The present application relates generally to the reduction or mitigation of ozone in toilets or other appliances including plumbing fixtures.
Ozone, or trioxide or O3, is an inorganic molecule and reactive gas. It may be pale blue in color and present a distinctive odor. It is an allotrope of oxygen and less stable than oxygen. Ozone may be formed naturally in the atmosphere by reaction with ultraviolet light from the sun and electrical discharges in the atmosphere.
Ozonated water is a powerful disinfectant that can be generated on-site. On-site generation has advantages. One advantage is that there are no consumable chemicals required. One problem is that ozone has a slow and limited solubility in water. As such, ozone gas likely escapes from the water surface and into the environment.
Some people consider the odor of ozone to be unpleasant. In addition, some governments have enacted regulations for ozone in air and may set limits on ozone emissions and/or ozone exposure.
The following embodiments provide ozone in controlled environments to harness the beneficial properties of the gas, while shielding the release of ozone near humans and animals to avoid or mitigate any potential harmful effects. The following embodiments may improve the dissolution of ozone and manage the escape of ozone gas from the water.
Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to the following drawings, according to an exemplary embodiment.
The following embodiments include ozonated water that is generated at or near a toilet and delivered to various areas of the toilet bowl for disinfection. The following embodiments may improve the dissolution of ozone for a toilet, specifically, and manage the escape of ozone gas from the water.
The bowl 1105 of the pedestal 1104 includes a sump (e.g. a receptacle) and an outlet opening, wherein water and waste is collected in the sump until being removed through the outlet opening, such as when the contents of the bowl are flushed into a sewage line. The toilet 1100 further includes a trapway, and the trapway may be fluidly connected to the bowl via the sump. The trapway fluidly connects the sump to the outlet opening.
The ozone formed by the ozone generator 110 may include micro-bubbles that are suspended in the water of the tank 101. The micro-bubbles may have a diameter of 50 microns or smaller.
Ozone may be formed by the ozone generator 110 using a variety of techniques, including corona discharge, ultraviolet light, cold plasma, and other techniques. For example, a corona charger may be configured to accumulate electric charge from the power source 113 and apply the electric charge to air from the air source 114.
In corona discharge, a corona discharge tube or an ozone plate is used. For example, a high voltage may be applied to an electrode in discharge tube or on the ozone plate. A corona discharge is an electrical discharge caused by the ionization of air surrounding the conductor carrying the high voltage. The air around the conductor undergoes an electrical breakdown to become conductive (e.g., temporarily) so that charge can leak off of the conductor and into the air. A corona occurs at locations where the strength of the electric field (potential gradient) around a conductor exceeds the dielectric strength of the air.
The ozone generator 110 may use air source 114, which may include only ambient air. The air may be provided under stored pressure or a differential pressure in the ozone generator 110. Ambient air may correspond to ozone production in a predetermined concentration range (e.g., 3-6%). Alternatively, an oxygen concentrator may be used to increase the concentration of oxygen in the air source. Pure oxygen may be used.
The water vapor content of the air source 114 may be regulated by an air dryer. Less water vapor in the air supply may reduce the production of byproducts such as nitrogen oxides. The air dryer may eliminate nitric acid formation by removing water vapor and may also increase ozone production. Nitric acid may be harmful in certain situations.
The corona discharge may occur in a sealed container of the ozone generator 110. The sealed container may include a seal to prevent entry of water from the tank 101. The sealed container may include one or more valves to allow air into the cavity of the sealed container and ozone out of the sealed container.
In another technique, ozone may be produced by ultraviolet light. Such an ozone generator 110 includes a light source that generates a narrow-band ultraviolet light. The narrow-band ultraviolet light may be less than the spectrum of light produced by the sun. Ultraviolet light may produce ozone at a lower concentration (e.g., 1%) than corona techniques. Ultraviolet light ozone generates may exclude both air dryers and oxygen concentrators.
In another technique, ozone may be produced by cold plasma. Such an ozone generator 110 includes a dielectric barrier discharge configured to generate plasma. Pure oxygen gas is supplied to the plasma and the oxygen molecules are split into single atoms, which recombine into groups of three, forming ozone, or O3. Cold plasma techniques may produce high concentrations of ozone (e.g., 5% or greater) using a small amount of space.
