Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a water treatment system which can be used with a pool for water disinfection.

Ozone is a strong disinfectant, so ozone technology has been widely used in various contexts. For example, ozone may be used to disinfect the water in swimming pools, hot tubs, spas and the like. Ozone, because of its small size, can rapidly spread and penetrate bacteria, spores, and viruses in water, and effectively and efficiently oxidizes and destroys various tissue substances of bacteria, viruses, and algae. In addition, ozone does not have a strong odor, which can play a role in improving water quality in terms of taste, smell, and color. In commercial applications, ozone is generated by an ozone generator and connected to a swimming pool.

Specialized ozone generators designed for placement below the water level. During periods when the ozone generator is not generating ozone for disinfection, a one-way check valve or solenoid may be used to seal the generator intake to prevent backflow of swimming pool water toward the ozone generator. Such a valve protects the ozone generation element, because a valve failure can lead to damage of the ozone generator. One example of an existing "one-way ozone gas check valve device" can be found in Chinese Patent No. <CIT>. An example of an existing floating valve device in connection with an ozone generator can be found in patent number <CIT>.

An ozone generator's service life is also affected by ambient service conditions, including the humidity of the working environment, the prevalence of dust or other particular matter, and other factors. Because pool areas can be demanding work environments for ozone generators, pool disinfection units may have regular maintenance needs. In many cases, maintenance is performed by a manufacturer such that the ozone generator must be taken out of service, sent to an offsite location, repaired and returned to service at the service site.

In addition to ozone, sodium hypochlorite may be used as a disinfectant for pools, spas and the like. It dissolves in water and can destroy the cell wall and cell membrane of cells, and then destroy DNA through the cell membrane to achieve sterilization. In typical applications, sodium hypochlorite is generated by an electrolytic chlorine generator, which is connected to a swimming pool through a water pipe for disinfection of the water. In commercial applications, sodium hypochlorite and ozone may be used together to sterilize the pool water of a swimming pool. For example, separate pipelines may connect sodium hypochlorite and ozone generators to the pool water for disinfection.

For electrolytic chlorine generators using side-by-side electrode plates, slowly moving edge bubbles may be produced on the edge of the electrode plates during electrolysis due to the fact that some edges of the electrode plates are exposed in the salt water, leading to the conduction between the edges of adjacent electrode plates and forming a leakage current that is not involved in the electrolysis. This leaked current represents a loss of electrolysis capacity and can result in low electrolysis efficiency.

The present disclosure (not part of the claimed invention), provides a water treatment system which includes an ozone generator combined with an electrolytic chlorine generator in a compact, efficient and serviceable assembly. The system may include a modular and replaceable ozone generator, which allows a damaged or non-functional ozone generator to be quickly and efficiently replaced. In order to protect the ozone generator from damage, a fail-safe drain valve assembly may also be provided which will expel backflowing pool water before it is allowed to backflow
into the ozone generator.

In one form thereof, which is not part of the claimed invention, the present disclosure provides a water treatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatment system includes a housing defining a chamber and including a first mating structure and a nozzle receiver, a cover removably coupled to the housing to selectively open and close the chamber, and an ozone generator removably received within the chamber, the ozone generator including a second mating structure and a discharge nozzle configured to discharge ozone gas. When the ozone generator is seated in the chamber, the second mating structure mates with the first mating structure, and the discharge nozzle sealingly engages the nozzle receiver to discharge ozone gas to the nozzle receiver.

The present invention provides a water treatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatment system includes a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the pool, an ozone generator configured to deliver ozone gas to the fluid passageway, and a drain valve assembly positioned downstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the pool. The drain valve assembly includes a valve body including an inlet, an outlet, and a drain outlet, and a floating valve disposed within the valve body, wherein the floating valve closes the drain outlet when water enters the inlet of the valve body from the ozone generator and floats upward to open the drain outlet when water enters the outlet of the valve body from the pool.

In yet another form thereof, which is not part of the claimed invention, the present disclosure provides a water treatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatment system includes an electrolytic chlorine generator, an ozone generator, a first fluid passageway including the electrolytic chlorine generator, a second fluid passageway including a venturi structure with a suction inlet configured to receive ozone gas from the ozone generator, a fluid inlet in communication with the first and second fluid passageways, and a fluid outlet in communication with the first and second fluid passageways.

In still another form thereof, which is not part of the claimed invention, the present disclosure provides a water treatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatment system includes a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the pool, and an electrolytic chlorine generator disposed in the fluid passageway and including an insulating frame, a first electrode plate supported by the insulating
frame and having a first side edge, a second electrode plate supported by the insulating frame and having a second side edge positioned adjacent to the first side edge of the first electrode plate, and an insulating separator positioned between the first and second electrode plates, the insulting separator protruding outward beyond the first and second side edges.

In still another form thereof, which is not part of the claimed invention, the present disclosure provides a water treatment system configured for use with a pool. The water treatment system includes a housing defining a chamber, an electrolytic chlorine generator supported by the housing, an ozone generator removably received within the chamber of the housing, a first fluid passageway including the electrolytic chlorine generator, a second fluid passageway including a venturi structure with a suction inlet configured to receive ozone gas from the ozone generator, a drain valve assembly positioned downstream of the ozone generator and upstream of the pool, wherein the drain valve assembly includes a floating valve that closes a drain outlet when water enters the drain valve assembly from the ozone generator and floats to open the drain outlet when water enters the drain valve assembly from the pool. In certain embodiments, the electrolytic chlorine generator includes an insulating frame, a first electrode plate supported by the insulating frame and having a first side edge, a second electrode plate supported by the insulating frame and having a second side edge positioned adjacent to the first side edge of the first electrode plate, and an insulating separator positioned between the first and second electrode plates, the insulting separator protruding outward beyond the first and second side edges.

