispensing valve10cam60cdeactivates the flow limiter. In the example shown the deactivator cam60cis fitted within dispenser socket60band is positioned so that deactivator cam face60r(FIG. 12B) contacts the end of the flow limiter40to hold the flow limiter in an out of the way condition when the dispensers cartridge60is located in an operable condition in the dispensing valve. In this example the deactivator cam60ccomprises a rigid rectangular shaped extension or rib that extends outward from the bottom of socket60dhaving a cam face60rwith the cam side60hand cam side60calignable with flow therepast.

FIG. 11Ais a pictorial end view of a canister or cylindrical dispensing cartridge70having a chamber70L for holding a dispersant70m, for example chlorine or bromine or other types of water treatment materials containable in a dispensing cartridge. Dispensing cartridge70has a central axis9with dispensing cartridge70nestable within dispensing cartridge60as illustrated inFIG. 10. Dispensing cartridge70also includes a deactivator cam or rib70cfor deactivating a flow limiter, which may be located in either a converter or a dispensing valve, when the dispensing cartridge70is inserted into the dispensing valve and activating the flow limiter when the dispensing cartridge70is removed from the dispensing valve. In this example dispensing cartridge70includes an alignment slot70iand70dfor rotational alignment with dispensing cartridge60so that both dispenser cartridges70and60can be aligned for placement in the dispensing valve. Dispensing cartridge70includes a first socket70ahaving a bottom or end cap70ewith a set of fluid ports70ftherein for ingress water into the cartridge70and a second socket70bhaving a bottom or end cap70hwith a set of fluid ports70ffor egress of water from cartridge70. In this example the deactivator cam70calso comprises a rectangular shaped extension or rib, which is permanently mounted to the end cap70ewith the rib70cextending axially outward from end cap70eof socket70aand having a cam face70gfor engaging and deactivating a flow limiter.

FIG. 11Bis an isolated pictorial view of an example of a low profile deactivator81a, which is located in socket80aon a dispenser cartridge80. In this example socket80ahas a top edge80bfor engaging an end cap of a socket in either a converter or a dispensing valve and an external mateable side80cfor engaging a sidewall of a socket in either a converter or a socket in a dispensing valve. An end cap80eextends across the bottom of socket80awith one end of end cap80eincluding a set of fluid ports80dfor flow of fluid therethrough. Extending outward from end cap80eis the deactivator81a, which comprises a cylindrical post having a cylindrical sidewall81aand a top circular cam face81bhaving a geometric center83. In this example cam face81bcan be used to deactivate a flow limiter when the dispensing cartridge80is inserted into a socket in either a dispensing valve or a converter. The deactivator81has a height y which is less than the height y1of the sidewall80c, which allows one to align the socket of the dispensing cartridge with either the socket of a converter or a dispensing valve before the deactivator81contacts the flow limiter which is carried in a socket of either the converter or the dispensing valve. In this example the deactivator81is positioned with respect to the socket sidewall80bas noted by the dimensions x and z that are measured from a central axis83of deactivator81. In order to provide for cam engagement during and after insertion of the dispensing cartridge into the dispensing valve the flow limiter in the converter or the dispensing valve is also positioned with respect to a sidewall socket of the converter or the dispensing valve that mates with the socket of the dispensing cartridge. Although the dispensing cartridges and the dispensing valve are separate components the referencing of the position of the deactivator81bwith respect to a socket sidewall which forms mating engagement with a socket sidewall on a converter or the inline dispenser, allows one to locate the deactivator81so that the insertion of the dispensing cartridge60into the socket of a dispensing valve or a converter automatically brings the deactivator81into alignment and engagement with the flow limiter since the flow limiter is dimensionally positioned with respect to the socket sidewall carrying the flow limiter.

A reference toFIG. 12Ashows converter30located in dispensing valve10with the dispensing cartridges having been removed from the dispensing valve10. In this example the inlet water socket19aconnects to a source of pressurized water (not shown). During replacement of a dispenser cartridge the source of pressurized water in the dispensing valve10an operator normally closes the rotor valve15(FIG. 1) to stop flow into the chamber of the dispensing valve, however, in the event an operator fails to close the rotor valve15the invention described herein provides a safety feature that automatically limits or prevents backflow of water into the dispensing chamber in the dispensing valve10when the dispensing cartridges are removed from the dispensing valve.

