Salt chlorine generator system and method

Abstract

A salt chlorine generator including a housing defining an interior cavity and a cartridge including electrically charged plates is provided. The housing has an inlet subsection including at least a first inlet port and an outlet subsection including at least a first outlet port. The cartridge is mounted in the interior cavity and resides in a fluid flow between the inlet subsection and the outlet subsection. The first inlet port is connected to an inlet pipe, the first outlet port is connected to an outlet pipe, and an inlet mounting configuration between the first inlet port and the inlet pipe is selectively adjustable and an outlet mounting configuration between the first outlet port and the outlet pipe is selectively adjustable.

Description

SALT CHLORINE GENERATOR SYSTEM AND METHODRELATED APPLICATIONSThe present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 667,272, filed July 3, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a salt chlorine generator. More particularly, the embodiment of the present disclosure relates to one or more fluid flow paths and to one or more configurations of a salt chlorine generator used for aquatic applications.BACKGROUND

[0002] A salt chlorine generator is used for chlorinating fluid (such as water). To perform chlorination, existing salt chlorine generators have a housing having one inlet port for allowing the fluid to enter the salt chlorine generator housing and one outlet port for allowing the fluid to exit the salt chlorine generator housing after chlorination is performed. Traditionally, the single inlet port and the single outlet port are horizontally aligned. The single inlet port and single outlet port define a single fluid flow path from the inlet port to the outlet port of the existing salt chlorine generator. Due to the limitation of a single inlet port and a single outlet port, the salt chlorine generator can only be installed into an existing plumbing system in one way. Since the pipes in a plumbing system generally cannot be adjusted or moved, it is common for multiple joints to be used to install the salt chlorine generator into the existing plumbing system. However, multiple joints can increase the risk of leakage, the amount of time for installation, and the amount of maintenance required to keep the salt chlorine generator properly working.

[0003] Additionally, some existing salt chlorine generators have a number of electrically charged plates within the housing that facilitate the chlorination of the fluid, and there can be a hollow space above the electrically charged plates. The hollow space is known to entrap air, gas (such as hydrogen), or water bubbles impacting the efficiency of the chlorination.

[0004] Therefore, the art recognizes the need for a salt chlorine generator with multiple inlet and outlet ports and further recognizes the need for a salt chlorine generator to be installed in one or more configurations. The art also recognizes the need for an improved salt chlorine generatorproviding a salt chlorine generator housing reducing the amount of space above the electrically charged plates.SUMMARY

[0005] Some embodiments provide a salt chlorine generator, the salt chlorine generator including a housing defining an interior cavity, and a cartridge including electrically charged plates. The housing has an inlet subsection including at least a first inlet port and an outlet subsection including at least a first outlet port. The cartridge is mounted in the interior cavity and resides in a fluid flow between the inlet subsection and the outlet subsection. The first inlet port is connected to an inlet pipe, the first outlet port is connected to an outlet pipe, and an inlet mounting configuration between the first inlet port and the inlet pipe is selectively adjustable and an outlet mounting configuration between the first outlet port and the outlet pipe is selectively adjustable.

[0006] In some embodiments, the housing further includes a second inlet port in the inlet subsection and a second outlet port in the outlet subsection. In some embodiments, the first inlet port and the second inlet port are positioned on different surfaces of the inlet subsection, and the first outlet port and the second outlet port are positioned on different surfaces of the outlet subsection. In some embodiments, the first inlet port and the first outlet port are positioned along or parallel to a first axis, the second inlet port and the second outlet port are parallel to a second axis, and the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis. In some embodiments, the fluid flow between the inlet subsection and the outlet subsection is configurable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration. The first configuration provides fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the cartridge, to the first outlet port. The second configuration provides fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the cartridge, to the second outlet port. The third configuration provides fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the cartridge, to the first outlet port. The fourth configuration provides fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the cartridge, to the second outlet port.

[0007] In some embodiments, the housing defines an at least partially rectangular prism, a horizontal axis is defined substantially parallel to at least one of a top side or a bottom side of the housing, the first inlet port defines a first port axis, the first port axis and the horizontal axis defining a first port angle between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees, and the first outlet port defines a second port axis, the second port axis and the horizontal axis defining a second portangle between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees. Tn some embodiments, the salt chlorine generator further includes a first elbow attached to the first inlet port, the first elbow being attached to the inlet pipe and defining an inlet axis, and the first port axis and the inlet axis define a first elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees. In some embodiments, the salt chlorine generator further includes a second elbow attached to the first outlet port, the second elbow being attached to the outlet pipe and defining an outlet axis, the second port axis and the outlet axis defining a second elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe can be in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to one another. The inlet pipe and the outlet pipe can be in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to one another.

[0008] Some embodiments provide a configurable housing for a salt chlorine generator, the configurable housing including an inlet subsection including at least a first inlet port, and an outlet subsection including at least a first outlet port. An inlet mounting configuration of the first inlet port is selectively adjustable for connection to an external inlet pipe, and an outlet mounting configuration of the first outlet port is selectively adjustable for connection to an external outlet pipe.