The above mentioned and other features and advantages of this disclosure, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention itself will be better understood by reference to the following description of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Referring initially to <FIG>, a water treatment system <NUM> is shown for disinfecting and maintaining the cleanliness of the water in a pool, spa, or other water containment structure. For purposes of the present disclosure, "pool" may be used to refer to any water enclosure (i.e., an area designed to pool water), including swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and the like. As described in detail below, water treatment system <NUM> may include a number of features for ease of use and maintenance, long service life, and effective operation. Such features include a modular and replaceable ozone generator <NUM> (<FIG>), a drain valve assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) designed to protect an ozone generator, such as the modular ozone generator <NUM>, from water backflow, a combination ozone/sodium hypochlorite treatment assembly <NUM>, <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>, respectively) which allow ozone generation and electrochlorination to be efficiently used in combination for pool disinfection, and an insulated electrolytic chlorine generator <NUM> (<FIG>) which protects the electrolysis element from an incidental or accidental moisture exposure.

Water treatment system <NUM> of <FIG> includes a modular and replaceable ozone generator <NUM> that is configured to generate ozone gas. Ozone generator <NUM> is removably mounted to a housing (specifically, a base <NUM> of the housing). Ozone generator <NUM> is sized and shaped for receipt in a chamber <NUM> defined by the housing and is removably coupled to base <NUM> via a dovetail arrangement between ozone generator <NUM> and receiver <NUM> (<FIG>), as detailed below. When ozone generator <NUM> is fully seated within chamber <NUM>, an ozone discharge nozzle <NUM> (<FIG>) is aligned and sealingly engaged with an ozone nozzle receiver <NUM> (<FIG>) of base <NUM>, such that the outflow of ozone gas generated by ozone generator <NUM> can be directed to a pool via other piping structures within the housing, such as via combination treatment assemblies <NUM> and/or <NUM> as detailed below. A detachable cover <NUM> is provided to selectively close chamber <NUM> when cover <NUM> is coupled to the surrounding housing, thereby covering ozone generator <NUM>, and to open chamber <NUM> when cover <NUM> is detached from the housing, thereby exposing ozone generator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, receiver <NUM> is disposed within chamber <NUM> and includes a first mating structure, illustratively rails <NUM>, which mate with a second mating structure formed on ozone generator <NUM>, illustratively respective grooves <NUM>, to form a mating connection therebetween, illustratively a dovetail connection. In particular, a rail <NUM> is respectively arranged on both sides of the upper surface of the receiver <NUM>, and two corresponding grooves <NUM> are provided on the lower surface of the ozone generator <NUM>. When the ozone generator <NUM> is installed into or removed from the chamber <NUM>, grooves <NUM> slide over rails <NUM> to constrain the movement of ozone generator <NUM> to a substantially linear front-to-back direction D (<FIG>), while preventing any significant lateral and vertical motion therebetween. Any friction between the ozone generator <NUM> and the chamber <NUM> can be reduced through lubricity and appropriate tolerancing between the rails <NUM> and the grooves <NUM>. Although grooves <NUM> are shown in connection with ozone generator <NUM> and rails <NUM> are shown in connection with receiver <NUM>, this arrangement may of course be reversed such that rails <NUM> are disposed on the ozone generator <NUM> and grooves <NUM> are disposed on the receiver <NUM> of the base <NUM>.

The dovetail connection between receiver <NUM> and ozone generator <NUM> also facilitates a precise and fluid-tight gas junction between ozone nozzle receiver <NUM> within chamber <NUM> when ozone generator <NUM> is installed onto the base <NUM>. As the ozone generator <NUM> is advanced along direction D (<FIG>) toward its fully seated position within chamber <NUM> (where the fully seated position is the position shown in <FIG>), the rails <NUM> are substantially fully engaged within the corresponding grooves <NUM> such that lateral and vertical constraints are near a maximum. The discharge nozzle <NUM> advances rearwardly along direction D1 (<FIG>), which is parallel to direction D defined by rails <NUM> and grooves <NUM>. Thus, as rails <NUM> and grooves become fully engaged, discharge nozzle <NUM> also becomes precisely aligned with ozone nozzle receiver <NUM> and a fluid-tight connection can easily be made therebetween upon final seating of ozone generator <NUM> in chamber <NUM>.

Despite this precision, a certain amount of lateral and/or vertical deviation may be designed in to the dovetail connection formed by rails <NUM> and grooves <NUM>, such as to ensure a low-friction interface therebetween. In order to accommodate this intentional deviation, without any leaks or undue stresses at the connection between discharge nozzle <NUM> and nozzle receiver <NUM>, a tapered guide surface <NUM> is provided at the opening of nozzle receiver <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>. As the ozone generator <NUM> approaches its final seated position within the chamber <NUM>, any slight deviation from perfect alignment between discharge nozzle <NUM> and nozzle receiver <NUM> permitted by the dovetail connection between rails <NUM> and grooves <NUM>, is remedied by tapered guide surface <NUM>. In particular, tapered guide surface <NUM> may made initial contact with a misaligned discharge nozzle <NUM>, and then gradually correct the alignment until discharge nozzle <NUM> comes into sealing engagement with nozzle receiver <NUM> by the tapered guide surface <NUM>.

