Abstract: Apparatus for treating water or other fluid with radiant energy from an ultraviolet lamp includes a helical shaped input fluid flow guide or helical ramp disposed at or near one end an elongated annular chamber around the lamp. The guide or ramp serves to impart input spiral flow momentum to the fluid upon entry to the chamber. A corresponding output fluid flow guide or helical ramp may be disposed at or near the opposed end of the chamber to impart output spiral flow momentum to the fluid as it approaches discharge from the chamber. Spiral flow serves to extend the time that the fluid is exposed to ultraviolet light and thereby increases the probability that any microbiological contaminants present in the fluid will be killed. The use of helical shaped guides or ramps better serves to establish such a flow in circumstances where the available fluid pressure is relatively low.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization apparatus comprising a housing and a replaceable lamp cartridge containing at least one ultraviolet lamp. The housing has an opening for the inlet of an air flow to be sterilized and an opening for the outlet of the sterilized air flow generated by a fan inside the housing.

Abstract: A low cost system for providing drinking water includes a feed water container with a simple ceramic filter covering an outlet of the feed water container. The preferred filter is generally cylindrically shaped with a bore extending partially therethrough, in a configuration commonly referred to as a “ceramic candle” filter in developing countries. Under force of gravity, feed water filters through the ceramic to a storage container below. The filtered water is irradiated with ultraviolet (UV) energy either as it flows or after collection in the storage container. In one embodiment, filtered water is temporarily collected in an intermediate holding tank, where it can be irradiated constantly on in batches and periodically released to the lower container. Filtration through ceramic provides clear water with a low UV extinction coefficient for more efficient UV disinfection.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for accomplishing fluid disinfection by passing fluid flow through a uniform array of ultraviolet lamps having cross sections perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow that define channels for the fluid flow. Positioned next to the end of each lamp at the entrance of the fluid flow are triangular shaped delta wings having surfaces inclined at an angle to the direction of fluid flow. The interaction of the fluid flow with each delta wing creates a pair of vortices that rotate in the same direction or in directions opposed to each other. The counter-rotating vortices reinforce each other to minimize dissipation of their mixing strength as they move down the channel. Due to these co-reinforcing properties these counter-rotating vortices more promote efficient mixing of the fluid which is required to achieve more efficient use of the light in the UV disinfection systems, along with heat and/or mass transfer in chemical reactions.

Abstract: A reactor produces a gas-in-liquid emulsion for providing increased interfacial contact area between the liquid and the gas for improved reaction of the gas with the liquid, or more rapid solution or reaction of a difficulty soluble or immiscible gas in or with a liquid. The reactor is suitable for a continuous or batch type process. Rotor and stator cylindrical members are mounted for rotation relative to one another and have opposing surfaces spaced to form an annular processing passage. The gap distance between the opposing surfaces and the relative rotation rate of the cylindrical members are such as to form a gas-in-liquid emulsion of the gas in the liquid. The liquid and gas pass through the processing passage, changing into the gas-in-liquid emulsion.

Abstract: A confocal imaging system that includes an image-recording system and having a flow-through cuvette that is located in an inclined position with reference to a focal plane of the image-recording system such that the motion of the suspension flow automatically brings the particles to be examined into different focal positions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is disclosed for regulating the cold spot temperature of a light emitting enclosure. A cold spot regulation system defines and controls the temperature of the cold spot. The cold spot regulation system includes an interface housing secured to the light emitting enclosure and two ducts extending from the interface housing. The cold spot regulation system uses a coolant fluid to lower the operating temperature of the light emitting enclosure. The coolant fluid is diverted into one of the ducts. The coolant fluid is passed by the cold spot of the light emitting enclosure and released out the other duct.

Abstract: A fluid mixer includes an elongate mixing chamber having an inlet system at one end for admission of liquid and gas to be intimately mixed by passage through the chamber and an outlet for the mixture at the opposite end, wherein opposed longitudinal sides of the chamber are each defined by a surface of scallop shape having peaks and troughs, with the peaks of the two surfaces being relatively offset so as to cause the liquid and gas entering the chamber to flow along a generally sinuous path through the chamber to create a turbulent flow which promotes intimate mixing. Advantageously a UV source extends within the chamber to sterilize the liquid flowing through the chamber.

Abstract: Turbulent mixing in a UV system is increased by positioning one or more ring-shaped devices, such as washers, at one or more predetermined locations on the exterior surface of each lamp unit in the system. The washers may have the same or different diameters. Turbulent mixing is also increased by retaining the upstream end of each lamp unit in a ring-shaped device, alone or in combination with washers positioned on each lamp unit exterior surface as described above.

