Patent Document

FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention generally relates to a device for processing liquid. More specifically, the invention is related to a device for directing the flow of liquid through a chamber such as, but not limited to, a filter.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     People often prefer water that has been purified prior to drinking. Even when cooking with water not entirely purified, people can notice an unsatisfying taste imparted into the food by the unpurified water used to cook the food. Although water is usually purified at local municipality water treatment plants, the purified water can still have unwanted additives resulting in an off or unsatisfying taste. The treatment process itself often imparts small amounts of chlorine or other chemicals that affect taste of the water. In addition, as water travels through community supply pipes and household plumbing, alien particles can enter a stream of water, thereby altering taste and reducing purity. In many rural areas wells are used to supply household water. Minerals found within the water table can affect the taste of water and leave stains on items cleaned with the well water. For these reasons, water filters have become commonplace in households.  
         [0003]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical connection of a filter  100  into a vertically running pipe. A vertical inlet pipe  102  provides a stream of liquid to a first T-fitting  104  that splits the liquid into a vertical stream and a horizontal stream. The vertical stream bypasses the filter  100  and proceeds on a vertical path exiting through an outlet pipe  106 . The horizontal stream is directed to the filter  100  and passes through the filter  100  for processing. Once the liquid is filtered, the liquid is directed back to a second T-fitting  108 , where the horizontal stream re-enters the vertical stream before exiting through the outlet pipe  106 .  
         [0004]     To control the flow of liquid through the filter  100 , a set of valves is installed. A first valve  110  is placed between the first T-fitting  104  and second T-fitting  108 . When the first valve  110  is open the stream is allowed to flow vertically to the outlet pipe  106  and bypass the filter  100 . By closing the first valve  110  the stream is prevented from bypassing the filter  100  and is directed horizontally at the first T-fitting  104  and through the filter  100 . A second valve  112  is placed between the first T-fitting  104  and the filter  100 . By closing the second valve  112  the flow of incoming liquid is prevented from flowing into the filter  100  during periods of maintenance to the filter  100 . A third valve  114  is placed between the filter  100  and the second T-fitting  108 . By closing the third valve  114  the flow of exiting liquid is prevented from flowing into the filter  100  during periods of maintenance. When the filter  100  is in operation the first valve  110  is closed and the second valve  112  and third valve  114  are opened. The liquid is prevented from bypassing the filter  100  by directing it horizontally into the filter  100  and then returning the flow back to the vertical pipe  102 . When the filter  100  is closed for repair or maintenance, the first valve  110  is opened and the second valve  112  and third valve  114  are closed. This allows the liquid to flow vertically, thereby bypassing the filter  100  and preventing the flow of liquid into the filter  100 .  
         [0005]     The addition of a filter  100  to a vertical run pipe can become cost prohibitive. To add the filter  100  as shown in  FIG. 1 a  variety of components must be installed. These components include two T-fittings, two elbows, three valves, and the necessary piping to connect the components. To install the filter, a portion of the vertical piping is removed. The two T-fittings and one of the valves are installed in place of the removed portion. The other two valves, two elbows, and filter are installed between the two T-fittings. Multiple sections of pipe are cut and soldered to individual components. This procedure often requires the skills of a professional plumber to install the components and filter. In addition, support brackets or other structures may be required to support the filter and additional plumbing components.  
         [0006]     While filters  100  have been designed to connect onto a horizontally running section of pipe, many filters and other liquid processing devices cannot be used on spans of vertically running pipe. Some liquid processing chambers, by nature of their design, require that the processing chamber runs in a vertical direction. For example, a gravity filter may be required to run vertically to allow the sediment to settle at the bottom of the filter, or a chemical feeder may require the solids to settle at the bottom of the chamber, preventing too rapid of disbursement of the solid into the liquid stream. For these processing chambers, additional pipe may be required to provide a horizontal run of pipe to attach the filter. Issues such as space and accessibility of the processing chamber can often present problems in installation.  
         [0007]     Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the aforementioned deficiencies, inconveniences, and inadequacies.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for processing liquid. Briefly described, in architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows.  