In another technique, an electrolytic ozone generate produces ozone by splitting water molecules. Such an ozone generator 110 includes a water electrolysis device that splits water molecules into H2, O2, and O3. The hydrogen gas, H2, may be removed to leave oxygen and ozone as the only products of the reaction. Electrolytic ozone generation may produce at higher concentrations (20-30%) than the corona discharge technique. The electrolytic techniques may also avoid nitrogen gases.
The controller 100 may send commands to the ozone generator 110. For example, the commands may initiate the generation of ozone. The commands may be triggered by a time schedule (e.g., once every predetermined time period or at certain times of day). The commands may be triggered by a flush cycle. That is, the controller 100 may send a command to the ozone generator 110 to generate ozone when the tank is filled.
The controller 100 may send a command to the ozone generator 110 to generate ozone in response to a user input. For example, a flush cycle may be initiated by operation of an actuator. The actuator may be a button configured to initiate the flush cycle when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or when touched, a lever configured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular travel, or any suitable device configured to activate based on an input manipulation by a user. In some embodiments, the actuator may be a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor) and the flush cycle may be automatically initiated (e.g., by a controller) based on sensor data received from the sensor.
The controller 100 may also receive sensor data as feedback for one or more conditions in proximity to the tank 101 or the toilet. For example, the sensor data may indicate the presence of ozone. The sensor may be an ozone sensor. The ozone sensor may receive air samples and provide one or more tests on the air samples. The ozone sensor may determine a proportion of light that is absorbed by air in the tank 101 or in the proximity of the toilet 1100. The proportion of light may be indicative of a level of ozone present. The proportion off light may indicate a concentration of ozone. A scrubber within ozone sensor may reset the sensor to test a subsequent air sample.
In the instance of automatic initiation of the flush cycle, the controller 100 (e.g., as described herein with respect to
The sensor may include any type of sensor configured to detect certain actions and/or to provide functionality (e.g., dispensing, flushing, etc.). The sensor may include any type of sensor configured to detect certain conditions and/or to provide functionality. Odor sensors, proximity sensors, and motion sensors are non-limiting examples of sensors that may be employed with the systems of this application. Odor sensors, such as volatile organic compound (VOC) sensors, may be employed to detect organic chemicals and compounds, both human made and naturally occurring chemicals/compounds. Proximity sensors may be employed to detect the presence of an object within a zone of detection without physical contact between the object and the sensor. Electric potential sensors, capacitance sensors, projected capacitance sensors, and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of proximity sensors that may be employed with the systems of this application. Motion sensors may be employed to detect motion (e.g., a change in position of an object relative to the objects surroundings). Electric potential sensors, optic sensors, radio-frequency (RF) sensors, sound sensors, magnetic sensors (e.g., magnetometers), vibration sensors, and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of motion sensors that may be employed with the systems of this application.
In another example, the sensor may include a sensor configured to detect a water level. The sensor may include a float sensor, a pressure level sensor, an ultrasonic water level transmitter, a capacitance level sensor (e.g., an RF sensor), and a radar level sensor. Further, an optical sensor may be used to determine a water level.
The ozone path obstacle system 120A may include one or more physical obstacles to the ozone generated by the ozone generator 110 and rising through the water in the tank 101. The obstacles may include pegs 121 (e.g., shafts) arranged in a grid that forms rows and/or columns. The rows and/or columns may be staggered so that a center of one peg 121 is not exactly aligned vertically or horizontally with adjacent pegs. This arrangement creates a natural serpentine shape so that the ozone move back and forth as it traverses the natural serpentine shape around the pegs 121.
The pegs 121 may be cylindrical in shape and connected via a plate 122. In
As an alternative or addition to the pegs 121, a column or ring of beads may be used to slow the flow of ozone. A bead may be spherical. The beads may be arranged in a grid that forms rows and/or columns. The grid may be three-dimensional such that the beads are arranged in a first direction, a second direction, and a third direction. The beads may be arranged in various other positions such as a ring.
The beads and/or the pegs 121 may be treated with a chemical or other substance configured to break down ozone. In one example, the beads and/or the pegs 121 may be treated with a photocatalyst that assists in breaking down ozone in the presence of ultraviolet light. One example photocatalyst may be titanium oxide (TiO2).
