CA1272365A - Faucet mounted purifier - Google Patents
Faucet mounted purifierInfo
- Publication number
- CA1272365A CA1272365A CA000539189A CA539189A CA1272365A CA 1272365 A CA1272365 A CA 1272365A CA 000539189 A CA000539189 A CA 000539189A CA 539189 A CA539189 A CA 539189A CA 1272365 A CA1272365 A CA 1272365A
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- Prior art keywords
- ultraviolet
- faucet
- unit
- water
- ultraviolet radiation
- Prior art date
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Abstract
FAUCET MOUNTED PURIFIER
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A water purifier unit mounted on the outlet end of a faucet includes a housing defining an inlet port, a labyrinth flow passage, and an outlet port. The flow passage communicates between the inlet and outlet ports, with the housing carrying a wall formed of ultraviolet-transmissive material adjacent to the labyrinth flow passage. An ultraviolet radiation source is positioned to irradiate the labyrinth flow passage through the wall. In the illustrative embodiment, means are provided for mounting the unit with the inlet port directly connected to the outlet of the faucet.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A water purifier unit mounted on the outlet end of a faucet includes a housing defining an inlet port, a labyrinth flow passage, and an outlet port. The flow passage communicates between the inlet and outlet ports, with the housing carrying a wall formed of ultraviolet-transmissive material adjacent to the labyrinth flow passage. An ultraviolet radiation source is positioned to irradiate the labyrinth flow passage through the wall. In the illustrative embodiment, means are provided for mounting the unit with the inlet port directly connected to the outlet of the faucet.
Description
FAUCET MOUNTED PURIFIER
BACKGROUND OF TEIE INVENTION
The purification of water by me~ns of ultraviolet radiation is well known. In a conventional installation, water may pass through a pre-filter 5and then a reverse osmosis module. ~ollowing this, the water passes through a carbon final filter, an ultraviolet irradistion unit, and then through some pipin~ to a faucet.
While ultraviolet radiation is highly destruetive to bacteria, it has been shown that under favorable circumstances, irradiated b~cteria can 10rep~ir themselves, given some time. Accordingly, water which has been irradiated with ultr~violet radiation may show no bacterial growth upon culturing immediately after irradiation, but later on the same water may exhibit positive results on bacteria culturing. This particularly take place by a process known as photo-reactivation, in which the bacteria are able to 15regain the cap~billty to multiply in the presence of visible spectrum light.
Accordingly, even in A system such as that described above in which water passes through an ultraviolet irradiator, if the faucet is not used to draw water continuously, bacteria can revive in the portion of piping which is downstream from the irradiator, so that sta~nant water in the piping 20downstream from the irradiator can os-ce again become contaminated with growing bacteria, without any extra bacteria being innoculated into the stagnant water held in the faucet.
By this invention, a final ultraviolet irrsdiation step of very high efficiency can be provided to a faucet which carries the unit of this 25invention, preferably in such a manner that water cannot be stored after ultraviolet irradiation. To accomplish this~ the ultraviolet unit of this invention may be designed to be at the ex~ct end of the water flow path.
The Galtek Corporation of Chaska, IViinnesota discloses an ultraviolet sterilizing system in which ths faucet itself through which water flows is 30sterilized, particularly between uses, to prevent b~eteria from migrating
BACKGROUND OF TEIE INVENTION
The purification of water by me~ns of ultraviolet radiation is well known. In a conventional installation, water may pass through a pre-filter 5and then a reverse osmosis module. ~ollowing this, the water passes through a carbon final filter, an ultraviolet irradistion unit, and then through some pipin~ to a faucet.
While ultraviolet radiation is highly destruetive to bacteria, it has been shown that under favorable circumstances, irradiated b~cteria can 10rep~ir themselves, given some time. Accordingly, water which has been irradiated with ultr~violet radiation may show no bacterial growth upon culturing immediately after irradiation, but later on the same water may exhibit positive results on bacteria culturing. This particularly take place by a process known as photo-reactivation, in which the bacteria are able to 15regain the cap~billty to multiply in the presence of visible spectrum light.
