Abstract:
A transportable disaster-relief generating system is a power generated, multi-functional, and compact relief unit with means for providing area lighting via a power generator, purifying and storing potable water from a non-potable water source, and creating ice utilizing purified water. The disaster-relief unit of the present invention may further provide a portable ice storage bin in a knockdown configuration to hold a large quantity of ice. A bladder may be used to hold potable water produced. The equipment is physically protected by the structural framework and base. The device may comprise access doors and suitable paneling on the walls and roof of the device.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/417,071, filed Nov. 24, 2010 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of disaster-relief systems and more specifically relates to transportable disaster-relief generating systems for providing portable power generation and potable water producing means. The device may be used in response to an emergency or disaster to safely and sanitarily purvey water, ice, and area lighting. 
       2. DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    Modern societies depend greatly on power to provide electricity, communication, transportation, and food to its inhabitants. As society continues to technologically evolve, human beings become increasingly more reliant on power and electricity. Power and power generation remains the constant variable that fuels infrastructure of modern society. This is true even to the point where bare necessities such as food and water are produced and sustained by power. 
         [0006]    Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, wars and other disastrous events often yield cataclysmic results, including mass power outages. Without power, a large population of people lose access to light, clean water, and other essential resources. In the aftermath of a national disaster, emergency, or crisis, the haste in which relief arrives to those in need can never be quick enough. 
         [0007]    Generators may be used to generate power and may provide temporary powering means; however a small portion of inhabitants have access to such equipment. Typically, portable generators are not large enough to supply the power demand of many individuals and fuel may not be available during power outages/emergency situations. 
         [0008]    Potable water is often needed to revitalize those who are dehydrated in the wake of a disaster such as a flood, earthquake, or terrorist attack. Many times when a disaster strikes, existing potable water sources are contaminated resulting in danger to individuals that may consume such water. Typically, purifying water by the consumer is a slow process that is not readily available or feasible to supply a mass of people. Individuals who are left without means of food preservation and clean water for extended periods of time may become very ill, and may die. 
         [0009]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pat. No. and Pub. Nos. 6,289,684; 2006/0257258; 2006/0113251; 6,936,176; 7,089,763 and 6,464,884. This prior art is representative of transportable power generating systems, water purification systems, and multi-functional disaster units. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0010]    Ideally, a transportable disaster-relief generating system should be readily transportable via a highway accessible vehicle (or air-lift means) and would operate reliably, yet be manufactured at a reasonable expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable natural disaster relief generating system to generate power, provide access to the power, purify and provide potable water from a non-potable water source, produce fragmented or flake ice utilizing purified water, all within a single enclosure for transport, and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known multi-functional disaster relief unit art, the present invention provides a novel natural disaster relief generating system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail, is to provide an independently-operable, transportable unit comprising means to generate power, purify and provide potable water from a non-potable water source, and produce ice utilizing purified water. 
         [0012]    The natural disaster relief generating system as described herein generally comprises a power generation assembly, a water supply and purification assembly, and an ice maker. The power generation assembly may comprise a power generator, a fuel storage tank, lighting means, and power outputs for supplying emergency power. In a preferred embodiment the power generator comprises a diesel motor. In alternative embodiments the electrical drive motors may be replaced by hydraulically operated motors. 
         [0013]    The water supply and purification assembly may comprise an R/O filter, a sand filter, set of particle filters, a non-potable-water intake, a potable-water discharge, a potable water storage tank (and/or bladder), permeate storage tank, a potable water discharge, a pump, and a pressure-tank. In use, non-potable water is pumped into the filtration system of the present invention from a non-potable water source (i.e. tanker truck, ocean water, lake or pond—brackish or other) and is filtered through the sand filter, filter media and R/O filter. The purified water will be stored in the potable water storage tank for ready access to the ice machine and via the potable water discharge. The pressure tank supplies the ‘pressurized-force’ to move the various water(s) through the system. 
         [0014]    In use, non-potable water may be pumped into water filtration assembly via a submersible pump or a hose through the non-potable-water intake. The general purpose of water filtration assembly is to remove pollutants and microorganisms from non-potable or otherwise contaminated water. Non-potable water may pass through an initial filter and trash separator thereby inhibiting larger particles from passing into water filtration assembly while permitting contaminated water to pass there-through. A low-pressure and high-pressure pump may then transfer non-potable water through the various phases of the filtration process. The device comprises non-potable and potable water pumps. 
         [0015]    As part of the purification process, water preferably passes through the R/O filter to further remove contaminants. The R/O filter may comprise a dense membrane layer having varying pore sizes. The R/O filter is designed to allow only water to pass through, while preventing the passage of certain solutes. This process requires high pressure to be exerted on the high concentration side of the membrane. Pressurized force(s) may be received from a pressure tank located within the disaster-relief unit. Water filtration assembly may further comprise a chlorine generator to maintain stored water safely. 