As can be seen inFIG. 12the sockets of converter30mate to the sockets of the dispensing valve10. That is, the dispensing valve water socket19ais in mating engagement with bottom converter socket35and dispensing valve water socket19bis in mating engagement with bottom converter socket36. In the mated condition and without the presence of a canister or dispenser cartridge the fluid pressure in socket19agenerates an upward force on flow limiter40causing the flow limiter40to move axially upwards and block the ports45(FIG. 12A) with flange81thus limiting or preventing fluid flow into the dispensing chamber20. Similarly, fluid pressure in socket19bgenerates an upward force on flow limiter41causing the flow limiter to move axially upward and block the ports46(FIG. 12A) with flange81athus limiting or preventing fluid flow into the dispensing chamber20. Through utilization of the internal fluid pressure within the dispenser one can urge the flow limiters40and41to a flow-limiting mode thus reducing the chances that the water in the dispensing valve can escape the dispenser during a replacement of one or more of the dispensing cartridges.

Thus, in normal operation of the dispenser10a dispensing cartridge or cartridges are located in the chamber20of the dispensing valve. A set of deactivator's60cand70con the dispensers normally hold the flow limiter40and the flow limiter41in an open or non-flow limiting condition. However, if a cartridge should be removed to be replaced when the dispensing valve contains fluid under pressure the flow limiters are automatically displaced axially upward to block the ports in the sockets of the converter (FIG. 12A).

To retain the flow limiter in an operative condition within the converter30the opening50d(FIG. 6D) in the bottom socket member50is larger than the diameter of the stem83but less than the diameter of the stem at the barb which enables the flow limiter40to move axially up and down within sidewall50fin response to a water condition in the dispensing valve10. Typically, the flow limiter40is made from a polymer plastic or the like with the weight of the flow limiter such that the water pressure forces the flow limiter40to move upward with flange81sealingly abutting against the underside of end cap50b(FIG. 12A) thereby shutting off or limiting flow through the openings45in socket end cap50b. Similarly, the flow limiter41is made from a polymer plastic or the like with the weight of the flow limiter such that the water pressure forces the flow limiter41with flange81ato move upward to sealingly abut against the underside of end cap51a(FIG. 12A) thereby shutting off or limiting flow through the openings46in socket end cap51b. Thus in the flow limiting condition the flow limiter40and41are allowed to be responsive to water pressure in the dispensing valve while in the non flow limiting condition the flow limiters are not responsive to water pressure in the dispensing valve.

Typically, converter30can be quickly installed into the sockets at the bottom of an existing inline non-flow limiting dispensing valve to provide an on-the-go conversion to a flow-limiting dispensing valve. In the installed condition an inner side wall50aof a top converter socket50and an inner sidewall51aof top converter socket51engage the outer side wall of mating sockets which are located on dispensing cartridges that are installed in the dispensing valve. In addition the radial fins31aon the converter30engage the inner surface10ato frictional maintain the converter30in an operative condition within the dispensing valve10.

FIG. 12shows the deactivator60cholding the flow limiter40in a deactivated condition with deactivator70cholding flow limiter41in a deactivated condition to allow fluid to bypass the flow limiters and flow into the dispensing cartridges60and70.

Reference toFIG. 12Bshows an isolated view of a portion of a dispensing cartridge60having a cam face end60rof a deactivator60cin contact with an end84,85of flow limiter40to maintain the flow limiter40in a bypass condition where the flow of water into and out of the dispensing cartridge60can be maintained. The dispensing cartridge socket60bis in mating engagement with the top converter socket50with the web or end cap50bof socket50in engagement with edge60pof dispensing cartridge60. In this condition the deactivator60c, which extends a distance h from the socket bottom60d, holds the flow limiter40in a non-flow limiting position i.e. a deactivated condition. The height h of the deactivator is such that in a condition where the cartridges are present in the dispenser the deactivator60cabuts the head84,85of the stem83to hold the flow limiter40in a condition that permits flow around the disk seal81and through the ports45. The axial alignment of the deactivator60cand the stem83allows the action of inserting the dispensing cartridge60into the converter30to automatically deactivate the flow limiter40. That is, the deactivator60ccontacts the top end84,85of stem83as one pushes the dispensing cartridge into a dispensing position in the inline dispenser. More specifically, the cam face60rof deactivator60cpushes the stem83of the flow limiter40downward to the position shown inFIG. 12B. Once in position the deactivator60cholds the flow limiter40in a deactivated condition i.e. disk81in a spaced condition from the web or end cap50bof socket50thereby allowing flow into canister60through ports45and60g. As illustrated by the arrows inFIG. 12Bthe fluid flows around the disk81and through the openings45and the openings or ports60gand into the dispenser cartridge60where the water can come into contact with the dispersant therein. Thus when the flow limiter40is in a passive or deactivated condition water bypasses the flow limiter40allowing water to come into contact with the dispersant in the dispensing cartridge60.