In an example, any live electrical parts associated with the activation of ozone generator <NUM> are shielded from operator access by the design of water treatment system <NUM>. In particular, live electrical components are absent from chamber <NUM> when ozone generator <NUM> is removed, and the electrical components within ozone generator <NUM> are made inaccessible via the housing of ozone generator <NUM>. Electrical components connected to control panel <NUM>, including a power switch, a fuse and related wiring, are isolated from chamber <NUM> by an internal divider as shown in <FIG>. Electrical power for ozone generator <NUM> is conveyed from control panel <NUM> to ozone generator <NUM> via receptacle <NUM> on ozone generator <NUM> and electrical connector <NUM> connected to base <NUM>. In the illustrated example, connector <NUM> can pivot downwardly (as shown) to allow ozone generator <NUM> to pass freely into or out of chamber <NUM> without interference. Once ozone generator <NUM> is seated within chamber <NUM>, connector <NUM> can be pivoted up to engage receptacle <NUM> and electrically connect therewith. Connector <NUM> can selectively provide power to receptacle <NUM>, and therefore to ozone generator <NUM>, when so connected. In one embodiment, connector <NUM> is non-powered when pivoted down as shown in <FIG>. Alternatively, the electrically conductive components of connector <NUM> may be physically isolated from the operator, in the manner of an insulated plug. Together, these features ensure that the user does not touch the live parts when replacing the ozone generator <NUM>, thereby enhancing the safety of water treatment system <NUM>.

A circular hole <NUM> may be formed in receiver <NUM> as best shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. A cooling fan <NUM> (<FIG>) is mounted within base <NUM> at the circular hole <NUM>. The fan <NUM> can discharge heat generated by the ozone generator <NUM>, such that the heat is forced out of chamber <NUM>. This prevents the ozone generator <NUM> from being damaged due to overheating, thereby prolonging the service life of ozone generator <NUM>.

In an example, a handle <NUM> may be provided on the outer side of the ozone generator <NUM> to facilitate the removal and replacement thereof. In use, an operator may grasp the handle <NUM>, and pull on handle <NUM> to conveniently remove the ozone generator <NUM> from the chamber <NUM>, or push on handle <NUM> to place ozone generator <NUM> in the chamber <NUM>. Similarly, in order to facilitate the installation and removal of the rear cover <NUM>, a handle may be provided on the rear cover <NUM> in the form of a pair of gripping holes <NUM>.

The modular replaceability of ozone generator <NUM> within the larger structure of water treatment system <NUM> facilitates the replacement of the ozone generator <NUM> should it become damaged or in need of service. Because only the ozone generator <NUM> needs to be replaced, such maintenance or repair operations are simpler, lower-cost, and can involve less down time if a spare ozone generator <NUM> is kept readily available.

In use, an operator may assess the operation state of ozone generator <NUM>. If ozone generator <NUM> is damaged or otherwise in need of replacement, the operator removes the rear cover <NUM> on the chamber <NUM> to expose the ozone generator <NUM>, which is then removed from the chamber <NUM> by sliding ozone generator <NUM> along horizontal direction D defined by the dovetail engagement between ozone generator <NUM> and receiver <NUM>, as shown in <FIG> and described above. Discharge nozzle <NUM> of the ozone generator <NUM> becomes separated from nozzle receiver <NUM> during the initial withdrawal of ozone generator <NUM>, after which ozone generator <NUM> can be slid the rest of the way out of chamber <NUM>. Then, functional ozone generator <NUM> can be put into the chamber <NUM> via the dovetail arrangement, with discharge nozzle <NUM> becoming aligned with nozzle receiver <NUM> via tapered guide surface <NUM>. When ozone generator <NUM> is fully seated within chamber <NUM>, discharge nozzle <NUM> is sealingly engaged with nozzle receiver <NUM>. Finally, the rear cover <NUM> may be reconnected to the opening of chamber <NUM>.

Water treatment system <NUM> is connected to a pool <NUM> via a pair of water flow couplers <NUM> (<FIG> and <FIG>). Water enters an intake coupler <NUM>, is treated with ozone from ozone generator <NUM>, and discharged at the opposing outlet coupler <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the discharge flow line downstream of water treatment system <NUM> may include drain valve assembly <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, which operates to protect ozone generator <NUM> and other sensitive components of water treatment system <NUM> from a potentially damaging water backflow from pool <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, drain valve assembly <NUM> includes a hollow valve body <NUM>, illustrated as a bucket-shaped portion 1011A having a cap 1011B sealingly affixed thereto. An upstream wall of the valve body <NUM> has an inlet <NUM> in fluid communication with a combination treatment assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, while an opposing downstream wall of the valve body (illustratively, the cap 1011B) has an outlet <NUM> in fluid communication with pool <NUM> and a drain outlet <NUM> formed therethrough.

