With Preliminary Chemical Manufacture Patents (Class 210/192)
  • Patent number: 6572817
    Abstract: A system for treating a contaminated liquid wherein atmospheric air is fed into an oxygen generator with the resulting gases fed into an ozone generator and the resulting gases fed into a treatment tower as the contaminated liquid flows through the treatment tower is modified by locating apparatus between the oxygen generator and the ozone generator which apparatus receives the gases from the oxygen generator, ionizes such gases and feeds the ionized gases to the ozone generator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Universal Water Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: William M. Fields, Donald L. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20030098268
    Abstract: A periodic ozone treatment system for a showering tower type water cooling system worked once daily for a period of 10˜30 minutes essentially comprises:
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: May 29, 2003
    Inventor: Minshiou Lee
  • Patent number: 6569319
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light monitoring system used in a water treatment system. The monitoring system includes a light pipe and a light intensity detector. The light pipe is impregenated with a florescent dye that converts ultraviolet light into visible light. The light pipe includes a plurality of internal facets that focus light incident on the light pipe toward the light intensity detector. The light intensity detector monitors the visible light transmitted to the detector by the light pipe and determines the relative ultraviolet light output intensity of a lamp assembly within the water treatment system based on the monitored visible light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Scott A. Mollema
  • Publication number: 20030089651
    Abstract: A treatment system for use in a water delivery system for eradicating bacteria such as the Leionella bacteria. The treatment system includes an ultraviolet light source for killing bacteria entering the water delivery system, a electrochemical precipitation unit and a blending valve in communication with water discharged from the precipitation unit and a source of hot water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2002
    Publication date: May 15, 2003
    Inventor: Robert R. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6558537
    Abstract: A portable hydration system comprising water disinfection, filtration and pump features. The system comprises an electrolytic oxidant generating cell which utilizes a salt to create oxidants for disinfecting liquids such as water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Miox Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Wesley L. Bradford, Kevin Schwartz, Allen D. Clement, Curtis M. Mitchke, John K. Hickerson, Timothy A. Cushman, John F. White
  • Publication number: 20030080068
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating an oxygen containing gas (generally air) and/or water in an appliance such as a refrigerator washing machine, dryer or dishwasher with ozone so as to disinfect the water used within the appliance and use the ozone in the air to disinfect the interior space and the contents of the appliance. Arrangements may be made to provide disinfected water on demand. The ozone containing gas is provided when needed, or in the case of a refrigerator, at a time of the day when the refrigerator is not generally in use. The generator may include a source of ultraviolet radiation, a plenum for the air and a plenum for the water. The plenum for the water may be in the form of a tube which is transparent to ultraviolet. The diameter of the tube is preferably selected so that plug flow of water through the tube occurs. The ozone containing air and the disinfected water may be provided to a location remote from the appliance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Evan E. Koslow, Lawrence S. Walters
  • Publication number: 20030075490
    Abstract: A portable container is disclosed, providing a means for the purification of a fluid by ultraviolet radiation. The container houses the liquid and mates with the ultraviolet light source, which is powered by a battery attached thereto. Additionally, an ultraviolet light sensor is provided to shut off the ultraviolet light and notify the user when the water has received an adequate dose of ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2002
    Publication date: April 24, 2003
    Inventor: Eric L. Lifschitz
  • Patent number: 6540922
    Abstract: A device for treating liquid medium has an ultrasound emitter located relative to a compartment of a container holding a liquid medium and a microbubble emitter located relative to the compartment. The ultrasound emitter emits high-frequency ultrasound between about 200 KHz and 10 MHz. The microbubble emitter emits bubbles with an average diameter of less than 1 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Assignee: Ashland, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric De Meulenaer Cordemans, Baudouin Hannecart, Marie-Françoise Lepeltier, Yves Canivet
  • Patent number: 6527950
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for treating ozone with water is disclosed. A treatment carafe has a gas conduit so that off gases which accumulates in the carafe may be vented during a treatment cycle. The gas conduit conveys the off gas from the carafe to an ozone destructor via a passageway. An accumulator is provided in the passageway upstream from the destructor to hinder water entrained in the off gas from contacting and damaging the destructor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Chiaphua Industries Limited