Abstract: A reactor system for decontamination of water by photolytic oxidation utilizing near blackbody radiation, the system comprising (1) a reaction chamber defining an internal space with an inlet and an outlet; and (2) a broadband radiator for generating radiant energy with wavelengths between about 150 nm and about 3 &mgr;m, the broadband radiator disposed within the reaction chamber, such that a sufficient dosage of broadband radiation irradiates the contaminants and/or the oxidant within the internal space of the reaction chamber thereby causing photolytic oxidation of the contaminants by direct action of the radiation on the contaminants to break chemical bonds by sustaining a free radical chain reaction of oxidizing components, thus breaking down the contaminants by way of atomic abstraction of the components of the contaminants. In preferred embodiments, at least a portion of the radiant energy is generated in a pulsed mode, such as between about 1 and about 500 pulses per second.

Abstract: A procedure and a filter device (1) serving the purpose of removing and/or destruction organic substances in contaminated air. The filter device comprises at least one ventilator (12) for sending an air stream through a first chamber (14) with an opening, which is connected with a source for contaminated air; a second chamber (15) with a number of sheets (20) placed abeam the main direction of the air stream in order to make the air stream change direction at least one time; a third chamber (16) with a number of perforated tubes (22) which at least at one end are in open connection to a secondary air source; a fourth chamber with a number of lamps for radiating the air stream with a short-waved ultra-violet light and; a fifth chamber (17) with a volume, which gives the air stream a predetermined duration time in the chamber, and which has an opening, through which the purified air passes in order to be released to the surroundings.

Abstract: A flow-through photochemical reactor includes a reactor body, that circumscribes a longitudinally extending channel having a generally annular cross section. This channel accommodates fluids passing between an inner wall of the reactor body and an outer wall of a photon-transmitting tube that is housed internally thereof. In addition, the reactor includes mechanically static, fluid-dynamic elements for passively inducing substantial turbulent flow within a fluid as it passes through the channel. This arrangement substantially increases the uniformity of the fluid's exposure to photons radiating from a source within the tube into the fluid an it is conducted through the channel.

Abstract: A germicidal water cleansing apparatus having an ellipsoid chamber which contains UV lamps along the major axis of the ellipsoid. Each of the ends of the ellipsoid has an opening to allow the entry and exit of a liquid. The chamber is formed from an ultraviolet reflective material such as spun aluminum to allow uniform dispersion of the ultraviolet radiation throughout the chamber. The liquid is drawn through the chamber at a rate to assure a high kill rate of microorganisms present in the liquid.

Abstract: To decrease the nitrate content of water, it is proposed to reduce nitrate to nitrogen in two stages. The first of these stages is a photochemical reduction to nitrite, and the second stage is a reduction of nitrite to nitrogen using amidosulphuric acid.

Abstract: A flow-through photochemical reactor includes a reactor body, that circumscribes a longitudinally extending channel having a generally annular cross section. This channel accommodates fluids passing between an inner wall of the reactor body and an outer wall of a photon-transmitting tube that is housed internally thereof. In addition, the reactor includes mechanically static, fluid-dynamic elements for passively inducing substantial turbulent flow within a fluid as it passes through the channel. This arrangement substantially increases the uniformity of the fluid's exposure to photons radiating from a source within the tube into the fluid as it is conducted through the channel.

Abstract: Turbulent mixing in a UV system is increased by positioning one or more ring-shaped devices, such as washers, at one or more predetermined locations on the exterior surface of each lamp unit in the system. The washers may have the same or different diameters. Turbulent mixing is also increased by retaining the upstream end of each lamp unit in a ring-shaped device, alone or in combination with washers positioned on each lamp unit exterior surface as described above.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a water purifying system having hydrogen peroxide added therein which utilizes an improved UV lighting system with a baffle functioning to increase the exposure of microorganisms and molecular hydrogen peroxide to the UV irradiation. The increased exposure increases the kill rate and overall disinfecting capability of the system. In addition an ozonator can be utilized in combination with the improved UV lighting system which still further increases disinfecting efficiency.

Abstract: A radiation sterilization process for medical devices. The position of a CO.sub.60 source is monitored during a sterilization process. If the CO.sub.60 source moves out of the irradiation position, the central control unit moves the source down into a containment pool and stops the cycle timers. The source is then moved back up to the irradiation position and the cycle is restarted and the timers are restarted. The cycle time may be corrected using an algorithm.