[0009] In some embodiments, the configurable housing further includes an opening defined in a top surface, the inlet subsection and the outlet subsection define an internal receiving cavity adapted to receive an electrode cartridge, and the opening is in communication with the internal receiving cavity. In some embodiments, the inlet subsection further includes a second inlet port and the outlet subsection further includes a second outlet port. In some embodiments, the inlet mounting configuration and the outlet mounting configuration define a plurality of flow paths through the electrode cartridge. In some embodiments, the plurality of flow paths include a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path. The first flow path is defined by fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the first outlet port. The second flow path is defined by fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the second outlet port. The third flow path is defined by fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the first outlet port. The fourth flow path is defined by fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the second outlet port.

[0010] In some embodiments, a horizontal axis is defined substantially parallel to at least a portion of the top surface, the first inlet port defines a first port axis, the first port axis and the horizontal axis defining a first port angle between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees, and the first outlet port defines a second port axis, the second port axis and the horizontal axis defining a second port angle between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees. In some embodiments, the configurable housing further includes a first elbow attached to the first inlet port, the first elbow adapted for attachment to the external inlet pipe and defining an inlet axis, the first port axis and the inlet axis defining a first elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees. In some embodiments, the configurable housing further includes a second elbow attached to a second inlet port, the second elbow adapted for attachment to the external outlet pipe and defining an outlet axis, the second port axis and the outlet axis defining a second elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a salt chlorine generator;

[0012] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a cross-sectional view of the salt chlorine generator of FIG.l, taken along line 1-1 of FIG. 1;

[0013] FIG. 3A depicts a first configuration for installing the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3B depicts a first fluid flow path in the first configuration of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 3 A;

[0015] FIG. 4A depicts a second configuration for installing the salt chlorine generator of FIG. i;

[0016] FIG. 4B depicts a second fluid flow path in the second configuration of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 4A;

[0017] FIG. 5 A depicts a third configuration for installing the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 5B depicts a third fluid flow path in the third configuration of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 5A;

[0019] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of another salt chlorine generator installed in a plumbing system;

[0020] FIG. 6B is a side isometric view of an elbow used with the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 6A;

[0021] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the elbow of FIG. 6B, taken along line 2-2;

[0022] FIG. 7A is another isometric view of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 6A installed into the plumbing system in a first configuration;

[0023] FIG. 7B is another isometric view of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 6A installed into the plumbing system in a second configuration;

[0024] FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 7B, taken along line 3-3;

[0025] FIG. 7D is another isometric view of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 6A installed into the plumbing system in a third configuration;

[0026] FIG. 7E is another isometric view of the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 6A installed into the plumbing system in a fourth configuration;

[0027] FIG. 8 is the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 1 with a controller and a network; and

[0028] FIG. 9 is the salt chlorine generator of FIG. 6A with a controller and a network.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings.

[0030] The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the disclosure. Various modifications to the illustrated embodiments will bereadily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of the disclosure. Thus, embodiments of the disclosure are not intended to be limited to embodiments shown but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. The following detailed description is to be read with reference to the figures, in which like elements in different figures have like reference numerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of embodiments of the disclosure. Skilled artisans will recognize the examples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall within the scope of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 1, a salt chlorine generator 100 is provided in the form of a housing 102 with one or more fluid ports 104 and a ring nut or handle 106. The housing 102 of the salt chlorine generator 100 may be a body of the salt chlorine generator 100 that retains, within an interior cavity or internal receiving cavity, one or more components of the salt chlorine generator 100. The housing 102 can be provided in the form of an at least partially (or substantially) rectangular prism with a plurality of sides S. The handle 106 is connected at a first side / surface SI (e g., top side) of the salt chlorine generator 100 and may be rotated to access the one or more components retained inside the housing 102 of the salt chlorine generator 100 through a top opening 107.

[0032] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing 102 comprises an inlet side 102A and an outlet side 102B, wherein the inlet side 102A and outlet side 102B each generally define half of the housing 102, for example, an inlet half and an outlet half. The one or more fluid ports 104 are provided in the form of a first inlet port 104 A, a first outlet port 104B opposite the first inlet port 104 A, a second inlet port 104C, and / or a second outlet port 104D that can be adjacent to the second inlet port 104C. Accordingly, the first inlet port 104A and the second inlet port 104C can form an inlet subsection of the housing 102, and the first outlet port 104B and the second outlet port 104D can form an outlet subsection of the housing 102. For example, the inlet subsection can be a left portion of the housing 102, and the outlet subsection can be a right portion of the housing 102 opposite the left portion. In some forms, the inlet subsection can be a top portion of the housing 102, and the outlet subsection can be a bottom portion of the housing 102 opposite the top portion. In one instance, the first inlet port 104A and the first outlet port 104B are positioned (e.g., inline) along a first axis X and can be substantially parallel to one another. In other instances, the fluid ports 104 A,104B may be offset by a distance (not shown) from the first axis X and substantially parallel to the first axis X.

