Patent Application
20220371919
The present disclosure relates to a device to disinfect water. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a device to disinfect water and that provides a double-pass disinfection or single-pass disinfection.
Infectious diseases commonly spread through the direct transfer of bacteria, viruses, or other microbes on surfaces or in water. Without disinfecting surfaces and water, many people may become ill from the numerous types of viruses and bacteria that surround us. To disinfect water and ensure it is safe to drink, people have turned to chemicals and filters. Some products use ultraviolet light to disinfect water. However, most of these UV devices use a low-power lamp that disinfects the water from inside of a quartz sleeve. As a result, the prior art devices are mostly used for smaller pipes. Accordingly, the prior art devices are not capable of having high-water flow. It is also difficult to replace the lamps within the quartz sleeve, which may result in broken quartz.
Accordingly, there is a need for a disinfectant device that is capable of disinfecting high volumes of water and that is easy to maintain. The present disclosure seeks to solve these and other problems.
In some embodiments, a water disinfecting device comprises a housing, an inlet, an outlet, a high-power disinfecting light, a quartz pipe that carries water, and a reflective surface for increased dosage. By placing multiple quartz pipes side by side, the device can disinfect greater quantities of water. In some embodiments, a plurality of water disinfecting devices may be arranged in sequence. For example, a first water disinfecting device may disinfect before entering a water filter so as to prevent bacteria growth in the filter. The water may then pass through a second water disinfecting device before it is supplied for use.
In some embodiments, the water disinfecting device can be installed in-line with a water supply. By using a powerful UV light (or other disinfecting light) and a reflective surface from the outside of a quartz pipe, the device is capable of disinfecting at a much higher success rate than other disinfecting devices found in the prior art. In some embodiments, the water disinfecting device comprises a plurality of pipes within the housing.
The following descriptions depict only example embodiments and are not to be considered limiting in scope. Any reference herein to “the invention” is not intended to restrict or limit the invention to exact features or steps of any one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed in the present specification. References to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” and the like, may indicate that the embodiment(s) so described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Further, repeated use of the phrase “in one embodiment,” or “in an embodiment,” do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may.
Reference to the drawings is done throughout the disclosure using various numbers. The numbers used are for the convenience of the drafter only and the absence of numbers in an apparent sequence should not be considered limiting and does not imply that additional parts of that particular embodiment exist. Numbering patterns from one embodiment to the other need not imply that each embodiment has similar parts, although it may.
Accordingly, the particular arrangements disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breadth of the appended claims and any and all equivalents thereof. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Unless otherwise expressly defined herein, such terms are intended to be given their broad, ordinary, and customary meaning not inconsistent with that applicable in the relevant industry and without restriction to any specific embodiment hereinafter described. As used herein, the article “a” is intended to include one or more items. When used herein to join a list of items, the term “or” denotes at least one of the items, but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. For exemplary methods or processes, the sequence and/or arrangement of steps described herein are illustrative and not restrictive.
It should be understood that the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence, arrangement, or with any particular graphics or interface. Indeed, the steps of the disclosed processes or methods generally may be carried out in various sequences and arrangements while still falling within the scope of the present invention.
The term “coupled” may mean that two or more elements are in direct physical contact. However, “coupled” may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still cooperate or interact with each other.
The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and the like, as used with respect to embodiments, are synonymous, and are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including, but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes, but is not limited to,” etc.). While ultraviolet (UV) light is used as an example throughout, it will be appreciated that any light, or electromagnetic wavelength of light, capable of destroying or inhibiting the growth of microorganisms is contemplated herein as a “disinfecting light.”
As previously discussed, there is a need for a water disinfecting device that is capable of disinfecting high volumes of water and that is easy to maintain. The present water disinfecting device seeks to solve these and other problems.