         [0009]     The system contains a main body having a valve housing chamber with a main inlet port and a main outlet port along a non-horizontal axis, and a liquid inlet processing port and a liquid outlet processing port. The system also has a rotatable valve mounted within the valve housing chamber moving from a position that directs a flow of liquid from the main inlet port to the main outlet port to a position that directs a flow of liquid from the main inlet port to the inlet processing port and directs a flow from the outlet processing port to the main outlet port. In addition, the system has a processing chamber along a vertical axis, receiving a flow from the inlet processing port, processing the liquid, and directing the flow into the outlet processing port.  
         [0010]     The present invention also provides a method of processing liquid, comprising the steps of: receiving a flow of liquid parallel with an axis aligned with gravity; directing the flow from a main inlet port to a main outlet port with the flow being parallel with the gravity axis and preventing the flow from entering an inlet processing port and an outlet processing port when a valve is in a first position; directing the flow from the main inlet port to the inlet processing port, directing the flow from the outlet processing port to the main outlet port, and preventing the flow from directly flowing from the main inlet port to the main outlet port when the valve is in a second position; and processing the flow comprising: receiving the flow from the inlet processing port, processing the flow along a vertical axis, and directing the flow into the outlet processing port when the valve is in the second position.  
         [0011]     Other devices and advantages of the present invention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional devices and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.  
         [0012]     The present liquid processing device allows the device to be connected to a vertical or vertically sloped pipe without the additional plumbing. The liquid processing device provides the additional benefits of not requiring additional plumbing or the increased complexity that would necessitate a professional plumber. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]     The present invention will be more fully understood from the detailed description given below and from the accompanying drawing of the embodiments of the invention, which, however, should not be taken to limit the invention to the specific embodiments enumerated, but are for explanation and for better understanding only. Furthermore, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. Finally, like reference numerals in the figures designate corresponding parts throughout the several drawings.  
         [0014]      FIG. 1  illustrates a typical water filter connected to a vertically running pipe.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of a liquid processing device connected to an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram providing a cross-sectional view of the liquid processing device of  FIG. 2 .  
         [0017]      FIG. 4A  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of the main housing of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0018]      FIG. 4B  is a schematic diagram providing a cross-sectional view of the main housing of  FIG. 4A .  
         [0019]      FIG. 5A  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of the valve of  FIG. 3 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 5B  is a schematic diagram providing a bottom perspective view of the valve of  FIG. 5A .  
         [0021]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram providing a cross-sectional view of the valve of  FIG. 5B .  
         [0022]      FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram providing a bottom view of the valve of  FIG. 6A .  
         [0023]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram providing a cross-sectional view of the liquid processing device connected to the inlet pipe and outlet pipe with arrows depicting the flow of liquid in bypass mode.  
         [0024]      FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram providing a cross-sectional view of the liquid processing device connected to the inlet pipe and outlet pipe with arrows depicting the flow of liquid in processing mode.  
         [0025]      FIG. 8A  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of the liquid processing chamber stabilizer.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8B  is a schematic diagram providing a top profile of the liquid processing chamber stabilizer.  
         [0027]      FIG. 8C  is a schematic diagram providing a side profile of the liquid processing chamber stabilizer.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0028]      FIG. 2  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of a liquid processing device  200  connected to an inlet pipe  102  and an outlet pipe  106 , in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention. The inlet pipe  102  and outlet pipe  106  connect to a main housing  202 . The inlet pipe  102  connects to a bottom of the main housing  202  at a main inlet port  203  and the outlet pipe  106  connects to the top of the main housing  202  at a main outlet port  205 . It should be understood that in different embodiments of the invention the direction of flow could be reversed, i.e., the inlet pipe  102  could be connected to the top and the outlet pipe  106  can be connected to the bottom of the main housing  202 . A variety of connections can be used to connect the inlet pipe  102  and outlet pipe  106  to the main housing  202 , as would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. For example, the connections can be, but are not limited to, a compression fitting, a soldered connection, a hose clamp connection, or a quick release connection.  
