U.S. patent application number 12/754195 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-19 for method and apparatus for disinfecting a refrigerated water cooler reservoir.
Invention is credited to Kenneth A. Davis, James J. Shelton.
Application Number | 20100209313 12/754195 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27128637 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100209313 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Davis; Kenneth A. ; et
al. |
August 19, 2010 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DISINFECTING A REFRIGERATED WATER COOLER
RESERVOIR
Abstract
A method and apparatus for providing sanitized water in a
cabinet and spigot type bottled water dispenser features an ozone
generating system to generate ozone for sanitizing the water. Ozone
is generated and collected within an ozone generator housing. A
blower transmits air to the ozone generator housing. The air
carries the ozone that is generated through a flow line to an air
diffuser that is positioned upstream of the spigot (or spigots)
used to dispense water. In one embodiment, a valve that is
activated on the spigot to dispense water also activates the blower
and ozone generator. In other embodiments, a flow sensor activates
the ozone generator and blower. Various spigot and flow sensor
arrangements are disclosed as a part of the overall apparatus and
method.
Inventors: |
Davis; Kenneth A.;
(Mandeville, LA) ; Shelton; James J.;
(Pontchatoula, LA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GARVEY SMITH NEHRBASS & NORTH, LLC
LAKEWAY 3, SUITE 3290, 3838 NORTH CAUSEWAY BLVD.
METAIRIE
LA
70002
US
|
Family ID: |
27128637 |
Appl. No.: |
12/754195 |
Filed: |
April 5, 2010 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11674318 |
Feb 13, 2007 |
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12754195 |
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09996328 |
Nov 28, 2001 |
7175054 |
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11674318 |
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09954849 |
Sep 18, 2001 |
6532760 |
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09996328 |
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09881796 |
Jun 15, 2001 |
6561382 |
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09954849 |
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09472320 |
Dec 23, 1999 |
6289690 |
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09881796 |
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09220554 |
Dec 23, 1998 |
6085540 |
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09472320 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
422/186.14 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B67D 2210/00023
20130101; C02F 2201/782 20130101; C02F 9/005 20130101; B67D
2210/00013 20130101; C02F 2209/005 20130101; C02F 1/685 20130101;
C02F 2209/40 20130101; C02F 1/78 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
422/186.14 |
International
Class: |
B01J 19/08 20060101
B01J019/08; C01B 13/11 20060101 C01B013/11 |
Claims
1.-39. (canceled)
40. An ozone generator tube comprising: a) a glass tube having an
outer surface and an inner elongated open ended bore with an inner
diameter; b) an air pump connected to the glass tube for
transmitting air to the tube bore; c) a pair of metallic foil
electrodes mounted upon the outer surface of the glass tube and at
spaced apart positions, one of the metal foil electrodes being a
part of positive electrode, the other being a part of a negative
electrode; d) an elongated metallic member that occupies at least a
part of the bore; e) a connection that connects the metallic member
to one of the foil electrodes; and f) a source of electricity for
supplying electricity to the electrodes.
41. The ozone generator tube of claim 1 wherein one of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
42. The ozone generator tube of claim 1 wherein each of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
43. The ozone generator of claim 40 wherein the glass tube has a
generally cylindrical outer surface.
44. The ozone generator of claim 40 wherein the open ended bore is
generally cylindrically shaped.
45. The ozone generator of claim 40 wherein the elongated metallic
member has a generally linear portion that defines a majority of
its length.
46. The ozone generator of claim 40 wherein the elongated member
has a bend at one end portion that is positioned next to one end
portion of the tube.
47. The ozone generator of claim 40 wherein the glass tube is of a
Pyrex glass material.
48. The ozone generator of claim 40 wherein at least one of the
metal foil electrodes is adhesive tape material that has an
adhesive surface enabling adhesion to the glass tube.
49. The ozone generator tube of claim 48 wherein one of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
50. The ozone generator tube of claim 48 wherein each of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
51. An ozone generator tube comprising: a) a glass tube having an
outer surface and an inner elongated open ended bore with an inner
diameter; b) an air pump connected to the glass tube for
transmitting air to the tube bore; c) a pair of metallic foil
electrodes mounted upon the outer surface of the glass tube and at
spaced apart positions, one of the metal foil electrodes being a
part of positive electrode, the other being a part of a negative
electrode; d) an elongated metallic member having a diameter
smaller than the inner diameter of the glass tube so that there is
an air space in between the metallic member and the inner surface
of the glass tube. e) a connection that connects the metallic
member to one of the foil electrodes; and f) a source of
electricity for supplying electricity to the electrodes.
52. The ozone generator tube of claim 51 wherein one of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
53. The ozone generator tube of claim 51 wherein each of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
54. The ozone generator of claim 51 wherein the glass tube has a
generally cylindrical outer surface.
55. The ozone generator of claim 51 wherein the open ended bore is
generally cylindrically shaped.
56. The ozone generator of claim 51 wherein the elongated metallic
member has a generally linear portion that defines a majority of
its length.
57. The ozone generator of claim 51 wherein the elongated member
has a bend at one end portion that is positioned next to one end
portion of the tube.
58. The ozone generator of claim 51 wherein the glass tube is of a
Pyrex glass material.
59. The ozone generator of claim 51 wherein at least one of the
metal foil electrodes is adhesive tape material that has an
adhesive surface enabling adhesion to the glass tube.
60. The ozone generator tube of claim 59 wherein one of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
61. The ozone generator tube of claim 59 wherein each of the metal
foil electrodes has a shiny reflective surface that faces the glass
tube.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/996,328, filed on
Nov. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,175,054, which is a continuation
in part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/954,849, filed on Sep. 18, 2001, now
U.S. Pat. No. 6,532,760, which is a continuation in part of U.S.
Ser. No. 09/881,796, filed on Jun. 15, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,561,382, which is a continuation of U.S. Ser. No. 09/472,320,
filed on Dec. 23, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,690, which is a
continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/220,554, filed on Dec. 23,
1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,540, all of which are hereby
incorporated herein by reference.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable
REFERENCE TO A "MICROFICHE APPENDIX"
[0003] Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] 1. Field of the Invention
[0005] The present invention relates to bottled water (preferably
refrigerated) dispensers, and more particularly to an improved
bottled water dispenser for dispensing water that has been
sanitized using ozone and more particularly to an improved method
and apparatus for sanitizing water that is to be dispensed from a
water cooler of the type having a cabinet with one or more spigots
that are manually operable to dispense water from a reservoir water
supply that is hidden inside the cabinet.