[0033] The first inlet port 104A is positioned at a second side / surface S2 (e.g., a left side / inlet side / inlet subsection) of the salt chlorine generator 100 and the first outlet port 104B is positioned at a fourth side / surface S4 (e.g., a right side / outlet side / outlet subsection) of the salt chlorine generator 100. Furthermore, the second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D are positioned at a third side / surface S3 (e.g., a bottom side / split inlet and outlet side) of the salt chlorine generator 100. The second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D are positioned substantially parallel to and offset by a distance (not shown) from a second axis Y. The distance that both the second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D are offset from the second axis Y may be substantially the same. Alternatively, the offset distance may be different for the second inlet port 104C as compared to the offset distance of the second outlet port 104D. As shown in FIG. 1, the second axis Y is substantially perpendicular to the first axis X. Thereby, in one instance, the first inlet port 104 A and the first outlet port 104B of the salt chlorine generator 100 are positioned substantially perpendicular to the second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D of the salt chlorine generator 100. The salt chlorine generator 100 can also have a fifth side / surface S5 (e.g., a front side) and a sixth side / surface S6 (e.g., a rear side, not shown).

[0034] Referring now to FIG. 2, the one or more components retained inside the housing 102 include a replaceable electrode cartridge 110 having electrically charged plates 108. The electrically charged plates 108 are designed to chlorinate a fluid, such as water, to perform a chlorination process. Various fluid flow channels between the electrically charged plates 108 can face the first inlet port 104A (e.g., a left side of the electrically charged plates 108, which is the second side S2 of the salt chlorine generator 100) and can further face the first outlet port 104B (i.e. a right side of the electrically charged plates 108, which is the fourth side S4 of the salt chlorine generator 100) along the first axis X. In the same or similar manner, the flow channels between the electrically charged plates 108 can face the second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D at a bottom end (e.g., of the electrically charged plates 108, which is the third side S3 of the salt chlorine generator 100) along the second axis Y. In this way, each of the four fluid ports 104A- 104D can direct fluid into and out of the flow channels between the electrically charged plates 108.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3A, a first configuration 300A for installing the salt chlorine generator 100 is shown. In the first configuration 300A, the salt chlorine generator 100 isconnected in a configuration (e.g., inline) with a plumbing system 1 11 (e.g., pool or spa) provided in the form of a water inlet pipe or conduit 112 and a water outlet pipe or conduit 114. In one instance, the first inlet port 104A of the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected to (e.g., in fluid communication with) the water inlet pipe 112 and the first outlet port 104B of the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected to (e.g., in fluid communication with) the water outlet pipe 114. The first inlet port 104A and the first outlet port 104B may be connected respectively to the water inlet pipe 112 and the water outlet pipe 114 with a connection or coupling (e.g., threaded coupling), an adhesive, or another suitable coupling that connects the components and minimizes the potential risk of leaking fluid.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 3B, a first fluid flow path 302 of the salt chlorine generator 100 in the first configuration 300A is shown. Along the first fluid flow path 302, fluid enters the salt chlorine generator 100 via the first inlet port 104 A, the fluid passes through the electrically charged plates 108 to chlorinate the fluid, and the chlorinated fluid exits the salt chlorine generator 100 via the first outlet port 104B. In the first configuration 300A, the first inlet port 104A can be an inlet fluid port allowing the fluid to enter the salt chlorine generator 100 and the first outlet port 104B can be an outlet fluid port allowing the chlorinated fluid to exit the salt chlorine generator 100 and returns the chlorinated fluid to the plumbing system 111 (e.g., the pool or spa).

[0037] Referring to FIG. 4A, a second configuration 400A for installing the salt chlorine generator 100 is disclosed. In the second configuration 400A, the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected in another configuration (e.g., L-type) with the plumbing system 111 (e.g., pool or spa). In one instance, the first inlet port 104A of the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected to (e.g., in fluid communication with) the water inlet pipe 112 and the second outlet port 104D of the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected to (e.g., in fluid communication with) the water outlet pipe 114. The first inlet port 104A and the second outlet port 104D may be connected respectively to the water inlet pipe 112 and the water outlet pipe 114 with a connection or coupling (e.g., threaded coupling), an adhesive, or another suitable coupling that connects the components and minimizes the potential risk of leaking fluid.

[0038] Referring to FIG. 4B, a second fluid flow path 402 of the salt chlorine generator 100 in the second configuration 400A is shown. Along the second fluid flow path 402, fluid enters the salt chlorine generator 100 via the first inlet port 104 A, the fluid passes through the electrically charged plates 108 to chlorinate the fluid, and the chlorinated fluid exits the salt chlorine generator100 via the second outlet port 104D. In the second configuration 400 A, the first inlet port 104A can be an inlet fluid port allowing the fluid to enter the salt chlorine generator 100 and the second outlet port 104D can be an outlet fluid port allowing the chlorinated fluid to exit the salt chlorine generator 100 and returns the chlorinated fluid to the plumbing system 111 (e.g., the pool or spa via).

