Water purification system utilizing a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes

A water purification system utilizing a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes and associated method of use is disclosed. This includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is positioned adjacent to a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes. The plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes may be mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board and/or in the form of an array. Moreover, the ultraviolet radiation chamber can be a transparent tube with the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes positioned on the outside of the transparent tube or positioned within the transparent jacket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A significant problem includes the biohazards that are present in our drinking water. This includes bacteria, viruses, molds, algae, and yeast as well as protozoan cysts (specificallyGiardia lambliaandcryptosporidium). These biohazards can be in the water supply regardless of the quality of the water supplied by the processing plant as these biohazards may be introduced through the plumbing.

The current purification systems typically utilize a single ultraviolet fluorescent light tube. This single ultraviolet fluorescent light tube can diminish in efficiency over time. This results in significant quality issues regarding the purification of the water supply. Also, when a single ultraviolet fluorescent light tube is utilized, the water passing in front of the ultraviolet light may receive disparate levels of ultraviolet radiation depending on the position of the ultraviolet light in relationship to the water being treated. The amount of contact time and the dose of the ultraviolet radiation from the single ultraviolet light must be consistent for all of the water molecules being treated and cannot vary over time if all of the microorganisms are to be destroyed.

Moreover, greater attention is being focused on consistent water quality and the associated standards for water purity. There are a number of organizations involved with water quality standards including, but not limited to: NSF International; the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA); the Conference of State Health and Environmental Managers (COSHEM); the American Water Works Association (AWWA); the AWWA Research Foundation (AWWARF); as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

As well, the threat of terrorism is also an important issue with the potential of viral or biological agents being deliberately added to our water supply. This also intensifies our need for consistent water purification treatment due to this increased health risk.

Water that is free from bacteria, viruses, molds, algae, yeast and protozoan cysts is desired and needed in a wide variety of applications besides residential homes including: hospitals; food; cottages; restaurants; private wells; camp grounds; cosmetics; food processing; textile industry; breweries; water systems; laboratories; marine; pharmaceutical; hotels; bottlers; aquaculture; dairies and many other commercial establishments and applications.

Another significant problem is the short life of ultraviolet fluorescent light tubes. The average life of a typical ultraviolet fluorescent light tube is 5,000 to 7,000 hours. This requires replacement on average of every nine (9) months. This can be an expensive and time consuming process resulting in potential downtime for the water purification system. Also, depending on the system, replacement of the ultraviolet fluorescent light tube may not be an easy process resulting in the need for a skilled person to accomplish this task.

The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems set forth above.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In one aspect of this invention, a water purification system is disclosed. The water purification system includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is positioned adjacent to a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

In another aspect of this invention, a water purification system is disclosed. The water purification system includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is positioned adjacent to a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes that at least partially surround the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board and positioned in an array.

Another aspect of this invention is that a water purification system is disclosed. The water purification system includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are integral to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and positioned in an array.

Still another aspect of this invention is that a water purification system is disclosed. The water purification system includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is a transparent tube with the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes positioned on the outside of the transparent tube and the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber.

Yet another aspect of this invention, a water purification system is disclosed. The water purification system includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is a transparent jacket that allows fluid flow on the outside of the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes positioned within the transparent jacket and the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber to allow water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber.

Still yet other aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes filtering water through a water purification system that includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber thereby allowing water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is positioned adjacent to a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes filtering water through a water purification system that includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber thereby allowing water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is positioned adjacent to a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes that at least partially surround the ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board and positioned in an array.

Yet another aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes filtering water through a water purification system that includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is a transparent tube with the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes positioned on the outside of the transparent tube and the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber thereby allowing water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber.

In still another aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes passing water through a water purification system that includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber includes a plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes integral thereto, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber thereby allowing water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber.

Still another aspect of the present invention, a method for utilizing a water purification system is disclosed. The method includes filtering water through a water purification system that includes an inlet, an ultraviolet radiation chamber, wherein the ultraviolet radiation chamber is a transparent jacket that allows fluid flow on the outside of the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes positioned within the transparent jacket and the plurality of ultraviolet light emitting diodes are mounted on a flexible electrical circuit board, and an outlet, wherein the inlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber and the outlet is connected in fluid relationship to the ultraviolet radiation chamber thereby allowing water to flow between the inlet and the outlet through the ultraviolet radiation chamber.

These are merely some of the innumerable aspects of the present invention and should not be deemed an all-inclusive listing of the innumerable aspects associated with the present invention. These and other aspects will become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the following disclosure and accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, and initially toFIG. 1, a preferred heating, ventilation and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system that can be utilized for the inline air handler system of the present invention is generally indicated by numeral10. The initial component is the return air plenum12for receiving air into the HVAC system10. A plenum is a separate space provided for air circulation within the HVAC system10. The return air then passes into a chamber14. The chamber14is located on the intake of the HVAC system10and is designed to filter and sense the air prior to any interaction with other components of the HVAC system10in accordance with the present invention. However, this Invention is equally applicable to separate systems for heating, ventilation, evaporative cooling and air conditioning, as well as any combination thereof.