Accordingly, even in A system such as that described above in which water passes through an ultraviolet irradiator, if the faucet is not used to draw water continuously, bacteria can revive in the portion of piping which is downstream from the irradiator, so that sta~nant water in the piping 20downstream from the irradiator can os-ce again become contaminated with growing bacteria, without any extra bacteria being innoculated into the stagnant water held in the faucet.
By this invention, a final ultraviolet irrsdiation step of very high efficiency can be provided to a faucet which carries the unit of this 25invention, preferably in such a manner that water cannot be stored after ultraviolet irradiation. To accomplish this~ the ultraviolet unit of this invention may be designed to be at the ex~ct end of the water flow path.
The Galtek Corporation of Chaska, IViinnesota discloses an ultraviolet sterilizing system in which ths faucet itself through which water flows is 30sterilized, particularly between uses, to prevent b~eteria from migrating
-2- ~
72~3~S
upwardly into the faucet back toward the water source. The prime purpose of the Galtek structure is to sterilize the spout or aucet end, rather than to ster:ilize water passing through the faucet.
By the present invention, an ultraviolet sterilizer unit is provided, which exhibits improved efficiency for sterilizing of water, and which may be mounted on the end of the faucet to minimize or eliminate the chance that residual water which has been ultraviolet irradiated will become stagnant and reinfected with growing bacteria. The unit of this invention may be activated by turning on the faucet and deactivated by turning the faucet off, but time delay devices and the like may be provided as desired to keep the unit operating for a period of time after shut-off of the faucet.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention in one aspect pertains to a water purification unit adapted for connection to a faucet having a distal outlet which unit comprises a housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port, the housing including ultraviolet-transmissive means and a flow passage between the inlet port and the outlet port. An ultraviolet radiation source is ~ositionedto irradiate the flow passage through the ultraviolet transmission means and the flow passage is configured to require the water to flow by the ultraviolet radiation source at least twice to enhance the ultraviolet irradiation of the water. Means are provided .. _ ....
~2~2~6~
for connecting the inlet port of the housing to the distal outlet end of a faucet so that there is no significant place downstream of the housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant. Means other than the outlet port is provided for draining the flow path when a faucet to which the unit is connected is off.
More particularly there is provided a water purification device which comprises a housing defin:ing an inlet port, a labyrinth flow passage, and an outlet port, where the flow passage communicates between the inlet and outlet ports. The housing includes ultraviolet-transmissive : means adjacent to ths labyrinth ~low passage.
An ultraviolet radiation source is positioned to :irradiate the labyrinth flow passage through the ~ ultraviolet-transmissive means. In the illustrative embodiment, means are provided for coupling the inlet port of the unit to an outlet of a faucet.
Accordingly, as the faucet is turned on, water enters the unit and passes through the labyrinth flow passage, for significantly increased exposure times to - ,ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet radiation source, which is positionad to irradiate the labyrinth flow passage - through the ultraviolet-transmissive means. The ultrav.iolet-transmissive means may comprise a wall made of quartz, for example, or any other desired ultraviolet-transmissive material. The wall is exposed to the labyrinth flow ~:~7:~3~5i passage which flows in a convoluted manner along the inner surface of the ultraviolet transmissiYe wall, so that individuaI portions of the water are exposed for an increased amount of time to ultraviolet radiation as they pass through the labyrinth.
Since the unit of the present invention is mounted in direct communication with an outlet of a faucet and the outlet port may be immediately downstream from the labyrinth passage, no significant place may be provided for water to be retained and to grow stagnant, giving bacteria an opportunity to regain their capability of multiplying again following ultraviolet irradiation.
