A fluid treatment system (10) is disclosed that includes a control unit (102) that controls the overall operation of the fluid treatment system (10). A ballast circuit (103) is coupled with an electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly (14). In the preferred fluid treatment system (10), the ballast circuit (103) is inductively coupled with the electromagnetic radiation assembly (14). The inductively coupled ballast circuit (103) inductively energizes an electromagnetic radiation emitting device (60) that is located in the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly (14) in response to a predetermined electric signal from the control unit (102). In addition, the fluid treatment system (10) includes a radio frequency identification system (124) that is used to monitor various functional and operational aspects of the electromagnetic radiation emitting assembly (14) and a filter assembly (16) used in the fluid treatment system (10).

Radio frequency identification system for a fluid treatment system

This invention is a usage indicator member (260) disposed in a housing (200), the usage indicator member (260) comprising usage indicia visible to the user which indicates the number of usage cycles completed by or remaining for the indicating device. The indicating member (260) is rotatable mounted in the housing (200) for rotational movement transverse to, in response to axial movement between a cap (220), and a base member (50) of the housing (200).

Indicating device for aerosol container

Apparatus and methods for employing electrical properties of water to indicate the level of filtered water in a filtered water container. The container is fitted with a hopper that holds unfiltered water. The hopper is fitted at its base with a removable and replaceable filter cartridge. Water is filtered by draining through the filter medium contained in the filter cartridge into the lower portion of the container. The water level in the filtered water container is monitored by means of one or more water level detector strips in the hopper or in the lower portion of the filtered water container. The detector strips are in electrical communication with a detection circuit and a control unit. The control unit uses the detection strips to monitor water level and uses such data to track filtered water consumption and to determine when the filter cartridge should be replaced.

Apparatus and methods for monitoring water consumption and filter usage

A totalization meter system for a water treatment device, the device having an inlet aperture and an outlet aperture, and a channel for channeling water between the inlet and outlet apertures. A flow reactive device is positioned in the channel and is exposed to the flowing water, and a signal generating member is positioned on the flow reactive device. A switch is positioned proximately to the flow reactive device, and is sensitive to the proximity of the signal generating member. The switch is able to communicate electric signals indicative of the motion of the signal generating member. A resettable processor having a performance threshold programmed therein and an output device is included. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with the switch for receiving electrical signals from the switch. The switch is capable of sensing the characteristics of the flow reactive device and communicates electrical signals representative of the characteristics to the microcontroller. The microcontroller interprets the signals as a first performance data. The microcontroller compares the first performance data against the respective performance threshold in the microcontroller to determine if the performance threshold has been surpassed, and if surpassed actuates the output device.

Water treatment device with volumetric and time monitoring features

The disclosure is of a device for indicating the number of fluid dispensations remaining in a container for holding and dispensing metered quantities of the fluid. The device is a hermetically-sealed unit which is assembled with the dispenser portion or component of the container and includes microprocessor means for maintaining an inventory of the doses or dispensations remaining of a predetermined number of dispensations. Indicator means signals when the predetermined number of dispensations reaches a level before empty.

Counter for fluid dispensers

A self-contained electronic monitoring unit for attachment to a device, such as a water filter, designed to be used until the occurrence of a predetermined event such as a predetermined number of uses, includes transducer for providing distinct outputs such as different audio output signals. A programmed integrated circuit and use detecting means such as electrical contacts detect each use of the device and monitor when the device is operational, when the end of life event is imminent and has occurred. The integrated circuit is programmed to operate the transducer to produce output signals during each use of the device informing the user that the device is operational, that the predetermined event or end of useful life is imminent and that the useful life has expired. The unit includes a battery for supplying power to the transducer and integrated circuit.

Kaj A. Johnson

Papers

Electronic monitoring unit for monitoring number of uses of cartridge