[0006] 2. General Background of the Invention
[0007] There are several types of cabinet type water dispensers in
use today. One of the most common types of such water dispensers is
a floor standing cabinet having an open top that receives a large
inverted bottle. The bottle is typically of a plastic or glass
material having a constricted neck. The bottle is turned upside
down and placed on the top of the cabinet with the neck of the
bottle extending into a water filled reservoir so that the water
seeks its own level in the reservoir during use. As a user draws
water from a spigot dispenser, the liquid level in the reservoir
drops until it falls below the neck of the bottle at which time
water flows from the bottle and bubbles enter the bottle until
pressure has equalized. Inverted bottle type water dispensers are
sold by a number of companies in the United States and elsewhere.
Many are refrigerated.
[0008] Other types of water dispensers have an outer cabinet that
contains a reservoir or water supply. These other types of water
dispensers having a cabinet include one type that stores a large
bottle (such as three or five gallon) at the bottom of the cabinet.
A pump transfers water from the large bottle to the reservoir. At
the reservoir, the water is typically refrigerated.
[0009] Another type of water dispenser simply connects a water
supply directly to a reservoir that is hidden inside the cabinet. A
float valve or other water level controller can be provided to
insure that the reservoir is always filled with water but does not
overflow. Water that is transferred from city water, well water or
another source can be filtered or otherwise treated before being
transmitted to the reservoir.
[0010] All of these types of water dispensers that employ cabinets
typically have one or more water dispensing spigots on the outside
of the cabinet. These spigots are typically manually operated.
[0011] One of the problems with cabinet style water dispensers is
that of cleansing the reservoir from time to time. Because the
reservoir is not air tight, it breathes so that bacteria can easily
enter the reservoir over a period of time. The reservoirs are
typically contained within the confines of the cabinet and are not
easily accessed and cleaned by consumers or end users.
[0012] For inverted bottle type dispensers, in addition to the
problem of an open top, the five gallon bottles are themselves a
source of bacteria and germs. Most of these bottles are transported
on trucks where the bottles are exposed to outside air. They are
handled by operators that typically grab the bottle at the neck,
the very part of the bottle that communicates with the open
reservoir during use. Unfortunately, it is difficult to convince
every person that handles these bottles to wash their hands
frequently enough.
[0013] In order to properly sanitize such a water dispenser or
cooler, the user must carefully clean the neck of the bottle prior
to combining the bottle with the cabinet. Further, the user should
drain and sanitize the reservoir from time to time. The cleansing
of the reservoir in such a water dispenser is a time consuming
project that is typically not performed at regular intervals.
[0014] The dispensing spigots that are provided on common cabinet
type water dispensers can also be a source of contamination. These
spigots are typically manually operated and are therefore a source
of contamination from the user's that operate them. Very small
children have also been known to drink directly from the spigot,
probably because the spigot is located at a distance above the
ground that closely matches the elevation of a child's mouth at an
early age. Therefore, sanitation of the spigots as well as the
reservoir should be a part of routine maintenance.
[0015] The present invention provides an improved self sanitizing
water dispenser apparatus as well as a method for generating ozone
for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention provides a self sanitizing cabinet
type water dispenser that includes a cabinet having upper and lower
end portions, the upper end portion of the cabinet having a cover.
The upper end portion can house a reservoir that receives water
(eg. filtered) from a municipal water system, well, or from a
contained bottle. An upper opening can be provided in some models
for receiving and holding an inverted a bottle of water (eg. 3-5
gallon) to be dispensed. The bottle contains water to be dispensed,
and provides a neck portion and a dispensing outlet portion.
[0017] A reservoir contained within the cabinet holds water to be
cooled and dispensed. A refrigeration system cools the water within
the reservoir. The reservoir can optionally be heated. A diffuser
(eg. ring) emits bubbles into the reservoir, the diffuser being
disposed within the reservoir at the lower end portion thereof and
preferably next to the reservoir wall so that bubbles emitted by
the diffuser help scrub the reservoir wall.
[0018] An ozone generator is supported within the housing. Flow
lines communicate with an air pump to carry ozone from the ozone
generator housing to the diffuser. A blower generates flow and a
flow line connects the blower to the ozone generator housing. In
the preferred embodiment, ozone can be transmitted to the reservoir
or to a flow channel that is upstream of the water dispensing
spigot(s).
[0019] The spigot is provided with a switch for activating the
ozone generator for a selected time interval. The ozone generator
is activated for a selected time interval (e.g. a few minutes).
After the selected time interval, the ozone generator is shut off.
The air pump continues air flow for a time period (eg. a few
minutes) in order to help disperse any odor of ozone. The air pump
is then shut off and the refrigeration system compressor starts
operation again to cool the water.
[0020] The diffuser can be a ring shape, positioned around the side
of the reservoir at the bottom of the reservoir. Such a ring
diffuser can be positioned close to the intersection of the
reservoir bottom wall and reservoir side wall.
[0021] The diffuser can be of a composite construction that
includes a porous core that is partially covered with a non-porous
coating.
[0022] The reservoir preferably has a center portion and the
diffuser ring preferably has openings positioned to direct air away
from the center portion of the reservoir.
[0023] The reservoir can include a generally vertical side wall.
The diffuser can be positioned to discharge bubbles against the
side wall so that the side wall is scrubbed with ozone bubbles
during sanitizing of the reservoir.
[0024] The ozone generator housing can be comprised of an upper
housing section, a lower housing section and a gasket positioned in
between the upper and lower sections. An ozone generator is
contained within the interior of the housing. Fittings on the
housing enable air to flow into and out of the housing. A blower
generates air flow to carry air into the ozone housing and from the
ozone generator housing to the air diffuser. Optionally, a HEPA
filter can be provided at the air intake removes airborne
microorganisms.
[0025] The present invention provides a compact, brief, high
intensity, automated ozonation cycle and water cooler sanitization
system and an improved ozone generating "tube" (see FIGS. 30-35).
The engineering function dictating compactness is the space
constraint of the insulated upper reservoir chilling compartment of
a typical cooler reservoir. The present invention provides a
self-contained ozonator module for achieving the shortest possible
delivery path of process ozone to an in-reservoir diffusion system
for minimizing chemically unstable ozone degradation losses and for
taking advantage of immediate proximity to the reservoir cooling
coil's lower air temperature as opposed to that of the compressor
compartment.
[0026] A final need for systems integration and compactness is unit
component cost, simplicity and reliability. The present invention
provides an apparatus that is simple, reliable, rugged, and cost
effective, and displays the ability to deliver a low cost,
concentrated stream of ozone to a diffusion system needed to
repeatedly "spike ozonate" small, changing static volumes of water
or to an on demand faucet dispensed water flow stream. With the
present invention, contact-diffusion brevity is imperative in
achieving levels of sanitization not previously possible by
micro-ozonation systems and small UV sanitization systems alike.
This level of ozone concentration from air fed mini-ozonators has
not been available for water cooler sanitization in the past being
available only in bulky form requiring either chilled feed gas,
bottled oxygen or LOX as feed gas.