FIG. 13shows an alternate embodiment of the invention wherein flow limiters125and138are incorporated directly into an inline dispensing valve100and become an integral part of the dispensing valve. Flow limiters125and138are identical to flow limiter40shown inFIG. 6Chowever, in this example the flow limiters are located in sockets of the dispensing valve rather than sockets in the converter. In this example the dispensing valve100includes inlet housing111to direct water into the dispenser100and an outlet housing112that directs water out of the dispenser100. A rotor valve115allows one to select the amount of water to flow through the dispenser and consequently the dispensing rate of the dispersant in the dispensing canisters, which would be located in chamber220of dispenser100. In the example shown the dispensing valve socket120includes a bottom member or end cap127having a return port126and a dispenser cartridge inlet port comprised of a set of openings121that are circumferentially positioned around the flow limiter125. Similarly, the dispensing valve socket130includes a bottom member or end cap131having a return port136and a dispenser cartridge inlet port comprised of a set of openings137that are circumferentially positioned around the flow limiter138. The flow limiters125and138are identical in operation to flow limiters40and41and automatically limit or prevent water flow into the dispenser chamber220when either or both of the dispensing cartridge are removed from the dispensing chamber220and are deactivated when dispensing cartridges are present in dispensing chamber220to thereby let water flow into the dispensing cartridges. A benefit of the invention ofFIG. 13is that it eliminates the need for an insertable converter since the flow limiters can be incorporated directly in the dispensing valve sockets120and130.

A feature of the invention is that the flow limiters can block the flow upstream of the dispenser cartridges with the deactivation and activation of the flow limiters determined by the location of the dispensing cartridges with respect to a dispensing valve.

A feature of the invention described herein includes a pool operators ability to on-the-go resize a dispensing valve such as an inline dispenser shown inFIG. 3, to enable the dispensing valve to operably receive one or more different size dispensing cartridge without having to alter or modify the internal structure of the inline dispenser. To operably receive is understood to mean that the dispenser cartridges within the dispensing valve function in a normal dispensing manner whereby water flows into and out of the dispenser cartridge during the delivery of a dispersant or dispersants to a body of water.

Thus the invention of resizing as illustrated inFIG. 12andFIG. 3includes the method of on-the-go reconfiguring a dispensing valve10that operably receives a first dispenser cartridge to operably receive a second dispenser cartridge60where a water socket50of the first dispensing cartridge is a different size than a water socket of the second dispensing cartridge60. The on-the-go resizing comprises the step of removing a first dispensing cartridge from engagement with a water socket in the dispensing valve (not shown) followed by inserting a converter30having a top socket50, a top socket51a bottom socket35and a bottom socket36into a chamber20in the dispensing valve10. Next, one frictionally engages a bottom socket35and a bottom socket36of the converter30with the water socket19aand the water socket19bof the dispensing valve10. One can then insert the second dispensing cartridge60into the dispensing valve10and frictionally engage sockets60aand60bof the second dispensing cartridge with the top sockets of the converter.

Additional features may include the step of resiliently engaging a set of radial fins31aon the converter30with a sidewall10aof the dispensing valve10to maintain the converter30within the dispensing valve through frictional engagement therebetween. While the method has been described in relation to insertion of a single dispenser cartridge into the dispensing valve, the drawing illustrates that two dispenser cartridges each having separate water sockets can be mated with additional sockets in the converter and the dispensing valve.