Abstract: In an apparatus for the irradiation of body fluids by ultraviolet light in a containment for receiving the body fluids which is disposed in the radiation range of an ultraviolet light source, the containment includes baffle means arranged so as to subject the body fluids circulated through the containment to turbulence whereby the body fluid in the containment is uniformly exposed to the UV radiation.

Abstract: A flow-through photochemical reactor includes a reactor body, that circumscribes a longitudinally extending channel having a generally annular cross section. This channel accommodates fluids passing between an inner wall of the reactor body and an outer wall of a photon-transmitting tube that is housed internally thereof. In addition, the reactor includes mechanically static, fluid-dynamic elements for passively inducing substantial turbulent flow within a fluid as it passes through the channel. This arrangement substantially increases the uniformity of the fluid's exposure to photons radiating from a source within the tube into the fluid as it is conducted through the channel.

Abstract: A water sterilization system comprises an electrostatic water treatment apparatus (10) having its outer duct (13) connected to an ultraviolet treatment apparatus (11). The outlet duct (14) of the ultraviolet water treatment apparatus (11) is connected to an apparatus (12) which aerates the treated water with ozone gas. The electrostatic field of the apparatus (10) varies along the axis of the flow duct, so as to increase the speed at which dissolved minerals precipitate out of solution. The ultraviolet treatment apparatus (11) has a slotted helical guide vane, which creates a turbulent flow of water and ensures that large clumps of microorganisms are broken up. The ozone gas is generated in an apparatus (15) by exposing water vapor and air to shortwave UV radiation.

Abstract: A water purification system is disclosed comprising a reverse osmosis chamber coupled to a multi-pass ultraviolet chamber for irradiating water with ultraviolet light radiation both before and after the water passes through the reverse osmosis chamber. The multi-pass ultraviolet chamber provides a plurality of water conveying tubes in proximity to an ultraviolet light radiation source. The diameter of the conveying tubes is substantially larger than the diameter of conduits feeding the tubes. Accordingly, the water flow through the tubes decelerates, thereby increasing the duration of ultraviolet light radiation exposure to the water in the tubes. Additionally, a removable cover is located above the ultraviolet light bulb in order to facilitate easy replacement of the bulb.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (10) for killing microorganisms in a particle laden fluid medium (11) are disclosed. This method has the steps of providing a germicidal radiation for killing microorganisms (30) and a reflectors (40) for transferring and orienting of the germicidal radiation for killing microorganisms (30); providing a secondary flow (12) of a substantially particles free fluid; the secondary flow (12) is running along or flowing across the surface of the reflectors (40) and establishing a substantially particle free barrier environment maintaining clean the reflectors (40); orienting an emission of the germicidal radiation in a parallel array of beams (32), and passing the fluid medium (11) along a path aligned with the parallel array of beams (32). The apparatus arranged so that the maximum efficiency of use of germicidal energy is achieved, energy consumption for sterilization will decrease, reliability and period between maintenance will increase.

Abstract: A system and method for purifying air by employing a lamp that produces two separate energy intensity maxima. The lamp preferably emits ozone-producing radiation that falls within one wavelength interval, and germicidal radiation that falls within another wavelength interval. The air purifier of the invention includes a housing having an irradiation chamber, an air inlet for introducing air into the irradiation chamber, and a radiation source disposed within the irradiation chamber. The air purifier further includes an air outlet also formed in the housing for discharging the air to an external environment. The method includes providing a housing having an air inlet and an irradiation chamber, and providing a lamp within the chamber wherein the lamp has a relative maximum lamp output within two discrete wavelength intervals. The air is introduced into the irradiation chamber through the air inlet, and the air is irradiated within the chamber.

Abstract: An air purifying and moistening device comprises a suction section having an air entrance opening, filter means at said opening and a motor-driven fan, an air purifying section including at least an ultraviolet radiation sterilization lamp, and a water ducting section within which the sterilized air is brought into contact with the water surface before it is discharged into the room. The water supply is a water trough or water tray with a large surface area of substantially stagnant water volume, which trough or tray is covered with a removable cover plate at a distance above the water surface. A casing forms a substantially closed air passage channel part of which is formed within said housing and another part of which is formed by the water surface, the lateral walls of the trough and the cover plate above said water surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a liquid to bactericidal radiation is disclosed. The apparatus includes a source of ultra-violet radiation and a non-opaque housing enclosing the source of ultra-violet radiation to prevent exposure of the source to the liquid and permit exposure of the liquid to the radiation. Channels conforming to the shape of the housing are provided. Projections are formed in the channels to induce turbulent plug flow such that when the apparatus is inserted into a flow of liquid to be treated, the channels act to confine and direct liquid about the housing and the projections act to establish a continuous, cyclical flow in the channels between the housing and the channel walls to ensure exposure of the liquid to a lethal dose of the ultra-violet radiation of the source. Methods utilizing the apparatus for exposing a liquid to bactericidal radiation are also disclosed.

