WO2009135314A1 - Reduced water usage sprayer - Google Patents

Reduced water usage sprayer Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2009135314A1
WO2009135314A1 PCT/CA2009/000635 CA2009000635W WO2009135314A1 WO 2009135314 A1 WO2009135314 A1 WO 2009135314A1 CA 2009000635 W CA2009000635 W CA 2009000635W WO 2009135314 A1 WO2009135314 A1 WO 2009135314A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vsb
sprayer
liquid
housing
fluid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2009/000635
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
David Burns
Jason Yeo
Richard Lonetto
Original Assignee
Blue Planet Environmental Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Blue Planet Environmental Inc. filed Critical Blue Planet Environmental Inc.
Publication of WO2009135314A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009135314A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F23/00—Mixing according to the phases to be mixed, e.g. dispersing or emulsifying
    • B01F23/20—Mixing gases with liquids
    • B01F23/23—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids
    • B01F23/232—Mixing gases with liquids by introducing gases into liquid media, e.g. for producing aerated liquids using flow-mixing means for introducing the gases, e.g. baffles
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/02—Bathing devices for use with gas-containing liquid, or liquid in which gas is led or generated, e.g. carbon dioxide baths
    • A61H33/027—Gas-water mixing nozzles therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F25/00—Flow mixers; Mixers for falling materials, e.g. solid particles
    • B01F25/10—Mixing by creating a vortex flow, e.g. by tangential introduction of flow components
    • B01F25/104—Mixing by creating a vortex flow, e.g. by tangential introduction of flow components characterised by the arrangement of the discharge opening
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/14—Devices for gas baths with ozone, hydrogen, or the like
    • A61H2033/141—Devices for gas baths with ozone, hydrogen, or the like with ionised gas, e.g. ozone
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/14—Devices for gas baths with ozone, hydrogen, or the like
    • A61H2033/143—Devices for gas baths with ozone, hydrogen, or the like with oxygen
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/14—Devices for gas baths with ozone, hydrogen, or the like
    • A61H2033/145—Devices for gas baths with ozone, hydrogen, or the like with CO2
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61H—PHYSICAL THERAPY APPARATUS, e.g. DEVICES FOR LOCATING OR STIMULATING REFLEX POINTS IN THE BODY; ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION; MASSAGE; BATHING DEVICES FOR SPECIAL THERAPEUTIC OR HYGIENIC PURPOSES OR SPECIFIC PARTS OF THE BODY
    • A61H33/00—Bathing devices for special therapeutic or hygienic purposes
    • A61H33/60—Components specifically designed for the therapeutic baths of groups A61H33/00
    • A61H33/601—Inlet to the bath
    • A61H33/6021—Nozzles
    • A61H33/6063—Specifically adapted for fitting in bathtub walls
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
    • B05B1/14—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means with multiple outlet openings; with strainers in or outside the outlet opening
    • B05B1/18—Roses; Shower heads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B7/00—Spraying apparatus for discharge of liquids or other fluent materials from two or more sources, e.g. of liquid and air, of powder and gas
    • B05B7/02—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge
    • B05B7/04—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge
    • B05B7/0416—Spray pistols; Apparatus for discharge with arrangements for mixing liquids or other fluent materials before discharge with arrangements for mixing one gas and one liquid

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a reduced fluid usage sprayer, providing a water spray containing very small bubbles infused with specific gases, including, but not limited to oxygen, ozone, and carbon dioxide. Such gas infused fluid, reduces sprayed volumes when compared to standard sprayers.
  • the water sprayer comprises: (i) a hollow housing of any one of various shapes, such as, but not limited to, a bell shape; (ii) a face plate of one of various shapes; such as, but not limited to concave, convex or flat with a defined pattern of discharge ports of various diameters, contained within the circumference of the face plate which results in varying spray patterns; (iii) a very small bubble generation unit (VSB) positioned within the hollow housing of the sprayer, defining a mixing chamber therein with a liquid inlet defined in the VSB connected to a liquid source, and a gas inlet defined in the VSB in communication with a gas source, whereby delivery of liquid and gas through said gas inlet and liquid inlet allows for the creation of a liquid/gas mixture within the VSB mixing chamber forming a vortex/swirling pattern in and around smooth inner walls of VSB mixing chamber, (iv) and the liquid/gas mixture in the VSB mixing chamber being transportable
  • water is the fluid that is used, however, any other fluids or fluid mixtures could be used if desired.