         [0029]     The main housing  202  has a valve housing chamber  406  ( FIG. 4B ) therein. A valve  302  ( FIG. 3 ) controls the flow of liquid and is sited within the valve housing chamber  406  ( FIG. 4B ). Both the valve and valve housing chamber are described in greater detail below. A valve housing cover  204  secures the valve  302  ( FIG. 3 ) in the valve housing chamber  406  ( FIG. 4B ). A portion of the valve  302  ( FIG. 3 ) extends through a hole in the valve housing cover  204 . A lever  206  attaches to the portion of the valve  302  ( FIG. 3 ). The valve housing cover  204  is fastened to the main housing  202  by screws, bolts, glue, or other fasteners that would be understood by those having ordinary skill in the art. Gaskets or other sealants (not shown) can be used to prevent the flow or leaking of liquid around the valve housing cover  204 . The lever  206  is used to control the flow of liquid within the main housing  202 . When the lever  206  is parallel with the inlet pipe  102  and outlet pipe  106 , the flow is directed from the inlet pipe  102  directly to the outlet pipe  106 . When the lever  206  is rotated perpendicular to the inlet pipe  102  and outlet pipe  106 , the flow is directed into and out of an inlet processing channel  208  via the inlet processing port  207  and an outlet processing channel  210  via the outlet processing port  209 , respectively. The inlet processing channel  208  and outlet processing channel  210  direct the flow of liquid from the main housing  202  to and from the liquid processing chamber  212 . The liquid processing chamber  212  connects to the inlet  208  and outlet processing channels  210  via a processing chamber port  214 . The processing chamber port  214  supports the processing chamber  212  to the inlet  102  and outlet pipes  106 . The processing chamber  212  can also be secured to the inlet pipe  102  or outlet pipe  106  with a stabilizer  215 . The stabilizer  215  (described later in more detail) clamps around the inlet pipe  102  and provides support for the processing chamber  212 .  
         [0030]     The liquid processing chamber  212  can perform a variety of different functions. In one embodiment, the liquid processing chamber  212  is a filter. It should be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the filter can comprise a variety of filters, for example but not limited to, gravity filters, osmosis filters, chemical filters, or ionizing filters. In addition, the liquid processing chamber  212  is not limited to filters. The liquid processing chamber  212  can comprise other liquid processing chambers, for example but not limited to, solid/liquid dispersing chambers, homogenizers, and samplers.  
         [0031]      FIG. 3  is a schematic diagram providing a cross-sectional view of the liquid processing device  200  of  FIG. 2 . Connectors are fastened to the inlet pipe  102  and outlet pipe  106  at the main inlet port  203  and main outlet port  205 , respectively. The connectors are screwed to the main housing  202 . Of course, the connectors may be connected to the main housing via different means. The valve  302  (discussed below in greater detail) directs the flow of liquid from the inlet pipe  102  to the outlet pipe  106 . The lever  206  is connected to a lever portion  304  of the valve  302  that extends behind the valve housing cover  204 . A screw  306 , or other fastening device, holds the lever  206  onto the valve  302 . The valve housing cover  204  is held into place by a fastening device, such as, but not limited to, a series of screws. By rotating the lever  206  so that a central axis of the lever  206  is perpendicular to a central axis of the inlet pipe  102 , the flow of liquid can be directed into the inlet processing channel  208  and out of the outlet processing channel  210 . The inlet processing channel  208  receives the stream of liquid and directs the liquid to a processing chamber inlet port  308  of the liquid processing chamber  212 . The outlet processing channel  210  receives the stream of liquid from a processing chamber outlet port  310  of the liquid processing chamber  212  and directs the liquid back to the main housing  202 . The valve  302  directs the flow of liquid into the outlet pipe  106  by preventing liquid from flowing back toward the inlet pipe  102 .  
         [0032]     It should be noted that, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment shown by  FIG. 3 , a filter  212  is utilized as the liquid processing chamber  212 . It should be noted, however, that other devices may be utilized as the liquid processing chamber  212 . The filter  212  mounts to the inlet processing channel  208  and the outlet processing channel  210  via the processing chamber port  214 . In this example, the filter  212  is attached via threads located on the processing chamber port  214 . The flow of liquid is directed to the processing chamber inlet port  308  and down the walls of the filter  212 . The stream of liquid flows through filter material  314  and up the center of the filter  212 . The liquid returns to the main housing  202  through the processing chamber outlet port  310  and the outlet processing channel  210 .  