[0027] The present invention provides high output mini- and
micro-ozonators suitable for intermittent short cycle ozonation. In
this manner, in addition to cooler sanitation, the dispensed water
quality is assured of being sanitary for consumption at all times.
The present invention provides a spigot/faucet configured with a
microswitch connected to an ozonator power circuit causing circuit
activation during the time interval that the microswitch remains
depressed. Alternatively, a faucet can be configured so that if
depressed several times repeatedly, it signals a tuner/controller
to activate an air pump and ozonator until released.
[0028] In another embodiment, a reservoir volume-pressure change
float sensor or air or water borne differential pressure transducer
can be mounted in the cooler reservoir can be used to cause the
ozonator to remain in operation until pressure restabilizes after
dispensing is terminated.
[0029] Ozone is supplied by an ozonator/pump to a faucet water
channel by an ozone supply line to an additional diffuser located
in the spigot water channel for injecting small quantities of
diffused ozone into the flow stream for making and dispensing
freshly ozonated water without fear of an ozone in air safety
hazard. The safe and effective antiseptic properties of freshly
ozonated water are known and offer a safe and effective means for
sanitizing cooler exterior, drinking utensils or for neutralizing
potential biohazards and hazardous organic chemical spills.
[0030] The present invention provides an energy efficient, low
cost, intermittent repetitive reservoir and reservoir water spike
treatment with a concentrated ozone cycle activated either by
cooler compressor cycle or through timer/controller circuit with
cooler compressor remaining in operation, brief ozonation time to
bacteria-static levels followed by passive dissipation time
interval, cycling continuously over a 24 hour daily period, and/or
manual ozonator activation for dispensing freshly ozonated water,
ozonated to non-taste, non-harmful, bacteria-static levels. In this
fashion, no harmful bacteria is contained in the remaining bottled
water or cooler reservoir or water dispensed from a municipal
source fed point of use.
[0031] The present invention's higher outputs and alternative
cycling has been demonstrated effective in mixing transfer of
diffused ozone and resultant secondary peroxyl group residuals from
cooler reservoir water to water contained in water bottle over time
by standard indigo dye test where indigo dye is introduced into a
cooler reservoir, a water bottle containing water is added, dye
dissolves and transfers to a bottled water coloring the water blue.
After an ozonation cycle is run, the diffused ozone mixing transfer
to water bottle is observed when the oxidant sensitive dye degrades
and water color returns to transparent.
[0032] These new features extend the water service industry's
onsite automatic sanitization options to include not only cooler
reservoir and bottled water sanitization, but to faucet
watercourses and dispensed water as well. The same timer/controller
circuit found on auto-cycling cooler sanitizers with sufficient
micro-chip memory can be programmed to include both long cycle
compressor disconnect, ice ring melting, ozonation to antiseptic
conditions, subsequent dissipation, compressor reconnect and
intermittent repetitive bacteria-static cycle cooler sanitization
cycles as well as the manual override activated freshly ozonated,
dispensed water function.
[0033] Where only an intermittent spike ozonation cycle is
required, the timer circuit in some cases may be eliminated and a
more simple, cost effective ozonator-pump-diffuser set-up can be
installed on a cooler by power circuit attachment to the cooler
compressor so that pump and ozonator cycle with the cooling
cycle.
[0034] In the event a compressor cycle is longer than needed for
achieving antiseptic conditions, the above set-up may require a
simplified programmable timer/controller circuit that allows for
start-up with the compressor, but shuts off after a bacteria-static
diffused ozone level cycle width has occurred. The cycles that are
available with the present invention were not formerly possible or
provided for by prior art examples of retro-fitted or integral
auto-cycling water cooler air-fed micro-ozonator due to their
inability to achieve ozone concentrations and diffusion transfer
needed to "spike ozonate" a standard cooler's static two (2) liter
volume maximum of water much less that of larger volume coolers
exceeding 1 gallon reservoir volumes or small dispensing flow
stream's flow rate maximum of 21/min to at least bacteria-static
levels under the imposed time constraints.
[0035] The ozone concentration required to spike ozonate water with
the proper diffusion technology operating at low pressure is 3-4
times the output of the highest output prior art micro-ozonators
known to applicant, meaning a micro-ozonator capable of
continuously delivering 600-800 mg/hr ozone concentration in air
coupled to a state of the art low bubble pressure, micro-porous,
hydrophobic ceramic material diffuser (preferably of a ring shape)
mounted on the cooler reservoir bottom like that disclosed in prior
U.S. Pat. No. 6,289,690. The desired ozone output has been
accomplished by simple substitution of this discharge tube
embodiment for prior art in said prior art's power circuit
contained within its existing case.
[0036] The intermittent repetitive cycle widths for a cooler
micro-ozonator system activated by timer/controller circuit can be
based effectively on how different water species respond to ozone.
Acidic water species are easy to ozonate, but require more time for
diffused ozone to dissipate from the water to below taste levels,
whereas basic or alkaline water species resist ozonation and will
not hold diffused ozone for any length of time at any given water
temperature.
[0037] Ideally, for a given cooler reservoir water temperature
average of 40 F, the intermittent, repetitive cycle ozonation cycle
should be based on the length of time it takes to spike ozonate a
pH9 water volume to bacteria-static levels with a dissipation time
equal to that requiring pH 5.2 distilled water to be free of
dissolved ozone content in order to accommodate all water species
using a single pre-programmed timer cycle.
[0038] An additional factor of concern related to spike ozonation
cycles is the presence of bromine in source waters. Ozonation above
certain levels of diffused ozone in water converts bromine and
certain bromine compounds to bromate, a suspected carcinogen. FDA
Safe Drinking Water Act regulations have recently been amended to
include a maximum contaminant level for bromate in drinking water
of 10 mg/l, possible decreasing to 5 mg/l within a year. Ozone
oxidation of bromine to bromates is a function of ozone
concentration, exposure time, temperature and water pH.
[0039] The various solute bearing water species at risk for
oxidative conversion of bromine to bromate range in pH from 1-7,
more specifically fresh and processed water supplies of pH 5-7, the
range from distilled water through pH neutral mineral bearing water
sources commonly used in bottled product. Thus spike ozonation may
be the only safe, effective and cost effective means for
controlling bromate production in water undergoing ozonation while
achieving adequate levels of disinfection and/or sanitization.
Luckily, cooler water temperatures are low enough to alleviate some
of the potential difficulty. Water briefly spiked with ozone, held
at levels below the diffused ozone concentration threshold for
bromate production over brief intervals will result in minimal
production of bromates in waters containing elevated levels of
bromine and its compounds.