In one example, a group of beads 119 are placed in a chamber as shown in
Returning, the longitudinal rods or pegs,
The ozone rises vertically from the ozone generator 110 enters a chamber between the first and second baffles and is slowed as the bubbles travel horizontally through the space created by the baffles. Eventually, ozone reaches the opening to the next chamber between the second and third baffles and is slowed as it travels horizontally in the opposite direction. The baffles may be placed at an angle with the horizontal, such as 1, 5, 10, or 20 degrees. The angle may be selected based on a desired speed of the ozone traveling through the water of the tank, or similarly, based on a level of desired ozone restriction. As the baffles are steeper (greater angle with the horizontal), the ozone travels faster.
The circulation device 130 may include a powered device that circulates water within the tank 101. The powered device may be a motor. Examples for the circulation device 130 may include an impellor, an agitator, or a pump. The circulation device 130 may include a compartment that traps the ozone and slowly rotates the ozone until eventually releasing the ozone. The circulation device 130 may push the water including the ozone into a path that delays the release of the ozone. The circulation device 130 may open and close a chamber to capture and release the ozone.
As the fins rotate, the water is pushed downward. The path of the ozone to the top of the water is slowed. Some ozone bubbles may evade the impellor 130a, but on average the time that the ozone bubbles spend under water is increased by the impellor 130a. The controller 100 may generate an instruction for the ozone generator 110 and/or the impellor 130a. The instruction may be in response to a flush cycle of the toilet. For example, when water is replenished to the tank, the controller 100 causes the ozone generator 110 to generate ozone and the impellor 130a to rotate to slow the path of the generated ozone though the water in the tank.
The pump 130b may be arranged vertically to create a vertical circular path in the tank 101. As shown in
As ozone is released by the ozone generator 110, a substantial portion of the ozone travels through the ascending chamber 131 into the ozone recirculation chamber 132. The ozone recirculation chamber 132 is closed (e.g., sealed) from the air space above the water in the tank. The pump 130b pushes water down through the descending chamber 133. The descending water absorbs and dissolves ozone from the ozone recirculation chamber 132, which increases the amount of ozone dissolves in the water of the tank and reduces the amount of ozone that ultimately is released from the tank.
The controller 100 may generate an instruction for the ozone generator 110 and/or the pump 130b. The instruction may be in response to a flush cycle of the toilet. For example, when water is replenished to the tank, the controller 100 causes the ozone generator 110 to generate ozone and the pump 130b to pump water against the path of the ozone to slow the path of the generated ozone though the water in the tank.
In one example, the fill valve assembly 201 includes a network of internal channels configured to increase the path of ozone through the toilet tank 101. The fill valve assembly 201 may include a water inlet channel 205, a line supply of water 206, and an ozone inlet channel 204. A seal 207 may provide an atmospheric break to prevent back siphoning of water into the water supply (line supply 206). Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.
The fill valve assembly 201 may include additional components not illustrated. Such components may include a float to turn off the fill valve at a predetermined height and/or turn on the fill valve at a predetermined height. Such components may include a refill tube connected to the fill valve assembly 201 by a fill tube. Such components may include an actuator for activating the fill valve to fill the tank. Example actuators are described herein and include manual levers and automatic actuators triggered by the controller and/or sensor readings. The refill tube may be coupled to the top of the fill valve through the top of the flush valve and into the toilet bowl.
The water inlet channel 205 is connected to the line supply of water 206. The line supply of water 206 may be connected to the plumbing system of a home or building via a shutoff valve external to the toilet.
As the ozone generator 110 generates ozone (e.g., bubbles), the ozone is provided to the ozone inlet channel 204 connected to the water inlet channel 205 via a venturi opening 203. The venturi opening 203 includes at least a portion of the water inlet channel 205 that creates a differential pressure to draw ozone through the ozone inlet channel 204. The venturi opening 203 includes a narrowed section of passage having a smaller cross section than a preceding portion of the passage. The narrowed section causes an increase in the velocity of the flow of air and/or water (e.g., ozone). Through the conservation of energy, the increase in the velocity of the flow of air causes a decrease in pressure near the venturi opening 203. The decrease in pressure or differential pressure creates a force that pulls the ozone from the ozone inlet channel 204.
The path of the ozone through the water inlet channel 205 is indirect. After leaving the ozone inlet channel 204, the ozone travels down (e.g., in the direction of gravity) through the water inlet channel 205. The increased time improves the dissolution of ozone in the water and reduces the amount of ozone that could potentially escape the water in the tank.