[0039] Referring to FIG. 5A, a third configuration 500A for installing the salt chlorine generator 100 is shown. In the third configuration 500A, the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected in U-type configuration with the plumbing system 111. As shown, the second inlet port 104C of the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected to (e.g., in fluid communication with) the water inlet pipe 112 and the second outlet port 104D of the salt chlorine generator 100 is connected to (e.g., in fluid communication with) the water outlet pipe 114. The second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D may be connected, respectively, to the water inlet pipe 112 and the water outlet pipe 114 with a connection or coupling (e.g., threaded coupling), an adhesive, or another suitable coupling that connects the components and minimizes the potential risk of leaking fluid.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 5B, in the third configuration 500A, a third fluid flow path 502 is shown where the fluid enters the salt chlorine generator 100 via the second inlet port 104C, the fluid passes through the electrically charged plates 108 to chlorinate the fluid, and the chlorinated fluid exits the salt chlorine generator 100 via the second outlet port 104D. In the third configuration 500A, the second inlet port 104C can be an inlet fluid port allowing the fluid to enter the salt chlorine generator 100 and the second outlet port 104D can be an outlet fluid port allowing the chlorinated fluid to exit the salt chlorine generator 100 and return the chlorinated fluid to the plumbing system 111 (e.g., the pool or spa via).

[0041] As shown in FIGS. 5 A, and 5B, the second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D are positioned such that the fluid can enter the second inlet port 104C and can exit through the second outlet port 104D. To achieve this, the two ports 104C, 104D are placed at a distance apart (e g., in close proximity or adjacent), which makes the salt chlorine generator 100 a compact assembly. In some embodiments, the distance between the second inlet port 104C and the second outlet port 104D can range between about 80 millimeters (mm) to about 220 mm, or about 80 mm to about 220 mm.

[0042] The salt chlorine generator 100 provides a plurality of inlet fluid ports (e g., the first inlet port 104A and / or the second inlet port 104C) and / or a plurality of outlet fluid ports (e.g., the first outlet port 104B and / or the fourth fluid port 104D). Moreover, the salt chlorine generator 100 can be installed in one or more configurations (e.g., the first configuration 300A, the second configuration 400A, and / or the third configuration 500A), which can vary the fluid flow paths (e.g., the first fluid flow path 302, the second fluid flow path 402, and / or the third fluid flow path 502) to facilitate chlorination of the fluid passing through the salt chlorine generator 100. The salt chlorine generator 100 provides multiple installation options to an installer or a technician for installing the salt chlorine generator 100 within the plumbing system 111. This versatility can be especially advantageous in retrofitting existing plumbing systems 111 or in new installations having physical size / location limitations.

[0043] Turning to FIG. 6A, another salt chlorine generator cell or salt chlorine generator 600 is shown. The salt chlorine generator 600 is provided in the form of a housing 602 with at least two fluid ports 604 extending outward (e.g., on opposing sides) therefrom and a ring nut or handle. Similar to the previously described housing 102, the housing 602 comprises an inlet side 602A and an outlet side 602B, wherein the inlet side 602A and outlet side 602B each generally define half of the housing 602, for example, an inlet half and an outlet half.

[0044] The housing 602 is designed to retain internal components of the salt chlorine generator 600. The housing 602 is provided in the form of an envelope 603 having a plurality of electrically charged plates 608 (e.g., electrode blades) designed to chlorinate a fluid, such as water. The electrically charged plates 608 can define various flow channels that direct fluid to and from at least one of the fluid ports 604 of the salt chlorine generator 100. The position of the electrically charged plates 608 reduces and / or eliminates hollow space above the plates 608 within the housing 602 to prevent entrapping air, gas (e.g., hydrogen), and / or water bubbles within the envelope 603 of the housing 602, improving the efficiency of the chlorination process.

[0045] Moreover, the housing 602 can be provided in the form of an at least partially, or substantially, rectangular prism with a plurality of sides / surfaces 600S. For example, the housing 602 can include a first side / surface 602S1 (e.g., top side), a second side / surface 602S2 (e.g., a left side), a third side / surface 602S3 (e.g., a bottom side), a fourth side / surface 602S4 (e.g., a right side or an opposing side to the left side), a fifth side / surface 602S5 (e.g., front side), and an sixth side / surface (e.g., opposing rear side, not shown). A first axis 600X (e.g., horizontal axis) may besubstantially parallel to and offset from the third side 602S3, and a second axis 600Y (e.g., vertical axis) can be substantially perpendicular to the axis 600X. In one instance, the second axis 600Y can be substantially parallel to at least one of the second side 602S2, the fourth side 602S4, the fifth side 602S5, and / or the sixth side 602S6. In other instances, the housing 602 can have any suitable shape, such as cylindrical.

[0046] The handle 606 is connected at the first side 602S1 (e.g., top side) of the salt chlorine generator 600 and may be rotated to access the one or more components of the housing 602 of the salt chlorine generator 600.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 6A, the housing 602 comprises an inlet side 602A and an outlet side 602B defining inlet and outlet halves of the housing 602. The one or more fluid ports 604 are provided in the form of a inlet port 604A and an outlet port 604B (e.g., opposite the inlet port 604A) such that during operation, in one instance, fluid can flow through the inlet port 604A into the housing 602 and / or the envelope 603, where the electrically charged plates 608 chlorinate the fluid, and the chlorinated fluid can exit the salt chlorine generator 100 through the outlet port 604B. Accordingly, the inlet port 604A can form part of an inlet subsection of the housing 602, and the outlet port 604B can form part of an outlet subsection of the housing 602. For example, the inlet subsection can be a left portion of the housing 602, and the outlet subsection can be a right portion of the housing 602 opposite the left portion. In some forms, the inlet subsection can be a top portion of the housing 602, and the outlet subsection can be a bottom portion of the housing 602 opposite the top portion.