It is generally preferred for drain hole means to be provided to the labyrinth flow passage, so that when the faucet is shut off, water drains from the passage to further elimlnate the possibility of bacterial regrowth in stagnant water. In an embodiment in which drain hole means are provided, the unit may be mounted at the base of the faucet instead of at the faucet outlet, if desired.
Thé ultraviolet radiation source may preferably be a cylindrical ultraviolet bulb backed by a parabolic reflector. The bulb and reflector are positioned to provide ultraviolet radiation which mostly passes through the ultraviolet-transmissive wall at substantially right angles thereto. Thus, angular refraction of the ultraviolet radiation is avoided, increasing the percentage of ultraviolet radiation which passes into the labyrinth, for more efficient bacteriostatic effect.
As another advantage, the means for powering and operating the ultraviolet bulb used In the unit of this invention may be positioned remotely from the bulb and connected with an insulated wire, so that the unit which is carried on the faucet may be small. The bulb powering means, including typically a ~ transformer and ballast, may be placed underneath the sink with which the faucet is associated, for example.
36~;
FUrtherlllOre, fl switch may be present to energize the ultrnviolet bulb when the faucet is turned on and to turn the bulb off when the faucet is turned off. Any desired timer device may be used to delay switch shut off for a predetermined period of time after the faucet is turned off. Additionfllly, another timer ma~ periodically cause the ultraviolet bulb to be energized for regular9 intermittent irradiation of the flow path for those times in which the f~ucet is not in active use.
The plane of the ultraviolet-trallsmissive wall may be generally parallel to an axial line extending between the inlet and outlet ports. The cylindrical ultravk)let bulb, backed by the parabolic reflector, may also be positioned in parallel relation to the wall to cause ultraviolet radiation to pass through the wall into the labyrinth.
Accordingly, an improved, faucet-mounted ultraviolet sterilization unit is provided.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
IN THE DRAWINGS:
F5G. 1 is an elevational view, taken partly schematically, of a faucet, with the water purification unit of this invention attached;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. I;
FIG. 3 is A longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3-3 oï Fig.
l;
FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken along line 4-~ of Fig. 1;
FIG. 5 is an elevation~l view of another embodiment of a faucet, with the water purification unit in this invention attaclled;
~5 FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5; and FIG. 7 is a reduced size partial, longitudinal sectional view of the structure of Fig. 5, rot~ted 90 about its longitudinal axis.
3Ç~i DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
._,.~., . .. ....... . _ _ .. _ Referring to the drawingsl a wflter purification unit in ~ceordance with this invention is disclosed. Faucet 10 carries on its outer end purification unit 12, either in permanent manner as shown where the unit is part of the faucet, or by means of an attachmenl; means su~h as a threaded nut or the like, so that the unit may be attached to conventional faucets which are already ir~talled.
As shown particularly in Fig. 2, housing 14 defines inlet port 16, outlet portion 18, and labyrinth flow passage 20, which may be a serpentine or otherwise convoluted passage to increase the length of the flow path exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Labyrinth flow passage 20 comrnunicates between inlet 16 and outlet 18.
Housing 14 also cflrries w~ll 22, which m~y be mude of quartz or any other uppropri~te ultraviolet transparent material. Quartz wall 22 may cooperate with grooved wall 24, with the two members being sealed together as shown in Fig. 3 to define the enclosed labyrinth 20.
Cylindrical ultraviolet bulb 26 is provided, being connected by wire 28 to a power source 30, which typically may include a transformer an~
ballast in conventional manner. The system is controlled by switch 32, with switch 32 being connected if desired to the handle or other control that permits water to flow through faucet 10. Thus, when water is flowing through faucet 10, switch 32 is closed so that ultraviolet tube or bulb 26 is irradiating the water as it flows through labyrinth 20. When the faucet is shut oîf, switch 32 may shut off ultraviolet bulb 26, orj if desired, a timer may be provided so that the ultraviolet tube delays its shut off for a predetermined length of time following shut off of fiow through the faucet .
