Water treatment system

Abstract

A water treatment system includes a washer having a tub that is supplied with water, and an activated oxygen generator for producing ionic species of oxygen in a gaseous stream of air, the gaseous stream of air being selectively introduced into the tub. An integrated controller is provided for controlling both the washer and the activated oxygen generator, thus coordinating operation of the washer and the activated oxygen generator.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation-in-Part and claims the benefit of pending U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 10/801,249, filed on Mar. 17, 2004, and herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates, in general, to a water treatment system, and deals more particularly with an integrated water treatment system for providing an activated oxygen and germicidal enriched gas stream to the water utilized in cleaning apparatuses.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The science of cleaning laundry in a horizontal axis large capacity washer-extractor (washing machine) is a commonly known art based on the following general description. A washer-extractor is designed for cleaning laundry only. The machine performs the following principle functions: water and chemical injection, wash/clean, rinse, drain, and water extraction. The washer-extractor is comprised of two basic parts: an outer shell or tub and a revolving basket within the tub. The shell holds the water and chemicals and the revolving basket holds the clothing. The basket is highly perforated with small holes on its outer surface. These small holes allow the chemicals and water to enter, saturate and pass through the clothing within the cylinder.

The wash load is cleaned by a combination of chemical and mechanical action. The mechanical action is dependent on the number and height of the rises and falls of the clothing per unit of time within the cylinder. Chemical action is dependent on the correct amount of chemical product per unit volume of water.

Extraction is performed after the tub has been drained to remove large amount of water from the clothing. The extraction process is created by the acceleration of the basket from the slow rotation of washing to a much faster rotation. With the basket rotating at such a high rate of speed, the centrifugal force removes a majority of water from the clothing.

Washer-extractors employ a fully automatic control with the ability to control all operating aspects of the wash and extract cycles of the machine. The fully automatic control controls operations such as, but not limited to, the Wash Motor Rotation Sequence (forward/pause/reverse), Extract Motor Speeds, Water Levels, Hot and Cold Water Valves, Extra Water Inlet, Sewer Drain, Extra Drain, Internal and External Chemical and Auxiliary Signals, Heating device, and Door Lock.

It is also well documented in the laundry industry that the use of activated oxygen or ozone in the wash process produces a number of significant benefits. Ozone, a species of activated oxygen, is a strong oxidizer and can act as a powerful cleansing additive for inactivating contaminants.

Although it is known to use enriched gas in the form of activated oxygen or ozone in cleaning applications, several drawbacks currently exist with these known systems.

One such known system is a corona discharge system. In general, corona discharge systems utilize pairs of charged plates through which streams of gas are passed. A high voltage discharge between the pairs of plates produces a predetermined level of ozone within the gas streams. The enriched gaseous streams are then funneled to various devices, such as washing machines, via an extended ductwork of pipes and valves.

Corona discharge systems oftentimes fail, however, in maintaining appropriate levels of activated oxygen within those devices provided with the gaseous streams. That is, for both technical and safety reasons, known corona discharge systems involved the remote generation of an enriched gaseous stream, which is then transported via pipes to one or more device. The piping of the gaseous stream, from the corona discharge generator to the individual machine(s), inherently causes the level of activated oxygen to diminish in direct relation to the length of the pipe, oftentimes causing the delivery of undesirable or fluctuating levels of activated oxygen.

Even in finely controlled corona discharge systems, the use of extended piping and the associated complexity and cost of controlling an accurate amount of activated oxygen in the gaseous stream, makes such systems largely inefficient.

Still further, corona discharge systems cannot use humid air streams owing to the concerns over the creation of nitrous oxide. Therefore, known corona discharge systems cannot typically utilize untreated ambient air, further increasing the complexity and expense of such systems.

Other known water treatment systems utilize UV radiation to create ozone, such as is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,182,050. In the system described in the '050 patent, however, the UV radiation is exposed to the tub of the washer itself, the direct infusion of which poses potential harm to the items in the tub given the high concentration of ozone in direct contact with these items.