  • a tubular structure may be attached to the inlet port of the VSB which communicates with the external fluid inlet to bring fluid into the VSB.
  • the tubular structure may include a water flow control regulator, either manually or automatically operated, with a connector to fit standard liquid supply sources.
  • the tubular structure does not enter the mixing chamber to ensure that vortex swirling pattern of gas/liquid is not disturbed.
  • the invention is designed to fit easily to standard water supply sources, such as, but not limited to, hoses, faucets, and taps without the need for additional attachments for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
  • the reduced fluid usage sprayer of the herein invention provides a water spray containing very small bubbles infused with specific gases, including, but not limited to oxygen, ozone, and carbon dioxide.
  • gases including, but not limited to oxygen, ozone, and carbon dioxide.
  • Such gas infused fluid reduces sprayed volumes when compared to standard sprayers.
  • the resultant spray can improve the ability of the root systems of plants, flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs trees, and the like to absorb nutrients more efficiently and reach maturity in less time.
  • This spray can also reduce the rinsing time of soaps and oils used in the grooming of animals and thus reduce the amounts of soaps and oils used; and result in a reduction of the incidence and severity of skin irritations, rashes and dryness associated with normal grooming of animals
  • An advantage provided by the invention described herein is that it causes a reduction of fluid/water usage compared to standard sprayers; and connects easily to standard water supplies; such as, hoses, faucets and taps.
  • the present sprayer does not require additional electrical or mechanical attachments, but rather mixing of gas and fluid is driven by incoming pressure of fluid and gas into the VSB mixing chamber.
  • the invention has no moving parts to wear or clog; nor does it require any energy inputs other than a standard water supply source.
  • the present invention is a significant, and innovative, improvement over prior art which does not recognize water reduction and possible health benefits as key factors in the design and functionality of water sprayers, or the benefits of using very small bubbles infused with oxygen or other gases.
  • the present invention is designed, and developed, to provide a practical and every-day use environmentally based product to reduce water usage.
  • FIGURE 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a sprayer in accordance with an aspect of the invention
  • FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of embodiment of Figure 1 ;
  • FIGURE 3 is a section view of the sprayer taken along line A-A;
  • FIGURE 4 is view of an embodiment of a VSB unit taken along lines A-A of Figure 5;
  • FIGURE 5 is a side elevation view of the VSB of Figure 4.
  • FIGURE 6 is a front elevational view of the VSB of Figure 4.
  • the hollow housing defines a chamber (5); (ii) an air inlet port (6) located within the circumference of the face plate communicating from outside to within the housing; (iii) a very small bubble generating unit (VSB) (7) defining a mixing chamber therein (3), with inlet ports and outlet ports formed in the walls of the VSB, communicating with the chamber of the housing of varying inner and outer diameters and with pre-set chamfers; (iv) the VSB generating unit may be securely attached to specific locations on the inner chamber walls of the housing; or integrated into the construction of the inner chamber walls; (v) a metallic, plastic, rubber, or nylon tube-like structure rigid or flexible, straight or with varying curvatures, of varying lengths with varying inner and outer diameters matched to connect to the liquid intake port of the VSB which extends beyond the periphery of the housing; and optionally (vi) a liquid volume regulating control, either manually or automatically operated.
  • a liquid volume regulating control either manually or automatically operated.
  • the example embodiment of the invention can easily connected to standard liquid supply sources; such as, hoses, faucets, taps and the like.
  • the tubular structural component (2) of the invention transports the liquid directly to the VSB from a fluid inlet (1); with the flow rate potentially regulated by a valve or pump type control, or other manual or automatic flow control.
  • the liquid delivered to within the VSB mixes with the gas/air induced from the air inlet port (6), in the embodiment shown, located at one end (41) of the VSB.
  • This air/liquid enriched mixture flows through the VSB and preferably out through the discharge port (4D) located at opposite end to the faceplate (12).
  • the enriched liquid/air mixture flows out of port (4D) and around the inner periphery surfaces of the sprayer housing (8), and out through the ports located within the circumference of the face plate (12) (shown in Figure 1) of the housing creating a spray.
