Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a combination venturi check valve for introducing a composition, such as ozone, into the fluid circulation line of a swimming pool, spa, and/or other recreational body of water. The combination venturi check valve preferably includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a venturi passage for suctioning in the composition, and a bypass passage with a valve enabling compatibility with pumps having different flow rates, for example. In an aspect of the invention, the venturi and bypass passages are inline with the fluid inlet and fluid outlet. In another aspect of the invention, the venturi and bypass passages share a common wall, and/or the housing is modular and/or integrally formed. In yet another aspect of the invention, the valve automatically adjusts the flow rate of fluid through the bypass passage without requiring human intervention.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/126,643, filed May 6, 2008. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a venturi valve for suctioning a composition, such as ozone, into the fluid circulation system of a swimming pool, spa, or other recreational body of water. More specifically, the present invention relates to a valve for a fluid circulation system that includes any one of a plurality of different pumps having disparate pumping rates. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    A venturi is an apparatus commonly used to draw a substance, e.g., a composition, into a fluid by use of a pressure difference. Referring to the prior art “full-flow set-up” of  FIG. 1 , a venturi can be directly contained within a principal flow path. A disadvantage to the full-flow set-up of  FIG. 1 , for example, is that the pressure drop created across the venturi to form a suctioning vacuum also undesirably acts as a backpressure across the fluid circulation system. Referring to the prior art “bypass set-up” of  FIG. 2 , an effort has been made in the prior art to inhibit such backpressure by configuring the venturi with a bypass loop. In the bypass set-up of  FIG. 2 , for example, some circulating fluid is allowed to bypass the venturi, while some circulating fluid still flows to the venturi for suctioning of the composition into the circulating fluid. A drawback to the bypass set-up of  FIG. 2  is that, should the flow rate of the fluid circulating across the venturi decrease, then the suction rate of the venturi will decrease, which can lead to an undesirably low amount of suction, thereby reducing the total amount of composition suctioned into the fluid. What is needed in the art is an improved venturi set-up configured to adapt to changes in flow rate. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Preferred embodiments of the invention overcome the disadvantages and shortcomings of the prior art by providing a combination venturi check valve. The preferred combination venturi check valve includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a bypass passage, and a venturi passage. The bypass passage is preferably provided with a check valve movable between a plurality of positions for automatically adjusting the flow rate of fluid through the bypass passage. The venturi passage can be provided with a suction inlet for suctioning a composition into a fluid flowing through the venturi passage. 
         [0005]    In some aspects of the invention, the bypass and venturi passages may be inline between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet, and, in some aspects of the invention, the bypass and venturi passages may share a common wall. In some aspects of the invention, the venturi passage may include a venturi passage inlet side parallel with the bypass passage, and, in some aspects of the invention, the venturi passage may include a venturi passage outlet side having an opening angled with respect to the bypass passage. In some aspects of the invention, the combination venturi check valve defines a mixing chamber positioned between the fluid outlet and the venturi and bypass passages. 
         [0006]    Additional features, functions and benefits of the disclosed combination venturi check valve will be apparent from the detailed description which follows, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0007]    For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0008]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a prior art full-flow set-up including a venturi; 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a prior art bypass set-up including a venturi; 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded front perspective view of a combination venturi check valve constructed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention; 
           [0011]      FIG. 4  is an exploded rear perspective view of the combination venturi check valve of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 5  is a left side elevational view of the combination venturi check valve of  FIGS. 3 and 4  with a fluid outlet thereof being shown; 
           [0013]      FIG. 6  is a right side elevational view of the combination venturi check valve of  FIGS. 3-5  with a fluid inlet thereof being shown; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are sectional views of the combination venturi check valve of  FIGS. 3-6  taken respectively along section lines  7 A- 7 A and  7 B- 7 B of  FIG. 6 , a check valve of the combination venturi check valve being shown in a closed state/position; and 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are sectional views showing the check valve of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  in an open state/position. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0016]    Referring to  FIGS. 3-8B , a combination venturi check valve  10  is shown in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The combination venturi check valve  10  includes a housing  12 , a valve assembly  14 , and a venturi device  16 , each of which shall be discussed below with further detail. 
         [0017]    In the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-8B , the combination venturi check valve  10  includes a generally cylindrical pipe housing  12  having a fluid inlet  18 , a fluid outlet  20 , and a common wall  22  extending therebetween to define a bypass passage  24  and a venturi passage, the latter of which comprises two areas that are referenced herein as a venturi passage inlet side  26  and a venturi passage outlet side  28 . The venturi passage inlet side  26  is preferably substantially parallel with respect to the bypass passage  24 . A chamber referenced herein as mixing chamber  30  is preferably positioned between the fluid outlet  20  and the passages. Fluid preferably flows from at least one of the passages to the mixing chamber  30  tangentially to enhance mixing and homogeneity. 