[0040] Spike ozonation can also be accomplished without a
timer/controller by altering a cooler's compressor cycles to
correspond to these timed cycles provided the alteration does not
adversely effect a cooler's ability to operate within its chill
water volume design parameters. If water remains in a cooler
reservoir unused over repeated cycles, the bacteria-static
oxidation level will move to a bactericidal oxidation state, as
more of the static biophage is rendered non-living and inert.
[0041] The present invention provides an improved coronal discharge
tube arrangement. Whereas a prior art 200 mg/hr ozonator is capable
of achieving bacteria-static diffused ozone levels in 1-2 liters of
water in 20 minutes with proper diffusion technology that may
better approximate a cooler chill cycle and offer better ozone
dissipation time through reduced diffused ozone quantity present in
water, said ozonator is incapable of spike ozonating a flow stream
of water dispensing from a cooler to any degree at all to form a
multi-function water cooler ozonation system or a system capable of
spike ozonating cooler reservoir water volumes to like
bacteria-static levels in under 5 minutes operating time and
allowing the remaining 15 minutes to be spent dissipating the ozone
to below taste levels.
[0042] The shorter the cycle widths, the greater the surety of
sanitized cooler and water. Additionally, said smaller output
miniozonators cannot effectively sanitize larger reservoir volume
coolers of the type whose water volumes exceeds one or more gallons
in a timely fashion. Poorly thought out and engineered past
attempts at ozone sanitizing water coolers include methods such as
continuous ozonation of water using low output small ozonators.
This effort has a threefold disadvantage. First the continuous
introduction of ozonated ambient air causes an added energy debt to
a compressor having to run all the time to cool the water, thus
effectively shortening compressor, ozonator and pump life.
Secondly, the continuous introduction of dust, organics and
micro-organisms found in air shortens discharge tube life and
unnecessarily introduces pollutants into the reservoir and
contained water, thus increasing oxidation load and rendering the
water potentially non-potable. If the discharge tube fails by
overheating caused by dust and/or moisture build-up on an electrode
or the dielectric, the system continuously introduces an
unoxidized, unsanitary load into the cooler reservoir or builds up
in the discharge tube to the point that the resulting blockage
causes pump failure. This is one reason why this embodiment offers
an inexpensive, quick-change throwaway, sanitary discharge tube
option that is far below the cost of the lest expensive UV
sanitization system replacement tube requiring more frequent
replacement. Thirdly, ozonators specified for this purpose
frequently have too small an output to oxidize the load found in
water where the small quantity of diffused ozone either dissipates
or does not have time to build to adequate levels to perform its
function when coolers are subject to heavy use.
[0043] In addition to air dielectric breakdown leading to
ionization, ozone generation by the coronal discharge method
generates light and heat. A portion of said light lies in the far
ultra-violet ionizing radiation spectrum and is responsible for
cleaving the diatomic oxygen molecular bond. This preparatory bond
cleaving is necessary for ozone formation. Such far UV ionizing
radiation light fraction can be conserved and recycled by
reflection. When a cylindrical mirrored reflecting surface is
employed, a dramatic increase in oxygen to ozone conversion
efficiency is noted over prior art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0044] For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and
advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to
the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the
following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like
elements and wherein:
[0045] FIG. 1 is a sectional elevational view of the preferred
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 2 is a partial perspective exploded view of the
preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
illustrating the ozone generator portion thereof;
[0047] FIG. 3 is a partial sectional elevational view of the
preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
illustrating the reservoir, bottle, and ozone diffuser portions
thereof;
[0048] FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention illustrating the open
reservoir and ozone diffuser;
[0049] FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along lines 5-5 of FIG.
4;
[0050] FIG. 6 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating the
ozone diffuser and its position in relation to the reservoir;
[0051] FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view of the preferred embodiment of
the apparatus of the present invention illustrating an alternate
construction for the diffuser;
[0052] FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the diffuser of
FIG. 7 showing the porous body portion thereof;
[0053] FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, sectional view of the diffuser of
FIG. 7 prior to a grinding of part of the non-porous surface
therefrom;
[0054] FIG. 10 is a schematic, fragmentary view illustrating the
diffuser of FIG. 7 during construction;
[0055] FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG.
7;
[0056] FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along lines 12-12 of FIG.
7;
[0057] FIG. 13 is a fragmentary, perspective view illustrating the
diffuser of FIG. 7;
[0058] FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along lines 14-14 of FIG.
7;
[0059] FIG. 15 is a partial perspective view of a second embodiment
of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0060] FIG. 16 is a partial sectional elevation view of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0061] FIG. 17 is a partial sectional elevation view of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
showing the spigot and valve in a closed position;
[0062] FIG. 18 is a partial sectional elevation view of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
showing the spigot and valve in an opened position;
[0063] FIG. 19 is a partial, cut away, elevation view of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
illustrating the spigot with a flow meter switch;
[0064] FIG. 20 is a partial perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention illustrating
the spigot of FIG. 19;
[0065] FIG. 21 is a partially cut away elevation view showing an
alternate construction for the spigot that is a part of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0066] FIG. 22 is a partially cut away elevation view showing
alternate construction for the spigot that is a part of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0067] FIG. 23 is a partial perspective view showing the spigot of
FIG. 22;
[0068] FIG. 24 is a partial sectional, elevation view of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
showing an alternate spigot construction;
[0069] FIG. 25 is a partial sectional, alternate spigot
construction elevation view of the alternate embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate spigot
construction;
[0070] FIG. 26 is a partial sectional, elevation view of the
alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention
showing an alternate spigot construction;
[0071] FIG. 27 is a partial perspective view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention;
[0072] FIG. 28 is a sectional elevation view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and
[0073] FIG. 29 is another sectional elevation view of the alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention used in
combination with an air pressure switch;
[0074] FIG. 30 is a perspective use of an alternate ozone generator
instruction that can be used with any of the embodiments of FIGS.
1-29;
[0075] FIG. 31 is a partial perspective view of the ozone generator
of FIG. 30;
[0076] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of the ozone generator of
FIGS. 30-35;
[0077] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the ozone generator of
FIGS. 30-32;
[0078] FIG. 34 is a sectional view taken along lines 34-34 of FIG.
32;
[0079] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the improved ozone
generator of FIGS. 30-34.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0080] FIGS. 1-3 show generally the preferred embodiment of the
apparatus of the present invention designated by the numeral 10 in
FIG. 1. Water dispenser 10 provides an improved apparatus that
sanitizes the open reservoir from time to time with ozone. The
apparatus 10 includes a cabinet 11 having a lower end portion 12
and an upper end portion 13. The upper end portion 13 carries a
cover 14 having an opening 17.