         [0016]    In certain embodiments the national disaster relief generating system further comprises an ice maker for producing ice. The ice maker receives purified water thereby creating purified ice which may be accessed from the attached ice bin. The ice bin may be a knock-down version and/or portable in certain embodiments. 
         [0017]    The present invention may further comprise a storage compartment for storing perishable and non-perishable consumables. The individual components of the national disaster relief generating system are housed within a durable protective enclosure and securably retained by a skid located within and/or under the enclosure, preferably at the base. 
         [0018]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a transportable disaster-relief generating system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, natural disaster-relief unit, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating a natural disaster relief generating system in an in-use condition during an emergency condition according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the natural disaster relief generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the natural disaster relief generating system during (one form of) transport on a highway-accessible flatbed trailer according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the exterior of the natural disaster relief generating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view illustrating the interior of the natural disaster relief generating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a side perspective view illustrating the interior of the natural disaster relief generating unit according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1   
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating a storage compartment according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart illustrating a water filtration process according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of the natural disaster-relief unit according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-8 . 
       
    
    
       [0029]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a transportable disaster-relief unit and more particularly to a transportable disaster-relief unit as used to improve the rapid accessibility of survival necessities, such as potable water, electricity, ice, for food preservation, in the event of a natural disaster. 
         [0031]    Floods, hurricanes, earthquakes, and other disastrous events, as mentioned previously, may cause mass power outages. Without power, many people may lose access to light, clean water, and other essential resources. Generators may be used to temporarily replenish light sources, but often many individuals may be left without adequate means for food preservation and access to purified water for extended periods of time potentially resulting in illness, injury or death. 
         [0032]    Referring generally to the present invention, transportable disaster-relief generating system  100  is designed to provide relief to people who may be without water, ice, and power as a result of a disaster. The present invention comprises a transportable power generated unit having means for ice production, non-potable water purification, and electricity generation. The device of the present invention may utilize virtually any type of non-potable water source, such as salt water or otherwise contaminated water, in order to provide sanitary water and ice fit for human consumption in the form of storable potable water. The powering means of the power generator may also provide electricity to provide illumination for areas that have undergone prolonged power failure. The present invention may be best utilized in the immediate wake of a natural disaster to provide survival essentials and to help prevent loss of life. 
         [0033]    Referring to the drawings by specific numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  in an in-use condition  150  according to an embodiment of the present invention. Transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  may comprise disaster-relief unit  110  wherein disaster-relief unit  110  internally comprises power generator  120  for providing electricity. As shown in  FIG. 1 , power cables  125  may be plugged into power outputs  122  located on exterior surface of disaster-relief unit enclosure  114 . Transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  may provide potable water  130  and generate electricity during an emergency condition  160 , such as in the wake of earthquake  162 , hurricane  163 , terrorist attack  164 , or some other catastrophic event. User  140  may extract potable water  130  (as shown) from potable water discharge  155  after earthquake  162  has destroyed building  105 , homes, utilities, and other property. Power generator  120  may provide light stanchions for area lighting means. 
         [0034]    Power generator  120  may comprise an engine-powered generator unit housed in an enclosure substantially made of steel, aluminum, or other suitable material. In a preferred embodiment, transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  may comprise a diesel generator, and may be powered by diesel fuel, gasoline, or propane. Power generator  120  is preferably powered by diesel fuel due to the availability of diesel fuel, combined with the relative efficiency and longevity of such engines. The fuel is removably storable in fuel storage tank  405  providing that the present invention may be used remotely to provide power to transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100 . Batteries (high-efficiency) or power cells may be used in alternate embodiments. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As shown, disaster-relief unit  110  may further comprise vent(s)  205  located along top of disaster-relief unit enclosure  114 . When transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  is in an in-use condition  150 , heat energy may escape through vent  205  for safety purposes and to cool the system via ambient temperature. 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  in transportable condition  350  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As shown, approximately two (2) disaster-relief unit(s)  110  may be transportable on flatbed tractor-trailer  310  which is be highway accessible. In such a manner, transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  may reach those in need utilizing conventional highways. It should be understood that transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  may be airlifted in via helicopters and may have suitable lifting lugs located thereon for ease of hooking and unhooking. Alternate transportation means may be employed to move transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  such as airplanes, boats, track machines and others for instances when roads may be unavailable/unusable. 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the inside of transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As shown, fuel storage tank  405  may be located underneath and/or near (adjacent) or remote from power generator  120 . In a preferred embodiment, as mentioned above, power generator  120  may comprise diesel generator  505 . Fuel storage tank  405  may be used to store diesel fuel for supplying power to diesel generator  505 . It is preferred that fuel storage tank  405  be double-walled and located in a relatively cool location away from ignition sources to prevent fuel evaporation loss or explosion. In alternative embodiments of the present invention, power generator  120  may comprise a hydraulically operated unit. Preferably, power generator  120  has a ninety six hour fuel capacity (more or less capacity in various embodiments as per application) thereby providing power for at least a four day operating period, making it efficient in-use, especially during the critical first day after the catastrophic event. Power generator  120 , ice maker  560 , and water filtration assembly  400  may be mountably-held in place by skid  450 , wherein skid  450  may comprise a substantially flat transport structure located along the bottom of disaster-relief unit  110 . Skid  450  is preferably consolidated in a base of disaster-relief unit  110 . Skid  450  is handy for ‘skidding’ transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  along the ground to level and for loading and unloading situations. Skid  450  also provides a mounting point for chains, straps or other when the unit is to be lifted or secured for transport. 