         [0018]    The housing  12  is preferably monolithically formed from plastic or metal, though it is contemplated that the housing  12  can comprise a plurality of assembled components, such as an inlet half or portion and an outlet half or portion, for example. The housing  12  can be provided with means for securing the housing  12  in fluid communication with the fluid circulation system. As shown in  FIGS. 3-8B , for example, such means can include, at the fluid inlet  18 , threading  32  to be secured with corresponding threading of the fluid circulation system, and, at the fluid outlet  20 , an annular groove  34  for receiving a corresponding annular lip of the fluid circulation system. Seals can be provided for efficient communication of fluids. 
         [0019]    In some embodiments, the bypass passage  24  and venturi passage are provided inline with the fluid inlet  18  and the fluid outlet  20 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 3-8B , fluid flowing into the fluid inlet  18  flows substantially straight into both the bypass passage  24  and the venturi passage inlet side  26 , and fluid flows substantially straight out of the mixing chamber  30  through the fluid outlet  20 . The inline configuration inhibits turbulence, enhances laminar flow, and contributes to overall efficiencies. 
         [0020]    In some embodiments of the invention, the common wall  22  can be provided to subdivide the interior of the pipe housing  12  into the bypass passage  24  and the venturi passage, and, in some embodiments, the common wall  22 , which can be formed integrally as part of the housing  12 , contributes to the compactness and portability of the combination venturi check valve  10 . The venturi passage outlet side  28  preferably includes an angled opening  36  for inducing tangential flow from the venturi passage outlet side  28  to the mixing chamber  30 . 
         [0021]    The venturi passage is provided with means for suctioning a composition into fluid flowing through the venturi passage. For example, the venturi device  16  can be positioned within the venturi passage. In the example of  FIGS. 3-8B , the venturi device  16  is positioned within the venturi passage inlet side  26 . Water flows through the venturi passage inlet side  26  to the venturi device  16  and therefrom through the venturi passage outlet side  28 . The venturi device  16  comprises a constricted section and a suction inlet  38  proximal the constricted section for suctioning a composition, such as ozone, through the suction inlet  38  from a composition reservoir, such as an ozone dispensing unit, into the fluid flow. The suction inlet  38  is aligned with and in fluid communication with a hole  40  formed in the housing  12 , which is in further fluid communication with the composition reservoir. The hole  40  can be threaded to securingly receive a secondary check valve (not shown) positioned between the composition reservoir and the suction inlet  38  and allowing one-way fluid communications from the composition reservoir to the suction inlet  38 . 
         [0022]    As shown in  FIGS. 7B and 8B , to retain the venturi device  16  within the housing  12 , an interference fit can be formed by the cooperation of a step formed in the common wall  22  and a seat (not designated) formed in the venturi device  16 . To further secure and seal the interference fit, a plurality of O-rings  42  can be provided. It is contemplated that alternative and/or additional means can be provided with respect to the venturi device  16 . For example, it is contemplated that those inner surfaces defining the venturi passage can themselves form the constricted section for inducing the venturi effect. 
         [0023]    In some aspects, the housing  12  and the means for suctioning can be formed of different materials. For example, while the housing  12  is preferably formed of a plastic or metal, it is contemplated that the venturi device  16 , for example, can be formed of a material resistant to that composition that would be sucked therethrough. For example, in the case of ozone, the venturi device  16  can be formed of a material resistant to the corrosive properties of ozone, such as those materials manufactured by Kynar, e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). It is contemplated that the secondary check valve (not shown) positionable between the suction inlet  38  and composition reservoir can additionally or alternatively be formed of a Kynar material, e.g., PVDF. 
         [0024]    Regarding the bypass passage  24 , the combination venturi check valve  10  is provided with a mount  44  for securing the valve assembly  14  relative to the housing  12 . In some embodiments, such as that embodiment shown in  FIGS. 3-8B , the mount  44  is included as an integral portion of a monolithic housing  12 . The mount  44  can extend from the common wall  22  to an opposing wall of the housing  12  that cooperates therewith to define the bypass passage  24 . The mount  44  includes an area, referenced herein as a spring seat  46 , which has a borehole for securing the housing  12  to the valve assembly  14 , while permitting the valve assembly  14  to alter its state between a plurality of positions. 