  • an embodiment of the VSB (7) (seen in Figures 3 to 6) consists of the following components: (a) a spherical hollow body with symmetrical top and bottom sections bonded together; e.g., by sonic welding or molded as a single unit; (b) inner body chamber walls which are completely smooth so as not to interfere with the flow mixing patterns of both water and air intakes until discharge; (c) an air intake port (such as item 41 in the drawings); (d) a water intake port integrated into the housing which may include a threaded end cap to easily connect to a tubular water transport source; (e) intake/discharge ports (4I/4D) for the oxygen enriched water/air mixture located along a predetermined axis linking the air intake and discharge ports in order to produce an undisturbed, and reliable, water/air mixture flow.
  • a spherical hollow body with symmetrical top and bottom sections bonded together e.g., by sonic welding or molded as a single unit
  • the enriched water/air mixture flows out of port (4D) and around the inner chamber walls of the housing, and out through the ports located on the face plate of the housing;
  • the air intake and discharge ports of the VSB (4I/4D) may be chamfered to preset angles, and may be off-set to maximize flow and mixture rates (see Figures 2 and 3);
  • the inner and outer diameters of the air intake and water/air discharge ports are set within a desired range to produce the required flow mixture rates, e.g.; from 5m-9mm but not limited to this range;
  • the VSB' air intake port can be modified to include connectors for other gases, such as but not limited to; ozone and carbon dioxide;
  • the flow of water and air from their respective intake ports to the interior of the VSB can be described as a vortex/swirling pattern in and around the smooth inner walls of the VSB.
  • the VSB is designed to create the cumulative maximum volume of very small bubbles per surface area as a function of
  • the VSB (7) can be a separate component with respect to the sprayer housing (8); in this case, being securely attached to the inner chamber walls of the housing. Alternately it may be molded as part of the structure of the walls of the chamber. In either construction the placement of the air intake and discharge ports is not affected; (k) the VSB can be manufactured from a range of materials; including, but not limited to: synthetic resins, gums, metals and metallic alloys.
  • the invention also includes: a metallic, plastic rubber, and/or nylon water source transport tubular structure, rigid or flexible, straight or of varying curvatures and inner and outer diameters, matched to connect easily to the water intake port of the VSB and to standard water inputs; such as, hoses, faucets, taps, and the like; (v) a water regulating control, either manually or automatically operated, attached to the bottom end of the tubular water transport structure (1).
  • a metallic, plastic rubber, and/or nylon water source transport tubular structure rigid or flexible, straight or of varying curvatures and inner and outer diameters, matched to connect easily to the water intake port of the VSB and to standard water inputs; such as, hoses, faucets, taps, and the like
  • a water regulating control either manually or automatically operated, attached to the bottom end of the tubular water transport structure (1).
  • an embodiment of the VSB generation unit consists of the following components: (i) a spherical hollow body structure (7), with sections bonded together; for example by a sonic welding process, or molded as a single unit or any other known manner; (ii) with inner chamber walls which must be completely smooth so as not to interfere with the particular flow mixing pattern of both water and air intakes through to discharge; (iii) an air intake port (6) located at pre-set locations either at the top or bottom section of the unit; (iv) a liquid intake port (1) integrated into the unit with a threaded end to connect to a tubular water supply source; (v) a discharge port (4) for the oxygen enriched water/air mixture located along a pre determined axis of the VSB unit in order to produce an undisturbed , reliable, water/air mixture flow; (vi) the air intake and discharge ports are chamfered to pre set angles, and off
  • the discharge port (4D) will be located at the other end of the unit facing the domed portion of the bell shaped housing and away from the face plate discharge ports of the face plate (12) of the housing. After the liquid/gas mixture exits such discharge port, it travels through the chamber of the housing (8), and out the face plate (12) discharge ports. It should be understood that the liquid gas mixture in some embodiments may exit the VSB mixing chamber through both the intake and oulet ports (41 and 4D).
  • the inner and outer diameters of the intake and discharge ports of the VSB unit are set within a desired range depending on the required flow mixture rate which range from 5mm-9mm but are not limited to this range.
  • the VSB generating unit can be a separate component with respect to the bell, or other shaped, housing; which is securely attached to the inner chamber walls of the housing; or molded as part of the structure of the walls themselves. In either construction, the placement of intake and discharge ports is not affected.