[0048] In one instance, the inlet port 604A is positioned at an angle 610A defined with respect to the axis 600X and / or with respect to the housing 102, and the outlet port 604B is positioned at an angle 610B with respect to the axis 600X and / or with respect to the housing 102. In one instance, the angle 610A and the angle 610B may be substantially the same, although, in other instances, the angle 610A and 610B may be different. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 6A, the angles 610A, 610B are about 135 degrees with respect to the axis 600X and / or the housing 102. In other instances, the angles 610A, 610B can be more or less than about 135 degrees with respect to the axis 600X and / or the housing 102. Also, the inlet port 604A and the outlet port 604B are positioned at an angle 610C with respect to one another. In one instance, the angle 610C can be between about 30 degrees and about 170 degrees, or about 60 degrees to about 140 degrees, or about 90 degrees.

[0049] Moreover, the inlet port 604A is provided in the form of a body 612 (e.g., substantially cylindrical) having a first end 614 in fluid communication with the housing 602 and an opposing second end 616 that can have a threaded connection 618. The outlet port 604B is similarly provided in the form of a body 619 (e.g., substantially cylindrical) having a first end 620 in fluid communication with the housing 602 and an opposing second end 622 that can have a threaded connection 624. The threaded connections 618, 624 are optional and can facilitate coupling the salt chlorine generator 100 to a plumbing system 630 with at least one pipe (e.g., pool or spa), such as an inlet pipe or conduit 632 and an outlet pipe or conduit 634. In some instances, the inlet port 604A and the outlet port 604B are the substantially the same shape and / or substantially the same size. In other instances, the inlet port 604A can have a different shape and / or size as compared to the outlet port 604B.

[0050] As shown in FIGS. 6A-6C, one or more elbows 640 can be in fluid communication with and coupled between the salt chlorine generator 600 and the plumbing system 630. Each elbow 640 is designed to couple (e.g., when installing and / or replacing) the salt chlorine generator 100 to the plumbing system 630. The elbow 640 can be rotated and positioned in varying configurations to install the salt chlorine generator 600 within the plumbing system 630. The inlet / outlet pipes 632, 634 of the plumbing system 630 can have varying pipe configurations, such as the inlet / outlet pipes 632, 634 are in-line (e.g., substantially parallel to one another) or are not in-line (e.g., substantially perpendicular or angled with respect to one another). The one or more elbows 640 minimize the amount of space required to install and / or replace the salt chlorine generator 600 within the plumbing system 630, and the elbow 640 is a universal, single (e.g., type of) connection to couple the salt chlorine generator 600 into the plumbing system 630. The elbow 640 reduces the need for multiple elbows between at least one of the inlet / outlet pipes 632, 634 and the salt chlorine generator 600 thereby reducing the chance for leakage and reducing the time for installation and / or maintenance.

[0051] In one instance, the elbow 640 is provided in the form of a first portion 652 configured to engage at least a portion of the plumbing system 630 and a second portion 654 extending outward therefrom and having at least one bend or angle configured to engage the threaded connection 618, 624 and / or the inlet port 604A or the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600.

[0052] The first portion 652 is designed to mate with and be in fluid communication with at least one of the inlet pipe 632 or the outlet pipe 634. In one instance, the first portion 652 has a first diameter (not shown) that is slightly larger than a second diameter (not shown) of the inlet pipe 632 or the outlet pipe 634 and can be coupled to the inlet pipe 632 or the outlet pipe 634 using an adhesive, such as glue. In other instances, the first portion 652 and the inlet pipe 632 or the outlet pipe 634 can have a friction fit, a threaded fit, or another suitable mating option. When the elbow 640 is coupled to at least one of the inlet pipe 632 or the outlet pipe 634, leakage of fluid can be prevented or minimized.

[0053] Continuing with the elbow 640, and as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6C, the second portion 654 can be formed integrally with the first portion 652 or can be removably or otherwise coupled to the first portion 652. Moreover, the second portion 654 is provided in the form of a body 670 with an (e.g., integrally formed) optional flanged edge 672. The body 670 can have at least one bend 674 between a first end 676 and a second end 678. The body 670 can have a third diameter (not shown) that is less than the first diameter (not shown) of the first portion 652 of the elbow 640. The flanged edge 672 can extend outward from the second end 678 of the body 670, and the flanged edge 672 can have a fourth diameter (not shown) that is greater than the third diameter of the body 670. The flanged edge 672 also can include a threaded portion 680 on an inner surface 682 designed to mate with the threading 618 or the threading 624. In other instances, the flanged edge 672 can mate with at least one of the inlet port 604A or the outlet port 604B via another suitable mating mechanism, such as adhesive or a friction fit.