Optionally, to further regulate the flow of ozone through the tank. An ozone choke device 202 may be included at the outlet of the water inlet channel 205. The ozone choke device 202 may be configured to slow the flow of ozone from the fill valve assembly 201. The ozone choke device 202 may include a mesh such as a grid-like pattern of metal or plastic with small openings sized to allow small ozone bubbles to pass through. The ozone choke device 202 may include a filter.
The light source 151 may emit a frequency or wavelength of light that is configured to eliminate ozone. For example, the light source 151 may be a UV-C lamp that produces light with a 254 nanometer wavelength. The UV-C lamp may produce light in an ozone destruction range such as 240-315 nanometer wavelength. As described herein, other wavelengths of ultraviolet light (e.g., 185 nanometer wavelength) may be harnessed to produce ozone. However, ultraviolet light at or near 254 nanometer wavelength is used here to remove ozone.
In addition, the ozone elimination device 150 may include one or more light baffles 152. The light baffles 152 shield the light from the water in the toilet tank 101 so as not to remove the ozone from the water. As the ozone leaves the water in the toilet tank 101, it travels through a path created by the light baffles 152. The ozone travels through the spaces between the light baffles 152 and eventually becomes in direct (e.g., line of sight) alignment with the light source 151. The light source 151 provides ozone eliminating light to the ozone and causes the ozone to be broken down and/or eliminated.
The filter 170 may be a carbon filter or another type of filter. The filter 170 may be surface treated to provide ozone removal characteristics. The filter chamber 171 is at least partially submerged below the water level 125 and at least partially above the water level 125. The space above the water level 125 is partially sealed from the ambient atmosphere. The filter 170 is supported within the chamber 171. The chamber 171 directs the flow of ozone that is being expelled from the water so that the ozone can be eliminated or reduced by the filter 170.
The filter 170 may be removably supported by the chamber 171. A user may remove one or more fasteners (e.g., clips, screws, snaps, or bands) to remove the filter 170 and/or install a replacement filter. The filter 170 may be replaced periodically. In some examples, the controller may provide a reminder to the user to replace the filter. In some examples, sensors may provide feedback data on the condition of the filter and the controller may determine filter replacement is recommended. For example, a sensor may detect ozone levels. When the ozone levels is greater than a threshold, or the rate of increase of ozone surpasses a threshold rate, the controller determines that the filter is no longer operating to remove ozone from the air in the tank 101. In response, the controller may display or otherwise transmit a message for filter replacement. The threshold for the ozone concentration or rate of change thereof may be set by historical data. That is, the running average of the last day, week, or month may be used as the threshold. The threshold for the ozone concentration or rate of change thereof may be set by user input.
The filter chamber 171 may be positioned at a predetermined position with respect to the ozone generator 110. The filter chamber 171 may be positioned directly above (e.g., opposite the direction of gravity) the ozone generator 110. The filter chamber 171 provides a steered air path where the ozone would be most concentrated
The ozone ventilation device 160 may include an ozone exhaust 181 and an ozone collector 180. The ozone collector 180 includes an enclosed space under the water of the toilet tank to steer ozone into the ozone exhaust 181. The ozone collector 180 includes a conical shape or a cylindrical shape.
The ozone collector 180 may be at least partially submerged in water of the toilet tank. For example, a portion of the ozone collector 180 may be above the water level 125 and a portion of the ozone collector 180 may be below the water level 125.
The ozone collector 180 may cover a substantial portion of the tank 101. For example, the ozone collector 180 may be attached to a perimeter of the top of the toilet tank (e.g., below the lid) to cover substantially all of the tank 101 or all of the tank 101. In some examples, a vent may be included in the ozone collector 180 to vent air into the tank. That is, the ozone collector 180 may channel ozone away from the tank 101 but include a vent in the wall of the ozone collector 180 so that air can travel from the ambient environment back into the tank 101. The vent may be a release valve or a one-way valve. The vent allows the water level 125 to go down (e.g., for flushing the toilet) without creating a vacuum that could damage the ozone collector 180 or reverse the action of the ozone collector 180.
The ozone exhaust 181 is coupled to the toilet tank 101 via the ozone collector 180. The ozone exhaust 181 may be a duct, tube, or other pathway configured to carry the ozone from the tank 101 to an external location. The ozone exhaust 181 may be coupled to another room (i.e., another room separate from the location of the toilet 1100). The ozone exhaust 181 may be coupled to a building exhaust system so that ozone is expelled out of the building. The ozone exhaust 181 may include a fan in the path to help expel the ozone.