  • the VSB unit can be manufactured from a range of materials; including, but not limited to, synthetic resins, gums, metallic alloys, and the like.
  • the VSB unit 's water intake port's threaded end is designed to fit a metallic or plastic tubular structure, of varying lengths, curvatures, and inner/outer diameters which, in turn, is easily connected to a water supply source.
  • the water inlet tubular structure (2) can be made of the same materials as the VSB unit.
  • the VBS unit's air intake port (41) can be modified to include connectors for other gases sources, such as, but not limited to, ozone, carbon dioxide and the like.
  • the flow of water and air from their respective intake ports to the interior of the VSB unit can be described as a vortex/swirling pattern in and around the smooth inner walls of the unit.
  • the VSB unit was designed to create the cumulative maximum volume of very small bubbles per surface area as a function of the volume of water and air intake; while minimizing disturbances in the flows and mixture patterns.
  • the invention is a practical and efficient device to deliver a liquid spray saturated with very small bubbles infused with specific gases, such as, but not limited to, oxygen, ozone, carbon dioxide to vegetation such as, but not limited to, plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, shrubs, trees and the like; and the grooming of animals.
  • gases such as, but not limited to, oxygen, ozone, carbon dioxide
  • the invention is a non-complicated and efficient commonly used product that can deliver a spray of liquid saturated with specific gases contained within very small bubbles, which can be connected to standard liquid supply sources, such as, but not limited to, hoses, faucets, taps.
  • standard liquid supply sources such as, but not limited to, hoses, faucets, taps.
  • the hollow housing and the very small bubble generation unit contains no moving parts to wear or clog.
  • the invention is energy efficient as it does not require any additional electrical or other inputs other than a standard liquid supply source.
  • the invention can be made of UV resistant plastic resins for use in harsh environments.
  • the invention contains a non-complicated very small bubble generation unit which does not require an additional pump source.
  • the invention is designed to allow non-industrial, commercial and industrial users to conserve water on a common use basis compared to standard liquid sprayers.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Pain & Pain Management (AREA)
  • Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
  • Rehabilitation Therapy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Nozzles (AREA)
  • Accessories For Mixers (AREA)

Abstract

A reduce usage, fluid sprayer comprises a hollow housing; a face plate; a very small bubble generation unit (VSB) positioned within the hollow housing of the sprayer, defining a spherical mixing chamber having continuous smooth walls therein with a liquid inlet defined in the VSB connected to a liquid source, and a gas inlet defined in the VSB in communication with a gas source, whereby delivery of liquid and gas through said gas inlet and liquid inlet allows for the creation of a liquid/gas mixture within the VSB mixing chamber, the liquid/gas mixture in the VSB mixing chamber being transportable from within the VSB mixing chamber through a VSB outlet port to within the sprayer housing and out through the discharge ports of the face plate to create a gas/fluid spray pattern.

Description

REDUCED WATER USAGE SPRAYER
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a reduced fluid usage sprayer, providing a water spray containing very small bubbles infused with specific gases, including, but not limited to oxygen, ozone, and carbon dioxide. Such gas infused fluid, reduces sprayed volumes when compared to standard sprayers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The need for environmental water sprayers is becoming increasingly important to the well-being of every life form on the planet as demand for water is growing at an alarming rate. An overlooked, beneficial and practical solution would be to develop and provide a common, every- day, water spray delivery system that not only reduces water usage, is chemical free; but also has the added capability of improving and maintaining the overall health and vitality of vegetation and animals. The present invention represents a change in the emphasis placed, both past and present, upon costly and complicated delivery systems for industry based applications. This emphasis has paid little to no attention to the daily use of water by consumers in their everyday life; such as watering their gardens or grooming their pets; or what impact water conservation at this level would have regionally or globally. Prior art has focused on cosmetic design, spray patterns, and expanding sprayer technology for industrial use but has not focused on the use of very small bubbles infused with oxygen or other gases as a means of water reduction.