[0054] Moreover, in one instance, the second portion 654 can include a tapered portion 685, as shown in FIG. 6C. The tapered portion 685 is provided in the form of an outer surface 686 and an opposing inner surface 688, a first length 690 between the first portion 652 and the flanged edge 672, and a second length 692 between the first portion 652 and the flanged edge 672. As shown in FIG. 6B, the first length 690 is less than the second length 692. In one instance, the first length 690 may be less than half of the second length 692.

[0055] The elbow 640 can be provided in the form of a metal or plastic or another suitable material designed to withstand the environment in which it is installed (e.g., pool or spa). For example, the elbow 640 can be provided in the form of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or a thermoplastic. In one instance, the elbow 640 can be about 2 inches by about 50mm or about 2 inches by about 63mm. Further, in one instance, the elbow 640 can include at least one seal and a(e g., ring) nut designed to tighten the connection between the elbow 640 and the salt chlorine generator 600 and / or the (e.g., existing) plumbing system 630.

[0056] Turning to FIGS. 7A-7E, one elbow 640 can couple the salt chlorine generator 600 to the inlet pipe 632 of the plumbing system 630 and one elbow 640 can couple the salt chlorine generator 600 to the outlet pipe 634 of the plumbing system 630. Each elbow 640 can be rotated (e.g., about 180 degrees) and installed to accommodate different configurations of the plumbing system 630.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 7A, the salt chlorine generator 600 is provided in a first configuration 700 where the inlet pipe 632 and the outlet pipe 634 are in-line (e.g., along the same axis, for example, the axis 600X) and substantially parallel to one another. In one instance, more than one elbow 640 can used to install the salt chlorine generator 600 into the plumbing system 630. For example, a first elbow 702 is coupled between the inlet pipe 632 of the plumbing system 630 and the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600, and a second elbow 704 is coupled between the outlet pipe 634 of the plumbing system 630 and the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600. The first elbow 702 can be designed such that the first portion 652 mates with the inlet pipe 632 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. The second elbow 704 can be designed such that the first portion 652 mates with the outlet pipe 634 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. Moreover, the first elbow 702 is installed forming an angle 706 between the inlet pipe 632 and the inlet port 604A. Similarly, the second elbow 704 is installed forming an angle 708 between the outlet pipe 634 and the outlet port 604B. In one instance, the angle 706 and the angle 708 are between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees, or about between 105 degrees and about 150 degrees, or about 135 degrees. In other instances, the angle 706 and the angle 708 do not have the same angle.

[0058] As shown in FIGS. 7B and 7C, the salt chlorine generator 600 is provided in a second configuration 800 where the inlet pipe 632 and the outlet pipe 634 are substantially perpendicular to one another. In one instance, more than one elbow 640 can used to install the salt chlorine generator 600 into the plumbing system 630. For example, a first elbow 802 is coupled between the inlet pipe 632 of the plumbing system 630 and the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. A second elbow 804 is coupled between the outlet pipe 634 of the plumbing system 630 and the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600. The first elbow 802 can be designed suchthat the first portion 652 mates with the inlet pipe 632 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. The second elbow 804 can be designed such that the first portion 652 mates with the outlet pipe 634 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600. Moreover, the first elbow 802 is installed forming an angle 806 between the inlet pipe 632 and the inlet port 604A. Similarly, the second elbow 804 is installed forming an angle 808 between the outlet pipe 634 and the outlet port 604B. In one instance, the angle 806 is different from the angle 808. For example, the angle 806 is between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees, or about between 105 degrees and about 150 degrees, or about 135 degrees, and the angle 808 is between about 185 degrees and about 270 degrees, or about between 210 degrees and about 250 degrees, or about 225 degrees.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 7D, the salt chlorine generator 600 is provided in a third configuration 900 where the inlet pipe 632 and the outlet pipe 634 are substantially perpendicular to one another. The third configuration 900 shown in FIG. 7D is an opposition version of the second configuration 800 of FIG. 7B. In one instance, more than one elbow 640 can used to install the salt chlorine generator 600 within the plumbing system 630. For example, a first elbow 902 is coupled between the inlet pipe 632 of the plumbing system 630 and the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. A second elbow 904 is coupled between the outlet pipe 634 of the plumbing system 630 and the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600. The first elbow 902 can be designed such that the first portion 652 mates with the inlet pipe 632 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. The second elbow 904 can be designed such that the first portion 652 mates with the outlet pipe 634 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600. Moreover, the first elbow 902 is installed forming an angle 906 between the inlet pipe 632 and the inlet port 604A. Similarly, the second elbow 904 is installed forming an angle 908 between the outlet pipe 634 and the outlet port 604B. In one instance, the angle 906 is different from the angle 908. For example, angle 906 is between about 185 degrees and about 270 degrees, or between about 210 degrees and about 250 degrees, or about 225 degrees, and the angle 908 is between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees, or between about 105 degrees and about 150 degrees, or about 135 degrees.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 7E, the salt chlorine generator 600 is provided in a fourth configuration 1000 where the inlet pipe 632 and the outlet pipe 634 are substantially parallel and offset from one another such that a distance 1001 is defined therebetween. In one instance, more than one elbow 640 can be used to install the salt chlorine generator 600 within the plumbing system 630. For example, a first elbow 1002 is coupled between the inlet pipe 632 of the plumbing system 630 and the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. A second elbow 1004 is coupled between the outlet pipe 634 of the plumbing system 630 and the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600. The first elbow 1002 can be designed such that the first portion 652 mates with the inlet pipe 632 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the inlet port 604A of the salt chlorine generator 600. The second elbow 1004 can be designed such that the first portion 652 mates with the outlet pipe 634 and the second portion 654 and / or the flanged edge 672 mates with the outlet port 604B of the salt chlorine generator 600. Moreover, the first elbow 1002 is installed forming an angle 1006 between the inlet pipe 632 and the inlet port 604A. Similarly, the second elbow 704 is installed forming an angle 1008 between the outlet pipe 634 and the outlet port 604B. In one instance, the angle 1006 and the angle 1008 are between about 185 degrees and about 270 degrees, or between about 210 degrees and about 250 degrees, or about 225 degrees. In other instances, the angle 1006 and the angle 1008 do not have the same angle.