A float <NUM> is disposed inside the valve body <NUM> and is capable of moving upwardly and downwardly through a stroke length within the interior cavity of valve body <NUM>. As float <NUM> moves upwardly or downwardly, a sealing gasket <NUM> is unseated or seated into water drain outlet <NUM>, such that gasket <NUM> either allows or prevents a fluid flow through drain outlet <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sealing gasket <NUM> is disposed at a free end <NUM> of a connecting rod <NUM>, with the other end of the connecting rod <NUM> pivotally connected to the valve body <NUM> (e.g., via a stanchion connected to cap 1011B as shown). Below the float <NUM> is provided another connecting rod <NUM>, which is directly or indirectly pivotally connected with the free end <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM>. When the float <NUM> is directly pivoted to the connecting rod <NUM>, the float <NUM> may tend to oscillate, and thus a second link <NUM> can be pivotally connected between the connecting rod <NUM> and the float <NUM> to create an indirect pivotal connection between the connecting rods <NUM> and <NUM>, which mitigates or prevents oscillation or "bobbing" of float <NUM>.

As noted above and as shown in <FIG>, the drain valve assembly <NUM> can be installed between the combination treatment assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, and the pool <NUM>, such that the combination treatment assembly <NUM>, <NUM>, is generally upstream of drain valve assembly <NUM> and pool <NUM> is generally downstream of drain valve assembly <NUM> with respect to the normal flow direction from water treatment system <NUM> to pool <NUM>. A one-way valve <NUM> may also be installed on the downstream side of valve <NUM>, at outlet <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. When the water treatment system <NUM> is operating, the treated water enters the inside of the valve body <NUM> via inlet <NUM> of the drain valve assembly <NUM>, exits drain valve assembly <NUM> via outlet <NUM> and then passes through the check valve <NUM> into the swimming pool <NUM>. In this normal operating condition, gravity and the downstream flow of treated water bias float <NUM> and free end <NUM> of connecting rod <NUM> downwardly, such that the sealing gasket <NUM> seals the water drain outlet <NUM>. Thus, fluid is only allowed to flow from inlet <NUM> to outlet <NUM> during normal operation of water treatment system <NUM>.

However, if water treatment system <NUM> malfunctions or powers off and ceases providing a downstream flow of treated water, check valve <NUM> may initially prevent the water in the pool <NUM> from flowing back to the ozone generator <NUM> via the combination treatment assembly <NUM>, <NUM>. If the check valve <NUM> is abnormal and also malfunctions or fails, as depicted in <FIG>, any upstream water pressure from pool <NUM> is prevented from reaching ozone generator <NUM> of water treatment system <NUM> by drain valve assembly <NUM>. In particular, as reverse water pressure (or "backflow") from pool <NUM> begins to flood the internal cavity of valve body <NUM> through outlet <NUM>, float <NUM> becomes buoyant and begins to rise with the increasing water level. As float <NUM> rises, the free end <NUM> of the connecting rod <NUM> is pulled upwardly to disengage the gasket <NUM> from the drain outlet <NUM> so that the drain outlet <NUM> is opened. Further water ingress into valve body <NUM> is then automatically discharged at the drain outlet <NUM>. In this way, the drain valve assembly <NUM> can effectively protect the ozone generator <NUM> of water treatment system <NUM> from backflowing water, even if check valve <NUM> fails or malfunctions.

<FIG> shows drain valve assembly <NUM>', which is another drain valve design accordance with the present invention. Valve <NUM>' is similar in structure and function to valve <NUM> described above, and corresponding references numbers indicate corresponding structures among valves <NUM>, <NUM>'. For example, valve <NUM>' also includes a hollow valve body <NUM> and a float <NUM> disposed in the valve body <NUM>. The valve body <NUM> also has an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> therethrough, and a drain outlet <NUM> is formed at the bottom thereof. A sealing gasket <NUM> is also connected below the float <NUM> and the sealing gasket <NUM> can be sealed on the drain outlet <NUM>.

However, gasket <NUM> of valve <NUM>' is directly disposed on a boss <NUM> below the float <NUM>, which obviates the need for a connecting rod such as connecting rods <NUM>, <NUM> and <NUM>. Rather, gasket <NUM> is directly mounted to float <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show drain valve assembly <NUM>", which is another drain valve design accordance with the present invention. Valve <NUM>" is similar in structure and function to valves <NUM> and <NUM>' described above, and corresponding references numbers indicate corresponding structures among valves <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>". For example, valve <NUM>" also includes a hollow valve body <NUM> and a float <NUM> disposed in the valve body <NUM>. The valve body <NUM> has an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> therethrough, and a drain outlet <NUM> is formed at the bottom thereof. The bottom of the float <NUM> is provided with a boss <NUM> having a gasket <NUM> mounted thereto, and the gasket <NUM> can be sealed on the drain outlet <NUM>.

However, drain valve assembly <NUM>" further includes a compression spring <NUM> operably disposed between the float <NUM> and the valve body <NUM>. When the float <NUM> is in the lowered position with gasket <NUM> sealing drain outlet <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, the spring <NUM> is preloaded such that it is slightly compressed. Spring <NUM> provides a downward biasing force on float <NUM>, which aids in the formation of a tight seal between gasket <NUM> and drain outlet <NUM>. This tight seal prevents ozone from leaking at drain outlet <NUM> during normal operation of drain valve assembly <NUM>".

In an exemplary embodiment, a lower axial end of spring <NUM> is mounted in a recess formed by an upwardly protruding boss <NUM> formed on the upper end of the float <NUM>. Similarly, an upper axial end of spring <NUM> is received in a recess formed by a downwardly protruding boss <NUM> formed on the upper inside surface of the valve body <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is captured by the two bosses <NUM>, <NUM>, preventing any lateral movement of spring <NUM> within valve body <NUM>.

