Patent 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.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This non-provisional patent application is claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/150,827 filed Apr. 21, 2015, U.S. Design Pat. application No. 29/524,583 filed Apr. 21, 2015, and U.S. Non-Provisonal patent application Ser. No. 14/807,184 filed Jul. 23, 2015, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/027,993 filed Jul. 23, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Disclosure 
         [0003]    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. 
         [0004]    2. Background of the Related Art 
         [0005]    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  FIG. 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. 
         [0006]    Referring to  FIG. 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. 
         [0007]    The UV source  15  is housed within a UV transparent sleeve  16 . The UV source  15  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 
       [0008]    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. 
         [0009]    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. 
         [0010]    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 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. 
         [0011]    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. 
         [0012]    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 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. 
         [0013]    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 
         [0014]    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. 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view of a prior art UV assembly. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective view of a UV assembly in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2B  is a top view of a UV assembly in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0018]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective view of a UV assembly with the ballast controller separated in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0019]      FIG. 2D  is a somewhat schematic view of the ballast controller in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0020]      FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a UV source in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of a UV source in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0022]      FIG. 4A  is an exploded perspective view of a UV assembly in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4B  is an exploded perspective view of a UV assembly being assembled in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0024]      FIG. 4C  is an exploded perspective view of a UV assembly almost fully assembled in accordance with the subject technology. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 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. 
           [0026]      FIGS. 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. 
           [0027]      FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the flow switch in accordance with the subject technology. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0028]    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 
       [0029]    Referring now to  FIGS. 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 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. 
         [0030]    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  FIG. 3A ). As such, the ballast controller  200  may be remotely mounted as best seen in  FIG. 2C . Alternatively, the ballast controller  200  is mounted to a mounting bracket  150  as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B . The ballast controller  200  also connects by a cable  204  to a power source (not shown) such as a 100V-240V/50-60 Hz supply. 
         [0031]    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. 
         [0032]    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 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. 
         [0033]    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. 
         [0034]    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. 
         [0035]    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. 
         [0036]    Referring now to  FIG. 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. 
         [0037]    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 1/0operations, 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. 
         [0038]    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. 
         [0039]    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 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. 
         [0040]    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. 
         [0041]    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. 
         [0042]    Still referring to  FIG. 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. 
         [0043]    Referring again to  FIGS. 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. 
         [0044]    Referring now to  FIG. 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  FIG. 2A ). The quartz sleeve  304  allows for transmission of UV light while minimizing the temperature fluctuation effect and protecting the bulb  302  during use. 
         [0045]    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  FIG. 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 . 
         [0046]    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 13.56 MHz (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 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 . 
         [0047]    Referring now to  FIG. 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 . 
         [0048]    Referring additionally to  FIGS. 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 RFID antenna  110  is configured to interact with the RFID 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 . 
         [0049]    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 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  FIG. 4A ) and a front slot  166 . The rear slot  164  is configured so that when the UV source  300  is positioned as shown in  FIGS. 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 . 
         [0050]    Similarly, a shape of the front slot  166  matches the front tab  322  and bulb connector  310  so that, when positioned as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the front tab  322  and bulb connector  310  pass there through. Once in position as shown in  FIG. 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. 
         [0051]    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 RFID 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. 
         [0052]    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 RFID 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  FIG. 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 
       [0053]    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. 
         [0054]    Referring now to  FIGS. 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  mounts in the increasing diameter portion  128  of the interior chamber  106  by, for example, coupling to the inlet  120 .  FIGS. 6A and 6B  are cross-sectional views of the flow switch  400  in the open position (e.g., fluid flow). 
         [0055]    Referring now to  FIG. 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 . 
         [0056]    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 . 
         [0057]    Referring again to  FIGS. 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 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 
       [0058]    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. 
         [0059]    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. 
         [0060]    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 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. 
         [0061]    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 RFID 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 RFID 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. 
         [0062]    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. 
         [0063]    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, each claim may depend from any or all claims, even in a multiple dependent manner, even though such has not been originally claimed.

Technology Classification (CPC): 2