Ultraviolet bulb 26 may be backed by a parabolic reflector 34 that extends the length of cylindrical ultraviolet bulb 26. Accordingly, light that is emitted from bulb 26 may be refleeted off of parabolic reflector ~ ~7236~i 34, to travel in patlls indicated by arrows 36 to pass through wall 22 in substantially perpendicular rnanner, for improved efficiency of ultraviolet irradiation of labyrinth 20. This can be accomplished by placing ultraviolet bulb 26 at the focus of parabolic (or elliptical) reflector 34 as shown.
It is typically deemed desirable to drain labyrinth 20 in between use~s, so as to avoid the creation of a stagnant water area where irradiated water rnay rest, with the possibility that bacteria will beg~n to multiply again. To effect this, drain holes 38 may be provided at positions slightly spaced from outlet port 18 for each convolution of labyrinth 20.
Accordingly, after use, when the faucet 10 is shut off, labyrinth 2û may be drained by water flowing out of drain holes 38, to eliminate the stagnant water problem.
The surfaces in which water flows in labyrinth 20 may be coated with a hydrophobic agent such as polytetraJluoroethylene to facilitate the draining of as much water as possible out of labyrinth 20 between uses.
Also, the water-contacting walls of labyrlnth 20 as formed in pl~te 24 may be canted to increase the intensity of ultraviolet radiation on them, since most of the ultraviolet radiation is approaching walls 22, 2~ in substantially perpendicular relation to them.
As an alternative, a spherical source of ultraviolet radiation may be mounted over a circular labyrinth and backed by a reflector.
Reierring to Figures 5 through 7, another embodiment of the invention of this application is shown. Faucet lD in this înstance carries on its outer end a purification unit 12a w~lich includes housing 14a defining ~5 inlet port 16a, outlet port 1&~, and labyrinth flow passage 20a. In this instance, housing 14a provides a labyrinth flow passage 20a which is arranged in a cylindrical configuration as shown about the axis ~0 of housing 14a, with inlet port 16a and outlet port 18a being connected to ~27~365 djacent lengths 41, 43 of the convoluted or serpentine labyrinth flow pflssage 20a. Accordingly, liquid in the flow passage follows the serpentine path around the cylindrical plane as shown.
Within housing 1~ is fl cylinclrical wall 2~ of ultraviolet transparent materials, for example, quartz. Within that, typically positioned in coaxial relation with central axis 40, is a cylindricAI ultraviolet bulb 42 which may irradiate most of the length of labyrinth flow passage 20a, for extended irradiation of flu~ds passing therethrough. As with the Figure 2 embodiment, the Figures 5-7 embodiment may include drain holes defined by labyrinth flow passage 20a to eliminate a stagnant water problem.
Connection wires 44 for the ultraviolet bulb 42 may pass out of housing 14a as shown in Fig. 5, and be connected to a ballast and power system in a manner analogous to the device of Fig. 1.
Alternatively, ultraviolet transparent wa~l 22a may be the outer jacket of a cylindrical ultraviolet bulb, if desired.
Accordingly, the invention of this application provides a ultraviolet irradiation system which is carried on the end of a faucet, making use of a labyrinth system and a ultraviolet bulb with reflector to provide greater irradiation of fluids passing through the labyrinth. The risk of reactivation of bacteria which have been previously irradiated is greatly reduced, when compared with conventional systems, by the invention of this applicstion.
The above has been offered for i}lustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention~ which is as defined in the clai ms below .
72~3~S
upwardly into the faucet back toward the water source. The prime purpose of the Galtek structure is to sterilize the spout or aucet end, rather than to ster:ilize water passing through the faucet.