In the example shown inFIG. 3the converter30was mounted in the dispenser housing followed by the insertion of the dispensing cartridges into the converter30. A feature of the invention described herein is that the converter30may be first attached to the dispensing cartridges60and70as illustrated inFIG. 14andFIG. 15.FIG. 15is a partial sectional view showing a set of dispensing cartridges60and70with a converter30attached to the sockets60band70bof dispensing cartridges60and70. The sectional view of the converter30is taken along lines6,7as shown inFIG. 4so as to reveal both of the flow limiters in the converter30. By attaching the converter30to the inline dispensing cartridges one can further facilitate an upgrade of the dispensing system. That is, if cartridges60and70are attached to the converter30the user need only take one step to upgrade the dispenser since the insertion of the dispensing cartridges60and70with the attached converter30into the dispensing valve will also bring the converter30into an operative condition within the inline dispenser.

A further feature of this embodiment is that the peripheral edge of the converter can securely fasten the converter30to the dispensing valve through frictional engagement therebetween while the axial removal of one or both of the dispensing cartridges60or70from a dispensing valve can be used to separate the dispensing cartridges60,70from the converter30. That is, the force of attachment of the dispensing valve cartridges60,70to the converter30is less than the force required to remove the converter30from an inline dispersal valve. Consequently, one may remove spent cartridges while leaving the converter in place to receive a set of fresh cartridges.

WhileFIGS. 1-15show a converter for use in dispensing valves such as inline dispensing valve that contain a set of nested containersFIGS. 16-24show a bulk feeder converter and a set of dispensing cartridges for on the go converting a dispensing valve such as bulk feeder into a cartridge feeder. While the term inline dispensing valves includes both bulk feeders and inline dispersal valves that deliver dispersants through fluid action the existing bulk feeders generally lack sockets for direct engagement to a dispenser cartridge since the bulk feeders are intended to receive a dispersant in a bulk or loose condition without a cartridge supporting the dispersant. The dispensing valve used in conjunction as described herein may be either an inline dispensing valve, an off line dispensing valve a bulk feeder dispensing valve although other types of dispensing valves may benefit from the inventions described herein.

FIG. 16is an exploded view of a dispensing system with a set of nesting dispensing cartridges220and221, a bulk feeder converter210, a set of flow limiters230and231and a bulk feeder having a frusto conical chamber202for receiving the cartridges, the converter and the flow limiters. A cover, not shown, is secured to the top of the bulk feeder to contain the cartridges, converter and flow limiters within the chamber202. Dispensing cartridge221ofFIG. 16and dispensing cartridge70ofFIG. 11are identical as well as dispensing cartridge220ofFIG. 16and dispensing cartridge60ofFIG. 11. The dispensing cartridges are normally mounted in a nested relationship in a dispensing valve as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,210,566.

FIG. 17is an isolated view showing bulk feeder converter210about to be axially inserted into a frusto conical chamber202of bulk feeder200, which has a larger diameter D2at the top of the bulk feeder than the diameter D1at the bottom of the bulk feeder as illustrated inFIG. 16. Once the converter is inserted the converging diameter of the chamber202allows the bulk feeder converter210to be pushed downward until the circular peripheral edge210africtionally engages the circular inner frusto conical wall200aof bulk feeder200and the underside of the converter mates with the curvilinear lip204and curvilinear lip205on the bottom of the bulk feeder. In this example, the diametrical dimension of converter210is selected so that frictional engagement between the converter210and the sidewall200aoccurs when the curved undersides of the converter210mates with the curvilinear lip204and curvilinear lip205at the bottom of the bulk feeder with the curvilinear lip204and curvilinear lip205each defining regions of flow into and out of the chamber202of the bulk feeder. Consequently, through coordination of the diameter of the converter with the vertical height where the underside of the converter mates with the bottom of the bulk feeder one can simultaneously secure the converter in the bulk feeder and form a fluid pathway between the bulk feeder and the converter. In this example the sole action of axially forcing the bulk feeder converter210into the bottom of the bulk feeder chamber202frictionally retains the converter in the bulk feeder.