         [0038]    With further reference to  FIG. 4 , non-potable water intake  410  may comprise a receiving inlet on an exterior surface of disaster-relief unit  110 . Non-potable water may be received by non-potable water intake  410  via hose  420 , submersible pump, or via alternative water transfer means. In use, non-potable water passes into water filtration assembly  400  through non-potable-water intake  410  for purification and consumption. Non-potable-water intake  410  is preferably in communication with at least one non-potable-water source such as a lake, bay, sea, ocean or other body of water. Alternately, the water source may comprise an underground well or tanker truck(s). Non-potable water may comprise virtually any non-purified, brackish or contaminated source such as what is often found in natural disaster settings. It should be appreciated that the present invention is usable in other settings such as those on relief-aid, military missions and remote applications for oil/gas exploration, archeological expeditions and other such circumstances wherein remote power generating for power and potable water supply may be beneficial. 
         [0039]    Now referring to  FIG. 5 , illustrating an interior perspective of transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  according to an embodiment of  FIG. 1 . As discussed, disaster-relief unit  110  comprises power generator  120  wherein power generator  120  preferably comprises diesel generator  505 . Power generator  120  may be securably housed within sound-proofing generator enclosure  510  thereby serving to reduce noise created by disaster-relief unit  110 . Sound-proofing generator enclosure  510  also may provide protection from moving parts while running Further, transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  comprises water filtration assembly  400  which may comprise R/O filter  516 , sand filter  518  (sand and trash filter), low-pressure submersible pump  524 , high-pressure pump  528 , flush pump  535 , chlorine generator  540 , pressure tank, and potable water storage tank  545 . The present system may use bladder  175  for ease of storing/access by multiple individuals, as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
         [0040]    Reverse osmosis is a filtration method that may be used to remove many types of large molecules and ions from solutions by applying pressure to the solution when it is on one side of a selective membrane. R/O filter  516  of the present invention may comprise a cylindrical membrane capable of reversing osmotic pressure thereby reversing the flow of liquid passing there-through. In such a manner, salt, particles, and other substances may be separated from water molecules providing potable water for discharge via potable water discharge  155 . 
         [0041]    In use, non-potable water may be pumped into water filtration assembly  400  via non-potable-water intake  410  from non-potable water source  530 . The general purpose of water filtration assembly  400  is to remove pollutants and microorganisms from non-potable or otherwise contaminated water. Non-potable water may pass through an initial filter and trash separator thereby inhibiting larger particles to pass into water filtration assembly  400  while permitting contaminated water to pass there-through. Low-pressure filter pump  524  may then transfer non-potable water through the first phase of the filtration process. Non-potable water may pass through sand filter(s)  518  comprising a plurality of micron filters and carbon block filters. In one embodiment of transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100 , sand filter  518  may comprise rapid gravity sand filter utilizing relatively coarse sand and other granular media to remove particles and impurities from non-potable water. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, sand filter  518  may comprise slow sand filters for treating raw water to produce potable water at a slow, constant flow rate. It should further be appreciated that water filtration assembly  400  may further comprise ozone sterilization for the additional purification of non-potable water if desired. In certain embodiments at least one set of particle filters may be used in water filtration assembly  400 . 
