Abstract: An electrolytic water softener which comprises a container, at least one cathode and at least one anode extending into the container, a power supply operatively connected to the cathode and anode, a vibrating device to vibrate the cathode, and a system for collecting material released from the cathode after operation of the vibration device.

Abstract: The filtration membrane (102) includes an ozone producing circuit (120) having a plurality of electrically conductive lines (122, 124) disposed directly upon an active surface (102a) of the filtration membrane (102). The electrically conductive lines (122, 124) form spaced-apart and interleaved anodes (122) and cathodes (124). Ozone and other mixed oxidants coming from the ozone producing circuit (120) will prevent and/or remove biofilm formations on the active surface (102a) without the need of an outside source of gas. They can also remove at least some undesirable dissolved gases from the liquid being purified.

Abstract: The filtration membrane (102) includes an ozone producing circuit (120) having a plurality of electrically conductive lines (122, 124) disposed directly upon an active surface (102a) of the filtration membrane (102). The electrically conductive lines (122, 124) form spaced-apart and interleaved anodes (122) and cathodes (124). Ozone and other mixed oxidants coming from the ozone producing circuit (120) will prevent and/or remove biofilm formations on the active surface (102a) without the need of an outside source of gas. They can also remove at least some undesirable dissolved gases from the liquid being purified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for generating ozone in water, purifying the water and making it drinkable. The device comprises a housing; at least two electrodes, including an anode and a cathode extending from the housing into the water and each having semi-rough or rough surfaces in contact with the water. The device also comprises a power supply operatively connected to the electrodes for generating between them a difference of potential creating a current and the hydrolysis of the water creating ozone that purifies the water. The electrodes may have a plate or a rode and tube configuration with a plurality of holes with rough edges. The roughness of the surfaces and of the edges of the holes leads to a coalescence of tiny hydrogen bubbles into larger hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen may be also removed by absorption in a conductive material and regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a miniature ozone generator device for purifying water. The device includes a printed circuit board having an ozone producing circuit printed on it which includes anodes and cathodes alternatively printed and connected in parallel relationship to each other and to a power supply device. The electrodes have rough (non-smooth) surfaces. In use, when the ozone generator is plunged into a vessel containing the water to purify, this leads to a coalescence of hydrogen bubbles produced by the cathodes into larger hydrogen bubbles, and thus to a higher production of ozone by the anodes.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a miniature ozone generator device for purifying water. The device comprises a printed circuit board having an ozone producing circuit printed on it which comprises anodes and cathodes alternatively printed and connected in parallel relationship to each other and to a power supply device. The electrodes have rough surfaces, whereby, in use, when the ozone generator is plunged into a vessel containing the water to purify, the electrodes thanks to their rough surfaces, leads to a coalescence of hydrogen bubbles produced by the cathodes into larger hydrogen bubbles, and thus to a higher production of ozone by the anodes. Hydrogen can be additionally removed by absorption of it thanks to a conductive material used to make the cathodes, which can be regenerated for reuse. The invention also concerns the use this miniaturized ozone generator for purifying water or the like and methods for doing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a portable device for generating ozone in water, purifying the water and making it drinkable. The device comprises a housing; at least two electrodes, including an anode and a cathode extending from the housing into the water and each having semi-rough or rough surfaces in contact with the water. The device also comprises a power supply operatively connected to the electrodes for generating between them a difference of potential creating a current and the hydrolysis of the water creating ozone that purifies the water. The electrodes may have a plate or a rode and tube configuration with a plurality of holes with rough edges. The roughness of the surfaces and of the edges of the holes leads to a coalescence of tiny hydrogen bubbles into larger hydrogen bubbles. The hydrogen may be also removed by absorption in a conductive material and regenerated for reuse.

Abstract: The present invention relates to both a method and a device for removing Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from gaseous streams in conduits, chimneys and/or exhaust ducts. The method is especially useful in eliminating a large variety of pollutants, and especially organic odorous pollutants such as mercaptans and sulfurous compounds. The method is based on the principle of direct oxidation of the pollutants by ozone and the conversion of these pollutants into non-harmful products, and comprises the steps of: a) providing an electrical corona discharge reactor capable of producing ozone; b) supplying an electric current to the corona discharge reactor; and c) causing the gaseous effluents to flow through the reactor. With this method, the volatile organic compounds contained in the gaseous effluents are oxidised by the ozone produced by the corona discharge reactor.

Abstract: A device for the purification of polluted water, especially adapted to remove therefrom organic pollutants. The device makes use of a reactor wherein the polluted water is subjected to the combined action of an ozone containing gas in the presence of an oxidation reaction catalyst that is produced in situ by electrolysis. A method of use of this device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and a device for the treatment of water, especially for removing therefrom a large variety of pollutants, especially organic, inorganic and biological pollutants through in situ generation of ozone. Ozone is economically produced in situ at a high concentration through the interaction of electrolytically produced oxygen and UV light having a wavelength of 189 nm. The device has a set of anode and cathode for electrolytically producing nascent oxygen which reacts with UV light at a wavelength of 189 nm to produce ozone “in situ” within a vessel where the polluted water is submitted to the combinative action of ozone and other oxidation reactions. The device also has a hydrocyclone or retention tank of removing cationic pollutants such as heavy metals, free radicals as well as undesirable electrolysis byproducts such as nascent hydrogen through a secondary outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode for an ozone generator of the type comprising an outer electrode having an inner surface made of dielectric material and an outer surface comprising an electric conducting material; an inner electrode having an outer surface, said inner electrode being concentrically positioned inside the outer electrode; a gap positioned between said inner and outer surfaces; means for circulating an oxygen containing gas through said gap; means for applying a potential difference between said inner and outer surfaces; means for cooling the inner electrode; and means for cooling the outer electrode; wherein said inner electrode comprises: a massive member of heat and electric conducting material whose at least a portion of the outer surface is provided a plurality of protrusions defining a plurality of points; at least one inner duct having opposite opened ends, provided in the massive member and defining an inner surface to said inner electrode, said inner duct being intended to allow a

Abstract: A preselected area of a body is contacted with a surface treatment solution, ejected towards the body, areas of the body not to be treated being shielded by an inflatable member having a flexible surface which is moved into contact with the body. The invention is particularly useful for plating of rectangular cross-section terminal pins, a part of only one surface being plated. The inflatable member shields the back and side surfaces, only a front surface being contacted by the solution.

Abstract: The treatment of a selected area of a body by a solution is obtained by ejecting the solution towards the body and ejecting gas to control the flow of solution to restrict contact between solution and body to the selected area. The invention is particularly concerned with the plating of part of one surface of a rectangular cross-sectioned pin, for example a terminal pin. A particular example is the gold plating of one end of one surface of a rectangular terminal pin, while preventing plating of the other surfaces. Pins, in bandoliers, are carried through a tank, with nozzles on each side. Solution is ejected at one side and a gas at the other side. The gas flows round the pins and restricts wetting to one surface of the pin.