FIG. 17illustrates the method of on the go reconfiguring a bulk feeder usable in either an industrial water treatment application or a nonindustrial water treatment application to a bulk feeder200for receiving a water dispersant contained in a dispenser cartridge comprising the steps of inserting a converter210having a peripheral edge210a, a first top cartridge socket210dand a first bottom socket214(FIG. 19) and a second top cartridge socket210eand a second bottom socket245(FIG. 19) into a chamber202in the bulk feeder200and securing the converter210to the bulk feeder200through methods as illustrated inFIGS. 17band 17calthough other methods may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 17Ashows converter210mounted in the bottom of bulk feeder200in a condition to receive a set of dispensing cartridges and engage the ports on the dispensing cartridge andFIG. 17Bshows a detail of the frictional engagement of the circular peripheral edge210aof converter210with the with the frusto conical sidewall200a. In this example the combination of a slight taper of the frusto conical sidewall200allows the converter to be inserted into the chamber until the peripheral edge210aof the converter contacts the sidewall200a. Once contacted, a further downward axial force on the converter210causes the peripheral edge210aof the converter to bite into the wall200aas shown inFIG. 17bto thereby securely hold the converter in position to receive a cartridge. The frictional engagement between converter210and sidewall200ais sufficient to permanently retain the converter210in the bulk dispenser200. However, if desired an alternate method, which is shown inFIG. 17C, may be used. In this example of an alternate method an annular member250is adhesively secured to the portion of the sidewall200aabove the converter210to prevent withdrawal of the converter210from the bulk feeder. Bulk feeder200is typically used in the pool or spa industry. Other use of bulk feeders and bulk feeder converters are in within the scope of the present invention including feeders for treating industrial water, for example water used in cooling towers or the like. Thus the invention may be used in feeders useable in both industrial and nonindustrial water treatment applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 18is a sectional perspective view of the bulk feeder200showing the interior bottom portion of bulk feeder200. Bulk feeder200is similar to dispensing valve10shown inFIG. 3but instead of having a set of sockets for engaging an inlet and an outlet in a set of canisters the bulk feeder20includes a bottom member207having a first curvilinear lip204encompassing a curvilinear web208with a fluid port208aand a second curvilinear lip205encompassing a second curvilinear web209with a fluid port209atherein. In one mode of operation water enters inlet fitting255and flows through inlet port209ainto the chamber202and then flows back into outlet fitting206through port208a. The curvilinear webs with the ports therein prevent a solid dispersant such as halogen pucks or tablets of chlorine or bromine from falling into the fluid stream flowing from the inlet port209ato the outlet port208aof the bulk feeder200. Since the pucks or tablets are larger than the ports the water has an opportunity to flow around and through the pucks or tablets before being discharged through outlet fitting256. For purpose of clarity a rotary valve which would normally be located in circular housing260of the bulk feeder200has been left out. The purpose of the rotary valve is to increase or decrease the flow of water through the chamber202of the bulk feeder200.

The set of curvilinear lips204and205, which are located at the bottom of chamber202, are suitable for forming mating engagement with features on the underside of converter210.

FIG. 19shows a bottom view of bulk feeder converter210revealing a cutout210bfor pressure relief valve230(FIG. 18) as well as a first curvilinear lip214with a web212therein and a curvilinear lip245with a web213therein. Located in web213is a first set of ports213eand a second set of ports213dwhich surround an opening240afor receiving the stem of a first flow limiter. Similarly, located on web212is a first set of ports212eand a second set of ports212dwhich surround an opening241for receiving the stem of a second flow limiter. When the converter is positioned in the bulk feeder the converter curvilinear lip214mates with the curvilinear bulk feeder lip204and the curvilinear converter lip245mates with the curvilinear bulk feeder lip205. In this example the peripheral edge210acan be brought into mating frictional engagement with a sidewall200awhile the curvilinear converter lip214is brought into mating face-to-face engagement with curvilinear bulk feeder lip204and the curvilinear converter lip205is brought into mating face-to-face engagement with curvilinear bulk feeder lip214.

WhileFIG. 19shows the bulk feeder converter210without the flow limitersFIG. 20andFIG. 21show the bulk feeder converter210with flow limiter230and flow limiter231.FIG. 22shows flow limiter230comprises a planar flange member231having a first ear230aand a second ear230b. Located on one end of flow limiter230is a stud234having a split head235with a retaining shoulder235a. Flow limiter230functions in the same manner as flow limiter40in that in one mode the flow limiter230can block flow through the ports in the web supporting the flow limiter and in a second mode the flow limiter is deactivated through engagement with a cam on dispensing cartridge.