[0081] The opening 17 provides an annular flange 15 and a gasket 16
that defines an interface with bottle 18. The bottle 18 is a
commercially available bottle that is typically of a several gallon
volume (e.g. five gallons) in the United States. The bottle 18
provides a constricted bottled neck 19 that is placed inside an
open reservoir 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 during use. The bottle
neck 19 has an opening for communicating with a reservoir 20 at the
interior of the cabinet 11 that holds the water product to be
dispensed and consumed. When the reservoir 21 is lowered during
use, air bubbles enter the bottle and water replenishes the
reservoir 20 until pressure equalizes.
[0082] The reservoir 20 has an interior 21 surrounded by reservoir
sidewall 22 and reservoir bottom wall 23. The reservoir can be, for
example, generally cylindrically shaped and of a stainless steel or
plastic material. The reservoir 20 provides an open top for
communicating with the neck 19 of bottle 18.
[0083] During use, reservoir 20 has a water surface 25 that
fluctuates slightly as water is dispensed and then replenished by
bottle 18. One or more spigots 26, 27 can be provided for
withdrawing water contained in reservoir 20. In the embodiment
shown in FIG. 3, for example, a left hand spigot 26 has a flow line
35 that extends up to and near the surface 25 of water contained in
reservoir 20. The spigot 26 thus removes ambient temperature water
from reservoir 20 that is not in close proximity to the cooling
coils 28. The spigot 27 provides a port 36 for communicating with
water contained in reservoir 20. Because the refrigeration coils 28
are positioned at the lower end of reservoir 20, the spigot 26
withdraws cool water. As a practical matter, a water dispenser
apparatus 10 could provide either ambient temperature water, cold
water or heated water if for example, a flow line 35 were to be
provided with a heating element.
[0084] For cooling the water at the lower end portion of the
reservoir 20, a cooling system that includes a compressor 29 can be
provided. The refrigeration system includes flow lines 30, 31 in
combination with compressor 29 to transmit cooling fluid to coils
28 and then to heat exchanger 32 as part of a system for cooling
water in reservoir 20. Power to the apparatus 10 is provided by
electrical lines, including an electrical line 33 provided with
plug 34. The plug 34 can be fitted to controller 42 having
receptacle 44 and plug 43 as shown in FIG. 2. In this fashion,
electricity can be selectively routed to the compressor 29 via
electrical line 33 or to the housing 40 containing ozone generator
50 using electrical line 41. This feature enables the compressor to
be deactivated when the ozone generator 50 is to be used to
transmit ozone to reservoir 20 for cleaning water contained in it
and for scrubbing the inside walls of reservoir 20.
[0085] In FIGS. 1 and 2, the housing 40 includes an ozone generator
50 that generates ozone for cleaning water contained in reservoir
20. Additionally, the housing 40 contains a motor drive 53 and
blower 54 that move air through an ozone generator housing 57 to
diffuser 37. Air line 38 communicates between ozone generator
housing 57 and ozone diffuser 37. Fitting 39 provides a connection
for attaching the exit air flow line 38 to ozone generator 57 as
shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
[0086] Housing 40 can be provided with flanges 45 and openings 46
for enabling the housing 40 to be retrofitted to an existing
cabinet 11 by bolting the housing 40 to the cabinet 11 as shown in
FIG. 1.
[0087] In FIG. 2, housing 40 includes a lower end portion 47 and an
upper end portion 48. The upper end portion 48 provides an opening
49 to which ozone generator housing 57 can be affixed. An ozone
generator 50 is contained within the housing 57 as shown in FIG. 2.
Housing 57 includes a lower housing section 58 and an upper housing
section 59. Flange 60 of lower housing section 58 and flange 61 of
upper housing section 59 each engage gasket 62 upon assembly.
[0088] Bolted connections 63 can be used for attaching the housing
57 to housing 40 at internally threaded openings 64 on housing 40
as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. During use, the controller 42 normally
deactivates the ozone generator 50 during normal hours when the
users are dispensing water from the apparatus 10. Because the ozone
used to disinfect reservoir 20 has a distinctive smell, it is
preferable to clean the water contained in reservoir 20, to clean
the inside walls of reservoir 20 and the bottle neck 19, at a
selected time. The controller 42 could be activated for example
during early morning hours (e.g. 3:00 a.m.-4:00 a.m.) and can be a
commercially available controller that activates transformer 51 and
motor drive 53 only after compressor 29 and the refrigeration
system have been deactivated by the controller 42. This
accomplished by shutting off the flow of electricity to plug 34 and
electric line 33 that supply electricity to compressor 29.
[0089] After electricity is disconnected from compressor 29,
transformer 51 and motor drive 53 are activated. The transformer 51
produces electricity with a very high voltage at ozone generator 50
for generating ozone within the confines of ozone generator housing
57. As this ozone is generated within housing 57, air is pumped
with air pump 54 into inlet flow line 55 and via opening 56 into
the interior of housing 57. HEPA filter 71 removes airborne
microorganism before they can enter air pump 54 and flow line 55.
This positive flow of air pressure into housing 57 causes a
simultaneous discharge of air through fitting 39 into air flow line
38. The air flow line 38 then carries air to diffuser 37 or 37A
(FIGS. 7-14) that is contained at the bottom at the side wall of
reservoir 20. The specific placement of diffuser 37 or 37A and the
flow of air therefrom containing ozone is shown more particularly
in FIGS. 4-14. In FIG. 4, a top view of the reservoir shows that
the diffuser 37 or 37A preferably extends 360 degrees about the
periphery of reservoir 20 and at the sidewall 22 thereof. This is
preferable because ozone bubbles 67 are used to scrub the side wall
22 at the inside surface as shown in FIG. 3.
[0090] The diffuser 37 or 37A can be is supported by a plurality of
feet 68 that extend between the diffuser 37 or 37A and a bottom
wall 23 of reservoir 20. Openings 69 in diffuser 37 are directed at
an angle with respect to the bottom wall 23 and side wall 22 of
reservoir 20 as shown in FIG. 6. An angle 70 of preferably about 45
degrees defines the orientation of openings 69 with respect to the
walls 22, 23. This configuration of the openings 69 relative to the
walls 22, 23 ensures that bubbles 67 will be discharged outwardly
toward side wall 22, to maximize the scrubbing effect at the
interior wall 22 of reservoir 20. This scrubbing action using ozone
bubbles 67 cleans the sidewall 22 and produces a rolling flow of
water within reservoir 20. The bubbles 67 will strike the surface
25 of the reservoir 20 and flow inwardly. Such a circulation
ensures that all of the water within the reservoir 20 is cleaned.
Further, directing the bubbles from diffuser 37 outwardly toward
wall 22 ensures that none of the bubbles 67 will enter bottle 18
via neck 19 which would cause the device to overflow.
[0091] FIGS. 7-14 show an alternate construction of the diffuser,
wherein the diffuser is designated generally by the numeral 37A.
