Measuring and testing – Liquid level or depth gauge – Float
Reexamination Certificate
1999-12-01
2001-08-21
Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Liquid level or depth gauge
Float
C073S29000R, C073S307000, C073S309000, C073S314000, C137S428000, C004S506000, C004S507000, C004S508000, C004S509000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276200
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the general field of liquid containers and, more particularly, to control systems for maintaining a liquid level within such containers. More specifically, the present invention relates to a control valve and remote sensor system for regulating the fill level in a swimming pool or similar liquid container.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Modern technology has in many ways simplified the problem of swimming pool upkeep. The availability of more sophisticated chemical treatments, as well as the use of modern skimmers, recirculators, and filtering apparatus, have significantly lessened the manual labor required to maintain sanitary and esthetically pleasing swimming pools. For these technologies to work, however, it is necessary to keep the water level of a swimming pool within a relatively narrow range.
In the past, visual references have been relied upon to maintain the water level within a swimming pool. Upon observing a decrease in the water level, a supply of makeup water would be provided, frequently by manually operating a water control valve. Since even a slightly a low water level can require a large restorative volume, domestic water systems may require several hours before the water level has been restored. This time factor alone makes this task unpleasant, with inattention resulting in over filling, or worse, flooding the surrounding pool area.
The desirability of providing automatic means for maintaining the water level in swimming pools has long been appreciated. Without the need for manual supervision or intervention, the water level of a swimming pool would be maintained within the required maximum and minimum limits.
Systems for monitoring and controlling the water level in a swimming pool or other fluid reservoir are well known to the art. The majority of such systems are not suitable for use in retrofitting in-ground pools, requiring a significant amount of structural modifications to the pool deck and/or the pool walls. In addition to being difficult to install, such conventional water leveling systems are frequently costly to maintain. They often include moving parts that, because of their continual contact with water, are extremely susceptible to damage caused by fatigue corrosion and the accumulation of calcium and other mineral deposits.
Other conventional water leveling systems utilize floats, which are susceptible to corrosion and to failure as a result of the accumulation of calcium and other mineral deposits. Installation of float systems in existing swimming pools also normally requires additional concrete construction (and destruction) as portions of existing pool walls and pool decks are replaced. Until recently, the use of electrical sensors in water level control systems has encountered resistance in implementation due to safety considerations.
In addition to the problems inherent in retrofitting a complex sensor and water control unit adjacent an existing pool, there are also the previously mentioned safety concerns regarding those designs that use electrical communication between the sensor and the control valve unit(s). The need thus exists for a swimming pool water level control system that can be quickly and inexpensively installed and maintained on existing swimming pools. A further advantage would be obtained by utilizing a design that minimizes the opportunities for electrical shock hazards during operation of the water level controller.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides an automatic liquid regulation system that can be used to maintain a desired liquid level in a container, such as the desired water level in a swimming pool. A remote sensor is placed in the container/pool, and monitors changes in the liquid level therein. At such time as the liquid level falls below a desired level, the sensor detects such a drop, and transmits a signal to a remotely located supply valve to open and permit the flow of additional liquid into the container/pool. Once the desired level is again achieved, a supplemental signal causes the supply valve to close, terminating the fill operation.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic liquid level regulator that can be easily placed within a liquid container in a manner requiring no particular receiving structure or any connections to an existing power supply. As such, retrofitting a liquid level control system to existing containers is particularly enabled utilizing the sensor of the present invention.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide an automatic liquid level regulator that can be removably attached to a sidewall of a liquid container, such as the side of a conventional in ground swimming pool.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide an automatic liquid level regulator that maintains the liquid level within a container, such that a fall in the liquid level below a predetermined level results in the activation of a fill valve to cause the flow of liquid into the container until reaching a predetermined liquid level within the container, whereupon deactivation of the fill valve occurs.
In this regard, an outer housing containing the sensor is placed against the sidewall of the liquid container. The liquid level sensor is provided a separate housing that is slidably received within the outer housing. Liquid is permitted entry into the outer housing upon its placement in the container, with the sensor housing being “floated” by such liquid within the outer housing.
Upon placement of the outer housing at the liquid level within the container, subsequent changes in that level result in movement of the sensor housing relative to the outer housing. Such movement is utilized in the present invention to activate mechanical switches, which in turn result in the transmission of radio-frequency signals to a remotely located supply valve. Such valving controls liquid for replenishment of the container, and its activation in accordance with the movement of the sensor housing is utilized in the present invention to automatically control the liquid level in the container.
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Johnson Larry D.
Johnson & Stainbrook LLP
Loo Dennis
Stainbrook Craig M.
Williams Hezron
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