    Inventors: Wayne Conrad, Terry Bohrson, John Stouth, Mike Badgley, Joe Garrison, Shawn Nielsen, Richard Zulik, Deryk Lisicky
  • Patent number: 6524475
    Abstract: A portable oxidant generator for generating oxidants suitable for sterilizing contaminated drinking water, thereby providing potable water. The oxidant generator optionally comprises an electrolytic cell and a power supply or source for powering the generator. In a preferred embodiment, the cell holds an electrolyte solution such that the solution contacts an anode and a cathode. The power supply provides electrical charge that is passed to the electrolyte solution and/or other electrolyte substance. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the power supply includes an energy storage device that is charged to predetermined voltage. The energy storage device is preferably charged by a generator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. The present invention optionally includes an electrolyte storage compartment in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Miox Corporation
    Inventors: Rodney E. Herrington, Curtis M. Mitchke, John K. Hickerson, Timothy A. Cushman, John F. White
  • Patent number: 6517713
    Abstract: A water purification system for a swimming pool, pond, aquatic mammal tank, spa or fountain, which is simple to operate, low in maintenance, and highly reliable. The system comprises at least an ozonator and an electrolytic chlorinator. The system preferably comprises, in sequence, a vortex separator for initial separation of particulates; optionally an absorption or adsorption filter which may be a conventional pool filter using sand, diatomaceous earth, or paper cartridge as filtering medium; an ozone injector; an ozone contact chamber having a top end and a bottom end, wherein said water stream injected with ozone enters at or near said top end and is withdrawn from at or near said bottom end; and an electrolytic chlorinator for production of chlorine which is then oxidized to oxychlorine species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph Gargas
  • Publication number: 20030024863
    Abstract: The apparatus and methods of the present invention enable efficient and appropriate treatment of Urban Water Runoff, so that the treated Urban water Runoff can be can be introduced into public waterways without contaminating such waterways. The system apparatus utilizes adsorptive Organoclay media, mechanical filtration and ultraviolet sterilization. The methods and apparatus of the present invention remove contaminants from Urban Water Runoff to a level which enable the resulting effluent to meet appropriate standards for introducing the treated Urban water Runoff in to public waterways. The method and apparatus of water treatment of the present invention does not utilize chlorine containing compounds which, when combined with organic compounds can produce THM's that can become problematic when re-introduced to the downstream environment. The systems of the present invention can be made sufficiently compact so as to enable their use in remote locations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Guy Timothy Gannon, Joseph Charles Gannon
  • Patent number: 6514405
    Abstract: A portable water purifier (10) is disclosed herein. The portable water purifier (10) includes a container (11) for containing the liquid and mates with an ultraviolet light source (18) for purifying the liquid with ultraviolet radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Inventor: Eric L. Lifschitz
  • Patent number: 6514420
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a lamp assembly for use in a point-of-use water treatment system or other device. The lamp assembly includes a condensing element to condense mercury in a bulb within the arc path of opposing filaments when the bulb is de-energized. In one embodiment, the time required for the lamp assembly to produce light upon subsequent re-energization of the bulb is significantly reduced because the mercury is in the intermediate portion of the bulb, within the filament arc path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Scott A. Mollema
  • Patent number: 6511594
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating water with ozone includes a first conduit and a passageway for admitting ozone into the first conduit. There is a second conduit having a top, an inlet connected to the first conduit and an outlet. There is a third conduit having a top and a vertical portion extending downwardly adjacent to the outlet of the second conduit. The third conduit has a bottom with an outlet below the outlet of the second conduit. The outlet of the second conduit is no more than one-third the distance from the top of the third conduit to the outlet of the third conduit. There is a passageway connecting the third conduit to the first conduit above the outlet of the second conduit. The passageway is sized to permit a reduced flow of water through the third conduit compared to the flow through the second conduit and provides means for gas discharged from the outlet of the second conduit to rise through the vertical portion of the third conduit to increase dissolving of the gas in the water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Northern Research Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Donald Shaw
  • Publication number: 20030015481