By the present invention, an ultraviolet sterilizer unit is provided, which exhibits improved efficiency for sterilizing of water, and which may be mounted on the end of the faucet to minimize or eliminate the chance that residual water which has been ultraviolet irradiated will become stagnant and reinfected with growing bacteria. The unit of this invention may be activated by turning on the faucet and deactivated by turning the faucet off, but time delay devices and the like may be provided as desired to keep the unit operating for a period of time after shut-off of the faucet.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention in one aspect pertains to a water purification unit adapted for connection to a faucet having a distal outlet which unit comprises a housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port, the housing including ultraviolet-transmissive means and a flow passage between the inlet port and the outlet port. An ultraviolet radiation source is ~ositionedto irradiate the flow passage through the ultraviolet transmission means and the flow passage is configured to require the water to flow by the ultraviolet radiation source at least twice to enhance the ultraviolet irradiation of the water. Means are provided .. _ ....
~2~2~6~
for connecting the inlet port of the housing to the distal outlet end of a faucet so that there is no significant place downstream of the housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant. Means other than the outlet port is provided for draining the flow path when a faucet to which the unit is connected is off.
More particularly there is provided a water purification device which comprises a housing defin:ing an inlet port, a labyrinth flow passage, and an outlet port, where the flow passage communicates between the inlet and outlet ports. The housing includes ultraviolet-transmissive : means adjacent to ths labyrinth ~low passage.
An ultraviolet radiation source is positioned to :irradiate the labyrinth flow passage through the ~ ultraviolet-transmissive means. In the illustrative embodiment, means are provided for coupling the inlet port of the unit to an outlet of a faucet.
Accordingly, as the faucet is turned on, water enters the unit and passes through the labyrinth flow passage, for significantly increased exposure times to - ,ultraviolet radiation from the ultraviolet radiation source, which is positionad to irradiate the labyrinth flow passage - through the ultraviolet-transmissive means. The ultrav.iolet-transmissive means may comprise a wall made of quartz, for example, or any other desired ultraviolet-transmissive material. The wall is exposed to the labyrinth flow ~:~7:~3~5i passage which flows in a convoluted manner along the inner surface of the ultraviolet transmissiYe wall, so that individuaI portions of the water are exposed for an increased amount of time to ultraviolet radiation as they pass through the labyrinth.
Since the unit of the present invention is mounted in direct communication with an outlet of a faucet and the outlet port may be immediately downstream from the labyrinth passage, no significant place may be provided for water to be retained and to grow stagnant, giving bacteria an opportunity to regain their capability of multiplying again following ultraviolet irradiation.
It is generally preferred for drain hole means to be provided to the labyrinth flow passage, so that when the faucet is shut off, water drains from the passage to further elimlnate the possibility of bacterial regrowth in stagnant water. In an embodiment in which drain hole means are provided, the unit may be mounted at the base of the faucet instead of at the faucet outlet, if desired.
Thé ultraviolet radiation source may preferably be a cylindrical ultraviolet bulb backed by a parabolic reflector. The bulb and reflector are positioned to provide ultraviolet radiation which mostly passes through the ultraviolet-transmissive wall at substantially right angles thereto. Thus, angular refraction of the ultraviolet radiation is avoided, increasing the percentage of ultraviolet radiation which passes into the labyrinth, for more efficient bacteriostatic effect.
As another advantage, the means for powering and operating the ultraviolet bulb used In the unit of this invention may be positioned remotely from the bulb and connected with an insulated wire, so that the unit which is carried on the faucet may be small. The bulb powering means, including typically a ~ transformer and ballast, may be placed underneath the sink with which the faucet is associated, for example.
36~;
FUrtherlllOre, fl switch may be present to energize the ultrnviolet bulb when the faucet is turned on and to turn the bulb off when the faucet is turned off. Any desired timer device may be used to delay switch shut off for a predetermined period of time after the faucet is turned off. Additionfllly, another timer ma~ periodically cause the ultraviolet bulb to be energized for regular9 intermittent irradiation of the flow path for those times in which the f~ucet is not in active use.