In operation, float <NUM> of drain valve assemblies <NUM>' and <NUM>'' may be urged upwardly by a backflow of water from pool <NUM> in a similar fashion as described above. With respect to drain valve assembly <NUM>'', <FIG> illustrates the upward axial displacement of float <NUM> resulting from such a backflow, against the biasing force of spring <NUM> and the weight of float <NUM>. This upward displacement unseats gasket <NUM> from drain outlet <NUM>, allowing the backflow to drain out of drain valve assembly <NUM>" (or drain valve assembly <NUM>', in the absence of spring <NUM>) to avoid water reaching water treatment system <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, drain valve assembly <NUM>‴ is another drain valve design in accordance with the claimed invention. Valve <NUM>‴ is similar in structure and function to valves <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>" described above, and corresponding references numbers indicate corresponding structures among valves <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>", <NUM>'". For example, valve <NUM>‴ also includes a hollow valve body <NUM> and a float <NUM> disposed in the valve body <NUM>. The valve body <NUM> has an inlet <NUM> and an outlet <NUM> therethrough. At the bottom, there is a drain outlet <NUM>. The bottom of the float <NUM> is provided with a boss <NUM> having a gasket <NUM> mounted thereto, and the gasket <NUM> can selectively seal the drain outlet <NUM>.

However, drain valve assembly <NUM>‴ has its inlet <NUM> and the outlet <NUM> both formed at the top of above the valve body <NUM>, in contrast to valves <NUM>, <NUM>' and <NUM>" which all show inlets <NUM> disposed at a top portion of the valve body <NUM> and outlets <NUM> disposed at a bottom portion of the valve body <NUM>. A drain valve assembly may have its inlet and outlet disposed at any position of the valve body <NUM>, provided the drain outlet <NUM> is disposed at a bottom portion the valve body <NUM> to allow for gravitational draining of backflowing water. In the case of valve <NUM>"', backflowing water received at the top-mounted outlet <NUM> will fall to the bottom of the valve body <NUM> under the force of gravity, and will then drain from the drain outlet <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary float <NUM> which may be used in conjunction with any of the valve designs discussed above, illustrating the positioning of the float <NUM> within the cavity formed by valve body <NUM>. As shown, float <NUM> may be a generally cylindrical structure having a round appearance when viewed from above, and valve body may define a correspondingly cylindrical cavity. In this configuration, boss <NUM> and gasket <NUM> (<FIG>) are centered on the bottom of float <NUM> to engage a correspondingly centered drain outlet <NUM>. This allows float <NUM> to rotate about its longitudinal axis within valve body <NUM>, without affecting its ability to create a fluid-tight seal at drain outlet <NUM>. In order to ensure that the sealing gasket <NUM> properly seats upon drain outlet <NUM>, however, it may be desirable to ensure that radial (i.e. lateral) movement of float <NUM> relative to valve body <NUM> is constrained. To this end, the outer periphery of float <NUM> includes a plurality of ribs <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, which operate to center the float <NUM> within valve body <NUM> while introducing minimal friction between float <NUM> and valve body <NUM>. The gaps between the non-ribbed portions of float <NUM> and the inner wall of the valve body <NUM> allow free flow of gas and water during operation of the drain valve assembly <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" or <NUM>‴.

The drain valve assemblies disclosed herein are particularly suitable for ozone generator applications in high water pressure environments. The ability of the drain valve assembly to protect the ozone generator from water ingress is reliable and long-lasting, and continues even if a traditional check valve experiences a failure. Moreover, references to the use of valve "<NUM>" in connection with water treatment system <NUM> and other structures herein, including such references appearing in the drawings, may be considered a reference to any of drain valve assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>" or <NUM>‴.

Referring now to <FIG>, a combination ozone/sodium hypochlorite treatment assembly <NUM> compatible with water treatment system <NUM> is shown and includes a tube-shaped tank having a fluid inlet <NUM> and a fluid outlet <NUM> which can be respectively connected to base <NUM> of water treatment system <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>.

As shown in <FIG>, a first flow passageway <NUM> communicates with fluid inlet <NUM>, and fluid outlet <NUM> via an intermediate mixing chamber <NUM> while a separate second flow passageway <NUM> communicates fluid inlet <NUM> and fluid outlet <NUM> via mixing chamber <NUM>. The first flow passageway <NUM> has an electrolytic chlorine generator with electrode plates <NUM>, specifically titanium electrode plates <NUM>. The second passageway <NUM> includes a constriction 2012A followed by a downstream opening 2012B to define a venturi structure. The second flow passageway <NUM> further incudes an ozone inlet <NUM> (<FIG>) to which the ozone generator <NUM> of water treatment system <NUM> can be connected in order to feed ozone into combination treatment assembly <NUM> as further described below.

The fluid inlet <NUM> of combination treatment assembly <NUM> may be connected to the fluid outlet of a water pump, which feeds water to be sanitized into combination treatment assembly <NUM>. The fluid outlet <NUM> of combination treatment assembly <NUM> is connected to the pool, to feed sanitized water back to the pool. As water is received from the water pump at the fluid inlet <NUM>, the incoming flow is divided into two water flows to first and second flow passages <NUM> and <NUM> for parallel treatment.

