Patents Examined by Charles T. Johnson
  • Patent number: 5705131
    Abstract: An ozone generator is formed by extending an elongate coil spring through an elongate cylindrical tube. Several return bends are formed in the coil spring to provide several continuous straight sections that extend the length of the tube. A conductive foil overlies the tube so that electrical discharges are created between radially outermost parts of the coil spring and an inner surface of the tube when a potential difference is established between the spring and foil. The tube is made of a dielectric material to prevent direct arcing between the spring parts and the foil. The device operates from household current and produces ozonated air when air is blown through the tube. In one application, a closed circuit is established that includes air conditioning ducts in series with the ozone generator and a blower so that dwelling occupants are protected from ozone inhalation as the ozone destroys respiratory problem-causing organisms living in the ducts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 6, 1998
    Inventor: Earl E. Rutland