         [0042]    After non-potable water passes through sand filter  518 , carbon and particle filters  400 , high pressure pump  528  may transfer water through R/O filter  516  to further remove contaminants for optimal purification. The R/O filter  516  may comprise a dense membrane layer having pore sizes which may vary from 0.1 nanometres (3.9×10 −9  in) to 5,000 nanometres (0.00020 in). R/0 filter  516  is designed to allow only water to pass through, while preventing the passage of certain solutes. This process requires high pressure to be exerted on the high concentration side of the membrane, usually about 2-17 bar (30-250 psi) for fresh and brackish water, and about 40-70 bar (600-1000 psi) for seawater. Pressurized pushing force may be communicated/received from high pressure pump  528  located within disaster-relief unit  110 . Carbon block or activated carbon filters will eliminate chlorine, which will attack and degrade thin film composite membranes of water passing through R/O filter  516 . Once purified by R/O filter  516 , potable water may then be transferred via pressure pump  550  to either ice maker permeate tank  565  for use with ice maker  560 , and/or to potable water storage tank  545  for user accessibility via potable water discharge  155 . 
         [0043]    In referring now to submersible pumps  524  that may work cooperatively with transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  for transferring non-potable water into non-potable-water intake  410 , the optimum type of pump to use depends on the system discharge conditions and application. Preferably, submersible salt water pump comprises stainless steel for the longest possible life under such conditions. 
         [0044]    In referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , ice maker  560  may comprise ice maker condensing unit  620 , flake ice maker  560  and ice chute  630 . In use, ice maker  560  preferably receives purified water stored in permeate tank  565 . Water is then transferred into ice maker condensing unit  620  where high pressure vapor is condensed into high pressure liquid as part of the refrigeration cycle. In one embodiment, ice maker condensing unit  620  may comprise an air cooled condenser. In other embodiments, ice maker condensing unit  620  may comprise a water-cooled condenser. Pressurized water may then be sent to flake ice maker  560  wherein ice may be generated. Ice may pass from flake ice maker  560  into portable ice bin  636  (which may be removable and may be made from a set-up of lightweight insulated panels that may form a knockdown construction) via ice chute  630  via automatic control means. Ice maker  560  generates ice from potable water wherein ice may be used to store perishable comestibles, to provide cooling means for use in medical applications, for cooling potable water, and other such applications. 
         [0045]    Furthermore, water discharged via the water purification process that is waste may be recycled to condense the refrigerant from ice maker  560 . Control valves may sense if the incoming water is sufficient to condense the refrigerant. If the R/O system is shut down for service, the air-cooled ice maker  620  will function. In this manner the present invention may be efficient and environmentally-friendly. It is preferable that transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  is environmentally-friendly, thus not contributing to pollution in an already potentially polluted location. Additionally, this provides user(s)  140  with a healthier environment. 
         [0046]    In further reference to the water purification process of transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100 , water filtration assemblies  400  and  516  may comprise of anti-salient liquid tank  605  with self-contained liquid pump  606 , this system designed to prevent the buildup on filter media, thereby prolonging membrane life. The water feed to ice machine  560  requires a certain hardness in order for the ice to be harvested; salt feeder  610  provides this necessary hardness. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view illustrating (an optional) storage compartment  710  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As shown, transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  may comprise at least one storage compartment  710  located beneath (or in another suitable location) power generator  120  and water filtration assembly  400 . In one embodiment, storage compartment  710  may comprise a slidable compartment that may be opened and securely closed. Further, other commodities and necessities such as medicine, first aid, and other consumable items may be securably stored in storage compartment  710 . 
         [0048]    In referring now to  FIG. 8 , filtration process flow-chart  800  is shown illustrating the water filtration process of transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . When disaster-relief unit  110  is in an in-use condition  150 , non-potable water may enter water filtration assembly  400  via non-potable-water intake  410 . The trash separator serves to inhibit larger particles from passing into water filtration assembly  400 . 
         [0049]    Low-pressure submersible pump  524  may then transfer non-potable water through sand filter  518 . Pump  528  may transfer water through R/O filter  516  to further remove contaminants for optimal purification. R/O filter  516  is designed to allow only water to pass through, while preventing the passage of certain solutes. The permeate flows by gravity to tank  565  and then pump  550  transfers permeate to pressure tank  545  for distribution to ice machine  560  and bladder  175  storage through potable water discharge  155 . Pressurized force may be received from pressure tank  545 . Water may be further treated by chlorine from chlorine generator  540  to maintain stored water in a safe manner. 
         [0050]      FIG. 9  is a flowchart illustrating method of use  900  of transportable disaster-relief generating systems  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-8 . Method of use  900  may comprise the steps of: step one  901  transporting at least one disaster-relief unit  110  to a disaster zone via highway accessible flatbed tractor-trailer  310  (or other suitable transportation means), step two  902  set-up and start-up of system, supplying power via power generator  120 , step three  903  receiving a non-potable water supply via non-potable-water intake  410 , step four  904  purify water via water filtration assembly  400  and discharging potable water via potable water discharge  155 , and step five  905  creating ice via ice maker  560 . 
         [0051]    It should be noted that step five  905  may or may not be optional step and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use  900  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 9  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method  900 . 
         [0052]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0053]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.