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for ballast water treatment in order to eliminate/strongly reduce the ballast water's content of biological organisms, by injecting ozone gas into the ballast water during loading of ballast water. The inventive apparatus is sufficiently light, small and cheap such that it can relatively easily be implemented in most existing ships as well as new ship designs, and that is able to satisfactory kill the marine organisms in the ballast water, either as a separate system or in combination with conventional ballast water treatment systems.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Ola Magne Eidem
  • Patent number: 6508941
    Abstract: A process for photocatalytic removal of organic substances from waste waters, wherein by way of photocatalyst use is made of granulates based on pyrogenically prepared titanium dioxide having the following physicochemical characteristic data: Mean grain diameter: 10 to 150 &mgr;m BET surface: 25 to 100 m2/g pH value: 3 to 6 Compacted bulk density: 100 to 1,200 g/l.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2003
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Meyer, Hilmar Gilges, Ina Hemme, Anna Moiseev, Sven-Uwe Geissen
  • Publication number: 20030010686
    Abstract: Oxygen-dissolved water having an oxygen concentration from 20 to 50 ppm prepared by a high-concentration oxygen water preparation unit (1) is supplied to Fe2+ generated by eluting Fe by a voltage applied to plate electrodes (6), thereby completely and rapidly oxidizing Fe2+ to Fe3+, which is more stable. As Fe3+ is stable, it hardly colors raw water as the water to be treated and does not adversely affect the human body. Therefore, Fe3+ is harmless if discharged without being consumed for coagulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshiyuki Sawada, Masamichi Kanoh
  • Publication number: 20030010695
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a point-of-use water treatment system unit. The unit includes a filter housing assembly having a filter tank assembly and a closure which utilizes a handle and cammed reciprocating lock blades to secure the closure to the filter tank assembly. A UV tank assembly includes a planar baffle plate and a vaned baffle plate to induce plug flow about a UV lamp assembly. A UV lamp assembly is used which simultaneously electrically and sealingly mounts to a UV tank assembly and electrical cap assembly using a bayonet mount. A bi-planar manifold assembly is used to interconnect components of the WTS unit and to provide an envelope for accommodating a water pipe assembly. The bi-planar manifold assembly enhances the compactness of the design of the WTS unit. Also, a support plate is disclosed which provides support to subcomponents of the WITS unit while also dissipating heat from a UV tank assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2002
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Applicant: Alticor Inc. (f/k/a Amway Corporation)
    Inventors: Dennis J. Kool, Roy M. Taylor, James A. Woodard
  • Patent number: 6506309
    Abstract: A system comprising an ozone generator for generating ozone and a venturi for mixing the liquid to be ozonated with the generated ozone. The ozone generator is coupled to an orifice for supplying the generated ozone thereto. A pump is coupled to an outlet of the reservoir for pumping liquid to be ozonated from the reservoir to venturi. An outlet of the venturi is connected to a return inlet of the reservoir for supplying ozonated liquid back to the reservoir. A mixing chamber interconnects the outlet of the venturi to the return inlet of the reservoir, and the mixing chamber facilitates adequate mixing of the ozone supplied to the liquid to be ozonated and facilitates substantially complete dissolving of any remaining ozone bubbles and ozone pockets within the liquid to thereby result in substantially uniform mixture of ozonated liquid for supply back to the reservoir having an increased contact rate of ozone to liquid of about 80% to 90%.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Awois, LLC
    Inventors: Ralph G. Daniels, David A. Spofford
  • Publication number: 20030006181
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for cantileverly mounting in an off-line condition in an axially component of a water system with the dispenser apparatus carrying a water treatment composition therein that can be released into a water system with one embodiment of the dispenser apparatus including a pair of replaceable containers for holding a water treatment composition with the containers serially located so that the water flowing into one container flows into the second container with the second container removable from the first container so that the second water treatment composition can be replenished without having to replenish the water treatment composition in the first container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2002
    Publication date: January 9, 2003
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Patent number: 6503402
    Abstract: A system and method for treating water to be used for irrigation. The system and method utilizes an apparatus for generating ozone and other atoms and molecules resulting from the bombardment of a feed gas with electrons has, preferably, a first electrode positioned within a channel in a second electrode. The first electrode is a substantially sealed tube made of dielectric material, having at least one electron gun positioned proximate an end thereof for firing electrons into the first electrode. In electrical communication with the electron gun is a rod, maintained in a tube also made of dielectric material, which acts to maintain a constant energy level through the length of the rod and thus the length of the electrode. Within the first electrode is an inert gas which, upon the firing of the electron gun, is formed into a plasma.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Nytrox !, Inc.