Abstract: The output of a mechanical/chemical water filter(s) is conveyed through tubes transparent to ultraviolet radiation disposed in proximity to a source of ultraviolet radiation having the capability of disinfecting the water flowing through the tubes. Each of the opposed ends of the tubes is supported within a cylindrical cavity of a support member and retained in sealed engagement by a tube circumscribing O-ring clamped about the tube by a plate detachably attached to the support member. Passageways within the support member channel the water into or out of the respective tube end. The source of ultraviolet radiation is secured to opposed support members in close proximity to the tubes to enhance the bacteria, virus and micro organism killing capability of the ultraviolet radiation source.

Abstract: A fluid treatment system and process includes structure and steps relating to a gravity fed fluid treatment system. A fluid inlet and a fluid outlet are provided, and an irradiation zone is disposed between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The irradiation zone includes at least one radiation source and has a closed cross-section to confine fluid to be treated within a predefined maximum distance from the at least one radiation source. Cleaning structure is provided to remove undesired materials from an exterior of the radiation source. The cleaning structure comprises a cleaning sleeve surrounding the radiation source and movable with respect thereto. The cleaning solution includes a chamber surrounding and in contact with the exterior of the radiation source, the chamber being supplied with a cleaning solution suitable to remove undesired materials from the exterior of the radiation source.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of potable water having a substantially cylindrical pressure vessel which houses an ultraviolet light. The pressure vessel is in fluid communication with a filter stage which filters the water before treatment by the ultraviolet light. An ultraviolet lamp assembly sealed within a light permeable sleeve and having a single end cap provided with electrical terminals at one end only is disposed in watertight fashion within the pressure vessel. Downstream from an inlet to the pressure vessel is a deflector/baffle assembly provided to regulate the flow pattern and flow rate of the water within the pressure vessel thereby providing a uniform flow rate to achieve optimum kill rates of bacteria and other living organisms by exposure to the ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet lamp assembly is secured within the pressure vessel by a threaded closure nut which is easily secured or removed by hand.

Abstract: A germicidal air purifier for trapping and destroying airborne microorganisms is disclosed. The air purifier includes an ultraviolet radiation source and a juxtaposed filter medium. A one of the ultraviolet radiation source and the filter medium is fixed and the other is displaceable so that at least an upstream side of the filter medium is systematically exposed to germicidal levels of radiation. In a first preferred embodiment, a fixed ultraviolet lamp irradiates a cylindrical air filter which is rotated on its longitudinal axis in close proximity to the lamp so that the upstream side of the filter is systematically irradiated. In a second preferred embodiment, a radiant lamp fixture is moved reciprocally across an upstream side of a planar filter to systematically irradiate the filter. In a third preferred embodiment, a radiant lamp fixture is rotated about an axis which is orthogonal to its longitudinal midpoint so that a circular area of a planar filter is irradiated.

Abstract: Apparatus for treating a fluid by irradiating a thin film of the fluid with high intensity, concentrated light. The irradiation affects chemical physical or biological activity changes in the fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating fluids includes a conduit (11) through which the fluid flows, in which a static mixer (21) is disposed and which passes through a cooling vessel (16) having an annular cross-section. This arrangement is surrounded by several U-shaped fluorescent tubes (19, 20), whose legs, extending parallel to the conduit, are distributed around the periphery of the conduit (11). The mixer (21) effects a highly turbulent flow, such that all parts of the fluid are uniformly irradiated with radiation. If the fluid is a glue which is to be preactivated by the radiation, then the turbulent flow and the reaction rate, which is reduced by the cooling, retard the setting of polymerized fluid components on the inner wall of the reaction conduit, and thereby also inhibit the gradual blockage of the conduit (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring cell for analyzing solid granular or pulverous material, which measuring cell (1) is provided with an aperture (5) in the wall for a measuring window (6). Through the measuring window, the material fed in the measuring cell (1) can be analyzed according to the invention, so that inside the measuring cell (1) there is installed a feeder (10) in order to regulate the essentially continuous material flow passing through the measuring cell (1), and a guide member (8) in order to guide the material flow to pass by essentially near to the measuring window (6).