Some of the problems with the prior art in this field are: (i) their exemplary structures make them prone to water pressure and volume changes from the inlet supply which leads to frequent clogging; e.g., there is minimal control of water inputs; (ii) the devices' functionality is impaired by regular and irregular turning on and off of water and gas supply; (iii) their air inlets are located in proximity to discharge ports which leads to clogging and liquid being drawn into the air inlet; (iv) their structural design can limit the supply of water and air preventing direct surface contact between the liquid and air flows particularly in the narrow portion of cone shaped chambers; (v) the location of the inlets relative to the shape of the generator can lead to fluctuations in the control of the liquid/air discharge volume which, in turn, renders the devices unusable for the purposes of the present invention. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the water sprayer comprises: (i) a hollow housing of any one of various shapes, such as, but not limited to, a bell shape; (ii) a face plate of one of various shapes; such as, but not limited to concave, convex or flat with a defined pattern of discharge ports of various diameters, contained within the circumference of the face plate which results in varying spray patterns; (iii) a very small bubble generation unit (VSB) positioned within the hollow housing of the sprayer, defining a mixing chamber therein with a liquid inlet defined in the VSB connected to a liquid source, and a gas inlet defined in the VSB in communication with a gas source, whereby delivery of liquid and gas through said gas inlet and liquid inlet allows for the creation of a liquid/gas mixture within the VSB mixing chamber forming a vortex/swirling pattern in and around smooth inner walls of VSB mixing chamber, (iv) and the liquid/gas mixture in the VSB mixing chamber being transportable from within the VSB mixing chamber through a VSB outlet port to within the chamber of the housing and out through the discharge ports of the face plate to create a water spray pattern.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, water is the fluid that is used, however, any other fluids or fluid mixtures could be used if desired.
A tubular structure may be attached to the inlet port of the VSB which communicates with the external fluid inlet to bring fluid into the VSB. The tubular structure may include a water flow control regulator, either manually or automatically operated, with a connector to fit standard liquid supply sources. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the tubular structure does not enter the mixing chamber to ensure that vortex swirling pattern of gas/liquid is not disturbed.
The invention is designed to fit easily to standard water supply sources, such as, but not limited to, hoses, faucets, and taps without the need for additional attachments for residential, commercial, and industrial uses.
The reduced fluid usage sprayer of the herein invention provides a water spray containing very small bubbles infused with specific gases, including, but not limited to oxygen, ozone, and carbon dioxide. Such gas infused fluid, reduces sprayed volumes when compared to standard sprayers. The resultant spray can improve the ability of the root systems of plants, flowers, vegetables, fruits, shrubs trees, and the like to absorb nutrients more efficiently and reach maturity in less time. This spray can also reduce the rinsing time of soaps and oils used in the grooming of animals and thus reduce the amounts of soaps and oils used; and result in a reduction of the incidence and severity of skin irritations, rashes and dryness associated with normal grooming of animals
An advantage provided by the invention described herein is that it causes a reduction of fluid/water usage compared to standard sprayers; and connects easily to standard water supplies; such as, hoses, faucets and taps. The present sprayer does not require additional electrical or mechanical attachments, but rather mixing of gas and fluid is driven by incoming pressure of fluid and gas into the VSB mixing chamber. The invention has no moving parts to wear or clog; nor does it require any energy inputs other than a standard water supply source. The present invention is a significant, and innovative, improvement over prior art which does not recognize water reduction and possible health benefits as key factors in the design and functionality of water sprayers, or the benefits of using very small bubbles infused with oxygen or other gases. The present invention is designed, and developed, to provide a practical and every-day use environmentally based product to reduce water usage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGURE 1 is an elevation view of an embodiment of a sprayer in accordance with an aspect of the invention; FIGURE 2 is a front elevation view of embodiment of Figure 1 ;
FIGURE 3 is a section view of the sprayer taken along line A-A;
FIGURE 4 is view of an embodiment of a VSB unit taken along lines A-A of Figure 5; and
FIGURE 5 is a side elevation view of the VSB of Figure 4; and
FIGURE 6 is a front elevational view of the VSB of Figure 4.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
In the example embodiments of the invention shown in the figures, the sprayer of the invention is constructed of the following components: (i) a hollow housing (8) shown in bell shape (but could be of one of various other shapes) with a face plate (12) of various configurations, not limited to, concave, convex, flat; containing a pre-set number of outlet ports of pre-set inner and outer diameters, which are located within the circumference of the face plate (12) (shown in Figures 1 to 3). The hollow housing defines a chamber (5); (ii) an air inlet port (6) located within the circumference of the face plate communicating from outside to within the housing; (iii) a very small bubble generating unit (VSB) (7) defining a mixing chamber therein (3), with inlet ports and outlet ports formed in the walls of the VSB, communicating with the chamber of the housing of varying inner and outer diameters and with pre-set chamfers; (iv) the VSB generating unit may be securely attached to specific locations on the inner chamber walls of the housing; or integrated into the construction of the inner chamber walls; (v) a metallic, plastic, rubber, or nylon tube-like structure rigid or flexible, straight or with varying curvatures, of varying lengths with varying inner and outer diameters matched to connect to the liquid intake port of the VSB which extends beyond the periphery of the housing; and optionally (vi) a liquid volume regulating control, either manually or automatically operated.