    Inventor: Lonald H. Jensen
  • Publication number: 20030000896
    Abstract: An apparatus and a method for purifying a flow of water, by eliminating any Legionella bacteria present therein which comprises (a) means for providing ozone; (b) means for injecting the ozone into the flow of water, (c) a mixing chamber for mixing the ozone with the flow of water; (d) an outlet for the flow of water, and (e) electronic control means for the operation thereof: wherein the mixing chamber is of an inner geometry such as to create turbulence in the flow of water therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Sudhir Chowdhury
  • Publication number: 20030000893
    Abstract: A plating system comprises: a plating unit which plates a water; a plating solution storage tank which stores a plating solution; and a plating solution supply system which supplies the plating solution in the plating solution storage tank to the plating unit. A dissolved oxygen removing unit which removes dissolved oxygen from the plating solution flowing in the plating solution supply system is provided in the middle of the plating solution supply system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventor: Yoshinori Marumo
  • Patent number: 6500332
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for purifying the water in spas or hot tubs are provided. Such apparatus include an ozone generator sized and adapted to purify the water in a spa or jetted tub, the ozone generator including a chip electrode assembly adapted to produce ozone from air using an electric discharge; and a transfer assembly cooperating with said ozone generator to pass ozone produced by the ozone generator to the water in the spa or jetted tub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Del Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank G. Martin, Dennis Lavelle
  • Patent number: 6500333
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a process and system for treating animal waste. More particularly, the present invention is directed to a process and system for treating animal waste effluent with ozone to decompose the organic material within and improve the odor of the animal waste. The process of the present invention also reduces biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, total bacterial content and coliform bacterial count of the animal waste. The process of this present invention comprises collecting an animal waste solution, containing a mixture of water and animal fecal material; contacting the waste solution with ozone in an amount sufficient to oxidize at least a portion of the organic material contained within; and feeding the ozone treated waste solution to a solids separating device prior to collecting the waste solution in a biobasin or, alternatively, recycling the ozone treated waste solution for use as a source of irrigation or flushwater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: Clemson University
    Inventor: Annel K. Greene
  • Publication number: 20020195381
    Abstract: Disclosed is a photocatalytic filter which can fully secure a space of gaps to constitute a flow path for flowing a fluid to be disposed of and which has gaps structured for easily trapping an organic substance in the fluid when the fluid is brought into contact with a photocatalyst layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Masayuki Higashida, Yoshikazu Nishii, Kazuya Uchida
  • Publication number: 20020190008
    Abstract: A device for generating metal ions in an electrolyte. The device comprises a bar of metal that is electrically charged as an anode, surrounded by a tube of stainless steel, which is electrically charged as a cathode. The tube is affixed to a plastic housing that is installed in a conduit carrying an electrolyte. The electrical requirements are supplied by converting AC current to DC current supplying the appropriate voltage and amperage to ionize the specific metal being used.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventor: Thomas E. Ashton
  • Publication number: 20020189986
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, David W. Baarman, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Scott A. Mollema, Eric K. Bartkus, Kenneth E. Conrad, Greg Snyder
  • Publication number: 20020185423
    Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for ozonating water and applying the ozonated water to surfaces for cleaning purposes. The instant invention allows a user to transform water into a liquid with more robust cleaning properties conveniently and in a short time. The present invention includes a cleaning apparatus having a reservoir containing water, the reservoir able to be easily manipulated by a user to dispense the water, a device for increasing the level of oxidative properties in the water, and a circulation flow path communicating with the reservoir and the device to allow at least some of the water in the reservoir to flow from the reservoir to the device and back to the reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventors: Brian T. Boyd, Brian R. Williams, Michael J. Quinn, Harold A. Luettgen
  • Publication number: 20020185446
