Abstract: Each cap of a pair of end caps mounted on opposed ends of a conventional radial flow cylindrical filter element of a filter cartridge includes a circular sleeve extending axially from the filter element for penetrably receiving a supporting stud and for maintaining an O-ring seal therebetween. The area of one of the end caps radially outwardly of its circular sleeve is greater than the corresponding area of the other end cap to cause fluid to be filtered to pressure bias the filter cartridge toward the other end cap and to positionally retain the filter cartridge within its housing. A positioning member extending into the filter element from one of the end caps receives and stabilizes sleeve for a u/v lamp disposed within the filter element to kill any microorganisms present and to oxidize any organic matter subjected to the emitted ultra-violent radiation.

Abstract: A module containing a pair of generally concentric cylinders with a dielectric cylinder disposed therebetween is connected to a source of air under pressure to provide an air flow intermediate the concentric cylinders and on either side of the encircled dielectric cylinder. Clips, connected to a source of high voltage, detachably engage the outer cylinder and a boss electrically connected to the inner cylinder to provide a voltage potential between the generally concentric cylinders of sufficient magnitude to cause an electrostatic discharge through the space therebetween. The use of an electrically high resistance dielectric cylinder between the generally concentric cylinders will tend to provide a uniform electrostatic discharge along the length of the generally concentric cylinders.

Abstract: A time delay in de-energizing the electronic ballast and its associated UV lamp subsequent to cessation of water discharge from a user-activated water treatment unit ensures irradiation of the water prior to a subsequent user-activated water discharge and reduces the likelihood of any live microorganisms being present in the water subsequently discharged. A soft start of the UV lamp upon actuation of the water treatment unit reduces the mechanical stresses imposed upon the filaments of the UV lamp and the life span of the UV lamp is enhanced.

Abstract: The supply of water used in dental operations and other applications in a dental office, or other medical facility, wherein non-contaminated water is necessary to avoid transmission of microorganisms, is enriched with oxygen, whether from ambient air or a source of oxygen. The oxygenated water is passed through a silver containing catalyst cartridge. The water borne oxygen is attracted to the silver and forms a weak bond sufficient to permit dissociation to oxidize organic matter, including microorganisms. A small amount of silver dissolves in the water and flows downstream through the attendant conduits to and through dental handpieces and dental implements. A portion of the silver will adhere to the walls of the conduits, handpieces and implements where it is free to react with the oxygen dissolved in the water flowing therepast. The resulting oxidizing of the organic matter will destroy any biofilm present and prevent biofilm buildup.

Abstract: An ozone generator injects and entrains ozone enriched air into water to be used by a dentist or technician during a dental procedure. The ozone entrained in the water will eliminate the motility and viability of any microbes and pathogens present in the water or in biofilm present in the water lines or channels conveying water to a patient's oral cavity. The ozone generator may be used in combination with water from a municipal water source or from bottled water. Alternatively, the ozone generator may be incorporated within a bottle supplying distilled or otherwise puritied water.

Abstract: Water to be purified is directed into a first tank and is entrained with ozone. The ozonated water is channeled into a second tank and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation. An ultraviolet radiating lamp produces the ultraviolet radiation and also is exposed to a source of air for generating ozone. The generated ozone is conveyed to and entrained in the water in the first tank. A filter may be used to filter the water flowing into the first tank. A discharge conduit conveys the ozonated, irradiated and purified water to a point of use.

Abstract: Water to be purified swirls about a source of ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms contained therein and flows through a carbon filter cartridge mounted about the ultraviolet source to remove any chlorine and particulate matter. The outflow from the carbon filter is again subjected to ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms entrained in the water emanating from the carbon filter. An ozone generator may be incorporated to entrain ozone with the inflowing water to enhance killing of any microorganisms present and to oxidize any undesirable compounds. The cartridge filter has its annular support member at one end disposed adjacent a first annular ridge to establish an annular seal between the support member and the first annular ridge. An axially moveable disk includes a second annular ridge disposed adjacent the annular support member at the other end of the cartridge filter to establish an annular seal therebetween.

Abstract: Water to be purified swirls about a source of ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms contained therein and flows through a carbon filter cartridge mounted about the ultraviolet source to remove any chlorine and particulate matter. The outflow from the carbon filter is again subjected to ultraviolet radiation to kill any microorganisms entrained in the water emanating from the carbon filter. An ozone generator may be incorporated to entrain ozone with the inflowing water to enhance killing of any microorganisms present and to oxidize any undesirable compounds.