         [0033]      FIG.4A  is a schematic diagram providing a top perspective view of the main housing  202  of  FIG. 3 . In addition,  FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of the main housing  202  of  FIG. 4A . Referring to  FIGS. 4A and 4B , the main housing  202 , inlet and outlet processing channels  208  and  210 , and processing chamber port  214  are shown not connected to the inlet pipe  102 , the outlet pipe  106 , or the liquid processing chamber  212 . Threads  400 ,  402 , and  404  for connecting the inlet pipe, the outlet pipe, and the processing chamber, respectively, are displayed by  FIG. 4B . The valve  302  ( FIG. 3 ) fits within the valve housing chamber  406 . In one embodiment the main housing  202 , inlet and outlet channels  208  and  210 , and processing chamber port  214  are molded as a single unit. However, it should be understood by one having ordinary skill in the art that the individual components could be molded separately and later be permanently or removably fastened together by mechanical fasteners or glue. It should also be appreciated that these components can be manufactured from a variety of materials, for example but not limited to, plastics, metals, ceramics, or composites.  
         [0034]     In accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the invention, the inlet and outlet processing channels  208  and  210  are rotatably connected to the main housing  202 . This embodiment allows the liquid processing chamber  212  to hang vertically when the main housing  202  is connected to the inlet and outlet pipes  102 ,  106  that rise vertically. The amount of rotation of the inlet and outlet processing channels  208 ,  210  could be adjusted based on the slope of the inlet and outlet pipes  102 ,  106 . In accordance with an alternative embodiment, the inlet and outlet pipes  102 ,  106  form a slope of 45 degrees; the inlet and outlet processing channels  208 ,  210  connect to the main housing  202  at a 45 degree angle allowing the liquid processing chamber  212  to hang perpendicular to the ground. The connection of the inlet and outlet processing channels  208 ,  210  to the main housing  202  can be accomplished by a bearing connection or can be screwed into place against a gasket. Of course, other connection means may be substituted.  
         [0035]     Referring to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , a top and bottom view of the valve  300 , respectively, is shown. The valve  300  has the lever portion  304  that extends beyond the valve housing cover  204  ( FIG. 3 ) to connect to the lever  206  ( FIG. 3 ). The lever portion  304  of the valve  302  can be shaped to allow the lever  206  ( FIG. 3 ) to rotate the valve  302  without slipping. A screw hole  500  can be provided on top of the lever portion  304  to allow the lever  206  ( FIG. 3 ) to be connected to the valve  302 . The valve  302  has a center channel  502  that allows the flow of liquid directly through the valve  302  when the ends of the center channel  502  are aligned with the inlet and outlet pipes  102 ,  106  ( FIG. 3 ). Perpendicular to the center channel  502 , the valve  302  has a first elbow channel  504  and a second elbow channel  506 . The first elbow channel  504  receives the vertical flow from the inlet pipe  102  ( FIG. 3 ) and directs the flow horizontally out the inlet processing channel  208  ( FIG. 3 ). The second elbow  506  receives the horizontal flowing liquid from the outlet processing channel  210  ( FIG. 3 ) and directs the flow vertically out the outlet pipe  106 .  
         [0036]     When the valve  302  is rotated and the elbow channels  504  and  506  are aligned with the inlet and outlet pipes  102 ,  106  ( FIG. 3 ), the flow of liquid is directed to the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) via the inlet and outlet processing channels  208 ,  210  ( FIG. 3 ). A cover gasket  508  prevents leaking of liquid from the valve housing cover  204 . Two small gaskets  510  on the bottom of the valve  302  prevent leaking from the inlet and outlet processing channels  208 ,  210  ( FIG. 3 ) when the valve  302  is positioned to bypass the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ).  