The plane of the ultraviolet-trallsmissive wall may be generally parallel to an axial line extending between the inlet and outlet ports. The cylindrical ultravk)let bulb, backed by the parabolic reflector, may also be positioned in parallel relation to the wall to cause ultraviolet radiation to pass through the wall into the labyrinth.
Accordingly, an improved, faucet-mounted ultraviolet sterilization unit is provided.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
IN THE DRAWINGS:
F5G. 1 is an elevational view, taken partly schematically, of a faucet, with the water purification unit of this invention attached;
FIG. 2 is an elevational view taken along line 2-2 of Fig. I;
FIG. 3 is A longitudinal sectional view taken along line 3-3 oï Fig.
l;
FIG. 4 is an elevational view taken along line 4-~ of Fig. 1;
FIG. 5 is an elevation~l view of another embodiment of a faucet, with the water purification unit in this invention attaclled;
~5 FIG. 6 is a transverse sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 5; and FIG. 7 is a reduced size partial, longitudinal sectional view of the structure of Fig. 5, rot~ted 90 about its longitudinal axis.
3Ç~i DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENT
._,.~., . .. ....... . _ _ .. _ Referring to the drawingsl a wflter purification unit in ~ceordance with this invention is disclosed. Faucet 10 carries on its outer end purification unit 12, either in permanent manner as shown where the unit is part of the faucet, or by means of an attachmenl; means su~h as a threaded nut or the like, so that the unit may be attached to conventional faucets which are already ir~talled.
As shown particularly in Fig. 2, housing 14 defines inlet port 16, outlet portion 18, and labyrinth flow passage 20, which may be a serpentine or otherwise convoluted passage to increase the length of the flow path exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Labyrinth flow passage 20 comrnunicates between inlet 16 and outlet 18.
Housing 14 also cflrries w~ll 22, which m~y be mude of quartz or any other uppropri~te ultraviolet transparent material. Quartz wall 22 may cooperate with grooved wall 24, with the two members being sealed together as shown in Fig. 3 to define the enclosed labyrinth 20.
Cylindrical ultraviolet bulb 26 is provided, being connected by wire 28 to a power source 30, which typically may include a transformer an~
ballast in conventional manner. The system is controlled by switch 32, with switch 32 being connected if desired to the handle or other control that permits water to flow through faucet 10. Thus, when water is flowing through faucet 10, switch 32 is closed so that ultraviolet tube or bulb 26 is irradiating the water as it flows through labyrinth 20. When the faucet is shut oîf, switch 32 may shut off ultraviolet bulb 26, orj if desired, a timer may be provided so that the ultraviolet tube delays its shut off for a predetermined length of time following shut off of fiow through the faucet .
Ultraviolet bulb 26 may be backed by a parabolic reflector 34 that extends the length of cylindrical ultraviolet bulb 26. Accordingly, light that is emitted from bulb 26 may be refleeted off of parabolic reflector ~ ~7236~i 34, to travel in patlls indicated by arrows 36 to pass through wall 22 in substantially perpendicular rnanner, for improved efficiency of ultraviolet irradiation of labyrinth 20. This can be accomplished by placing ultraviolet bulb 26 at the focus of parabolic (or elliptical) reflector 34 as shown.
It is typically deemed desirable to drain labyrinth 20 in between use~s, so as to avoid the creation of a stagnant water area where irradiated water rnay rest, with the possibility that bacteria will beg~n to multiply again. To effect this, drain holes 38 may be provided at positions slightly spaced from outlet port 18 for each convolution of labyrinth 20.
Accordingly, after use, when the faucet 10 is shut off, labyrinth 2û may be drained by water flowing out of drain holes 38, to eliminate the stagnant water problem.
The surfaces in which water flows in labyrinth 20 may be coated with a hydrophobic agent such as polytetraJluoroethylene to facilitate the draining of as much water as possible out of labyrinth 20 between uses.
Also, the water-contacting walls of labyrlnth 20 as formed in pl~te 24 may be canted to increase the intensity of ultraviolet radiation on them, since most of the ultraviolet radiation is approaching walls 22, 2~ in substantially perpendicular relation to them.