The example embodiment of the invention can easily connected to standard liquid supply sources; such as, hoses, faucets, taps and the like. The tubular structural component (2) of the invention transports the liquid directly to the VSB from a fluid inlet (1); with the flow rate potentially regulated by a valve or pump type control, or other manual or automatic flow control. The liquid delivered to within the VSB mixes with the gas/air induced from the air inlet port (6), in the embodiment shown, located at one end (41) of the VSB. This air/liquid enriched mixture flows through the VSB and preferably out through the discharge port (4D) located at opposite end to the faceplate (12). The enriched liquid/air mixture flows out of port (4D) and around the inner periphery surfaces of the sprayer housing (8), and out through the ports located within the circumference of the face plate (12) (shown in Figure 1) of the housing creating a spray.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention, an embodiment of the VSB (7) (seen in Figures 3 to 6) consists of the following components: (a) a spherical hollow body with symmetrical top and bottom sections bonded together; e.g., by sonic welding or molded as a single unit; (b) inner body chamber walls which are completely smooth so as not to interfere with the flow mixing patterns of both water and air intakes until discharge; (c) an air intake port (such as item 41 in the drawings); (d) a water intake port integrated into the housing which may include a threaded end cap to easily connect to a tubular water transport source; (e) intake/discharge ports (4I/4D) for the oxygen enriched water/air mixture located along a predetermined axis linking the air intake and discharge ports in order to produce an undisturbed, and reliable, water/air mixture flow. The enriched water/air mixture (oxygenated water) flows out of port (4D) and around the inner chamber walls of the housing, and out through the ports located on the face plate of the housing; (f) the air intake and discharge ports of the VSB (4I/4D) may be chamfered to preset angles, and may be off-set to maximize flow and mixture rates (see Figures 2 and 3); (g) the inner and outer diameters of the air intake and water/air discharge ports are set within a desired range to produce the required flow mixture rates, e.g.; from 5m-9mm but not limited to this range; (h) The VSB' air intake port can be modified to include connectors for other gases, such as but not limited to; ozone and carbon dioxide; (i) the flow of water and air from their respective intake ports to the interior of the VSB can be described as a vortex/swirling pattern in and around the smooth inner walls of the VSB. The VSB is designed to create the cumulative maximum volume of very small bubbles per surface area as a function of the volume of water and air intakes; while minimizing disturbances or disruptions in the flows and mixture patterns.
The VSB (7) can be a separate component with respect to the sprayer housing (8); in this case, being securely attached to the inner chamber walls of the housing. Alternately it may be molded as part of the structure of the walls of the chamber. In either construction the placement of the air intake and discharge ports is not affected; (k) the VSB can be manufactured from a range of materials; including, but not limited to: synthetic resins, gums, metals and metallic alloys.
The invention also includes: a metallic, plastic rubber, and/or nylon water source transport tubular structure, rigid or flexible, straight or of varying curvatures and inner and outer diameters, matched to connect easily to the water intake port of the VSB and to standard water inputs; such as, hoses, faucets, taps, and the like; (v) a water regulating control, either manually or automatically operated, attached to the bottom end of the tubular water transport structure (1).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OF THE VERY SMALL BUBBLE (VSB) GENERATION UNIT
As can been seen in the sprayer housing (8) shown in Figure 3 and in isolation in Figures 4 to 6, an embodiment of the VSB generation unit consists of the following components: (i) a spherical hollow body structure (7), with sections bonded together; for example by a sonic welding process, or molded as a single unit or any other known manner; (ii) with inner chamber walls which must be completely smooth so as not to interfere with the particular flow mixing pattern of both water and air intakes through to discharge; (iii) an air intake port (6) located at pre-set locations either at the top or bottom section of the unit; (iv) a liquid intake port (1) integrated into the unit with a threaded end to connect to a tubular water supply source; (v) a discharge port (4) for the oxygen enriched water/air mixture located along a pre determined axis of the VSB unit in order to produce an undisturbed , reliable, water/air mixture flow; (vi) the air intake and discharge ports are chamfered to pre set angles, and off-set to maximize flow mixture rates.