         [0037]      FIG. 6A  is a schematic diagram providing a cross-sectional view of the valve  302  of  FIG. 5A . The center channel  502  is shown aligned with the direction of view ( FIG. 6A ). Walls of the first and second elbows  504  and  506  are shown on the bottom periphery of the valve  302 .  
         [0038]      FIG. 6B  is a schematic diagram providing a bottom view of the valve of  FIG. 5A . A valve guide  600  located on the bottom of the valve  302  holds the valve  302  in the center of the valve housing chamber  406  ( FIG. 4B ), while allowing the valve  302  to rotate within the valve housing chamber  406  ( FIG. 4B ). The two elbows  504  and  506  are shown along with the two gaskets  510  that prevent leaking when the valve  302  is positioned to by-pass the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ).  
         [0039]      FIG. 7A  is a schematic diagram illustrating liquid flow via use of the liquid processing device  200 , when the lever  206  is vertical. Referring to  FIG. 7A , the lever  206  is aligned in the vertical direction allowing the liquid to bypass the filter  212 . The liquid flows from the inlet pipe  102  into the main housing  202  and through the valve  302 , via the center channel  502 . The liquid exits the valve  302  through the center channel  502  and enters the outlet pipe  106 . The valve  302  prevents the flow of liquid into and out of the inlet and outlet processing channels  208 ,  210 .  
         [0040]      FIG. 7B  is a schematic diagram illustrating liquid flow via use of the liquid processing device  200 , when the lever  206  is horizontal. Referring to  FIG. 7B , the lever  206  is aligned perpendicular to a central axis of the inlet and outlet pipes  102 ,  106 . The liquid flows from the inlet pipe  102  into the main housing  202 , and into the valve  302 . The first elbow channel  504  ( FIG. 5B ) of the valve  302  directs the liquid from a vertical direction to a horizontal direction, out of the main housing  202  into the inlet processing channel  208 . The inlet processing channel  208  directs the liquid horizontally and directs it in a direction vertically parallel with the inlet and outlet pipes  102 ,  106  into the processing chamber inlet port  308 . The liquid flows down around the perimeter walls of the filter  212 . The liquid passes through the filter material  314  ( FIG. 3 ) toward the center of the filter  212  and then up through the processing chamber outlet port  310 . The outlet processing channel  210  receives the liquid flowing in a vertical direction and directs the flow horizontally into the main housing  202 . The second elbow  506  ( FIG. 5B ) of the valve  302  directs the horizontal flow into a vertical flow and out the main housing  202 . The liquid then enters the outlet pipe  106 .  
         [0041]      FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C are schematic diagrams providing different views of the liquid processing chamber stabilizer  215  of  FIG. 2 . Referring to  FIGS. 8A, 8B , and  8 C, the liquid processing chamber stabilizer  215  comprises a clamp portion  800  and two arms  802 . The clamp portion  800  wraps around the inlet pipe  102  ( FIG. 3 ). The two arms  802  extend around sides of the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) providing horizontal support. A fastener may be placed through a fastener hole  804  to secure the clamp portion  800  around the inlet pipe  102  ( FIG. 3 ). In one embodiment, a screw positioned between the inlet pipe  102  ( FIG. 3 ) and the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) is used to secure the clamp portion  800  around the inlet pipe  102  ( FIG. 3 ). It should be appreciated by one having ordinary skill in the art that the stabilizer  215  can be manufactured using a variety of materials. Examples of material used may be, but are not limited to, plastics, metals, or composites.  
         [0042]     In another embodiment (not shown) the arms  802  extend and wrap around the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ). A fastener located between the inlet pipe  102  ( FIG. 3 ) and the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) secures the arms. The fastener secures the stabilizer  215  around both the inlet pipe  102  ( FIG. 3 ) and the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ). In this embodiment the stabilizer  215  provides greater support to the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ). The stabilizer  215  prevents the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) from rocking in a horizontal direction and wraps tightly around the liquid processing chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) preventing the chamber  212  ( FIG. 3 ) from sliding in a vertical direction.  
         [0043]     It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present invention are merely possible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the invention without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the present invention and protected by the following claims.

Technology Category: 7