Abstract: An ultra-violet wastewater disinfection system is disclosed in which wastewater flows through a treatment chamber having a plurality of tube-type ultra-violet lamps in a parallel array supported therein at an acute angle with respect to the flow of wastewater through the treatment chamber. In this configuration, the wastewater flows through the array of lamps regardless of the depth of the water in the treatment chamber. The wet/dry configuration wherein a portion of the lamps is submerged and a portion of the lamps is not submerged provides very desirable results in terms of the kill rate of fecal coliform present in wastewater.

Abstract: A pipetter capable of mixing liquids and dispensing the mixed liquid has a pipetting tube, an actuating device connected to the tube for sucking liquid into and discharging liquid from the tube, and a flow disturbance device in the tube spaced from the discharge and suction end thereof and adapted to cause longitudinal mixing of liquid in the tube when liquid is moved along the tube in at least one direction. Mixing is effected in the tube by causing a liquid body to move repeatedly to and fro along the tube so that during each such movement at least a portion of the liquid body passes the flow disturbance device and the liquid body is not discharged from the first end of the tube. The pipetter is useful for example in mixing a suspension of blood cells with a reagent prior to analysis.

Abstract: The discharge conduit by which clarified sewage is withdrawn from a sewage clarification plant comprises a headwater conduit section and a low-water conduit section, the latter being separated from the former. The two conduit sections are connected to each other by at least one overground tube, the tube being designed as a siphon. An UV irradiation apparatus is provided for disinfecting the clarified sewage. However, the UV irradiation apparatus is not arranged in the discharge conduit, but is built in into the siphon. This solution has the advantage that the UV irradiation apparatus, which is installed overground, is less susceptible to failure and can more easily be serviced.

Abstract: A mineral liquid producing device in which a mineral liquid is produced by flowing and circulating a liquid against an activating stone which includes radium oxide, tantalum oxide and yttrium oxide for radiating Alpha-rays, Gamma-rays and Beta-rays.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved photochemical reactor useful for the isotopic enrichment of a predetermined isotope of mercury, especially, .sup.196 Hg. Specifically, two axi-symmetrical flow reactors were constructed according to the teachings of the present invention. These reactors improve the mixing of the reactants during the photochemical enrichment process, affording higher yields of the desired .sup.196 Hg product. Measurements of the variation of yield (Y) and enrichment factor (E) along the flow axis of these reactors indicates very substantial improvement in process uniformity compared to previously used photochemical reactor systems. In one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the photoreactor system was built such that the reactor chamber was removable from the system without disturbing the location of either the photochemical lamp or the filter employed therewith.

Abstract: A process of exposing a fluid medium, such as machine oil, to radiant energy and a device to carry out that process include providing at least two juxtaposed, elongated radiant energy source, such as ultraviolet germicidal radiation sources, providing a passage between the sources that is typically less than an inch thick and that has walls capable of transmitting the radiant energy, providing for fluid flow in a direction substantially parallel to the radiant energy sources, passing a fluid medium in a thin film through the passage, and simultaneously exposing the fluid medium to the radiant energy by irradiating the fluid medium with the radiant energy sources. Preferably, the passage is in the configuration of an annulus surrounding one of the radiant energy sources, and a plurality of radiant energy sources is arrayed around the passage.

Abstract: A unit for the sterilization of fluid media, for example contaminated water, the unit including a source of germicidal radiation disposed substantially centrally within a tubular structure or housing, there being provided between said source of germicidal radiation and the innermost surface of said tubular structure an annular passage constituting a flow path for the fluid media. The unit is capable of providing a lethal or "killing" dosage of germicidal radiation, in excess of 99.99% "kill", even for very large flow rates of fluid media through the unit.

Abstract: A water-purifier device, comprises a housing to be mounted vertically, a water inlet, a water outlet, and two tubes extending generally horizontally of the housing when the housing is mounted vertically. The first tube defines a first water flow passageway including a filter for removing solid particles and a quantity of activated carbon for removing undesirable odors and tastes from the water flowing through the first flow passageway. The second tube defines a second water flow passageway connected between the first tube and the housing outlet, and including an ultraviolet lamp subjecting the water flowing therethrough to ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A purifier for water or air removes, reduces or detoxifies organic pollutants therefrom by causing the fluid to contact a matrix having surfaces with which a fixed anatase (TiO.sub.2) or other photoreactive metal semiconductor material is bonded, in the presence of light of a wavelength that will activate the material.