Flow limiter230is shown in an isolated view inFIG. 22revealing a stem234extending perpendicularly from the flat flange base230cof the flow limiter230. In this example the flow limiter comprises an elliptical shaped flange formed from a polymer plastic or the like with the flow limiter containing a first ear230aon one side of flow limiter230and a second ear230bon the opposite side of flow limiter230to maintain the flow limiter230properly positioned in the bulk converter. That is, as shown inFIG. 21the ear230aengages one side of curvilinear lip214and the ear230bengages the other side of member curvilinear lip214to maintain the flow limiter in the proper orientation to cover the openings in web213. Flow limiters230and231are identical and are shown in the closed condition inFIG. 21to prevent or limit flow into the chamber of the dispenser valve200when there are no cartridges present in the bulk feeder210. However, when the flow limiter230is axially displaced from web212water can flow through the ports in web212and when flow limiter231is axially displaced from web213water can flow through the ports in web213.

FIG. 20is a top view of the bulk feeder converter210revealing a first socket211having a web213with a set of ports213eand213d. The end247of a stem of a flow limiter230extends through an opening in web213to permit axial displacement of flow limiter230in response to a cartridge placement in the bulk feeder. Similarly, a second socket209includes a web212with a set of ports212dand212e. The stem end235of a flow limiter231extends through an opening in web212to permit axial displacement of flow limiter231in response to a cartridge placement in the bulk feeder.

FIG. 23is a perspective partially cutaway view of a dispenser cartridge or canister300having a housing309with a dispenser chamber310. Canister300, which is axially insertable into bulk feeder200, includes a halogen295such as chlorine or bromine although materials may be used without departing from the sprit and scope of the invention. Located on the bottom of canister300is a first leg301that terminates in a first elongated socket303and a second leg302that terminates in a second elongated socket321.

FIG. 24is a bottom perspective view revealing that the first elongated socket303includes an inside wall304that encompass a web308. Web308may include a key slot305for engagement with a mating key on a converter to prevent the canister300from being inserted improperly. Web308contains a set of openings307for passage of water into and out of the chamber310in canister300. Secured to the bottom of web308is a cross-shaped deactivator cam306that is laterally offset from a socket sidewall304and the set of openings or ports307in web308with the cam extending axially outward from web308and terminated in a cam face306athat can engage and deactivate a flow limiter in the converter210when the converter210and the canister300are in socket-to-socket engagement. Similarly,FIG. 24ashows an identical socket302with the deactivator comprising cylindrical post343having a top cam surface343aand socket31with a cylindrical post336having a top cam surface336a. In the example shown inFIG. 24Athe openings342and337are rectangular in shape as compared to the square openings shown inFIG. 24although other shape fluid openings may be used to provide for a fluid passage therethrough.

In the example shown the sidewall304around the web308extends a greater distance from the web308than the cam306to enable socket-to-socket engagement between the canister and the converter before the cam engages the flow limiter in the converter. The cam306is similar to cam60cin that the cam306axially engages one of the flow limiters in converter210to permit water flow into the dispensing chamber310through the web supporting the flow limiter when the socket303of canister300is placed in a top socket of the converter210. Canister300also includes a second socket320that includes an inside sidewall326that encompass a web325. Web325may include a key slot324for engagement with a mating key on a converter to prevent the canister300improper installation of the canister300. Web325also contains a set of openings322for passage of water into and out of the chamber310in canister300. Secured to the bottom of web325is a cross-shaped cam deactivator323that is laterally offset from sidewall326with cam323extending axially outward from web325so that axial insertion of the canister300into a converter in a bulk feeder engages and deactivates the flow limiter. In the example shown the sidewall326around web325extends a greater distance from the web305than the cam323to enable socket-to-socket engagement between the canister and the converter before the cam engages a flow limiter in the converter. In the example shown inFIG. 24the cam face306ain socket303and the cam face323in the socket302extend equal distance from the webs supporting them for simultaneously deactivation of converter flow limiters when the dispenser300and the converter210are brought into socket-to-socket engagement. Preferably, the first cam face306aand the second cam face323aare orthogonal positioned with respect to the central axis9of the dispenser30to enable the cam face to axially displace the flow limiters to minimize lateral forces on the stem of the flow limiters that may cause the flow limiters to bind as they are deactivated. In the example shown the cam323and the cam306are molded into the canister during the formation of the canister housing309and become an integral part of the canister housing.

In this embodiment the canister300includes two cams while the canister60and canister70, as illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 11A, each contains a single cam for separately deactivating the flow limiters in the converter30.

In this example both the flow limiters in the converter are deactivated by the cams so that water can flow through the converter and into and out of the dispenser cartridge.