Method for delivery of salt
US5445192A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 20, 1993 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 20, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/698
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus for and a method of delivering water softener salt in bulk to residential water softeners is disclosed. The apparatus includes a bulk salt hopper mounted to a transportable frame that can be lifted by forklift and carried in the bed of a conventional pick up truck. The hopper includes an inlet for receiving salt pellets in bulk form and a discharge outlet which can be opened and closed by a gate valve. A motor driven air pump mounted with the hopper maintains the hopper at a predetermined relatively low pressure. A delivery hose is connected to the hopper outlet, and with the gate valve opened and the air pump running, salt pellets flow through the delivery hose. The delivery hose is sealably connectable through an externally accessible coupling at the serviced residence, and an internal delivery pipe leads to the water softener salt bin. Sensors are included for remotely determining the level of salt within the water softener bin, enabling the operator to stop salt delivery when the bin is full.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.