In some embodiments, as shown in
As shown, the reflective surface 112 may be configured in a half-pipe or arcuate shape so as to better direct the light from disinfecting light 112 to the underside of pipes 110A-B. The reflective surface 112 may be a mirror or mirror-like surface or comprise any suitable reflective material, such as, but not limited to, reflective aluminum, silver, or gold. As a result, as light passes downwardly from the disinfecting light 108, it is reflected upwardly toward the underside of pipes 110A-110B. This ensures that disinfecting light (e.g., UV light) surrounds the pipes 110A-B, thereby ensuring sufficient exposure so as to disinfect the water passing therethrough. Additionally, as will be discussed in more detail later herein, the same water may pass through a series of pipes, providing for multiple exposures to the disinfecting light 108.
In some embodiments, the disinfecting device 100 may comprise a plurality of disinfecting lights 108. For example, the reflective surface 112 may be replaced with a disinfecting light 108 so that the pipes 110A-B are interposed between the two disinfecting lights. It will be appreciated that the number and placement of disinfecting lights may vary without departing herefrom. Additionally, in some embodiments, the disinfecting device 100 may comprise a plurality of disinfecting lights 108 and one or more reflective surfaces 112. Further, the number and diameter of the pipes 110A-B may vary as well. In some embodiments with larger pipes or with a plurality of pipes, it may be preferred to have a plurality of disinfecting lights 108 so as to ensure adequate exposure.
In some embodiments, the water disinfecting device may comprise one or more circulation fans 114A-B for air circulation and to aid in heat dissipation from within the housing, thereby preventing overheating within the housing 102. Additionally, the housing 102 may be supported via one or more legs 116A-D.
In some embodiments, a plurality of water disinfecting devices 100 may be arranged in sequence. For example, a first water disinfecting device 100 may disinfect water before the water enters a water filter. This helps to prevent bacteria growth in the filter. The water may then pass from the filter through a second water disinfecting device 100 before it is supplied for use.
In some embodiments, the water disinfecting device 100 can be installed in-line with a water supply for commercial use, household use, or other use. By using a powerful UV light 108 and a reflective surface 112, both positioned externally to the quartz pipe 110A-B, the water disinfecting device 100 is capable of disinfecting at a much higher success rate than other disinfecting devices found in the prior art. This configuration also allows for maintenance and repairs on the disinfecting device with much greater ease and with less cost than the prior art. For example, a user may remove a panel 103 (
In some embodiments, the water may pass through the housing 102 twice for multiple exposures to the disinfecting light 108. For example, as shown in
Further, although generally referred to herein as a “disinfecting device,” it is understood that a disinfecting device of the present disclosure may disinfect, sterilize, sanitize, or otherwise treat and clean water or other liquids to achieve a lessened state or condition of contamination. Housing 102 may include an exterior material having a first property or function, and an interior material having a second property or function that is different than the first property or function. For example, in at least one embodiment, the housing 102 may include an exterior material that is structurally rigid and opaque, and an interior material that is reflective. In some embodiments, the interior material of the housing 102 may include a coating applied to an inner surface of the exterior material of the housing 102. Additionally, while generally described as a quartz pipe, it will be appreciated that the pipe may comprise glass, plastic, or other transparent materials.
It will also be appreciated that systems and methods according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise comprise properties or features (e.g., components, members, elements, parts, and/or portions) described in other embodiments. Accordingly, the various features of certain embodiments can be compatible with, combined with, included in, and/or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. Thus, disclosure of certain features relative to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting application or inclusion of said features to the specific embodiment unless so stated. Rather, it will be appreciated that other embodiments can also include said features, members, elements, parts, and/or portions without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
Moreover, unless a feature is described as requiring another feature in combination therewith, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of a same or different embodiment disclosed herein. Furthermore, various well-known aspects of illustrative systems, methods, apparatus, and the like are not described herein in particular detail in order to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments. Such aspects are, however, also contemplated herein.
Exemplary embodiments are described above. No element, act, or instruction used in this description should be construed as important, necessary, critical, or essential unless explicitly described as such. Although only a few of the exemplary embodiments have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in these exemplary embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages herein. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/190,370, filed on May 19, 2021, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63190370 | May 2021 | US |