         [0025]    The valve assembly  14  preferably includes a valve head  48 , a valve stem  50 , a compression spring  52 , a spring retainer  54 , and a fastener  56 , each of which shall be discussed below with further detail. The valve head  48  is preferably sized and dimensioned to, when in a closed position, obstruct fluid flow from the bypass passage  24  to the fluid outlet  20  (and the mixing chamber  30 ), while allowing fluid flow from the venturi passage outlet side  28  to the fluid outlet  20 . The bypass passage  24  and the valve head  48  are configured to form a seal in the closed position. The valve head  48  can include a valve head wall  58  defining an open area  60 , and the valve head  48  is aligned with the passages such that the valve head wall  58  can alternatively obstruct and allow fluid flow from the bypass passage  24  to the fluid outlet  16 , while the open area  60  continuously allows fluid flow from the venturi passage outlet side  28  to the fluid outlet  20 . A keyed hole  62  can be formed in the valve head wall  58 , and a complementary rib  64  can be formed in the housing  12  for guiding alignment of the valve head  48  and to facilitate reciprocation that is substantially linear. 
         [0026]    The valve stem  50  extends from the valve head  48  and through a bore or opening formed in the spring seat  46  of the mount  44 . The radius of the bore in the spring seat  46  is just greater than a radius of the valve stem  50  to guide sliding, linear reciprocation of the valve stem  50 , while inhibiting lateral motion thereof. In this regard, the mount  44  can function to guide the valve. The valve stem  50  can be further configured so as to prevent or inhibit rotation of the valve head  48 . For example, as shown in the example of  FIGS. 3-8B , the valve stem  50  can be shaped as a hexagon, and the borehole formed in the spring seat  46  of the mount  44  can be correspondingly shaped as a hexagon to inhibit rotation. 
         [0027]    The valve stem  50  has a threaded hole opposing the spring seat  46  of the mount  44 , and the fastener  56  extends through the hole to secure the spring retainer  54  to the valve stem  50 . The radius of the valve stem  50  is less than the radius of the spring retainer  54  (and the radius of the valve stem  50  is less than the radius of the spring seat  46 ). The compression spring  52  is positioned about the valve stem  50  between the spring retainer  54  and the spring seat  46 . 
         [0028]    In use, the fluid inlet  18  of the combination venturi check valve  10  is secured in fluid communication with an outlet of the fluid circulation system, and the fluid outlet  20  of the combination venturi check valve  10  is secured in fluid communication with an inlet of the fluid circulation system. As fluid flows through the fluid inlet  18 , the fluid flow path diverges into the venturi passage inlet side  26  and the bypass passage  24 . The valve assembly  14  is movable from a closed position, in which fluid flow from the bypass passage  24  to the fluid outlet  20  (and the mixing chamber  30 ) is obstructed, to one of a plurality of open positions, such as a partially-open position or a fully-open position, in which varying amounts of fluid flow are allowed to flow from the bypass passage  24  to the fluid outlet  20  (and the mixing chamber  30 ). The venturi passage outlet side  28  preferably includes the angled opening  36  so as to provide a tangential flow for enhancing mixing and homogeneity, preferably prior to exit of the fluid through the fluid outlet. 
         [0029]    The position of the valve assembly  14  is dependent at least in part on the force of the fluid pressure against the valve head wall  58  of the valve head  48 , which is in turn at least partially dependent on fluid flow rate, and which is in turn at least partially dependent upon the pumping rate of that pump which has been included as part of the fluid circulation system. Though any number of configurations are contemplated, it is preferred that the compression spring  52  have a spring rate between about forty pounds per inch (40 lbs/in) and about fifty-five pounds per inch (55 lbs/in) for an operational flow rate between about ten gallons per minute (10 GPM) to about one-hundred-and-ten gallons per minute (110 GPM) and a venturi air suction of about six cubic feet per hour (6 SCFH) to about seven cubic feet per hour (7 SCFH). 