The water that flows into first flow passageway <NUM> comes into contact with titanium plate <NUM> of the electrolytic chlorine generator, which electrolyzes salt in the water to produce sodium hypochlorite to sanitize the water flow. This generated sodium hypochlorite continues with the sanitized flow of the water to the fluid outlet <NUM> of combination treatment assembly <NUM> and is returned to the pool. The water that flows into second flow passageway <NUM> encounters the venturi structure 2012A, 2012B therein, such that a vacuum effect is generated at the ozone inlet <NUM>. This vacuum draws the ozone generated by the ozone generator <NUM> of water treatment system <NUM> into the water flow through passageway <NUM> via the ozone inlet <NUM>. The ozone mixes with the water flow in mixing chamber <NUM> (<FIG>), sanitizing the water flow. This sanitized water flows to the fluid outlet <NUM> of combination treatment assembly <NUM> and is returned to the pool. The sodium hypochlorite-containing water stream and the ozone-containing water stream are also mixed with one another at the fluid outlet <NUM>, so that the combined sanitized water flows return to the pool together to sterilize the pool water.

Referring now to <FIG>, a retainer <NUM> may be disposed in the first passageway <NUM>, and may retain the titanium plate <NUM> while having a number of apertures to ensure adequate contact of the water flow with the titanium plate <NUM>. An electrical plug <NUM> may be provided at one end of combination treatment assembly <NUM>, and electrically connected to plate <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>. In an exemplary embodiment, the titanium plate <NUM> may be provided with a tantalum oxide coating or a tantalum oxide coating to enhance plate function.

In an example of combination treatment assembly <NUM>, a flow rate monitoring switch <NUM> can be disposed on the first passageway <NUM> and may be operable to selectively interrupt the flow of electrical current to plate <NUM> via plug <NUM>. Flow switch <NUM> includes a pivoting flapper <NUM> in the flow path of flow passageway <NUM>. With a sufficient flow of water through first passageway <NUM>, flapper <NUM> pivots upwardly toward switch <NUM>, and switch <NUM> electrically activates the power supply to plug <NUM> and plate <NUM>. By contrast, with an insufficient flow of water through first passageway <NUM>, flapper <NUM> is unable to pivot upwardly toward switch <NUM>, so plug <NUM> and plate <NUM> are deactivated. In this way, plate <NUM> of the electrolytic chlorine generator is prevented from receiving electrical current in the absence of a sufficient flow of water through flow passageway <NUM>, thereby protecting plate <NUM> from overheating and any associated degradation.

Combination treatment assembly <NUM> combines the electrolytic chlorine generator (e.g., the titanium plate <NUM> and associated structures) and the venturi structure 2012A, 2012B linked to ozone generator <NUM> into a single unit contained within a relatively small overall space. This saves space and cost associated with piping for two separate sanitization flows, since only a single flow to inlet <NUM> and from outlet <NUM> is necessary to discharge the dual-sanitized flow from combination treatment assembly <NUM>.

Turning now to <FIG>, a further combination treatment assembly <NUM> is shown which provides a flow regulator or restrictor <NUM> to ensure that the combination treatment assembly <NUM> is capable of effectively drawing ozone and/or disinfectant to ensure the quality of the pool water disinfection, as described in detail below. Combination treatment assembly <NUM> is substantially similar to combination treatment assembly <NUM> described in detail above, with reference numerals of combination treatment assembly <NUM> analogous to the reference numerals used in combination treatment assembly <NUM>, except with <NUM> added thereto. Elements of combination treatment assembly <NUM> correspond to similar elements denoted by corresponding reference numerals of combination treatment assembly <NUM>, except as otherwise noted.

Similar to combination treatment assembly <NUM>, combination treatment assembly <NUM> includes a tube-shaped tank with a fluid inlet <NUM> and a fluid outlet <NUM>, first and second fluid passageways <NUM> and <NUM>, and a fluid mixing chamber <NUM> downstream of inlet <NUM> and upstream of outlet <NUM>. The second fluid passageway <NUM> forms a venturi structure 3012A, 3012B with an ozone suction inlet <NUM> (<FIG>). An electrode plate <NUM> is provided in the fluid mixing chamber <NUM> and adapted to perform electrochlorination on the salt water flow through passageway <NUM> and within mixing chamber <NUM>.

However, the first fluid passageway <NUM> includes a flow regulating valve <NUM> shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. Valve <NUM> is disposed at the upstream end of the first fluid passageway <NUM>. Flow regulating valve <NUM> is operable to control the flow of water entering the first passageway <NUM>, as described in detail below.

Referring now to <FIG>, a detailed view of regulating valve <NUM> is shown. As illustrated, valve <NUM> includes a valve body <NUM> with base <NUM> at an outlet end thereof, with a fluid outlet <NUM> formed between the base <NUM> and the valve body <NUM>. A limit block <NUM> is connected to the opposing inlet end of valve body <NUM>, and cooperates with a valve <NUM>. The valve <NUM> is disposed within valve body <NUM> to selectively permit or restrict flow through regulating valve <NUM> as further described below. In an example illustrated in <FIG>, valve body <NUM> has an elliptical shape to generally conform to the shape of flow passageway <NUM>, while valve end cap <NUM> and the associated valve seat <NUM> are round as illustrated.