Indeed, known systems in general all utilize separate control systems for the generation of activated oxygen, as well as for each machine to which it is fed.

It is therefore the general object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system that generates an activated oxygen and germicidal enriched gas stream in a manner which addresses the aforementioned drawbacks.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system for providing ozone and germicidal enriched gas to the water utilized in cleaning apparatuses.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system that produces activated oxygen in a cost effective manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system that produces activated oxygen in a cost effective manner by utilizing specific wavelengths of UV light.

A further object of the invention is to provide a water treatment system that is integrated with each individual machine to which the system is connected, thereby avoiding cumbersome and inefficient piping of the activated oxygen.

A further object of the present invention to provide an integrated control system for both the water treatment system, as well as the washing machine, or the like, to which the water treatment system is integrated.

A further object of the invention is to provide a water treatment system where the replacement of the UV lamp apparatus is easily accomplished, and in which the introduction of the activated oxygen is controlled to prevent damage to articles of clothing that are to be washed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a housing for the UV lamp which is capable of absorbing potentially damaging vibrations.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a housing for the UV lamp which helps maintain the optimal operating temperature of the UV lamp, thereby facilitating the desired production of activated oxygen.

In accordance, therefore, with one embodiment, it is an object of the present invention to provide a water treatment system that includes a washer having a tub that is supplied with water, and an activated oxygen generator for producing ionic species of oxygen in a gaseous stream of air, the gaseous stream of air being selectively introduced into the tub. An integrated controller is provided for controlling both the washer and the activated oxygen generator, thus coordinating operation of the washer and the activated oxygen generator.

These and other objectives of the present invention, and their preferred embodiments, shall become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings taken as a whole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a water treatment system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a UV assembly (power cell) employed in the water treatment system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the power cell depicted in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 illustrates an interface and display panel, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 illustrates a water treatment system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the water treatment system 10 includes a washing machine 12 and an integrated activated oxygen generator 14. Although a washing machine 12 has been described, the present invention is not so limited in this regard as other types of water-using machines may also be suitably equipped without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention. It will also be readily appreciated that the washing machine 12 is supplied in a well known manner with water, electricity and related accessories, while the integrated activated oxygen generator 14 is likewise supplied with operating electricity.

Returning to FIG. 1, the washing machine includes a supporting base and frame 16, a water-tight wash tub 18 and an integrated controller 20 for controlling the concerted operation of both the washing machine 12, as well as the activated oxygen generator 14, as will be described in more detail later.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the activated oxygen generator 14 is an integral part of the washing machine 12. That is, all components of the activated oxygen generator 14 are mounted directly to the frame 16, powered by the same incoming voltage that powers the washing machine 12, and are controlled by the integrated controller 20.

It is therefore an important aspect of the present invention that the activated oxygen generator 14 is integrated with the actual washing machine 12. As contrasted with known systems in which piping arrays are utilized to shunt activated oxygen to differing machines, the present invention integrates the activated oxygen generator 14 at the level of the individual washing machine. Not only is there the obvious cost savings in not having to build and support an extensive piping array, but the integrated nature of the present invention provides an ease of transport to each individual machine that is simply not possible with known, piped systems (in which the machines cannot be transported anywhere without first disconnecting multiple pipes, and the like).

Still further, by integrating the activated oxygen generator 14 with an actual washing machine, the level of activated oxygen in the outgoing gas stream is maintained at an appropriate level. That is, the activated oxygen within the gaseous stream leaving the activated oxygen generator 14 needs only travel a minute distance before being introduced to the actual washing tub 18. Therefore, the level of activated oxygen within this generated gaseous stream does not degrade, as happens with known systems and, particularly, in the known corona discharge systems discussed previously.