In one aspect of the embodiment, if the air intake port (41) is located at one end of the VSB unit, the discharge port (4D) will be located at the other end of the unit facing the domed portion of the bell shaped housing and away from the face plate discharge ports of the face plate (12) of the housing. After the liquid/gas mixture exits such discharge port, it travels through the chamber of the housing (8), and out the face plate (12) discharge ports. It should be understood that the liquid gas mixture in some embodiments may exit the VSB mixing chamber through both the intake and oulet ports (41 and 4D). The inner and outer diameters of the intake and discharge ports of the VSB unit are set within a desired range depending on the required flow mixture rate which range from 5mm-9mm but are not limited to this range.
The VSB generating unit can be a separate component with respect to the bell, or other shaped, housing; which is securely attached to the inner chamber walls of the housing; or molded as part of the structure of the walls themselves. In either construction, the placement of intake and discharge ports is not affected.
The VSB unit can be manufactured from a range of materials; including, but not limited to, synthetic resins, gums, metallic alloys, and the like.
The VSB unit 's water intake port's threaded end is designed to fit a metallic or plastic tubular structure, of varying lengths, curvatures, and inner/outer diameters which, in turn, is easily connected to a water supply source.
The water inlet tubular structure (2) can be made of the same materials as the VSB unit.
The VBS unit's air intake port (41) can be modified to include connectors for other gases sources, such as, but not limited to, ozone, carbon dioxide and the like.
The flow of water and air from their respective intake ports to the interior of the VSB unit can be described as a vortex/swirling pattern in and around the smooth inner walls of the unit. The VSB unit was designed to create the cumulative maximum volume of very small bubbles per surface area as a function of the volume of water and air intake; while minimizing disturbances in the flows and mixture patterns.
The invention is a practical and efficient device to deliver a liquid spray saturated with very small bubbles infused with specific gases, such as, but not limited to, oxygen, ozone, carbon dioxide to vegetation such as, but not limited to, plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, shrubs, trees and the like; and the grooming of animals.
The invention is a non-complicated and efficient commonly used product that can deliver a spray of liquid saturated with specific gases contained within very small bubbles, which can be connected to standard liquid supply sources, such as, but not limited to, hoses, faucets, taps. The hollow housing and the very small bubble generation unit contains no moving parts to wear or clog. The invention is energy efficient as it does not require any additional electrical or other inputs other than a standard liquid supply source. The invention can be made of UV resistant plastic resins for use in harsh environments. The invention contains a non-complicated very small bubble generation unit which does not require an additional pump source. The invention is designed to allow non-industrial, commercial and industrial users to conserve water on a common use basis compared to standard liquid sprayers.
It should be understood that many changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the specification and the accompanying drawings. Therefore, any and all such changes, modifications, variations and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and the scope of the invention are deemed to be covered by the invention.

Claims

Claims:
1. A reduce usage, fluid sprayer comprising: (i) a hollow housing; (ii) a face plate; (iii) a very small bubble generation unit (VSB) positioned within the hollow housing of the sprayer, defining a mixing chamber having continuous smooth walls therein with a liquid inlet defined in the VSB connected to a liquid source, and a gas inlet defined in the VSB in communication with a gas source, whereby delivery of liquid and gas through said gas inlet and liquid inlet allows for the creation of a liquid/gas mixture within the VSB mixing chamber, the liquid/gas mixture in the VSB mixing chamber being transportable from within the VSB mixing chamber through a VSB outlet port to within the chamber of the housing and out through the discharge ports of the face plate to create a gas/fluid spray pattern.
2. A reduced usage sprayer as recited in claim 1 wherein a tubular structure is attached to the inlet port of the VSB which communicates with the external fluid inlet to bring pressurized fluid into the VSB and drive the liquid gas mixture through the VSB outlet port to within the chamber of the housing and out through the discharge ports of the face plate.