As an alternative, a spherical source of ultraviolet radiation may be mounted over a circular labyrinth and backed by a reflector.
Reierring to Figures 5 through 7, another embodiment of the invention of this application is shown. Faucet lD in this înstance carries on its outer end a purification unit 12a w~lich includes housing 14a defining ~5 inlet port 16a, outlet port 1&~, and labyrinth flow passage 20a. In this instance, housing 14a provides a labyrinth flow passage 20a which is arranged in a cylindrical configuration as shown about the axis ~0 of housing 14a, with inlet port 16a and outlet port 18a being connected to ~27~365 djacent lengths 41, 43 of the convoluted or serpentine labyrinth flow pflssage 20a. Accordingly, liquid in the flow passage follows the serpentine path around the cylindrical plane as shown.
Within housing 1~ is fl cylinclrical wall 2~ of ultraviolet transparent materials, for example, quartz. Within that, typically positioned in coaxial relation with central axis 40, is a cylindricAI ultraviolet bulb 42 which may irradiate most of the length of labyrinth flow passage 20a, for extended irradiation of flu~ds passing therethrough. As with the Figure 2 embodiment, the Figures 5-7 embodiment may include drain holes defined by labyrinth flow passage 20a to eliminate a stagnant water problem.
Connection wires 44 for the ultraviolet bulb 42 may pass out of housing 14a as shown in Fig. 5, and be connected to a ballast and power system in a manner analogous to the device of Fig. 1.
Alternatively, ultraviolet transparent wa~l 22a may be the outer jacket of a cylindrical ultraviolet bulb, if desired.
Accordingly, the invention of this application provides a ultraviolet irradiation system which is carried on the end of a faucet, making use of a labyrinth system and a ultraviolet bulb with reflector to provide greater irradiation of fluids passing through the labyrinth. The risk of reactivation of bacteria which have been previously irradiated is greatly reduced, when compared with conventional systems, by the invention of this applicstion.
The above has been offered for i}lustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention~ which is as defined in the clai ms below .
Claims (10)
1. A water purification unit, which comprises:
a housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port;
said housing including ultraviolet-transmissive means, a flow passage between said inlet port and said outlet port;
an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to irradiate said flow passage through said ultraviolet transmission means;
said flow passage being configured to require the water to flow by said ultraviolet radiation source at least twice to enhance the ultraviolet irradiation of the water;
a faucet having a distal outlet end thereof connected to said inlet port so that there is no significant place downstream of said housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant; and means other than said outlet port for draining said flow path when the faucet is off.
a housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port;
said housing including ultraviolet-transmissive means, a flow passage between said inlet port and said outlet port;
an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to irradiate said flow passage through said ultraviolet transmission means;
said flow passage being configured to require the water to flow by said ultraviolet radiation source at least twice to enhance the ultraviolet irradiation of the water;
a faucet having a distal outlet end thereof connected to said inlet port so that there is no significant place downstream of said housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant; and means other than said outlet port for draining said flow path when the faucet is off.
2. The unit of Claim 1 in which said ultraviolet radiation source is a cylindrical ultraviolet tube backed by a parabolic reflector, said bulb and reflector being positioned to provide ultraviolet radiation which mostly passes through said ultraviolet-transmissive means at substantially right angles thereto.
3. The unit of Claim 2 including electrical power means for operating said ultraviolet tube connected thereto.
4. The unit of Claim 3 in which a switch is present to energize said ultraviolet tube when said faucet is turned on.
5. The unit of Claim 3 in which said electrical power means includes a remotely located transformer, whereby the unit which is carried on a faucet may be small.
6. The unit of Claim 1 in which said ultraviolet radiation source is a cylindrical ultraviolet tube backed by a parabolic reflector, said bulb and reflector being positioned to provide ultraviolet radiation which mostly passes through said ultraviolet-transmissive means at substantially right angles thereto.