Returning again to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the activated oxygen generator 14 includes one or more power cells 22. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the power cell 22 in its assembled and exploded condition, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 in combination, the power cell 22 includes a cylindrical housing 24 that is releasably mated to an upper end cap 26 and a lower end cap 28. Together, the housing 24 and the end caps 26/28 define an enclosure for a low-pressure UVC ion lamp 30. Seated within the lower end cap 28 is a vibration compensation means 32, depicted as a spring element in FIG. 3, while an air filter 34 is releasably attached to the lower end cap 28.

In operation, ambient air will be drawn through the air filter 34 and directed to the interior of the housing 24 so as to be treated by the UV lamp 30. By energizing the UV lamp 30, the present invention is capable of producing activated oxygen at both the 254 nm wavelength and the 185 nm wavelength. The 254 nm wavelength is particularly suitable for the production of germicidal ozone; that is, the production of activated oxygen which is most effective at destroying microorganisms such as airborne bacteria, viruses, yeasts and molds. The 185 nm wavelength is itself particularly suitable for the production of oxidizing ozone; that is, the production of activated oxygen which acts as a deodorizer within the tub 18, thereby giving any laundry within the tub 18 the ‘outdoor spring-fresh’ smell.

It is therefore an important aspect of the present invention that an air filter 34 is utilized to filter potentially harmful debris, dust and other particulates from the ambient air prior to this air being introduced to the housing 24 and UV lamp 30. The air filter 34 itself includes a plurality of air vents 36 through which incoming ambient air is drawn, while behind these air vents 36 is disposed a filter material made from metal, paper or the like. In particular, a stainless steel mesh is preferably utilized as the filter material, although the use of other materials falls within the scope of the present invention.

It is another important aspect of the present invention that the use of the UV lamp 30 promotes the production of both a germicidal, as well as a oxidizing, ozone. That is, the UV lamp 30 advantageously outputs a 254 nm wavelength, which, as described previously, creates a special germicidal ozone not produced by other methods, such as by the known corona discharge method (previously discussed).

In order to promote the manufacture of both the germicidal, as well as the oxidizing, ozone, it is of vital importance that the temperature within the housing 24 remains within the operating parameters of the UV lamp 30. It is therefore yet another important aspect of the present invention that an aluminum shroud, or reflector, 38 is employed around the UV lamp 30, as shown in FIG. 3. It will be readily appreciated that the passing of ambient air over the UV lamp 30 will cause the temperature within the housing 24 to fall, in direct relation to the flow rate and temperature of the incoming ambient air. The shroud 38, however, acts to raise the interior temperature of the housing 24, and thereby assists in maintaining the proper operating temperature of the UV lamp 30. By keeping the temperature of the UV lamp 30 within its operating norms, the output of both the 254 nm and the 185 nm wavelengths are ensured.

Still further, the shroud 38 is preferably formed from aluminum so as not to be damaged by the activated oxygen created within the housing 24. Moreover, the shroud 38 also reflects the UV light within the housing 24 and thereby aids in the creation of higher levels of activated oxygen in the gaseous stream expelled from the power cell 22 via a hose fitting 40.

As will be appreciated, during operation the power cell 22 is typically integrally mated with a washing machine, or the like. Therefore, it is the compensating action of the spring 32 which effectively prevents the UV lamp 30 from becoming jarred to the point of damage by the vibrations associated with known washing machines.

Another important aspect of the present invention lies in the ease of lamp exchange that is possible with the configuration of the power cell 22. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the upper end cap 26 includes an aperture 42, through which the electrical contacts 44 of the UV lamp 30 protrudes. Since the electrical contacts 44 are configured to lie outside of the housing 24, it is possible to easily disconnect the electrical contacts 44 and to simply replace the UV lamp 30 like any other light bulb fixture, merely by removing either of the end caps 26/28. Efficiency is thus increased, while reducing the need for specialized technicians or tools when replacement of the UV lamp 30 s required.

