Description of Prior Art Typical prior art water softeners utilize a resin bed that filters and traps the "hardness"minerals (such as calcium) from water. The water, free from the"hardness" minerals, is deemed to be softened and thus more usable by the consumer. After a period of time, the resin bed of the softener is"saturated"with hardness minerals and cannot accept any further material, thus diminishing the performance of the water softener. At or before this point, a regeneration cycle is conducted. Typical prior art water softeners use solid sodium chloride (NaCI) or potassium chloride (KC1) as a regenerant. A quantity of the solid"salt"is diluted with a preset amount of water to form a brine solution. The brine solution is washed over the resin bed. The hardness minerals are exchanged for the sodium or potassium ions (Na+ or K+) and chemically bond with the chloride ion (C1-). The brine solution and the hardness minerals/Cl ions are flushed from the system and the softening

cycle can begin anew. U. S. Patent No. 5,544,072 is hereby incorporated by reference as one example of a conventional water softener One of the features of many prior art systems is that they are designed to use solid regeneration materials, as such materials are economical, easy to use, and have known chemical properties, and have been conventionally used for many decades. While economical, the use of solid sodium chloride may not be preferable for health and environmental reasons. Persons on sodium restricted diets must be conscious of the extra sodium contained in the softened water. The chloride ions, which are flushed out of the softener during the regeneration process, contribute negatively to environmental water quality by promoting algae growth. Further, many waste-water treatment plants cannot treat chlorides in effluents and in some soil types, the chlorides unfavorably effect soil chemistry. The use of solid potassium chloride crystals resolves the health problems associated with sodium, and in fact may be beneficial as many individuals do not obtain the recommended potassium in their diets. However, potassium chloride suffers from the same environmental effects as sodium chloride.

In general, liquid regenerants, such as aqueous sodium chloride and potassium chloride, have not been used to regenerate water softeners. It is more economical and convenient to provide sodium chloride and potassium chloride in solid form. The water that is added to these chemicals, to form a liquid regenerant, would eventually be provided during the regeneration process. However, other types of regenerants are best provided in liquid form. One such regenerant is potassium acetate (KC2H3O2). In its solid form, potassium acetate is difficult to use because it is hydroscopic, the saturation concentration is high and varies widely with temperature and can be expensive. However, in liquid form, such problems can be significantly reduced. Liquid potassium acetate can also be an economical source of regenerant. A 50% solution can be formulated by blending virgin glacial acetic acid with potassium hydroxide, and then diluted to a more economical 38% solution and provided to users in convenient plastic bottles. Potassium acetate is also more ecologically friendly that sodium chloride and potassium chloride and does not contribute

to hypertension like sodium chloride. Another alternative liquid regenerant, with similar properties, is potassium formate (KC02H).

Prior art water softeners are not generally equipped to handle liquid regenerants as they are designed to dilute only a specified amount of solid regenerant every regeneration cycle to form a brine solution of desired concentration. This continued dilution cycle would not work for liquid regenerants as the regenerant would be constantly diluted to an ineffective concentration. Nonetheless there are references know in the art which do discuss the use of liquid regenerants. U. S. Patent No. 3,680,703 to Borochaner claims a water softening and regeneration process. Borochaner states, but does not claim, that either solid or liquid regeneration material may be used, however, the device of Borochaner is not provided with a mechanism for effectively using either a solid or liquid regenerant, particular in pre-measured quantities. U. S. Patent No. 5,908,549 to Wigen discusses a brine filtration and regeneration system which stores filtered, reclaimed brine solution for another regeneration cycle. The Wigen device does not per se use a liquid regenerant, but reclaims the liquid brine solution created and used during the last regeneration cycle.

Summary of Invention It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a water softener that has the flexibility of using environmentally friendly regenerants.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a water softener that uses a regenerant which is both environmentally friendly and healthier for the end user.

It is yet another object of the present invention and a feature thereof to provide a water softener that can process either a solid or liquid regenerant, depending on the user's preference.

The contemplated apparatus is able to function as a typical prior art softener, that is it can use solid sodium chloride or potassium chloride as the regenerant. However, the

present apparatus can also use a liquid regenerant, such as liquid sodium chloride, potassium chloride, or potassium acetate, and can switch between a liquid or solid regenerant when the regeneration material is depleted. This dual functionality is accomplished primarily through the use of different softening/regeneration cycles (via a computer program) and the addition of solenoid valve between the brine tank and the valve assembly on the resin tank. It should be noted that the function and/or mechanical components of the solenoid valve can be incorporated into the control valve as an integral feature.