    Abstract: A system is provided for removing dissolved metals from industrial wastewater by electrocoagulation. The system includes an electrocoagulation reactor with a DC power supply having an insulation support enclosure with positive and negative electrode plates disposed thereon. The electrode plates are insulated for each other but remain in direct contact with the wastewater as it flows between the electrodes. The DC power supply induces opposite charges on alternate electrodes thereby generating an electric field between adjacent electrodes to cause the electrodes to ionize and go into solution for interaction with the contaminants in the wastewater as it flows through the reactor. The reactor is housed in a pressure vessel container so the exterior pressure on the reactor is higher than its internal pressure preventing leakage of fluids and oxygen and hydrogen gases produced in the reactor by decomposition of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Arnaud Johnny
  • Patent number: 6491815
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for treating ozone with water is disclosed. The water treatment reservoir has a bottom, a fill line, a head space for receiving off gas provided above the fill line and a passageway for conveying off gas from the head space to an off gas venting outlet and for removing water which is above the fill from the water treatment reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Chiaphua Industrires Limited
    Inventors: Wayne Conrad, Joe Garrison, Shawn Nielson, Richard Zulik, Terry Bohrson, John Stouth, Mike Badgley
  • Patent number: 6491811
    Abstract: A household apparatus for treating water has a water treatment reactor; a dispense water path extending from the water treatment reactor to a dispenser whereby treated water produced in the water treatment reactor exits the apparatus by the dispenser; a filter removably mounted in the dispense water path; and, a sensor, (which may be a timer, a flow rate sensor and/or a back pressure sensor) for monitoring the flow of a treated water through the filter, the apparatus issuing a signal advising a user to change the filter when the time for the treated water to flow through the filter exceeds a predetermined value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: Fantom Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne Conrad, Terry Bohrson
  • Publication number: 20020179508
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system capable of purifying water to a laboratory grade level that uses redox media, high energy catalytic activated carbon, ultraviolet radiation and high purity ion exchange media in series filtration. The system produces purified water having a specific resistance of at least 18.2 megohm·cm at 25° C. with low organic carbon content. The system is designed to be fabricated on a sufficiently small scale to fit on a lab bench top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Publication date: December 5, 2002
    Inventors: Charles T. Nachtman, William P. Johll, Helmut R.H. Gideon, Timothy T. Dunwoody, Jamie C. Carr, Thomas Scholz
  • Patent number: 6482327
    Abstract: In a liquid treating process according to the present invention, colloidal particles in stable hydrated states or in meta-stable hydrophobic colloidal states in a liquid are rendered hydrophobic and separated from liquid molecules by an electric field formed by a microwave. The separated colloidal particles are allowed to collide against one another to become flocculated under a cavitation effect by a ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a low frequency range, and the liquid is deodorized by an electromagnetic ultrasonic wave having a frequency in a high frequency range. Therefore, it is possible to easily and reliably remove the colloidal particles dissolved in the liquid and to deodorize the liquid without need for a large-scaled equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Proudo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshikazu Mori, Mitsuo Tsuda
  • Publication number: 20020162779
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a point-of-use water treatment system (WTS) unit (20) for filtering and treating contaminants in water. WTS unit (20) may include a first primary coil (74) located in a base unit (22) which inductively power a secondary treatment device such as a UV lamp assembly (24). A filter assembly (26) is used which has a filter block (90) and an inner sleeve (92) which extends inside filter block (90). Inner sleeve (92) defines a chamber in which the secondary treatment device (24) may be disposed. First and second valves and seals may be interposed between the filter assembly (26), secondary treatment device (24) and base unit (22) to allow the filter assembly (26) and secondary treatment device (24) to be independently replaceable. Secondary treatment device (24) may be a lamp assembly (24) which includes a condensing element (84) to condense mercury in a bulb in the arc path between filaments (444).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2002
    Publication date: November 7, 2002
    Applicant: Amway Corporation
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Scott A. Mollema
  • Patent number: 6471858
    Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for cantileverly mounting in an off-line condition in an axially component of a water system with the dispenser apparatus carrying a water treatment composition therein that can be released into a water system with one embodiment of the dispenser apparatus including a pair of replaceable containers for holding a water treatment composition with the containers serially located so that the water flowing into one container flows into the second container with the second container removable from the first container so that the second water treatment composition can be replenished without having to replenish the water treatment composition in the first container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2002
    Inventor: Joseph A. King
  • Publication number: 20020153330
    Abstract: A water treatment apparatus for treating water in a device using water as a circulating medium comprises an extractor line for removing water from the device and ozone generation means for producing and conveying a supply of ozone. A contactor/mixer member is provided and has an entry passage for receiving water from the extractor line and ozone from the ozone generation means. The contactor/mixer member has contacting passages for receiving a water and ozone mixture from the entry passage and is configured so as to create turbulence to intimately mix the water and ozone along at least a portion of its length. A return line is provided for receiving and transporting the water and ozone mixture from the contacting passages back to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Publication date: October 24, 2002
    Inventor: Will Craig Meyer
  • Patent number: 6468419
    Abstract: A device for degerminating water passing through a sanitary appliance includes a housing 23 through which water can flow, a water outlet 3 and a UV lamp 22 located therein that radiates water flowing through the housing and a filtering device 21 provided in the housing in order to destroy the micro-organisms in the water and/or the filtering device. The energy supply circuit of the UV-lamp is controlled by an electronic control unit 10, which also controls a valve driver circuit for a magnetic valve 6 located in a fresh water feed pipe. The electronic control unit activates the energy supply circuit when it receives a signal for switching on the UV-lamp. The valve driver circuit is activated after a time delay, ensuring that when the magnetic valve opens letting water flow through the housing to the outlet of the appliance, the UV-lamp has reached its full radiation capacity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Horst Kunkel
  • Patent number: 6468420
    Abstract: A device for degerminating water passing through a sanitary appliance subjects water flowing through a housing and a filtering device in the housing, to radiation, thereby destroying the micro-organisms in the water and/or the filtering device. An energy supply circuit 10 for a UV lamp is controlled by an electronic control unit which receives a “switch-on” signal produced as follows: when a manually-operated valve 4 in a fresh water supply is opened, pressure on a pressure sensor 5 falls; a magnetic valve 6 initially remaining closed. A corresponding electrical signal is then sent to the electronic control unit, which activates the energy supply circuit and opens the magnetic valve 6 in a set time sequence. When the manually-operated valve 4 is closed, the pressure on the pressure sensor 5 rises. The corresponding electrical signal is then sent to the electronic control unit, which in turn deactivates the energy supply circuit according to certain time factors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Hansa Metallwerke AG
    Inventor: Horst Kunkel
  • Publication number: 20020144941
    Abstract: A photooxidation water treatment device includes a reaction chamber having an inlet for water to be treated in one end portion thereof and an outlet for treated water in the other end portion thereof, ozone supplying means for supplying ozone to the water to be treated, and ultraviolet ray irradiation means disposed in the reaction chamber for irradiating ultraviolet ray to the water to be treated and the ozone supplied to the water to be treated. The water to be treated supplied with the ozone flows through the reaction chamber from the inlet to the outlet along the ultraviolet ray irradiation means. The inlet which is provided in the lower portion of the reaction chamber is arranged horizontally obliquely with respect to a line normal to the circumference of the reaction chamber so as to cause a spiral flow of water to be treated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Yushi Kawaji
  • Patent number: 6461520
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignee: Life Spring Limited Partnership
    Inventors: Rolf Engelhard, Stephen P. Kasten
  • Patent number: 6454937
    Abstract: A water disinfection system includes a housing having a plurality of risers 207 therein for directing independent columns of water from a manifold at the bottom of the housing. An ultraviolet light source 214 is disposed above the risers to treat the water flowing therein. The UV light source may also be in the form of a fiber optic system (FIG. 4) or a mercury arc lamp including a parabolic reflector 64. Each of the risers can also include notches 304 (FIG. 9) for inducing turbulence to the water flowing thereover in order to ensure that all of the microorganisms receive ultraviolet light. The water flow rate and the light intensity may be adjusted to accommodate different levels of water contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Remote Source Lighting International, Inc.