[0061] Continuing with FIGS. 7A-7E, the plumbing system 630 has varying configurations of the inlet pipe 632 and the outlet pipe 634 and therefore at least one elbow 640 is designed to couple the salt chlorine generator 600 to the plumbing system 630. During operation, a fluid (e.g., water) flows through the inlet pipe 632 into the first elbow 702, 802, 902, 1002 to enter the inlet port 604A, flow through the salt chlorine generator 600 to treat (e.g., chlorinate) the fluid, and the treated (e.g., chlorinated) fluid exits the salt chlorine generator 600 via the outlet port 604B, such that the treated (e.g., chlorinated) fluid exits the salt chlorine generator 600 through the second elbow 704, 804, 904, 1004 and enters into the outlet pipe 634.

[0062] Now that the salt chlorine generator 100 and the salt chlorine generator 600 have been described along with the operation of each salt chlorine generator 100, 600, each salt chlorine generator 100, 600 can include a controller 2000 and / or an optional network 2002, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. The controller 2000 can be directly (e.g., onboard) or remotely coupled to the salt chlorine generator 100, 600. The controller 2000 may be communicatively coupled to the salt chlorine generator 100, 600 to control, receive, and / or store data from the salt chlorine generator100, 600. For example, the salt chlorine generator 100, 600 may be in wireless communication or wired communication via the network 2002 to directly or indirectly communicate and / or control and / or operate and / or intelligently manage various components of the salt chlorine generator 100, 600.

[0063] The controller 2000 can be provided in the form of a data-processing device configured to transmit and receive data from the salt chlorine generator 100, 600. For example, the controller 2000 may receive information at a receiver (not shown). A processor (not shown) included in the controller 2000 may analyze the received data and determine instructions to be sent back to the salt chlorine generator 100, 600. A transmitter (not shown) of the controller 2000 may send the instructions from the processor to one or more components of the salt chlorine generator 100, 600. The controller 2000 can further include a memory (not shown). The memory can be configured to store data received from the salt chlorine generator 100, 600. The memory can be implemented as a stand-alone memory unit and / or as part of a processor included in the controller 2000. Further, in one non-limiting instance, the network 2002 may be coupled to the memory, which may include program instructions that are stored in the memory and executable by the processor to perform one or more of the methods described herein.

[0064] The network 2002 can be provided in the form of a network interface, a local network, or another communication connection and is not limited to the plurality of communication connections. One skilled in the art will recognize that a communication connection can transmit and receive data using a plurality of communication protocols, including but not limited to wired, wireless, Bluetooth, cellular, satellite, GPS, RS-485, RF, MODBUS, CAN, CANBUS, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Ethernet TCP / IP, RS-232, Universal Serial Bus (USB), Firewire, Thread, proprietary protocol(s), or other communication protocol(s) as applicable. In some instances, the network 2002 is located proximate to one or more components of the salt chlorine generator 100, 600. The network 2002 can include the Internet, intranets, extranets, wide area networks (“WANs”), local area networks (“LANs”), wired networks, wireless networks, cloud networks, or other suitable networks, or any combination of two or more networks, Ethernet networks, and other types of networks. The network 2002 may be configured to communicate directly or indirectly with the salt chlorine generator 100, 600 and / or a user device (not shown), such as a mobile phone or a device having an application and / or a display.

[0065] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that while the disclosure has been described above in connection with particular embodiments and examples, the disclosure is not necessarily so limited, and that numerous other embodiments, examples, uses, modifications, and departures from the embodiments, examples, and uses are intended to be encompassed by the claims attached hereto. The entire disclosure of each patent and publication cited herein is incorporated by reference, as if each such patent or publication were individually incorporated by reference herein. Various features and advantages of the disclosure are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A salt chlorine generator, comprising: a housing defining an interior cavity, the housing having an inlet subsection including at least a first inlet port and an outlet subsection including at least a first outlet port; and a cartridge including electrically charged plates, the cartridge mounted in the interior cavity and residing in a fluid flow between the inlet subsection and the outlet subsection, wherein the first inlet port is connected to an inlet pipe, the first outlet port is connected to an outlet pipe, and an inlet mounting configuration between the first inlet port and the inlet pipe is selectively adjustable and an outlet mounting configuration between the first outlet port and the outlet pipe is selectively adjustable.

