Patent Application
20200317518
The present invention relates generally to an ozone generator voltage verification light assembly. More so, the present invention relates to a testing assembly that provides a visual alert mechanism and/or an audible alert mechanism, such a neon light that operatively connects to an ozone generator for verification that the generator is producing the proper voltage to generate ozone; thereby allowing a user to quickly and easily determine what is wrong with the ozone generator when it no longer is producing ozone.
The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
Typically, an ozone generator is a device that turns ambient air into ozone, which is capable of removing contaminants in the air. Ozone generators intentionally produce ozone and are sold as air cleaners for commercial and residential applications. Specifically, they are advertised to deodorize, disinfect, kill or remove dangerous or irritating airborne particles in indoor environments.
Generally, ozone is a naturally occurring gas composed of three oxygen molecules and not two. The third molecule can detach and apply itself to other chemicals or substances. This ability to attach to other substances means ozone is able to alter these substances. This is why ozone is generated and used for certain purposes. Further, it is known that ozone has a half-life of about 30 minutes in at ambient temperatures.
Other proposals have involved ozone generators. The problem with these ozone generators is that they do not have a way to easily diagnose when the electrical circuitry has a malfunction or when the ceramic plates are depleted, broken, or need to be cleaned. Even though the above cited ozone generators meet some of the needs of the market, an ozone generator voltage verification light assembly that provides a visual alert mechanism and/or an audible alert mechanism, such as an neon light, that operatively connects to an ozone generator for verification that the ozone generator is generating the proper voltage to generate ozone, and that the ceramic plate is depleted or dirty, so that the user can quickly determine what is wrong with the ozone generator when it no longer is producing ozone. Furthermore, the current proposal is not obvious because the high voltage makes it impossible to use any normal types of lights or warning systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a neon light with a 120K limiting resistor is the only possible way to provide a visual aid to determine if the ozone generator is operating properly.
Illustrative embodiments of the disclosure are generally directed to an ozone generator voltage verification light assembly. The assembly provides a visual alert mechanism and/or an audible alert mechanism, such as a neon light, that operatively connects to an ozone generator for verification that the ozone generator is generating the proper voltage to generate ozone. The visual or audible alert mechanism verifies that the ozone generator is operating correctly. In this manner, the ozone generator can continue deodorizing and sterilizing the ambient air.
The ozone generator voltage verification light assembly is configured to operatively connect to an ozone generator, and visually and/or audibly indicate if an irregularity in voltage occurs, so that repairs and replacements can be made. The ozone generator includes a power source for supplying an electrical current, a transformer that generates high voltage by boosting voltage supplied from power. The ozone generator may also include one or more ceramic plates, (UV bulbs, or other dielectrics) disposed in a spaced-apart, parallel relationship, and coated with an electrode. The ozone plate also includes stainless steel mesh on both sides of the ceramic plate.
A predetermined voltage generated by the high voltage transformer is applied to the stainless steel mesh attached to the outside of the ceramic plate(s). Accordingly, the ozone generator generates ozone by discharging electricity to both sides of the ceramic plate(s). The ozone generator voltage verification light assembly monitors the predetermined voltage. If the predetermined voltage exceeds a range (too low or too high), the neon light turns off, thereby alerting the user that the unit has malfunctioned.
In another aspect, the ozone generator comprises a housing.
In another aspect, the ozone generator comprises a handle joined to the housing.
In another aspect, the transformer generates more than 3 volts.
In another aspect, the power source comprises an AC power supply.
In another aspect, the ozone generator comprises a stack-plate design, but may be made of other dielectrics.
In another aspect, the electrical current comprises AC current.
In another aspect, the ozone generator may have multiple slots sized and dimensioned to receive the ceramic plates.
In another aspect, the ceramic ozone plate(s) is coated with stainless steel mesh.
In another aspect, the voltage testing (verification) device is a 220 volt neon light with a resistance of 120K.
One objective of the present invention is to generate ozone for deodorizing, disinfecting, killing, and removing dangerous or irritating airborne particles in indoor environments.
Another objective is to have a visual and/or audible verification that the ozone generator is operating properly.
Another objective is to verify a constant source of voltage to the ceramic plates.
Yet another objective is to ensure that the ceramic plates are replaced or cleaned when depleted or dirty.