         [0030]    The valve assembly  14  or other valve/throttle mechanism is preferably contained within the pipe housing  12  and inserted into the mount  44 . The valve assembly  14  or other valve/throttle mechanism is capable of moving within the housing  12  between an open and closed position. The movement of the valve assembly  14 , for example, is regulated by the compression spring  52  held in place by the spring retainer  54  that is attached to the valve stem  50  of the valve assembly  14 . It is contemplated that the spring retainer  54  can be adjustable such that the compression spring  52  can be preloaded with compression to change the opening rate of the valve assembly  14  so as to enable the valve assembly  14  or other valve/throttle mechanism to resist opening due to flow in order to maintain pressure for the venturi. As pressure increases, the valve/throttle mechanism, e.g., the valve assembly  14 , will open based on the spring rate of the compression spring  52 . In this regard, a wide range of flows and pressures are contemplated, while meeting a desired minimum venturi suction rate, and while reducing the amount of back pressure created at higher flow rates. The flow exiting the bypass passage  24  is preferably directed into the path of the flow from the venturi passage outlet side  28  at a chamber in the housing  12  proximal the fluid outlet  20 . By directing the flow from the valve assembly  14 , a higher velocity flow is promoted for better mixture between the two passages prior to exiting the fluid outlet  20 . 
         [0031]    By containing a venturi and a pressure-operated valve within a single unit, for example, many drawbacks of the prior art can be overcome. For example, with respect to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-8B , if the fluid flow from the fluid circulation system drops, the valve assembly  14  can close completely or partially, thereby reducing the amount of flow within the bypass passage  24 . This increases the pressure at the venturi suction inlet  38  to provide desired suction rates. If the fluid flow from the fluid circulation system increases, the valve assembly  14  opens (or opens further) to release the excess pressure build up. In this regard, preferred embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for configurations in which variable flow rates are desirable, where the benefits of both a bypass set-up and the benefits of a full flow set-up are sought in one set-up. 
         [0032]    Thus, in some aspects of the invention, apparatus and methods are provided for maintaining a relatively constant venturi inlet pressure by use of a pressure sensitive check valve in an “all-in-one” unit. A fluid traveling at a given pressure enters the apparatus, such as the combination venturi check valve  10  of  FIGS. 3-8B , and is regulated by a valve/throttle mechanism, such as the valve assembly  14  of  FIGS. 3-8B . The valve throttle mechanism is sized such that it preferably maintains the ideal inlet pressures for the venturi. The valve throttle mechanism restricts flow to create optimal venturi pressure. If the optimal amount of pressure is surpassed, the valve mechanism will open a determined amount depending on the increase in pressure (and the spring rate, for example). The amount the valve mechanism opens will determine at least in part the decrease in pressure at the venturi. This reduces the pressure to the optimal amount at any given inlet pipe pressure induced by different pumping rates. 
         [0033]    In some aspects, the combination venturi check valve  10  inhibits excess back pressure created through the venturi and the fluid circulation system to maintain a substantially constant suction rate. Flow from the outlet of the bypass area, such as the bypass passage  24  of  FIGS. 3-8A , will then be directed with the main flow of the venturi passage outlet side  28  proximal the fluid outlet  20  of the housing  12 . Such promotes a higher velocity flow in a chamber (e.g., mixing chamber  30 ) for optimizing the mixture of the two fluids prior to leaving the housing  12  through the fluid outlet  20 . This also reduces the amount of back pressure created at higher flow rates. By directing the flow from the valve assembly  14  or other valve/throttle mechanism toward flow from the venturi passage outlet side  28 , a higher velocity flow is promoted for better mixture for the drawn composition between the two passages prior to exiting the fluid outlet  20 , for example. 
         [0034]    Embodiments of the invention additional to those shown in  FIGS. 3-8B  are contemplated. For example, it is contemplated that one or more seal(s) can be provided to the outer edge of the combination venturi check valve  10  (or in other positions) to inhibit or prevent fluid or composition leakage. It is contemplated that the present invention can be used in water treatment contexts outside of ozonation of swimming pool water. 
         [0035]    With respect to the valve/throttle mechanism, it is contemplated that valve means in addition to or alternative to the valve assembly  14  and/or components thereof can be utilized. For example, the valve means can be provided as a throttle plate capable of rotating as flow increases. The amount of rotation between a closed position and a plurality of open positions can be regulated by a torsion spring that resists the flow of fluid through a bypass passage. Additionally or alternatively, the throttle plate can be provided as an impeller shaped to induce a rotational effect for facilitating mixing. 
         [0036]    It is also contemplated that a combination venturi check valve can be provided such that a venturi can be contained within a valve placed at the center of the housing in a parallel path to the bypass area of the housing. The bypass area is regulated by means of the sliding valve that restricts flow up to a given pressure. The movement of this valve between open and closed position is controlled by a compression spring that resists the fluids path. As the valve opens the venturi&#39;s suction inlet grows in diameter. An increase in flow would result in an increase in suction. 
         [0037]    It will be understood that the embodiments of the present invention described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention. All such variations and modifications, including those discussed above, are intended to be included within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.