Abstract: In an ultraviolet sterilizer unit a length of corrugated pipe is coiled into the shape of a helix around an ultraviolet germicidal source to maximize the exposure of the fluid media flowing in the pipe to the ultraviolet germicidal source. The pipe is formed of a tough, flexible fluorinated polyalkylene resin capable of being used without sidewall support, and has an internal groove.

Abstract: A fluid purification system includes an elongated ultraviolet radiation emitting tube and independent fluid flow-controlling conduits. Each conduit is transparent to allow ultraviolet light emitted by the tube to enter the conduit, and defines a continuous, aand is helically wound closely about the tube to insure that fluid flow through the conduits is exposed to the ultraviolet light. The system includes a filter having inlet and outlet ports. An end of each conduit is connected to one of the inlet and outlet ports of the filter. The system thus exposes the fluid to ultraviolet radiation both before and after the fluid is filtered.

Abstract: This invention discloses a combination of filters and germicidal ultraviolet lamps assembled in a symbiotic arrangement wherein the ultraviolet lamps have dual functions of sterilizing the fluid medium being filtered and preventing the filters from being clogged, while the filter enhances the germicidal effect of the ultraviolet light by creating uniform flow which evenly exposes the fluid medium to the ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An ultra-violet ray water sterilizer comprising a container having two chambers connected together only adjacent the bottom internal surfaces of the chambers, one chamber containing a germicidal ultra-violet ray lamp extending up the chamber from the bottom surface thereof, the said one chamber having an outlet adjacent the top of the ultra-violet lamp, the second chamber having a water inlet. Thus, the water may be poured into the said second chamber and when this is to be dispensed upon tilting the units so that water emerges from the outlet at the top of the first chamber, all the water passes the ultra-violet ray lamp and becomes sterilized.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for cleaning sulphur and nitrogen containing flue gases by adding gaseous reagents and by a reaction in a reaction chamber which the reactants pass through in the axial direction and are exposed to at least one electorn beam. The apparatus includes at least one reaction chamber and at least one electron beam source from which the electron beam is admitted into the reaction chamber through at least one pressure step zone. The electron beam source is structurally combined with the reaction chamber in such a manner that the axis of the pressure step stage runs parallel to the axis of the reaction chamber and that the electron beam can be rotationally deflected about this axis to traverse each surface element of a flow cross section of the reaction chamber running perpendicular to the axis at at least one position in the flow path.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device including a combination of a porous filter and ultraviolet light source, that is for purifying fluid media. The porous filter filtering out particles suspended in the fluid medium and the ultraviolet germicidal lamp killing germs in the fluid medium are arranged in a combination in such a way that the porous filter distributes the fluid flow in a pattern that exposes the fluid medium to the germicidal radiation uniformly and thoroughly, while the ultraviolet germidical light destroys the bacteria and other germs contaminating the fluid medium, and at the same time cleans the porous filter continuously by oxidizing the organic particles clogging the porous filter wherein the oxidizing process utilizes oxygen naturally dissolved in the fluid medium or that artificially injected into the fluid medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for destroying microorganisms by irradiation with ultra-violet light from a UV-lamp in a major irradiation chamber. The major chamber is divided into minor chambers by means of partition walls. The walls are provided with through-flow openings at their alternate ends whereby the bacteria-carrying medium is conducted reciprocatingly along the UV-lamp and thereby subjected to intensive radiation therefrom over a relatively long period of time.

Abstract: A device for filtering and sterilizing potable water for household use which may be connected in the water line at a faucet or ahead of the automatic ice-making mechanism of a refrigerator. The water is purified in two stages: The first stage uses an activated carbon filter to remove solid particles, dissolved gases and colloidal particles from the water; the second state uses intensive ultraviolet radiation provided by a mercury vapor lamp to kill essentially all bacteria, viruses and any other organisms which are not trapped by the activated carbon filter. The lamp is mounted concentrically within a cylindrical tube having a water inlet at one end and an outlet at the other end, so that the water is sterilized as it passes through the annular chamber defined by the lamp and the outer wall of the cylindrical tube. A solenoid-activated shut-off valve cuts off the water flow from the device whenever a control circuit detects a failure of the lamp or a loss of line power.