Diffuser 37A has a porous body 72 as shown in FIG. 8 that begins
with a cylindrically shaped hollow cross section. Porous body 72
can be a food grade porous ceramic material. The porous body 72 is
generally C shaped as shown in FIG. 7, but provides the cross
section shown in FIG. 11. FIGS. 8, 9 and 10 show the method of
construction of the diffuser 37A which begins with porous body 72.
In FIG. 8, porous body 72 has an inner surface 73 that surrounds
hollow bore 75 and an outer surface 74. In FIG. 9, a non-porous
coating (e.g. food grade non-porous epoxy that can be fired) is
provided on porous body 72 to provide an outer coating 76 that is
substantially impervious to the escape of air. In FIG. 10, rotary
grinding tool 88 having rotary shaft 89 is used to grind away part
of the non-porous coating 76 to provide an exposed face 90 (see
FIGS. 10 and 11).
[0092] When air is injected through inlet elbow fitting 79, the air
enters hollow bore 75 and then diffuses through porous body 72.
Coating 76 prevents the escape of air so that air can only escape
through exposed face 90. Exposed face 90 is positioned on the outer
portion of C shaped diffuser 37A as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11. An
enlarged view of this exposed face 90 is shown in FIG. 13 with
arrows 91 indicating the escape of bubbles 92.
[0093] The inlet elbow fitting 79 has a body 80 with two legs 81,
82 extending therefrom. Coupling material 83 such as food grade
epoxy can be used to join the combination of porous body 72 and its
coating 76 to inlet elbow fitting 79. Each of the legs 81, 82
provides an internal hollow flow bore, said bores 84 and 85
intersecting at body 80 so that air flow can proceed from bore 84
of leg 81 to bore 85 of leg 82. The leg 81 can provide external
threads 86 so that it can be connected to an influent air flow line
38. Other connectors could be used on leg 81 such as a stab fitting
type connection, clamp connection or the like. Elbow fitting 79 at
leg 82 can provide similar connective material for forming a
connection with porous body 72 at its inner surface 73. This
connective structure on leg 82 can be a stab fitting type
connection as shown in FIG. 12, external threads, or like
connective structure.
[0094] In FIG. 7, the diffuser 37A has closed end portion 78 and
end portion 79 that receives elbow fitting 79. Closed end 78 can be
closed by using the same material that constitutes coating 76 as
shown in FIG. 14.
[0095] FIGS. 15-27 show an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention. The alternate embodiment provides a manually
operable dispensing spigot 100 with a special switch arrangement
that automatically activates an ozone generator such as the
generator shown and described with respect to the preferred
embodiment of FIGS. 1-14. It should be understood that the
alternate embodiment of FIGS. 15-18 includes the spigot 100 as well
as a cabinet 11, reservoir 20, and the various flow lines of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1-14. In other words, in the alternate
embodiment, spigot 100 replaces spigots 26, 27 of FIGS. 1-14. The
spigot 100 triggers ozone generation and the transmission of ozone
to the water contained within the reservoir. Ozone is also
transmitted to a channel that connects the reservoir to the spigot,
disinfecting water to be consumed.
[0096] In FIGS. 15-18, spigot 100 includes a spigot housing 101 to
which is attached a handle 102 that enables a user to activate the
handle 102 during the dispensing of water from the spigot 100.
[0097] When the user 141 depresses the handle 102 to a dispensing,
open valve position as shown in FIG. 18, not only is water
dispensed into a container that the user is holding, but ozone is
generated to sanitize an influent channel or horizontal bore 105
that communicates with flow outlet 107. The dispensing of ozone to
horizontal bore 105 is in a very small concentration that is
sufficient to disinfect water being dispensed, but not to generate
an undesirable smell or taste.
[0098] Spigot 100 provides housing 101 that has an annular flange
103 that can engage the front surface of a cabinet such as the
cabinet 11 that is shown and described with respect to the
preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-14. Flange 103 acts as a stop for
the housing 101 after it is inserted at threaded portion 104
through an opening formed in the front surface of the cabinet 11.
Threaded portion 104 enables a nut or other fastener to be
threadably attached to the externally threaded section 104 for
holding the spigot housing 101 to an opening in the front of the
cabinet 11.
[0099] Water that is being dispensed from a reservoir of the
cabinet 11 flows through a reservoir or flow channel that connects
with horizontal bore 105. Vertical bore 106 extends from horizontal
bore 105 to flow outlet 107.
[0100] A valve body 108 is provided for opening and closing the
flow outlet 107 as shown by the drawings in FIGS. 17 and 18. In
FIG. 17, the flow outlet is closed. In FIG. 18, the flow outlet 107
is opened so that water can be dispensed. Valve body 108 (see FIG.
16) has an annular shoulder 109 and an operating rod socket 110.
Operating rod 111 has an annular flange 119 that occupies socket
110 during use as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. The operating rod 111
has an annular grove 120 that is provided in between a lower
annular flange 119 and an upper annular flange 118. Basically, the
annular shoulder 109 occupies annular groove 120 upon assembly.
[0101] Return spring 112 insures that the valve 108 will always
return to a closed position when a user 141 is not depressing the
handle 102. Rod 111 occupies socket 113 of valve body 108. A
waterproof seal 132 is provided at the upper end portion of valve
body 108. waterproof seal 132 engages cap 114 forming a water tight
seal therewith.
[0102] Internal threads 115 of cap 114 engage external threads 116
on valve housing 101. Retainer 117 is provided for forming an
attachment between cap 114 and dual contact barrel 127. A central
opening 126 in cap 114 allows operating rod 111 to pass through cap
114. Similarly, a vertical, generally cylindrically shaped
passageway 140 is provided on dual contact barrel 127 enabling
operating rod 111 to pass through it. The upper end portion of
operating rod 111 provides a transverse opening 122 that can align
with the transverse opening 121 on handle 102. A pin 123 forms a
connection between handle 102 at opening 121 and operating rod 111
at opening 122 as shown in FIGS. 16-18.
[0103] Handle 102 provides a cam surface 124 that lifts operating
rod 111 when the handle 102 is pushed downwardly by a user 141 as
illustrated in FIG. 107 by arrow 142. A metallic collar 125 is
provided at the upper end portion of operating rod 111 as shown in
FIG. 16. The collar 125 is part of a switch arrangement for
activating the ozone generator when the handle 102 is depressed to
the position shown in FIG. 18. The collar 125 contacts electrical
lines 130, 131 of dual contact barrel 127. The metallic collar 125
closes a circuit to activate an ozone generator and blower when it
contacts both of the electrical lines 130, 131 as seen in FIG.
18.
[0104] A receptacle 128 on valve housing 101 receives plug 129 of
dual contact barrel 127. Electrical lines 138, 139 on valve body
101 communicate with socket 128 and thus plug 129 as shown in FIG.