2. The salt chlorine generator of claim 1, wherein the housing further comprises a second inlet port in the inlet subsection and a second outlet port in the outlet subsection.

3. The salt chlorine generator of claim 2, wherein the first inlet port and the second inlet port are positioned on different surfaces of the inlet subsection, and the first outlet port and the second outlet port are positioned on different surfaces of the outlet subsection.

4. The salt chlorine generator of claim 2, wherein the first inlet port and the first outlet port are positioned along or parallel to a first axis, the second inlet port and the second outlet port are parallel to a second axis, and the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

5. The salt chlorine generator of claim 4, wherein the fluid flow between the inlet subsection and the outlet subsection is configurable between a first configuration, a second configuration, a third configuration, and a fourth configuration, the first configuration provides fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the cartridge, to the first outlet port, the second configuration provides fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the cartridge, to the second outlet port, the third configuration provides fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the cartridge, to the first outlet port, and the fourth configuration provides fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the cartridge, to the second outlet port.

6. The salt chlorine generator of claim 1, wherein the housing defines an at least partially rectangular prism, a horizontal axis is defined substantially parallel to at least one of a top side or a bottom side of the housing, the first inlet port defines a first port axis, the first port axis and the horizontal axis defining a first port angle between about 95 degrees and about f 70 degrees, and the first outlet port defines a second port axis, the second port axis and the horizontal axis defining a second port angle between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees.

7. The salt chlorine generator of claim 6, further comprising: a first elbow attached to the first inlet port, the first elbow attached to the inlet pipe and defining an inlet axis, the first port axis and the inlet axis defining a first elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees.

8. The salt chlorine generator of claim 6, further comprising: a second elbow attached to the first outlet port, the second elbow attached to the outlet pipe and defining an outlet axis, the second port axis and the outlet axis defining a second elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees.

9. The salt chlorine generator of claim 6, further comprising: a first elbow attached to the first inlet port, the first elbow attached to the inlet pipe and defining an inlet axis; and a second elbow attached to a second inlet port, the second elbow attached to the outlet pipe and defining an outlet axis, wherein the first port axis and the inlet axis define a first elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees, and the second port axis and the outlet axis define a second elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees.

10. The salt chlorine generator of claim 9, wherein the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are in a substantially parallel orientation with respect to one another.

11. The salt chlorine generator of claim 9, wherein the inlet pipe and the outlet pipe are in a substantially perpendicular orientation with respect to one another.

12. A configurable housing for a salt chlorine generator, the configurable housing comprising: an inlet subsection including at least a first inlet port; and an outlet subsection including at least a first outlet port, wherein an inlet mounting configuration of the first inlet port is selectively adjustable for connection to an external inlet pipe, and an outlet mounting configuration of the first outlet port is selectively adjustable for connection to an external outlet pipe.

13. The configurable housing of claim 12, further comprising: an opening defined in a top surface, wherein the inlet subsection and the outlet subsection define an internal receiving cavity adapted to receive an electrode cartridge, and the opening is in communication with the internal receiving cavity.

14. The configurable housing of claim 13, wherein the inlet subsection further comprises a second inlet port and the outlet subsection further comprises a second outlet port.

15. The configurable housing of claim 14, wherein the inlet mounting configuration and the outlet mounting configuration define a plurality of flow paths through the electrode cartridge.

16. The configurable housing of claim 15, wherein the plurality of flow paths comprise a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, and a fourth flow path, the first flow path is defined by fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the first outlet port, the second flow path is defined by fluid flow into the first inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the second outlet port, the third flow path is defined by fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the first outlet port, and the fourth flow path is defined by fluid flow into the second inlet port, through the electrode cartridge, and out the second outlet port.

17. The configurable housing of claim 13, wherein a horizontal axis is defined substantially parallel to at least a portion of the top surface, the first inlet port defines a first port axis, the first port axis and the horizontal axis defining a first port angle between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees, and the first outlet port defines a second port axis, the second port axis and the horizontal axis defining a second port angle between about 95 degrees and about 170 degrees.

18. The configurable housing of claim 17, further comprising: a first elbow attached to the first inlet port, the first elbow adapted for attachment to the external inlet pipe and defining an inlet axis, the first port axis and the inlet axis defining a first elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees.

19. The configurable housing of claim 17, further comprising: a second elbow attached to a second inlet port, the second elbow adapted for attachment to the external outlet pipe and defining an outlet axis, the second port axis and the outlet axis defining a second elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees.

20. The configurable housing of claim 17, further comprising: a first elbow attached to the first inlet port, the first elbow adapted for attachment to the external inlet pipe and defining an inlet axis; and a second elbow attached to a second inlet port, the second elbow adapted for attachment to the external outlet pipe and defining an outlet axis, wherein the first port axis and the inlet axis define a first elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees, and the second port axis and the outlet axis define a second elbow angle between about 135 degrees and about 225 degrees.

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