Abstract: An ozone generator utilizing an ultraviolet light tube for generating ozone is disclosed. In this ozone generator, efficiency in converting oxygen to ozone is increased by imposing an electrical field around the light tube. This electrical field causes a theta pinch in the plasma of the light tube, increasing luminescence in the ultraviolet spectral range and exciting diatomic oxygen molecules passing through the electrical field. Thus excited, the diatomic oxygen is easier to disassociate and become converted to ozone.

Abstract: A system and method for purifying air is provided. An air purifier may include a housing, a means to move an airstream into the housing, and a pair of ultraviolet radiation generating means and associated control means to produce ozone to destruct airborne contaminants. The housing may be an elongated hollow tube, and the ultraviolet radiation generating means may be lamps of generally cylindrical shape axially aligned in the hollow tube. The control means may be lamp drivers and timers. The air purifier may further include a reactive filter across an exit means to reduce residual amounts of ozone in the stream of air passing through the exit means.

Abstract: An ozone-based water purification system is disclosed. In this system, a mixing venturi injects ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a stream of water to be treated. Following ozone and sanitizer injection, the stream of water is passed to a contact region where the ozone and sanitizer are allowed to react with contaminants and biota. The stream is then mixed by several mixing devices to allow residual ozone and sanitizer to further react with contaminants and biota. Particularly a counterflow system is employed wherein the stream is directed downward at several points so that bubbles containing ozone are forced to flow upward against the flow, lengthening ozone contact time. Also, the ultraviolet lamp used to generate ozone is mounted so that ultraviolet light therefrom is exposed to the flow water, providing additional sterilizing effects. In addition, a novel mixing venturi is disclosed that mixes a gas containing ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a motive flow of water.

Abstract: Retrofit apparatus for retrofitting an ozone generator to a spa, hot tub or similar facility is disclosed. Here, a fitting is threaded into an air inlet of a spa or hot tub, and covers provided for the water outlets to generally prevent outgassing. In another embodiment, an ozone-providing plug is provided to one water outlet of a spa or hot tub, with the air and other outlets being blocked. In addition, different configurations of ozone generator are disclosed. Particularly, one type ozone generator includes an inverted U-shaped apparatus so that heat from the ozone generator induces a chimney effect so as to cause the ozonated air to rise through a chimney and then settle into a selected area. Another ozone generator creates a low rate of airflow by “ion wind” in order to propel ozonated air into a system of piping in the absence of water flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An ozone water purification system is disclosed. In this system, ozonated water flow proceeds alternately upwardly and downwardly through a series of vertical tubes. In order to disturb the laminar flow within the tubes, several types of turbulence-inducing devices may be mounted within the tubes. Such a mounting may be made so that the devices are removable for cleaning. In addition, the tubes may be circularly arranged so as to conserve space.

Abstract: A combination ozone generator for providing ozone and illumination source is disclosed. The ozone generator is of the ultraviolet plasma tube type, with a light guide positioned in or incorporated into the housing of the ozone generator. A phosphor compound is provided on the light guide so that ultraviolet radiation striking the light guide causes the phosphor compound to emit visible light, which is then transmitted away from the ozone generator by the light guide to where it is emitted. Alternate embodiments also disclose the phosphor compounds coating an interior of the housing, and an edge lit panel.

Abstract: An ozone generator utilizing an ultraviolet light tube for generating ozone is disclosed. In this ozone generator, efficiency in converting oxygen to ozone is increased by imposing an electrical field around the light tube. This electrical field causes a theta pinch in the plasma of the light tube, increasing luminescence in the ultraviolet spectral range and exciting diatomic oxygen molecules passing through the electrical field. Thus excited, the diatomic oxygen is easier to disassociate and become converted to ozone.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for sterilizing tubes and piping of a jetted tub or spa is disclosed. An ozone generator that operates by photodisassociation is connected to a tube connected to an air intake of the tub. A sensor detects when the tub is being filled, and initiates operation of the ozone generator, filling the tubing with ozone prior to water filling these tubes. Ozone may be provided to the water circulating through the tubes during operation in order to purify and sanitize the water. As the tub is being emptied, ozone continues to be provided to the tubes of the tub or spa as they empty, sterilizing these tubes in an empty state. In another embodiment, a timer may be connected to the ozone generator and sensor in order to operate the ozone generator for a selected period of time after the tub or spa is emptied. In yet another embodiment, aroma therapy may be combined with the ozone.