18. Electrical lines 138, 139 are connected to the ozone generator
and blower that are shown and described with respect to the
preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-14. When the handle 102 is
depressed to the position shown in FIG. 18, the ozone generator and
air pump are simultaneously activated so that ozone flows in flow
tube 136 to ozone supply fitting 133 that is positioned in
horizontal bore 105 of housing 101. Alternatively, the ozone
generator and air pump can be activated by a timer that is
activated when handle 102 is depressed. The ozone supply fitting
133 has a bore 137 and diffuser 134 that dispensing ozone to water
that is contained in the bore 105. A barbed connector 135 can be
provided for enabling a connection to be made between tubing 136
that supplies ozone and fitting 133.
[0105] In FIGS. 19-27, alternate constructions for the spigot are
disclosed, designated by the numeral 100A in FIGS. 19-20; 100B in
FIG. 21; 100C in FIGS. 22-23; 100D in FIG. 24; 100E in FIG. 25; and
100F in FIGS. 26-27. Spigot 100A in FIGS. 19-20 is similar to a
commercially available spigot such as spigot 26 or 27. In FIG. 19,
spigot 100A has a body 143, handle 144 and a flow sensor 145 that
activates the ozone generator and air pump responsive to water flow
that is sensed by flow sensor 145. Water flow is sensed by flow
sensor 145 when spigot 100A is opened by depression of valve handle
144 and water flows in channel 105. Instrumentation line 146
activates the ozone generator and blower when valve handle 144 is
depressed and flow is sensed. A flow sensor 145 and its
instrumentation line 146 are commercially available. Such a sensor
145 and instrumentation 146 can be used to activate the blower and
ozone generator of FIGS. 1-14.
[0106] In FIG. 21, spigot 100B has magnetic flow sensor with magnet
147 and sensors 170. In FIGS. 22, 23 spigot 100C provides a flow
meter that can be an electromagnet type flow sensor with
instrumentation lines 148, 149. In FIG. 22, an electrical supply
173 powers electromagnet 171 with flow sensors 172. Such an
electromagnet flow sensor 171, 172 is available commercially.
Instrumentation lines 174, 175 enable the flow sensor 171, 172 to
operate the ozone generator and blower of FIGS. 1-14.
[0107] In FIGS. 24-27 a spigot 100D can include a conventional
spigot body 26 provided with an extension tube. In FIG. 24, flow
sensor 145 is mounted to extension tube 176 having flow bore 177.
The extension tube 177 can be glued or threadably connected to a
standard, commercially available spigot 26 or 27. Flow line 136
carrying ozone from the ozone generator of FIGS. 1-14 communicates
with fitting 133 mounted directly to the conventional spigot 26.
Diffuser 134 dispenses ozone to bore 177 upstream of spigot 26. The
spigot apparatus 100D of FIG. 24 is use to activate the ozone
generator and blower of FIGS. 1-14 when flow is sensed by flow
sensor 145 and instrumentation line 146.
[0108] The spigot 100E of FIG. 25 includes extension tube 178 with
bore 179. Electromagnet flow sensor 172 having electromagnet 171
powered by electricity via line 173 is mounted to tube 179. Sensor
172 communicates with and activates the ozone generator and blower
of FIGS. 1-14 via instrumentation lines 174, 175. The tube 178
having bore 179 can be glued or threadably attached to a standard
spigot 26 (see FIG. 25).
[0109] In FIGS. 26, 27 Spigot 100F has tube 180 with bore 181. Both
flow sensor 145 and diffuser 134 with fitting 133 are mounted to
tube 180. Tube 180 can be glued, threadably attached or otherwise
connected to spigot 26. Nut 182 can secure spigot 100F to cabinet
111 and reservoir 20.
[0110] FIG. 28 is a sectional, elevation view of an alternate
embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention, designated
generally by the numeral 10A. In FIG. 10A, ozone is generated for
sanitation of water responsive to operation of the spigot. In FIG.
10A, the ozone generator is not shown but is connected to pump P
186 that is activated using timer 185. The ozone generator of the
preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1-14 could be used in combination
with FIG. 28, generating ozone that is pumped using pump 186 and
transmitting that ozone to diffuser 37 via flow line 136. Flow line
136 can also be transmitted to an extension tube 184 that is
connected to a conventional spigot 26. As shown in FIG. 28, the
extension tube 28 can extend between spigot 26 and reservoir 20. In
FIG. 28, an inverted bottle type water cooler is shown having a
cabinet 11 with an opening at the top as shown and described with
the previous drawings of FIGS. 1-14. An inverted bottle 18 has a
neck 19 that extends into reservoir 20. When the spigot 26 is
activated to dispense water, the water level drops from a first
water level 89 to a lower water level 90. This causes the float 188
to drop and wherein the contact 193 on the float 188 closes a
circuit with the two electrical lines 194, 196. When this occurs,
the timer activates the pump 186 and ozone generator for pumping
ozone to either or both of diffuser 137 and extension 184. Thus,
ozone is generated responsive to inactivation of the spigot 26 by a
user that depresses the handle part of the spigot.
[0111] In FIG. 29, an additional embodiment is designated by the
numeral 10B. In FIG. 29, the upper end 13 of cabinet 11 is provided
with a timer 185 and pump 186. The pump 186 pumps ozone that has
been generated using an ozone generator as shown and described in
FIGS. 1-14 or in FIGS. 30-34, 36. In FIG. 29, pressure controllers
191, 192 are provided. As the water level drops from level 189 to
level 190, either one or both of the sensors 191, 192 can be used
to monitor the change in pressure for activating the timer 185 and
pump 186 via instrumentation lines 197, 198. As with the embodiment
of FIG. 28, the water level drops from level 189 to level 190 when
the spigot 26 is operated by depressing the handle. Thus, ozone is
generated to reservoir 20 using diffuser 37 and/or to extension 184
using flow line 136. In this fashion, ozone is generated responsive
to activation of the spigot 26.
[0112] FIGS. 30-35 show an alternate embodiment of the apparatus of
the present invention, designated generally by the numeral 150 in
FIGS. 30, 31, 32, 33, 35. The ozone generator or ozone discharge
tube 150 of FIGS. 30-35 features a dielectric tubing 151 that can
be, for example, a Corning.RTM. or Pyrex.RTM. cylindrically shaped
glass tube having a central longitudinal bore 152. A pair of foil
adhesive layers are applied to the external surface 166 of the tube
151. These layers include foil adhesive tape layer 153 and foil
adhesive layer 155. Each of these layers can be in the form of
adhesive tape having release liners. In FIG. 30, the foil adhesive
tape section 153 has release liner 154. The smaller foil adhesive
tape section 155 has release liner 156.