As discussed previously, once the ambient air is exposed to the radiation of the UV lamp 30, activated oxygen is formed. The charged air is extricated from the power cell 22, via fitting 40, by action of a diaphragm pump (or the like). The pump does not, however, introduce the gas stream containing the activated oxygen directly into the tub 18, as such introduction could possibly damage the articles within the tub 18. Instead, the present invention ensures that the activated oxygen stream is directed through a secure, fluid-tight connection, and to the sump 46 of the tub 18 (shown in FIG. 1). As is known, the sump 46 is separated from the interior of the tub 18 by a screen or the like, therefore no articles within the tub 18 can come into direct contact with the undiluted gaseous stream expelled by the power cell 22.

Another important aspect of the present invention lies in the ability of the controller 20 to coordinate all actions of the washer 12, as well as the power cells 22, the pumps as well as all electrical power to the washing machine 12 and the power cells 22. That is, the controller 20 controls all washer programming, operation an monitoring functions, including: wash, drain, distribution and exact speeds and cadences; water fill levels; hot and cold and reuse water valves, sewer and reuse drains; and chemical and auxiliary timing and signals. Owing to the integrated capability of the present invention, the controller 20 also controls the selective activation of the power cells 22 and the pump based upon time and temperature limits, and on the precise stage and/or cycle of washing.

The controller 20 preferably includes a manually and/or remotely operable interface and display panel 50 (FIG. 4), upon which the various wash cycles can be programmed, controlled and monitored. Moreover, it will be appreciated that integrated software programming is utilized to implement all instructions and commands issued by the controller, as well as from an operator. Although one configuration of the interface and display panel 50 is depicted in FIG. 4, the present invention is not limited in this regard as other configurations are also contemplated by the present invention.

It will therefore be readily appreciated that the integrated nature of the washing machine 12 and the activated oxygen generator 14 ensures that the wash cycle will be effectively monitored throughout its course. Moreover, it has been determined that by achieving the recommended maximum of 1 ppm of activated oxygen in the tub 18, and by doing so within 15 minutes of operation, the cleaning capability of the present invention is maximized. Moreover, the integrated nature of the washing machine 12 and the activated oxygen generator 14 ensures that this desired level of activated oxygen will always be present within the tub 18, regardless of the type or time of wash cycle selected by an operator.

It will further be understood that larger or smaller power cells 22, including larger or smaller UV lamps 30, may be employed, depending upon the size and capacity of the washer. Moreover, all of the power cells 22 are fitted with oxidizing-resistant fittings, while the tube delivery system 48 is preferably fabricated from activated oxygen-resistant materials, such as but not limited to plastic or polymer tubing and stainless steel fittings.

As described herein, the controller 20 of the present invention automatically permits the coordinated infusion of activated oxygen gas into a wash tub 18, as created by an integrated power cell 22. Thus, less hot and/or warm water is needed during each wash cycle and the efficiency of the overall system is greatly increased. Moreover, the on-site production of activated oxygen eliminates the problems and expense of extensive piping, as well as ensuring that the concentration of activated oxygen in the infused gas stream does not fall below desired levels, prior to being introduced to the tub 18.

The resultant water treatment system 10 is therefore highly efficient and portable in a manner heretofore unknown in the art.

While the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various obvious changes may be made, and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the essential scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water treatment system, comprising:

a washer having a tub that is supplied with water;

an activated oxygen generator for producing ionic species of oxygen in a gaseous stream of air, said gaseous stream of air being selectively introduced into said tub; and

an integrated controller for controlling both said washer and said activated oxygen generator, thereby coordinating operation of said washer and said activated oxygen generator.

2. The water treatment system of claim 1, wherein:

said activated oxygen generator includes an ultraviolet lamp and a metallic shroud disposed about said ultraviolet lamp, said metallic shroud and said ultraviolet lamp being protected within a housing.

3. The water treatment system of claim 2, wherein:

said metallic shroud is aluminum.

4. The water treatment system of claim 2, wherein:

said activated oxygen generator includes a vibrational damping member in abutting contact with said ultraviolet lamp.

5. The water treatment system of claim 4, wherein:

said vibrational damping member is a spring.