    Inventors: Isaac Horton, Andrew P. Riser, Kurt Garrett, John F. Forkner
  • Patent number: 6451202
    Abstract: A water treatment system 20 for filtering and treating contaminants in water includes a UV lamp assembly 24 coaxially received within a filter assembly 26. A valve system prevents water from being spilled from the filter assembly when the filter assembly is removed from the base unit 22 and the lamp assembly so that the lamp and filter assemblies are independently replaceable. The valve system includes a check valve 102 controlling flow between the lamp and filter assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Access Business Group International LLC
    Inventors: Roy W. Kuennen, Eric K. Bartkus, David W. Baarman, Kenneth E. Conrad, Terry L. Lautzenheiser, Greg Synder, Scott A. Mollema
  • Publication number: 20020125180
    Abstract: A process of catalytic electrochemistry waste water treatment and the apparatus thereof are provided. The apparatus includes a waste water tank, a collecting tank, a treatment tank, at least one positive electrode plate and at least one negative electrode plate, at least one catalyst, and an air unit. By way of filling the catalyst and introducing current and air into the treatment tank, Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) is produced in the treatment tank, and which reacts with Ferrous ions dissolved in the treatment tank, to rapidly generate a certain quantity of Hydroxyl radicals (·OH), so as to degrade or mineralize the organic compounds in the waste water to CO2 and H2O.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventor: Jian-Tsarng Lin
  • Patent number: 6447676
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for treatment of contaminated water is described. The apparatus includes a container divided into at least two chambers by a wall that partially separates the two chambers, the containing having an inlet at a first one of the chambers and an outlet at a second one of the chambers. The apparatus has a first microporous diffuser disposed in a first one of the chambers of the container and arranged to receive a decontaminating gaseous agent and a second microporous diffuser disposed in a second one of the chambers and arranged to receive air. Additionally, special microporous diffusers are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot
  • Patent number: 6444176
    Abstract: A regional water purifier collects blue green algae continuously by using a water flow produced by the operation of a water flow generator, and continuously and efficiently processes the algae to make it inactive by irradiating ultrasonic waves thereon. Thus, regional water purification is performed efficiently at a far lower cost than the conventional method through the blue green algae processing. The purifier includes a blue green algae processing duct 2, which is disposed under water where blue green algae breed in large quantities, and has an ultrasonic wave transmitter 3 therein for transmitting ultrasonic waves to process the blue green algae with the ultrasonic waves. Both ends of the duct 2 are open, and a water flow generator 4 produces a suction flow for sucking water containing blue green algae into the blue green algae. processing duct 2 from a first end 2a and a discharge flow for discharging the water from the second end 2b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Marine Techno Research, Inc.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Yoshinaga, Hironao Kasai
  • Patent number: 6444015
    Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention for treating a gas containing a substance to be decomposed comprises an adsorption unit equipped with an adsorbent for adsorbing the substance to be decomposed, a steam introduction unit for bringing steam into contact with the adsorbent, a condensation unit for obtaining a condensed liquid containing the substance to be decomposed from the steam containing the substance, a reaction tank, a condensed liquid supply unit for supplying the condensed liquid to the reaction tank, a hypochlorous acid supply unit for supplying a solution containing hypochlorous acid to the reaction tank, and a light irradiation unit for irradiating the reaction tank with light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kinya Kato
  • Publication number: 20020117458
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment system for use on marine vessels or land-based applications treats wastewater by solids separation and oxidation. The system includes a solids separation tank, an oxidation tank having a plurality of chambers and a fluid circuit for re-circulating treated wastewater into the solids separation tank and oxidation tank for further treatment. An ozone generator produces ozone which is dissolved in the treated wastewater in the re-circulating fluid conduit and is used for the solids separation and oxidation processes. The treated wastewater is periodically discharged into the environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Publication date: August 29, 2002
    Applicant: Hydroxyl Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Juergen K. Puetter, Steven C. Depoli, David J. Featherstonhaugh
  • Patent number: 6436285
    Abstract: A microporous diffuser includes a first elongated member including at least one sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings. The sidewall defines an interior hollow portion of the member. The diffuser has a second elongated member having a second sidewall having a plurality of microscopic openings, the second member being disposed through the hollow region of the first member. The diffuser includes an end cap to seal a first end of the microporous diffuser and an inlet cap disposed at a second end of microporous diffuser for receiving inlet fittings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2002
    Inventor: William B. Kerfoot