[0113] Arrows 157 in FIG. 30 schematically illustrate the
application of each of the foil adhesive tape sections 153, 155 to
the external surface of tubing 151. Electrode 158 is placed inside
of tubing 151, occupying a part of bore 152. One end portion of
electrode 158 provides a clamp 164 that attaches to an end of
tubing 151. An exposed portion 165 of electrode 158 is placed on
the outer surface 156 of tubing 151. The foil adhesive tape section
153 is preferably of a size and shape that enables it to
communicate with and cover the exposed part 165 as shown in FIGS.
30 and 31.
[0114] In FIG. 30, the exposed part 165 and foil adhesive tap
section 155 are each of a width "D1" as shown. The foil adhesive
tape section 153 is spaced from the foil adhesive tape section 155
and is of a size and shape to encircle the tubing 151 and to extend
a length along the tubing 151 as seen in FIG. 1 that is partially
filled with electrode 158. Arrows "D2" in FIGS. 30-31 show the
width of sheet 153 and the part of electrode 158 that aligns with
sheet 153 after placement of electrode 158 in bore 152 of tube 151.
A pair of metallic spring clips 159 communicate with electrical
leads 167, 168 that are mounted upon circuit board 169. In this
fashion, the circuit board can provide a timing circuitry that is
in electrical communication with an ozone power circuit and air
blower (pump) for operating discharge tube 150 via clamps 159 and
leads 168. A simple timing circuit activates the ozone generator
150 pump or air blower for a selected time interval. At about the
same time, the blower 169 can be activated by the timing circuit.
The timing circuit shuts off generator 150 and blower 169 after
they operate for a desired time interval.
[0115] A flow conduit 160 is attached to an end portion of tubing
151 as shown in FIG. 32. Similarly, a discharge conduit 161 is
mounted to an end portion of tubing 151 that is opposite the
conduit 160. Upon assembly, the glass tubing 151 can be covered and
protected by safety cover 162. An air pump 169 can be connected to
the conduit 160 for driving air through the bore 152 of tubing 151.
In FIG. 34, the negatively polarity (-) foil 153 acts as a
reflector tube to concentrate far UV ozone at the central
longitudinal axis of tubing 151 and next to electrode 158, thus
increasing output. This differs from prior art arrangements wherein
far UV is not reflected and concentrated but dissipates. The ozone
generator 150 can be used in place of ozone generator 50 of any
embodiment of FIGS. 1-16 or as the ozone generator for the
embodiments shown in FIGS. 17-29.
[0116] In FIG. 34, the (-) polarity foil electrode reflector tube
acts as a cylindrical mirror for concentrating oxygen cleaving
range far UV at the central longitudinal axis of tubing 151 at the
(+) polarity electrode 158. Far UV, being above the primary heat
producing range does not contribute significantly to process air
heating. The bulk of the dielectric resistance heating is absorbed
by the low mass-high surface area thin radiator material (-)
polarity external foil electrode and radially transferred to
ambient air outside the tube. By this process, the ozone discharge
tube runs cool and does not contribute to ozone degradation. This
differs from some prior art arrangements of wherein far UV ionizing
radiation is not reflected and concentrated by dissipates.
[0117] The following table lists the parts numbers and parts
descriptions as used herein and in the drawings attached
hereto.
TABLE-US-00001 PARTS LIST Part Number Description 10 water
dispenser 10A water dispenser 10B water dispenser 10C water
dispenser 11 cabinet 12 lower end 13 upper end 14 cover 15 annular
flange 16 gasket 17 opening 18 bottle 19 bottle neck 20 reservoir
21 interior 22 reservoir side wall 23 reservoir bottom wall 24 open
top 25 water surface 26 spigot 27 spigot 28 refrigeration coil 29
compressor 30 flow line 31 flow line 32 heat exchanger 33
electrical line 34 plug 35 flow line 36 outlet port 37 diffuser 37A
diffuser 38 air line 39 fitting 40 housing 41 electrical line 42
controller 43 plug 44 receptacle 45 flange 46 opening 47 lower end
48 upper end 49 opening 50 ozone generator 51 transformer 52
electrical line 53 motor 54 blower 55 air line 56 air inlet 57
ozone generator housing 58 lower housing section 59 upper housing
section 60 flange 61 flange 62 gasket 63 bolted connection 64
internally threaded opening 65 arrow 66 arrow 67 bubble 68 foot 69
opening 70 angle 71 filter 72 porous body 73 inner surface 74 outer
surface 75 hollow bore 76 non-porous coating 77 end portion 78 end
portion 79 elbow fitting 80 body 81 leg 82 leg 83 coupling material
84 bore 85 bore 86 external threads 87 stab fitting 88 grinding
tool 89 shaft 90 exposed face 91 arrow 92 bubble 100 spigot 100A
spigot 100B spigot 100C spigot 100D spigot 100E spigot 100F spigot
101 spigot housing 102 handle 103 annular flange 104 threads 105
horizontal bore 106 vertical bore 107 flow outlet 108 valve body
109 annular shoulder 110 operating rod socket 111 operating rod 112
return spring 113 socket 114 cap 115 internal threads 116 external
threads 117 retainer 118 annular flange 119 annular flange 120
annular groove 121 transverse opening 122 transverse opening 123
pin 124 cam surface 125 collar 126 central opening 127 dual contact
barrel 128 receptacle 129 plug 130 electrical line 131 electrical
line 132 waterproof seal 133 ozone supply fitting 134 diffuser 135
barb connector 136 flow tube 137 flow bore 138 electrical lead 139
electrical lead 140 passageway 141 user 142 arrow 143 spigot body
144 valve handle 145 flow sensor 146 instrumentation line 147
magnetic flow sensor 148 electrical line 149 electrical line 150
ozone discharge tube 151 dielectric tubing 152 longitudinal bore
153 foil adhesive tape section 154 release liner 155 foil adhesive
tape section 156 release liner 157 arrow 158 electrode 159 spring
clip 160 conduit 161 conduit 162 safety cover 163 circuit board 164
clamp 165 exposed part 166 outer surface 167 lead 168 lead 169
blower 170 flow sensor 171 electromagnet 172 flow sensor 173
electrical supply line 174 instrumentation line 175 instrumentation
line 176 extension tube 177 flow bore 178 extension tube 179 flow
bore 180 extension tube 181 flow bore 182 nut 183 external threads
184 extension tube 185 timer 186 pump 187 float valve controller
188 float 189 water level 190 water level 191 air pressure
controller 192 fluid pressure controller 193 contact 194 electrical
line 195 arrow 196 electrical line 197 instrumentation line 198
instrumentation line
[0118] All measurements disclosed herein are at standard
temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated
otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human
being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise.
[0119] The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example
only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by
the following claims.
* * * * *