6. The water treatment system of claim 2, wherein:

said housing includes an air filter operatively connected adjacent one distal end of said ultraviolet light, said air filter screening particulates from said gaseous stream of air prior to said gaseous stream of air being irradiated by said ultraviolet light.

7. An activated oxygen generator for producing ionic species of oxygen in a stream of ambient air, comprising:

an ultraviolet lamp;

a metallic shroud surrounding a portion of said ultraviolet lamp, said metallic shroud and said ultraviolet lamp being protected within a housing; and

wherein said stream of ambient air enters said housing through a first end cap, becomes irradiated by said ultraviolet lamp and exits said housing via a second end cap.

8. The activated oxygen generator of claim 7, wherein:

said metallic shroud is aluminum.

9. The activated oxygen generator of claim 7, further comprising:

a vibrational damping member in abutting contact with said ultraviolet lamp.

10. The activated oxygen generator of claim 9, wherein:

said vibrational damping member is a spring.

11. The activated oxygen generator of claim 7, further comprising:

an air filter operatively connected to said first end cap, said air filter screening particulates from said stream of ambient air prior to said stream of ambient air being irradiated by said ultraviolet light.

12. The activated oxygen generator of claim 7, wherein:

said ultraviolet lamp generates light at both a 254 nm wavelength as well as at a 185 nm wavelength.

13. A method of treating a stream of ambient air so as to produce an enriched gaseous stream of said ambient air, said method comprising the steps of:

arranging an ultraviolet lamp within a housing;

forming a first aperture in said housing to permit the ingress of said stream of ambient air into said housing;

forming a second aperture in said housing to permit the egress of said stream of ambient air out of said housing;

compelling said stream of ambient air to enter said housing via said first aperture;

irradiating said stream of ambient air with said ultraviolet lamp;

compelling said stream of ambient air to exit said housing via said second aperture; and

disposing a metallic reflector about said ultraviolet lamp.

14. The method of treating a stream of ambient air so as to an enriched gaseous stream of said ambient air according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

arranging an air filter in operative communication with said first aperture, said air filter screening particulates from said stream of ambient air prior to said stream of ambient air being introduced into said housing.

15. The method of treating a stream of ambient air so as to produce ionic species of oxygen in said ambient air according to claim 14, further comprising the steps of:

forming said air filter from a stainless steel mesh.

16. The method of treating a stream of ambient air so as to produce an enriched gaseous stream of said ambient air according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

operating said ultraviolet lamp so that light is emitted at a 254 nm wavelength.

17. The method of treating a stream of ambient air so as to produce an enriched gaseous stream of said ambient air according to claim 16, further comprising the steps of:

operating said ultraviolet lamp so that light is emitted at a 185 nm wavelength.

18. The method of treating a stream of ambient air so as to produce an enriched gaseous stream of said ambient air according to claim 13, further comprising the steps of:

arranging a damping member within said housing and in abutting contact with said ultraviolet lamp.

19. A method of cleaning items in a tub of a washer by introducing an enriched gaseous stream of ambient air into said tub, said method comprising the steps of:

arranging an ultraviolet lamp within a housing;

attaching said housing to said washer;

forming a first aperture in said housing to permit the ingress of said stream of ambient air into said housing;

forming a second aperture in said housing to permit the egress of said stream of ambient air out of said housing;

compelling said stream of ambient air to enter said housing via said first aperture;

irradiating said stream of ambient air with said ultraviolet lamp;

compelling said irradiated stream of ambient air to exit said housing via said second aperture;

introducing said irradiated stream of ambient air to said tub; and

monitoring a concentration of said ionic species of oxygen within said tub to ensure that said concentration of said ionic species of oxygen does not exceed 1 ppm.

20. A method of cleaning items in a tub of a washer by introducing an enriched gaseous stream of ambient air into said tub according to claim 19, said method further comprising the steps of:

disposing a metallic reflector about said ultraviolet lamp.