Kohler Company

Pentair Filtration, Inc.

Tecumseh Products Company

Usf Consumer & Commercial Group, Inc.

Other

Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation

Plymouth Products, Inc.

Michael J Kurth

John M Bloemer

Michael D Steinhardt

Thomas A Bonnell

Alan D Bengtson

Terry Zerger

Paul W Eserkaln

Robert C Giese

Thomas G Guntly

Mark E Federspiel

John A Fiumefreddo

Edwin R Potter, Jr

Thomas W Clarke

Mary J Reid

Todd D Dannenberg

Daniel N Halloran

Carter J Thomas

Marc A Anderson

David R Funk

Anton J Kolar

Gary L Hatch

Jeffrey C Hildebrand

Isadore Balan

Robert R Gundrum

Joseph F Tedescucci

Kurt R Kaiser

Robert C Giose

Terry P Zerger

A modular filter system using replaceable filter cartridges includes matching adaptor rings in the filter head and on the filter cartridge placed at selected circumferential positions to ensure proper cartridge fit and to provide a proprietary cartridge construction for selected users. The adaptor rings operate only to control cartridge to filter head fit and are not used to drive the rotary valve spindle.

Modular drinking water filtration system with adapter rings for replaceable cartridges to assure proper fit

An assembly method and related subassembly for a water filter element in the housing of a replaceable filter cartridge provides for filter element insertion into the open bottom end of the housing and subsequent attachment of a retaining ring to the upper end of the element such that the element is secured against vertical drop-out until the bottom end of the cartridge can be enclosed with an end cap. The method and subassembly are particularly well adapted to cartridges in which the lower end cap is attached by spin welding. The enclosing end cap may also be provided with end rings to enhance the user's grip in cartridge installation and removal. The end rings may also be color coded for each of cartridge identification and matching to the filter head.

Modular drinking water filtration system with bottom load cartridges with grip-enhanced end rings and color coding

The valve spindle for a reverse osmosis (RO) filter system is housed in a filter head and attached to a mounting ring that also carries the replaceable RO cartridge. The RO spindle is locked in the head during normal operation, but can be easily removed, after removal of the cartridge, to permit spindle replacement or repair without disassembly of the head from the mounting bracket.

Modular drinking water filtration system with removable and replaceable RO spindle

A cartridge for a water treatment system, effective to assist in the removal of contaminants by photocatalytic oxidation and by adsorption, includes a plurality of stacked disks, preferably made of a UV light transmissive material, which disks define circuitous flow paths for water being treated. In a preferred embodiment, the disk surfaces contacted by the water are provided with a coating of a catalyst, such as TiO, activated by a UV light source positioned in the center of the cartridge.

Photocatalytic water treatment apparatus

A unitary multi-function control module for a reverse osmosis water purification system provides all of the necessary flow control functions in a single removable and easily replaceable unit. The module connects directly with a unitary injection molded manifold and includes a control housing having a cover plate , a main body , and a closure plate . The control housing entirely encloses therein the supply flow shutoff valve , the reverse osmosis flow control , the permeate back flow check valve , and all of the interconnections between the manifold and the supply, permeate, and brine flow paths.

Flow control module for RO water treatment system

Filter housing header

A multipurpose jet manifold arrangement for use in conjunction with hydro-massage spas and whirlpools. The manifold arrangement can be plumbed to both water and air from various positions so as to facilitate use at various locations in the tub. Further, it can be easily severed into separate single nozzle housings for use as a single nozzle. In a preferred manner, the manifold arrangement is molded from a plastic material.

Whirlpool jet manifold

A plumbing nozzle is disclosed that discharges a hollow cylinder of water. In a preferred form, the cylinder flows along a horizontal axis as the water is discharged from the nozzle. The nozzle has a core member with an angled wall surface which directs water against an inner wall surface of the nozzle. The inner wall encloses upon itself and has an outwardly diverging wall surface. The nozzle is particularly useful in conjunction with a bathing fixture with recirculating water.

Plumbing nozzle

A removable guide assembly for a slidable panel which is retained in and released from a rail track for the panel by a release mechanism composed of a button-activated spring clip. The removable guide is particularly suited for use with a double panel bathing shower door and includes a guide cushion for placement between the panels. In a preferred embodiment, the removable guide assembly is connected to the rail track for the slidable panel by a hook and latch member.

Removable guide assembly

A head rest assembly is provided for use in conjunction with a bathing fixture such as a hydro-massage whirlpool. A pillow is provided which can be easily connected and supported by the jet nozzle assembly. A support bracket is partially enclosed in the pillow for connection with the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly has a living hinge feature which allows adaptation to various curvatures of the tub wall. A magnet can be connected to a bracket and a reed switch is connected to the nozzle assembly which serves as a safety feature.

Head rest assembly

A door system for a bathing enclosure which includes a track extending above an opening of the enclosure with the track having a rail with an upper surface having a longitudinal groove. A door has first and second rollers which ride in the rail groove, so that the door is suspended from and slidable along the track. A separate stop is associated with each roller with each stop having a first locking bracket fixed to the door and a member is movably attached to the locking bracket. The members are adjustable between a first position at which the first roller may be removed from the groove and a second position at which the first member strikes the track before the first roller can be removed from the groove.

Anti-derailing mechanism for track mounted bath doors

A whirlpool tub has a first set of nozzles located to direct water against the back of a bather and a second set of nozzles to direct water against the bather's neck. A controller has different modes of operation in which water is emitted by either one or both sets of nozzles. Separate mechanisms are provided to direct a pulse of water sequentially through different nozzles in each set. This action produces a progression of pulsating water jets that create a massaging effect on the bather's skin. A pillow is placed about the second set of nozzles. A sensor is provided to detect when the pillow is removed and disable water flow through the second set of nozzles.

Hydro-massage tub control system

Growing community of inventors

Howards Grove, WI, United States of America

Michael J Kurth