3. A reduced usage sprayer as recited in claim 2 wherein the tubular structure includes a water flow control regulator, either manually or automatically operated, with a connector to fit standard liquid supply sources.
4. A reduced usage fluid sprayer as recited in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the hollow housing is bell shaped and the face plate is concave, convex or flat with a defined pattern of discharge ports of various diameters, contained within the circumference of the face plate which results in varying spray patterns.
5. A reduced usage fluid sprayer as recited in claim 4 wherein the VSB comprises: a spherical hollow body; having inner body chamber walls which are completely smooth so as not to interfere with the flow mixing patterns of both fluid and gas intakes until discharge; (c) an air intake port communicating within the spherical hollow body; (d) a fluid intake port integrated into the housing adapted to connect to water source; (e) intake/discharge ports for the oxygen enriched fluid/air mixture located along a predetermined axis linking the air intake and discharge ports in order to produce an undisturbed fluid/air mixture flow, wherein the enriched fluid/air mixture (oxygenated water) flows out of an outlet port and around the inner chamber walls of the housing, and out through the ports located on the face plate of the housing.
6. A reduced usage sprayer of claim 5 wherein the air intake and discharge ports of the VSB may be chamfered to preset angles, and may be off-set to maximize flow and mixture rates
7. A reduced usage sprayer as recited in claim5 wherein the VSB is either a separate component, attachable to inner chamber walls of the housing or it may be molded as part of the structure of the walls of the chamber.
8. A reduced usage sprayer as recited in claim 5 wherein the air intake port of the VSB is located at one end of the VSB unit, and the discharge port is located at the opposite end of the unit facing the domed portion of the bell shaped housing and away from the face plate discharge ports of the face plate (12) of the housing, such that after the liquid/gas mixture exits such discharge port, it travels through the chamber of the sprayer housing, and out the face plate discharge ports.
9. A reduced usage sprayer as recited in claim 5 wherein the liquid gas mixture formed in the VSB mixing chamber exits the VSB mixing chamber through both the intake and outlet ports simultaneously.
10. A VSB generation unit for use in a reduced fluid usage sprayer comprising: (i) a spherical hollow body structure having inner chamber walls which must be completely smooth so as not to interfere with the particular flow mixing pattern of both fluid and air intakes through to discharge; an air intake port located at a pre-set location either at the top or bottom section of the unit; a liquid intake port integrated into the unit adapted to connect to a tubular water supply source; a discharge port for delivery of the gas enriched fluid/air mixture located along a pre determined axis of the VSB unit in order to produce an undisturbed , reliable, water/air mixture flow to the sprayer housing; wherein the air intake and discharge ports are chamfered to pre set angles, and off-set to maximize flow mixture rates.
PCT/CA2009/000635 2008-05-08 2009-05-08 Reduced water usage sprayer WO2009135314A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US5138508P 2008-05-08 2008-05-08
US61/051,385 2008-05-08

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Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014083502A (en) * 2012-10-24 2014-05-12 Shinko Sangyo Kk Neutralization apparatus of alkali water
CN106215730A (en) * 2016-08-05 2016-12-14 南京大学 micron bubble generator

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0429068A1 (en) * 1989-11-21 1991-05-29 Toto Ltd. Aerated water outlet device
CA2534704A1 (en) * 2006-01-31 2007-07-31 Hydro Processing & Mining Ltd. Apparatus and method of dissolving a gas into a liquid
US7261283B1 (en) * 1999-05-15 2007-08-28 Hirofumi Ohnari Swing type fine air bubble generating device

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0429068A1 (en) * 1989-11-21 1991-05-29 Toto Ltd. Aerated water outlet device
US7261283B1 (en) * 1999-05-15 2007-08-28 Hirofumi Ohnari Swing type fine air bubble generating device
CA2534704A1 (en) * 2006-01-31 2007-07-31 Hydro Processing & Mining Ltd. Apparatus and method of dissolving a gas into a liquid

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2014083502A (en) * 2012-10-24 2014-05-12 Shinko Sangyo Kk Neutralization apparatus of alkali water
CN106215730A (en) * 2016-08-05 2016-12-14 南京大学 micron bubble generator

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