When the toilet 1100 is flushed the tank 101 empties and more water is provided from the fill valve 111. As the water level rises in the tank 101, pressure is created in the space of the tank in the ozone collector 190 and or ozone exhaust channel 191 to apply a force to push the ozone through the ozone exhaust channel 191. The rising water level (or full water tank) acts to provide a seal to seal ozone from returning to the tank.
The toilet 1100 may include a bowl 194, a sump 193, and a trapway 192. Other components may be included. The sump 193 fluidly connects the bowl 194 and the trapway 192. Rim channels or other channels in the toilet 1100 may be connected to a fluid supply source, such as a household water supply, or the tank 101. Either through the channels or a jet outlet, a flow of water can be introduced to the sump 193 to, for example, to help prime a siphon in the trapway 192 to induce a flush cycle and empty the contents of the bowl 194. A water level 195 illustrates a siphon seal, that when broken induces the flush.
The trapway 192 may be coupled to the ozone exhaust channel 191. For example, the ceramics or vitreous material forming the toilet 1100 may include a port configured to be coupled with the ozone exhaust 191. The port may include an opening. The port may include a nozzle such that the ozone exhaust 191 includes a tube that fits over or inside of the nozzle. An ozone channel 196 may be formed in the toilet 1100 between the port on the outside of the toilet 1100 and the trapway 192.
The ozone exhaust 191 is configured to vent off the ozone gas that does not dissolve into the tank water. The trapway 192 may not pressurize from the buildup of ozone since it is connected to the building vent. A check valve or a water channel may be included in the ozone exhaust channel 191. The check valve or the water channel may prevent the ozone exhaust channel 191 from interfering with the flush performance (i.e. break the siphon early or prevent a siphon).
In another example, as ozone is carried by the ozone exhaust 191 to the trapway 192, additional air pressure is applied in the trapway 192. The additional air pressure applied a downward force within the trapway 192 on the water level 195. The downward force helps to break the siphon and cause the toilet 1100 to flush. In addition, as the siphon is broken and immediately after, the ozone escape through the trapway. The ozone escapes from the trapway to a sewer line, a septic system, or another passage external to the toilet 1100.
The in-wall tank 501 may include any of the ozone flow restrictor 120 examples, any of the circulation device 130 examples, any of the ozone elimination device 150 examples, or any of the ozone collection devices described herein. In addition, as illustrated, the in-wall tank 501 includes an example ozone ventilation device 160 as ozone exhaust 191. The ozone exhaust 191 receives the ozone generated within the in-wall tank 501 and provides it to an external location. The ozone exhaust 191 may vent the ozone to outside of the building, a sewer pipe, or a septic system. In addition, the ozone exhaust 191 may transfer the ozone to a chamber where it is combusted or otherwise destroyed.
In any of the examples herein, a light (e.g., UV-C) may be included in the bowl or in the proximity of the bowl, for example coupled to a toilet seat or a toilet lid. The light may additionally break down ozone that escapes through the bowl, for example, through trapway 192 or otherwise.
Optionally, the control system 400 may include an input device 355 and/or a sensing circuit in communication with any of the sensors. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from as described above. The input device 355 may include a switch (e.g., actuator), a touchscreen coupled to or integrated with, a keyboard, a remote, a microphone for voice inputs, a camera for gesture inputs, and/or another mechanism.
Optionally, the control system 400 may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading non-transitory computer media 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to perform instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein. A display 350 may be supported by any of the components described herein. The display 350 may be combined with the user input device 355.
Acts S101 and S103 may be alternatives. Acts S101 and S103 may be performed together at substantially the same time. At act S101, the controller 400 may send a signal to a valve to open an air path and provide air to the ozone generator 110. At act S103, the controller 400 may turn on a power supply to provide electrical power to the ozone generator 110. For example, the controller 400 may turn on the ozone generator 110 and prepare the ozone generate 110 to generate ozone.
At act S105, the controller 400 may send a signal (e.g., a command) to the ozone generator 110 to generate ozone in a toilet tank in response to the air supply or power supply. The signal may turn on a relay or other switch to activate a corona charge in the ozone generator 110.