When the resin bed is saturated with hardness minerals, the bed must be regenerated. In a typical prior art water softener, a user adds the solid regenerant to the brine storage tank. A programmed electronic controller is typically used to determine when to begin the generation cycle and how the cycle is carried out. The controller signals an electronically operated intake valve to open. Based on a known flow rate, a predetermined amount of water is added to the brine tank to dissolve a small amount of the solid regenerant. The brine solution is fed through the resin bed to regenerate the bed.

After removal of the brine solution and rinsing of the resin bed, the softener is returned to the normal service cycle.

The regeneration cycle used with a liquid regenerant is similar to that used with a solid regenerant, with the exception of several crucial steps. After addition of the liquid regenerant to the brine tank and selection of the regenerant type by the user, the controller starts a regeneration cycle at the appropriate time. If a liquid regenerant is added to the brine tank, water is added to fully dilute the regenerant to the required concentration. The regeneration cycle then proceeds as if a solid regenerant was used. However, on subsequent regeneration cycles, additional water is not added to the brine tank as the liquid regenerant is properly diluted. Additional water would over dilute the brine solution.

Water is introduced to the brine tank only when additional concentrated liquid regenerant is added. When using a solid regenerant, a small amount of water is introduced into the brine tank at each regeneration cycle, regardless of whether new solid regeneration

material has been added, to form a limited amount of brine solution for that one regeneration cycle.

To facilitate use of liquid regenerants, the improved water softener apparatus described herein utilizes a solenoid between the brine tank and the resin tank valve assembly. When a solid regenerant is used, the solenoid remains in the"open"position and is never activated by the control program. When using a liquid regenerant, the solenoid remains closed during the fill cycle to prevent over dilution of the liquid regenerant. However, the solenoid is opened during the first fill cycle after the addition of new concentrated liquid regenerant to the brine tank. When using a solid regenerant the solenoid always remains open during the brine cycle and brine rinse cycle to permit the flow of brine from the brine tank to the regeneration tank. However when using a liquid regenerant, the solenoid is closed after the required amount of regenerant is introduced into the resin tank and remains closed during the brine rise cycle to prevent introduction of excess liquid regenerant brine.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG 1 is a cutaway view of a water softener resin tank with a distributor and solenoid in accordance with the present invention.

FIG 2 is a flow chart illustrating prior art regeneration cycle using a solid regenerant.

FIG 3 is a flow chart illustrating a regeneration cycle using a liquid regenerant in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS As is known in the art, a water softener (not shown) generally consists of two tanks, a resin tank and a brine tank. The resin tank is where the"hard"water from the external source is passed through the resin bed for removal of the"hardness"materials, such as calcium. The second tank holds the regeneration matter. In typical prior art water softeners, water flow and regenerant brine into and out of the resin tank is regulated by a valve assembly that is manually or automatically opened and closed. The current apparatus and method, described herein, presumes a current water softener assembly, except as modified or otherwise detailed herein.

Figure 1 illustrates a cutaway view of a top portion of a resin tank assembly 10.

The resin tank assembly 10 further consists of a resin tank 12 and a valve assembly 14.

The valve assembly contains a valve inlet 16, a drain 18, venturi 20, and nozzle 22.

Connected to bottom of the valve assembly 14 are a bottom distributor 24 and a top distributor 26. Brine or regenerant from the salt storage tank or brine tank (not shown) is transported to the resin tank assembly 10 via a tube 28, hose, pipe or other similar conduit known in the art. A solenoid valve 30 is positioned between the salt storage tank and the resin tank assembly 10. The solenoid 30 controlled and powered by the controller 32 via leads 34. As may be recognized by one skilled in the art, the functional aspects of the solenoid 30 may be accomplished by other types of controlled on/off means and may be integrated into the valve assembly 14 or other portion of the softener apparatus. The valve assembly 14 is also electronically connected to the controller 30. As discussed in further detail below, the controller 32 is preprogrammed to operate the solenoid 30 in conjunction with the valve assembly 14 such that the resin bed 34 can be regenerated with either a solid regenerant, such as crystalline sodium chloride, as is conventionally used, or a liquid regenerant, such as aqueous potassium acetate.

Because the water softener of the present invention is adapted to use either a solid regenerant or a liquid regenerant, the controller 32 must be programmed to operate the

softener to regenerate the resin bed 34 in either mode. Figure 2 illustrates the control sequence when a solid regenerant is used. The sequence of Figure 2 is generally known in the art and is provided as a contrast to the sequence of Figure 3 which illustrates the control sequence when a liquid regenerant is used in the softener.

Referring to Figure 2, the user adds the solid regenerant to the salt or brine tank 100. This is done visually by the user and is not part of the programmed controller cycle.