7. A water purification unit which comprises:
a housing which defines an inlet port;
said housing also defining an outlet port, a labyrinth passage communicating between said inlet and outlet ports, and a wall formed of ultraviolet-transmissive material;
a cylindrical ultraviolet tube backed by a parabolic reflector;
said cylindrical tube being positioned in parallel relation to said wall in a position to cause ultraviolet radiation to pass through said wall into said labyrinth passage;
said parabolic reflector being positioned to direct reflected ultraviolet radiation through said wall into said labyrinth passage at substantially right angles thereto;
power means for energizing said ultraviolet tube;
a faucet having a distal outlet end thereof connected to said inlet port so that there is no significant place downstream of said housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant; and means other than said outlet port for draining said labyrinth passage when the faucet is off;
said power means being positioned remotely from said bulb and faucet;
electrical wire connecting said power means and bulb; and switch means for activating said power means.
a housing which defines an inlet port;
said housing also defining an outlet port, a labyrinth passage communicating between said inlet and outlet ports, and a wall formed of ultraviolet-transmissive material;
a cylindrical ultraviolet tube backed by a parabolic reflector;
said cylindrical tube being positioned in parallel relation to said wall in a position to cause ultraviolet radiation to pass through said wall into said labyrinth passage;
said parabolic reflector being positioned to direct reflected ultraviolet radiation through said wall into said labyrinth passage at substantially right angles thereto;
power means for energizing said ultraviolet tube;
a faucet having a distal outlet end thereof connected to said inlet port so that there is no significant place downstream of said housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant; and means other than said outlet port for draining said labyrinth passage when the faucet is off;
said power means being positioned remotely from said bulb and faucet;
electrical wire connecting said power means and bulb; and switch means for activating said power means.
8. The unit of Claim 7 in which said switch means is adapted to energize said ultraviolet tube when the faucet is turned on.
9. A water purification unit adapted for connection to a faucet having a distal outlet end which comprises:
a housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port;
said housing including ultraviolet-transmissive means, a flow passage between said inlet port and said outlet port;
an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to irradiate said flow passage through said ultraviolet transmission means;
said flow passage being configured to require the water to flow by said ultraviolet radiation source at least twice to enhance the ultraviolet irradiation of the water;
means for connecting said inlet port to the distal outlet end of a faucet so that there is no significant place downstream of said housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant; and means other than said outlet port for draining said flow path when a faucet to which the unit is connected is off. :
a housing defining an inlet port and an outlet port;
said housing including ultraviolet-transmissive means, a flow passage between said inlet port and said outlet port;
an ultraviolet radiation source positioned to irradiate said flow passage through said ultraviolet transmission means;
said flow passage being configured to require the water to flow by said ultraviolet radiation source at least twice to enhance the ultraviolet irradiation of the water;
means for connecting said inlet port to the distal outlet end of a faucet so that there is no significant place downstream of said housing outlet port for water to be retained and to grow stagnant; and means other than said outlet port for draining said flow path when a faucet to which the unit is connected is off. :
10. The unit of Claim 9 in which said ultraviolet radiation source is a cylindrical ultraviolet tube backed by a parabolic reflector, said bulb and reflector being positioned to provide ultraviolet radiation which mostly passes through said ultraviolet-transmissive means at substantially right angles thereto.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000539189A CA1272365A (en) | 1987-06-09 | 1987-06-09 | Faucet mounted purifier |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000539189A CA1272365A (en) | 1987-06-09 | 1987-06-09 | Faucet mounted purifier |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1272365A true CA1272365A (en) | 1990-08-07 |
Family
ID=4135851
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000539189A Expired - Fee Related CA1272365A (en) | 1987-06-09 | 1987-06-09 | Faucet mounted purifier |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1272365A (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-06-09 CA CA000539189A patent/CA1272365A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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