At act S107, the ozone produced by the ozone generator 110 is restricted. In some examples, this occurs passively based on structures that limit the rising bubbles of ozone. In some examples, this occurs actively, and the controller 400 may turn on an activation signal for the ozone restrictor as a fan, an impeller, a pump, a blade or another device. The controller 400 may generate a shutoff command to subsequently deactivate the ozone flow restrictor. The shutoff command may turn off the fan, the impeller, the pump, the blade, or the other device. The shutoff command may be issued based on a timer (e.g., part of a flush cycle), in response to user input, or in response to sensor data.
In the example illustrated,
Processor 300 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). The processor 300 may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.
Memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may be communicably connected to processor 300 via a processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, memory 298 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for use in generating graphical user interfaces for display and/or for use in interpreting user interface inputs to make command, control, or communication decisions.
In addition to ingress ports and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The network may include wired networks (e.g., Ethernet), wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, a Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.
While the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.
In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory.
Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.
In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.
The example of
The ozone generator 608 may include any of the example ozone devices described herein, including a corona charger. For example, a corona charger may be configured to accumulate electric charge from a power source and apply the electric charge to air from an air source. An electrical conductor, such as a corona discharge tube or an ozone plate, may receive a high voltage may an output an electrical discharge caused by the ionization of air surrounding the conductor carrying the high voltage.
The ozone generator 608 may receive commands from a controller 100. For example, the controller 100 may send a command to turn on the power source and/or connect the power source to the corona charger at a predetermined timing. In some examples, the controller 100 is configured to cause a predetermined amount of ozone to be generated in the cavity 610. For example, the cavity 610 may include an ozone sensor that provides feedback to the controller 100, and the controller 100 generates a command for the corona charger in response to the feedback. The controller 100 may turn on the ozone generator 608 when the ozone sensor indicates that the ozone level has fallen below a minimum level and/or the controller 100 may turn off the ozone generator 608 when the ozone sensor indicates that the ozone level has gone above a maximum level.
The ozone generator 608 is in communication with the plumbing fixture and configured to inject ozone into a flow of water through the plumbing fixture. The flow of water is disinfected by the ozone.
The air input 601 may be an air intake. For example, the air input 601 may include a vent or an aperture configured to take in air at the ozone mitigation device 600. The flow of air may be driven by fan 603 including one or more blades for drawing air into the ozone mitigation device 600. The controller 100 may sending commands (e.g., start command, stop command, duty cycle) to the fan 603.
In some examples, between the fan 603 and the air input 601 is a filter 602. The filter 602 may include a screen (e.g., metal or plastic grid with holes), a network of fibers, or paper configured to remove particles from the flow of air. In addition or in the alternative, a filter may be included in the water.
In some examples, a membrane 611 may provide the air to water junction between the ozone generator 608 and the cavity 610. The membrane 611 may be permeable to air but not to water. Thus, the air from the ozone generator 608 is allowed to flow through the membrane 611 into the cavity 610. However, water in the cavity 610 cannot travel in the opposite direction through the membrane 611.
The light 604 may be a variety of types of light sources such as an ultraviolet (UV) light. The UV light may have a predetermined frequency or wavelength, which may be a range of wavelengths or frequencies for the light emitted from the light 604. The predetermined frequency or wavelength may be configured to dissipate the ozone in the flow of water. The controller 100 may send commands to the light 604 to start the light 604 or stop the light 604. The controller 100 may send commands to the light 604 to set the wavelength of the light 604.
The light 604 may perform both disinfection and ozone dissipation. For example, the light 604 may include ultra-violet germicidal irradiation (UVGI) to kill microbes in the water. The germicidal irradiation may be optimized by a wavelength band of 200 to 280 nanometers (nm). The ozone dissipation may be optimized by a wavelength band of 240 to 315 nm. Thus, the light 604 may be tuned to an overlapping wavelength band of 240 to 280 nm to perform both the germicidal irradiation and the ozone dissipation.
A specific wavelength may be selected based on the structure or gas of an arc lamp or light emitting diode (LED) that is available in the overlapping wavelength band. One example is a low-pressure mercury vapor art lamp at approximately 254 nm.
The light 604 may include multiple light sources arranged radially or vertically along at least one side of the cavity 610. The side of the cavity 610 may include a partially transparent window 607. The window 607 may be formed of glass or plastic and allow the predetermined wavelength of the light source 604 to travel into the cavity 610 and dissipate the ozone in the water.