In particular, valve <NUM> includes a longitudinal connecting portion <NUM> having an arched, rounded end cap <NUM> disposed at the upstream end thereof. The inner diameter of the limit block <NUM> is smaller than that of the valve body <NUM>, with a valve seat <NUM> formed as a stepped-down portion of block <NUM> and configured to interact with end cap <NUM> of valve body <NUM> to regulate fluid flow through valve <NUM>. Under normal operating conditions, the end cap <NUM> is biased toward the valve seat <NUM> to form a restricted valve configuration as seen in <FIG>.

Spring <NUM> is coiled between, and acts mutually upon, base <NUM> and valve <NUM>. Base <NUM> is fixed, such that valve <NUM> is biased toward the constricted valve configuration of <FIG> by spring <NUM>. Base <NUM> includes guide post <NUM> extending longitudinally through valve body <NUM>, the outer periphery of which is sheathed with spring <NUM>. Valve <NUM> includes a generally tubular connecting portion <NUM> received over the outer periphery of guide post <NUM> and spring <NUM>, as best seen in <FIG>, such that a majority of spring <NUM> is radially captured between guide post <NUM> and connecting portion <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, spring <NUM> is a compression-type coil spring, though it is contemplated that other elastic members may be used.

When the combination treatment assembly <NUM> receives a flow of water from an upstream pump (not shown), particularly where the pump has a large flow capacity, a large flow of water may be presented to fluid inlet <NUM>. Valve <NUM> of the flow regulating valve <NUM> is subjected to a downstream-directed force by the impact of the incoming flow, and this force is proportional to the water pressure provided by the upstream water pump. This force acts to compress spring <NUM>, thereby opening valve <NUM> to the high-flow configuration shown in <FIG>. This allows an increased flow through the first fluid passageway <NUM>, and the remainder of the incoming flow passes through the second fluid passageway <NUM>.

Conversely, in the case of an upstream pump that provides relatively low water pressure, valve <NUM> is subjected to a relatively small impact force from the incoming water flow. Spring <NUM> will maintain valve <NUM> nearer to a restricted-flow configuration as shown in <FIG>, thereby ensuring that a larger proportion of the incoming flow is delivered to the second fluid passageway <NUM> as compared to the <FIG> configuration described above.

In this way, an adequate flow of water through the second fluid passageway <NUM> to produce the desired vacuum effect at venturi structure 3012A, 312B is ensured through a wide range of potential upstream water pressures. This, in turn, ensures that ozone or disinfectant is continuously drawn into the second fluid passageway <NUM> and mixed with the water therein. This disinfected water then mixes with the water flow from the first fluid passageway <NUM> in the mixing chamber <NUM> and finally flows out of the combination treatment assembly <NUM> via outlet <NUM>, to be delivered to the downstream pool for disinfection of the larger body of water.

Similar to combination treatment assembly <NUM> described above, combination treatment assembly <NUM> includes a flow rate monitoring switch <NUM> disposed in first fluid passageway <NUM> as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. This flow rate monitoring switch <NUM> may be connected to ozone generator <NUM> and/or the electrolytic chlorine generator (e.g. electrode <NUM>) such that a flow in first fluid passageway <NUM> that is unable to pivot flapper <NUM> upwardly toward switch <NUM> will deactivate the corresponding component.

Monitoring switch <NUM> may act to protect electrode <NUM> in the same manner discussed above with respect to monitoring switch <NUM> and titanium plate <NUM>. In addition, using switch <NUM> to deactivate ozone generator <NUM> may ensure that ozone is not presented to suction inlet <NUM> (<FIG>) except when a vacuum effect can be produced in venturi structure 3012A, 3012B by adequate flow through the second passageway <NUM>. If the fluid flow is does not meet a predetermined threshold for production of an adequate venturi effect, the upstream electrolytic chlorine generator and/or ozone generator <NUM> may be deactivated unless and until such predetermined threshold is met.

Turning now to <FIG>, another electrolytic chlorine generator suitable for use in connection with ozone generator <NUM> of water treatment system <NUM>, or as a stand-alone unit, is electrolytic chlorine generator <NUM> having a body <NUM> with insulated electrode plate assembly <NUM> contained therein.

As best seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, insulated electrode plate assembly <NUM> includes one or more electrode plates <NUM> (illustratively, three plates <NUM> as best seen in <FIG>) located in the body <NUM> and mounted to an insulating base <NUM> fixed to body <NUM>. Where multiple electrode plates <NUM> are employed as shown, the plates <NUM> are arranged and fixed side by side on the insulating base <NUM>. One of the two adjacent electrode plates <NUM> is close to the side edge of the other electrode plate <NUM> and contacts an insulating assembly <NUM> (<FIG>) protruding out from the side edge of the other electrode plate <NUM>. Insulating assembly <NUM> is, in turn, connected to the insulating base <NUM>. This arrangement poses a barrier to the formation of an electrical connection between the edges of two adjacent electrode plates <NUM> through the insulating assembly <NUM>, such that current leakage can be avoided at the edges of the adjacent electrode plates <NUM>. Reduced current leakage results in a concomitantly reduced loss of electrolysis and thus increased electrolysis efficiency.

Referring to <FIG>, body <NUM> is formed by the combination of a generally bucket-shaped portion A and having a lid B fitted to the open upper end thereof. A vent aperture <NUM> is provided for discharging hydrogen via the top of tank body <NUM>. One or more fluid inlets <NUM> allow for fluid (e.g., salt water) inflow and fluid outlet <NUM> allows for discharging sodium hypochlorite solution at the bottom of body <NUM>. In the illustrated example, two fluid inlets <NUM> are provided, which allows for the inflow of saturated salt water and fresh water respectively.