Abstract: An ozone-based water purification system is disclosed. In this system, a mixing venturi injects ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a stream of water to be treated. Following ozone and sanitizer injection, the stream of water is passed to a contact region where the ozone and sanitizer are allowed to react with contaminants and biota. The stream is then mixed by several mixing devices to allow residual ozone and sanitizer to further react with contaminants and the biota. Particularly, a counterflow system is employed wherein the stream is directed downward at several points so that bubbles containing ozone are forced to flow upward against the flow, lengthening ozone contact time. Also, the ultraviolet lamp used to generate ozone is mounted so that ultraviolet light therefrom is exposed to the flow of water, providing additional sterilizing effects. In addition, a novel mixing venturi is disclosed that mixes a gas containing ozone and a liquid sanitizer into a motive flow of water.

Abstract: An ozone water purification system is disclosed. In this system, ozonated water flow proceeds alternately upwardly and downwardly through a series of vertical tubes. In order to disturb the laminar flow within the tubes, several types of turbulence-inducing devices may be mounted within the tubes. Such a mounting may be made so that the devices are removable for cleaning. In addition, the tubes may be circularly arranged so as to conserve space.

Abstract: A screwplug type water heating unit (10) has a body (12) through which ends (14a, 14b) of a heating element (14) extend. Separate terminal quick connects (22) have tabs (38a, 38b) which engage the ends of the heating element. Electrical leads (L1, L2) which connect with the ends of the heating element are separately engaged in slots (50) of each terminal quick connect by an engagement tab (60) so the heating element is electrically connected in a circuit supplying power to the heating unit. A terminal block (24) attaches to an outer face (26) of the screwplug. The terminal block has openings (94a, 94b, 96a, 96b, 98a, 98b) in it by which the terminal quick connects are installed in the terminal block. The terminal quick connects each have a tab (70) received in a slot (98a, 98b) formed in the terminal block to attach the terminal quick connects to the terminal block.

Abstract: A self-adjusting venturi/mixer is disclosed. An inlet port body and outlet port body having a converging region and diverging region, respectively, are longitudinally slidably disposed with respect to each other, forming an annular injection gap that widens when the ports are moved apart and narrows when the ports are moved together. The movement is accomplished by virtue of varying fluid pressure at the inlet port, which exerts frictional pull on the outlet port, pulling the inlet port body away from the outlet port body. In other embodiments, a flexible member is positioned peripherially around the annular gap so that as the gap widens, the flexible member deforms to partially close the gap. This keeps the bubble size small where a gas is being injected into a liquid, and also limits a maximum flow of additive material at excessive flow rates.

Abstract: Hydraulic device for directional control of a vehicle using a single lever, including: a hydraulic manipulator (1) with four outlets, forward-reverse and right-left; a selection device (4) with four selectors (5) in a bridge, which is connected to the manipulator and of which the outputs are connected to four directional drive controls, reverse-left, forward-left and reverse-right and forward-right for the running components of the vehicle; two slide valves (7) with two positions, respectively one with direct connections and one with crossed connections, which are inserted into the feed lines of the directional drive controls; first controls acting on a first end (8) of the slide valves being connected to the FORWARD or REVERSE outputs of the manipulator; and second controls acting on a second end (9) of the slide valves being connected to the RIGHT and LEFT outputs of the manipulator; by virtue of which the control of the vehicle remains fully ergonomic, including for a rotation of the vehicle on itself.

Abstract: This invention concerns a method of treating water from a container with ozone. The water is withdrawn from the container in a main stream, then passed through a pressure-reducing means, and returned to the container. A part of the main recirculating stream is separated into a second stream. The second stream is treated with ozone and held for a sufficient period of time to allow substantially all of the ozone to permeate into the water. The second stream is then re-introduced into the main stream or directly into the container.

Abstract: A device for focusing a laser on a recording medium by wavelength modulation is disclosed wherein the device includes a radiation source for providing a radiation beam of controllable frequency, a hologram intercepting the radiation beam for focusing the radiation beam as a function of its frequency, and a control system coupled to the radiation source for controlling the frequency of the radiation beam so as to focus the beam on a desired plane. The control system includes a sensor for detecting the focus of the radiation beam on a desired plane, and means for controlling the frequency of the radiation beam from the radiation source responsive to the detected focus.

Abstract: A reel drive mechanism for use with a reel handling apparatus having a pair of lift arms carried by a vehicle for portable transportation. The reel driving mechanism includes a base frame upon which is mounted an upright roller drive assembly pivotal about an axis transverse to the vehicle. An upper drive roller and a lower drive roller are supported by the upright roller assembly and are rotatable about axes parallel to said transverse axis with the upper roller arranged forwardly of the lower roller. The reel handling apparatus may drivably engage the peripheral surface of a single larger reel or a pair of smaller reels upon the rollers. The upright roller assembly pivots to maintain frictional engagement of both rollers with the reel supported by the reel handling apparatus.

Abstract: An optical card is oscillated in an X direction along a curved path by a voice coil driver, and an optical read/write module is translated in the Y direction to read recorded information on the card.