In one embodiment, one or more baffles 621 direct the flow of water in a particular pattern than increases the exposure of the water to the light source 604 to maximize the dissipation of ozone. For example, as shown in
Water that exits the recirculating shower 703 may be provided to the ozone mitigation system 600 where it is ozonated for the purposes of disinfection, for example, by the ozone generator 608, and then subsequently irradiated by light source 604 for removal of the ozone from the water. The water, after disinfection and ozone mitigation, may be returns to the recirculating shower 703. Upstream of the ozone mitigation system 600, or incorporated into the ozone mitigation system 600, for example, by the filter 602, the soap and debris management assembly may provide an initial stage of removing larger particles from the spent shower water.
The ozonated recycled water travels to the proximity of the light source 604 where the ultraviolet light dissipated or otherwise aids in the removal of the ozone from the water. The output off the ozone mitigation system 600 may provide the water to another grey water appliance.
In a first embodiment, the multi-stage water recycling system may include a first set of water consuming appliances that consumes fresh water and outputs a first tier of greywater, a first ozone mitigation system 600 that treats the first tier of greywater and outputs a treated first tier of greywater, a second set of water consuming appliances that consumes the treated first tier of greywater and outputs a second tier of greywater, a second ozone mitigation system 600 that treats the second tier of greywater and outputs a treated second tier of greywater, and a third set of water consuming appliances that consumes the treated second tier of greywater.
In the first embodiment, the first set of water consuming appliances include at least one potable water appliance such as a faucet, a water cooler, a refrigerator, or an icemaker. The second set of water consuming appliances include at least one bathing appliance. The bathing appliance may include a bathtub or a shower. The third set of water consuming appliances includes a toilet.
In a second embodiment, the multi-stage water recycling system includes a first set of water consuming appliances that consumes fresh water and outputs a first tier of greywater, a first ozone mitigation system 600 that treats the first tier of greywater and outputs a treated second tier of greywater, a second ozone mitigation system 600 that treats a first portion of the treated second tier of greywater to a first tier of greywater, a second set of water consuming appliances that consumes a second portion of the treated second tier of greywater and outputs wastewater, and a third set of water consuming appliances that consumes a portion of the first tier of greywater. A portion of the treated first tier of greywater from the second ozone mitigation system 600 is provided to the first ozone mitigation system 600.
In the second embodiment, the first set of water consuming appliances include at least one potable water device, the second set of water consuming appliances includes a toilet, and the third set of water consuming appliances includes at least one bathing appliance.
At act S401, the method includes generating ozone at a plumbing fixture including a flow of water. The ozone may be generated by turning on the ozone generator 608. For example, the controller 100 may turn on the ozone generator 608 based on feedback from an ozone sensor to maintain a predetermine ozone level or range for the ozone level. The controller 100 may turn on the ozone generator 608 according to a predetermined schedule or time interval. For example, the ozone generator 608 may be operated at a certain time of day or every hour.
At act S403, the method includes directing the water flow including the ozone into a separate chamber or location within a chamber. The water flow may be directed in a circulation pattern within the chamber. The water flow may be directed in a circuitous path to increase the time the ozone is in the chamber. The water flow may be directed into a recirculation path or bypass path to traverse the chamber multiple times.
At act S405, the method includes disinfecting the water flow via the ozone. The ozone may disinfect the water through contact with the water.
At act S407, the method includes dissipating or removing at least a portion of the ozone in the water flow via a light source (e.g., ultraviolet light within a predetermined frequency range).
At act S409, the method includes providing the water flow to appliance. The appliance may be a toilet, a shower, a sink, a urinal, a faucet, a bidet, or another device that consumes water. The water flow may be provided directly (e.g., via a pipe) from the chamber to the appliance. The water flow may be provided indirectly from the chamber to the appliance. For example, the water may be pumped from the chamber to a tank (e.g., grey water tank) and then pumped to the appliance.
The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.
While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment.
Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.
One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.
It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.
This application claims priority benefit of Provisional Application No. 63/272,987 (Docket No. 10222-20019B) filed Oct. 28, 2021, and Provisional Application No. 63/234,893 (Docket No. 10222-20019A) filed Aug. 19, 2021, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63272987 | Oct 2021 | US | |
63234893 | Aug 2021 | US |