By controlling the respective saturated- and fresh-water inflows of the respective fluid inlets <NUM>, the salt concentration of the fluid contained inside body <NUM> can be controlled, thus the solubility of the sodium hypochlorite solution produced by electrolysis can also be controlled. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, two float switches <NUM> corresponding to two different water levels may be provided in body <NUM> in order to facilitate the control over the respective fluid flows to each fluid inlet <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, a mounting hole <NUM> is formed in the side wall of body <NUM> which is sized to receive the insulating base <NUM>. Base <NUM> can be fixed in the mounting hole <NUM> together with plates <NUM> and insulating assembly <NUM>, as illustrated. Insulating base <NUM> further includes a terminal post <NUM> electrically connected to each electrode plate <NUM> to supply power to the electrode plate <NUM>. In an example, electrode plates <NUM> are made of titanium, similar to plates <NUM> and <NUM> described in detail above, to prevent corrosion and facilitate electrolysis. Moreover, plates <NUM> and <NUM> described above may be formed using the same principles of insulation and modular mounting described herein with respect to electrolytic chlorine generator <NUM>.

With reference to <FIG>, insulating assembly <NUM> includes an insulating frame <NUM>, at least one upper insulating separator <NUM> and at least one lower insulating separator <NUM> (<FIG>). Insulating frame <NUM> is fixed to the insulating base <NUM>. A plurality of slots, best shown in <FIG>, are provided at the inner surfaces of the front and back walls of frame <NUM>. These slots allow electrode plates <NUM> to be vertically inserted (i.e., along a top-to-bottom direction from the perspective of <FIG> and <FIG>) into the insulating frame <NUM>, such that the each plate <NUM> is held at a distance from the adjacent plate(s) <NUM>.

The upper and lower edges of adjacent electrode plates <NUM> are further electrically isolated by upper insulating separator <NUM> and a lower insulating separator <NUM>, respectively. The front and back ends of upper insulating separators <NUM> are respectively connected to the front and back walls of the upper portion of insulating frame <NUM>, such that the upper edges of upper insulating separators <NUM> upwardly protrude away from the upper edge of the adjacent electrode plate <NUM>. Similarly, the front and back ends of lower insulating separator <NUM> are respectively connected to the front and back walls of at the lower portion of insulating frame <NUM>, such that the lower edge of lower insulating separator <NUM> protrudes downwardly away from the lower edge of the adjacent electrode plate <NUM>. In this configuration, adjacent edges of electrode plates <NUM> can be physically close one another, but shielded from one another by the insulating assembly <NUM> via insulating frame <NUM>, upper insulating separator <NUM> and lower insulating separator <NUM>.

In the illustrated example, three electrode plates <NUM> are included in electrolytic chlorine generator <NUM>, and fixed in position relative to one another by insulating frame <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the left and right sides of the three electrode plates <NUM> are mutually opposite to, and facing each other. In this configuration, the left plate <NUM> may be the first anode plate, the middle plate <NUM> may be the cathode plate, and right plate <NUM> may be the second anode plate. This arrangement of plates <NUM> allows for a high throughput of salt water and production of sodium hypochlorite. Further, the upper insulating separators <NUM> and the lower insulating separator <NUM> may be arranged such that the upper and lower edges of the right side of the (left-most) first anode plate <NUM> are respectively in contact with the left pair of upper and lower insulating separators <NUM> and <NUM>. In addition, the upper and lower edges of the right side of the (middle) cathode plate <NUM> are respectively in contact with the right pair of upper and lower insulating separators <NUM> and <NUM>. In this arrangement, the (right-most) second anode plate <NUM> need not be in direct contact with any of the upper and lower insulating separators <NUM> and <NUM>. This arrangement provides effective electrical insulation between the respective plates <NUM>.

Alternatively, the respective left sides of the (middle) cathode plate <NUM> and the (right-most) second anode plate <NUM> may be contacted at their upper and lower edges by respective pairs of upper and lower insulating separators <NUM> and <NUM>. In this arrangement, the (left-most) first anode plate <NUM> need not be in direct contact with any of the upper and lower insulating separators <NUM> and <NUM>. This alternative arrangement will also product effective electrical insulation between the respective plates <NUM>.

The insulation arrangement provided by electrolytic chlorine generator <NUM> allows for efficient generation of sodium hypochlorite by mitigating or eliminating current leakage among the electrode plates <NUM>. In the absence of such current leakage, the efficiency of the electrolysis process is improved such that sodium hypochlorite may be produced with a minimal power input.

Claim 1:
A water treatment system (<NUM>) configured for use with a pool (<NUM>), the water treatment system (<NUM>) comprising:
a fluid passageway in fluid communication with the pool;
an ozone generator (<NUM>) configured to deliver ozone gas to the fluid passageway; and
a drain valve assembly (<NUM>) positioned downstream of the ozone generator (<NUM>) and upstream of the pool (<NUM>), the drain valve assembly (<NUM>) comprising:
a valve body including an inlet, an outlet, and a drain outlet; and
a floating valve disposed within the valve body, wherein the floating valve closes the drain outlet (<NUM>) when water enters the inlet of the valve body from the ozone generator (<NUM>) and floats upward to open the drain outlet (<NUM>) when water enters the outlet of the valve body from the pool (<NUM>).