An exemplary objective is to provide an inexpensive and easy verification that the ozone generator is working properly.
Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims and drawings.
The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.
The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
An ozone generator 100 is referenced in
As referenced in
Those skilled in the art will recognize that ozone is oxygen but in a different form. Ozone contains three oxygen molecules and not two. The third molecule can detach and apply itself to other chemicals or substances, thereby creating a safer, cleaner, odor free environment.
The ozone generator 100 comprises a housing 104 with a handle 106 that allows for carrying the housing 104. The housing 104 can be a metal or rigid polymer housing that protects the internal components from damage, moisture, and debris. The housing 104 can have a rectangular shape as shown in
Turning now to
The ozone generator 100 may also provide a transformer 304 generating high voltage by boosting voltage supplied from the power source 400. The high voltage transformer 304 generates more than 3 volts. A timer switch 202 is operable to regulate the duration by which ozone is generated. A variable ozone output switch 200 regulates the voltage passing through the ceramic plates 108a-d, as described below. An ozone outlet 204 provides a large opening for the generated ozone to be released from the ozone generator 100.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the ceramic plates 108a-d may be coated with an electrode. The electrode that coats the ceramic plates 108a-d may include, without limitation, alumina and a sintered metal electrode. Accordingly, the ozone generator 100 generates ozone by discharging electricity through the electrodes which contact both sides of the ceramic plates 108a-d.
In some embodiments, the ozone generator 100 provides a plastic ceramic plate receiver 300 that encapsulates the ceramic plates 108a-d, retaining the plates in the stacked arrangement. The plastic ceramic plate receiver 300 may comprise single or multiple slots sized and dimensioned to receive the ceramic plates 108a-d. Voltage generated by the high voltage transformer 304 passes to the ozone plates 108a-d via that are secured by the plastic ceramic plate receiver 300. Accordingly, the ozone generator 100 generates ozone by discharging electricity through electrodes which contact both sides of ceramic plates 108a-d. Suitable materials for the plastic ceramic plate receiver 300 may include, without limitation, plastic, stainless steel, titanium, and metal alloys.
In operation, when the ozone generator 100 is operational to produce ozone, a predetermined voltage is generated by the transformer 304. The predetermined voltage passes to the ceramic plates 108a-d, via a high voltage wire 312. In one non-limiting embodiment of the predetermined voltage is between 1600 and 4800 volts. Though more or less volts may be used depending on the amount of ozone required, the number of ceramic plates 108a-d, and the size of the ozone generator 100.
In some embodiments, the ozone generator 100 provides an electrode operatively connected to the plastic ceramic plate receiver 300 and the ceramic plates 108a-d. The electrode.
For the present invention, the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112 determines if the generated voltage is within a range of the predetermined voltage. The range may include 0.2 volts above or below the predetermined voltage. However, the range may be more or less than 0.2 volts, depending on the type of ozone generator 100 and the specifications of the ceramic plates 108a-d. In any case, the verification alert signal is transmitted when the range of the predetermined voltage for the specific ozone generator 102 is exceeded.
In one possible embodiment, the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112 includes a ground wire, a 220 volt neon light, a power source and a power wire. The ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112 is operatively connected to the ceramic plate, so as to detect anomalies therein. Thus, if the detected voltage exceeds a range of the predetermined voltage, the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112 generates an alert signal, by turning off. The proper voltage must pass through the electrode, or the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112 alerts accordingly. When the transformer 304 or other electrical components of the ozone generator 102 are not operating properly and thereby generating or carrying the appropriate voltage or current, the range of the predetermined voltage is exceeded, which results in the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112 alert signal being generated. Also, the viability of the ceramic plate 108a-d, is determined by the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112.
Looking now at
In an alternative embodiment, the ozone generator 100 may include an audible alert mechanism that is operatively connected to the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112. Similar to the visual alert mechanism, the audible alert mechanism is actuated when the alert signal is detected. The optional audible alert mechanism would help verify that the ozone generator 100 and ceramic plates 108a-d are operating correctly.
In this manner, the ozone generator 100 can continue deodorizing and sterilizing the ambient air. In essence, the ozone generator voltage verification light assembly 112 measures a predetermined voltage range in an ozone generator 100, and then illuminates a neon light to indicate the operability or range of voltage across the ceramic plates 108a-d in the ozone generator 100.
These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings.
Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