When regeneration of the resin bed is required, the controller starts a regeneration cycle 110. The decision for the controller to begin the regeneration cycle 110 is generally preprogrammed into the controller and can be set to a certain time period, amount of soft water flow out of the softener or other measurable or static criteria known in the art. A measured amount of water is added to the brine tank 120 to dissolve a small amount of the salt. Again, the amount of water to be added is programmed into the controller and is generally variable from one water softener manufacturer to another, although such quantities are known in the art. The resin bed is optionally backwashed 130 to remove any large particles, rust, etc. The brine solution (i. e. salt dissolved in water) is fed from the brine tank to the resin tank, regenerating the resin bed 140. The resin bed is slowly rinsed 150 to remove the brine solution and the brine/wash solution is backwashed out of the resin tank 160. A fast rinse is applied to the resin bed to pack and otherwise settle it 170. The softener is then returned to normal service 180.

If a liquid regenerant is used, the control sequence of Figure 3 is utilized. The user or operator adds the alternative liquid regenerant to the salt or brine tank 200. If the regenerant is different from the previously used regenerant (i. e., liquid rather than solid or liquid sodium acetate rather than liquid potassium chloride, etc.) the user selects a different regenerant from the control panel 202, either manually or through prompting by the control panel. The user then enters the amount of liquid regenerant added (i. e. 2 gallons) 204, again, either manually or when prompted by the controller. These are the first two major differences with the solid regenerant cycle in Figure 2. The controller starts a regeneration cycle 210, when required. If the regenerant has been added to the brine tank since the last regeneration cycle, the controller adds the preprogrammed amount of water to properly

dilute the liquid regenerant to the desired concentration 220a. The diluted concentration depends on the type of regenerant and amount added, and is calculated by the controller based on preprogrammed constants. If no regenerant was added since the last regeneration cycle, step 220a is skipped and the controller proceeds directly to the next step 230 via step/determination 220b. If programmed, an optional backwash of the resin bed is undertaken 230, which corresponds to step 130 of Figure 2. The remainder of the liquid regeneration process in Figure 3, steps 240-280, correspond to the steps in solid regeneration process in Figure 2, steps 140-180.

Referring again to Figure 1, when using a solid regenerant, the solenoid valve 30 is kept open, or is signaled to open by the controller 32 if the user switches from a liquid regenerant to a solid regenerant. When it is time to regenerate the resin bed, the controller 32 signals the valve assembly 14 to move to its fill position. Soft water from the resin tank 12 flows through the bottom distributor 24 and venturi 20 to the salt/brine tank (not shown) via tube 28. After the predetermined amount of water is added to the brine tank, the controller 32 signals the valve assembly 14 to move to its brining position. The flow of water from the outside source across the venturi 20 and the nozzle 22, creates suction to draw the brine (salt in water) from the brine tank, via the tube 28 throught the valve assembly 14 and into the resin bed 34 by way of bottom distributor 24. Flow continues out of the top distributor 26 and to the drain 18. Once the brining cycle is complete, the controller 32 signals the valve assembly 14 to move to its rinse position. Flow of outside water flow continues in through the bottom distributor 24, through the resin bed 34, through the top distributor 26 and out through drain 18, thus rinsing the resin bed 34. To fast rinse and settle the resin bed 34, the controller 32 signals the valve assembly 14 to move to its fast rinse position so that water flow enters the resin tank 12 through the top distributor 26 and exits through the bottom distributor 24 and out through the drain 18.

The regeneration cycle when using a liquid regenerant is similar to the cycle outlined above when a solid regenerant is used, with two important exceptions. When a liquid regenerant is used, the controller 32 signals the solenoid valve 30 to close during the fill cycle. This is important because, unlike a solid regenerant like sodium chloride, a

liquid regenerant would become increasingly diluted with every regeneration cycle. Only after the addition of additional liquid regenerant does the controller 32 signal the solenoid valve 30 to open so that the liquid regenerant can be diluted to its proper concentration.

The controller 32 then signals the solenoid valve 30 to close after the liquid regenerant is properly diluted. The controller 32 determines the amount of water added depending on how much regenerant remained in the brine tank and the amount of new liquid regenerant added by the user. The solenoid valve 30 is opened by the controller 32 during the brining cycle when the diluted liquid regenerant is introduced to the resin tank 12 to regenerate the resin bed 34. The solenoid valve 30 is then closed by the controller during the brine rinse cycle and remains closed until the next regeneration. By closing the solenoid valve 30 during the brine rinse cycle, one can assure that no additional dilution of the liquid regenerant in the salt/brine storage tank occurs.

In addition to the structures, sequences, and uses immediately described above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other modifications and variations can be made the method of the instant invention without diverging from the scope, spirit, or teaching of the invention. Therefore, it is the intention of the inventors that the description of instant invention should be considered illustrative and the invention is to be limited only as specified in the claims and equivalents thereto.