The air then enters a driven air chamber16that preferably, but not necessarily, includes an air propulsion mechanism18, e.g., motor-blower. The air propulsion mechanism18is a means for moving air. The air propulsion mechanism18moves air from the return air plenum12through the HVAC system10and back into the building or premises. The air then comes off the air propulsion mechanism18and passes into a heating chamber20. The heating chamber20preferably, but not necessarily, includes a gas-fired heating unit22that is utilized to heat indoor air. An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of a gas-fired heating unit22and an air propulsion mechanism18are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,508, which issued to Niknejad et al. on Jul. 30, 1985, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The air propulsion mechanism18is not necessarily a fan-type unit and can be a fanless device that utilizes particle acceleration such as that produced under the trademark KRONOS™, by Kronos Advanced Technologies, Inc., having a place of business at 464 Common Street, Suite 301, Belmont, Mass. 02478-2570.

Air from the heating chamber20then passes into a cooling chamber24. The cooling chamber24preferably, but not necessarily, includes an evaporator coil26. The evaporator coil26provides cooling for air conditioning. The evaporator coil26can also provide heating when utilized in conjunction with a heat pump system (not shown). An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of an evaporator coil26is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,755,035, which issued to McNamara et al. on Jun. 29, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

There is an auxiliary heating chamber28when the heat pump system is utilized. Preferably, but not necessarily, this includes resistive heating elements30. An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of resistive heating elements30include that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,901,566, which issued to Macosko et al. on May 11, 1999, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The air then flows out of the HVAC system10through a supply plenum32. The direction of the air flow is indicated by an arrow34.

Referring now toFIG. 2a, the HVAC system10is again shown with the air flow, indicated by arrow34, going into the return air plenum12. Within the chamber14is an ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism of the present invention that is generally indicated by numeral36. The ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36may be a unitary structure or consist of separate, discrete components.

Referring now toFIGS. 2aand3, the ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36includes an air filtration unit38. This air filtration unit38can include virtually any type of air filter, including, but not limited to, a traditional air filter made of paper, fiber, foam, and so forth. This traditional air filter is preferably, but not necessarily, in the form of a mat. The air filtration unit38can be electronic, passive electrostatic, active electrostatic, ionic and other types of electrical or electronic air filtration. The air filtration unit38can be either a disposable or a reusable filtration type of device.

The ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36preferably includes at least one ultraviolet light40to provide germicidal action in the flowing air supply to destroy organisms. Preferably, but not necessarily, there is an upper reflective shield42and a lower reflective shield44to keep dust and debris off of the ultraviolet light40. Typically, the ultraviolet light40is housed in a tube46, e.g., glass tube. This is just an illustrative example and a wide variety of protective coatings or enclosures will suffice. An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of an ultraviolet light for killing germs in an air flow is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,680,028, which issued to Harris on Jan. 20, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

As shown inFIGS. 2aand3, there is at least one sensor that is generally indicated by numeral48. The at least one sensor48, e.g., plurality of sensors, can include any of a wide variety of sensors including, but not limited to, humidity, bio-toxins, bacteria, spores, viruses, flammable vapors, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), NOx (which is a generic term for the various oxides produced during combustion), radon, smoke, temperature, static pressure, volumetric flow or vacuum as illustrative examples. Preferably, but not necessarily, a plurality of sensors48can be arranged in a spaced relationship forming a pack and is operatively attached to a member50such as a frame. An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of a pressure sensor to provide an indication when the filtration unit is not working effectively is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,042,997, which issued to Rhodes on Aug. 27, 1991, which is hereby incorporated by reference and is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,772,732, which issued to James et al. on Jun. 30, 1998, which also is hereby incorporated by reference.

An illustrative, but nonlimiting, example of sensors that detect temperature, humidity, gaseous and particulate pollution levels is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,801, which issued to Sewell et al. on Jul. 2, 1996, which is hereby incorporated by reference and U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,964, which issued to Lobdell, on Jul. 4, 1995, which also is hereby incorporated by reference.

Preferably, the at least one sensor48utilizes nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic and mechanical devices built at the molecular level of matter. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example, of this type of nanotechnology sensor, e.g., oxygen sensor, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,518, which issued to Yadav, et al. on May 27, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Electrically connected to the at least one sensor48and the at least one ultraviolet light40is a control unit52. The control unit52preferably includes a processor. A processor referred to herein can be a single processor or a whole series of processors and any variant of a processor such as a computer or a programmable logic controller.

Referring now toFIG. 2b, a first alternative embodiment of the HVAC system200is again shown with the air flow, indicated by arrow34, going into the return air plenum12. Within the chamber14is an ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism of the present invention that is generally indicated by numeral202. The ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism202includes a combination air filtration unit38and at least one sensor that is generally indicated by numeral48. The at least one sensor48, e.g., plurality of sensors, can include any of a wide variety of sensors including, but not limited to, humidity, bio-toxins, bacteria, spores, viruses, flammable vapors, carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), NOx (which is a generic term for the various oxides produced during combustion), radon, smoke, temperature, static pressure, volumetric flow or vacuum as illustrative examples. This combination unit may optionally include at least one ultraviolet light40to provide germicidal action in the flowing air supply to destroy organisms. Preferably, but not necessarily, there is an upper reflective shield42and a lower reflective shield44to keep dust and debris off of the ultraviolet light40. Typically, the ultraviolet light40is housed in a tube46, e.g., glass tube. This is just an illustrative example and a wide variety of protective coatings or enclosures will suffice. Preferably, the at least one sensor utilizes nanotechnology and is positioned within the air filtration unit38. Nanotechnology is a branch of engineering that deals with the design and manufacture of extremely small electronic and mechanical devices built at the molecular level of matter. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example, of this type of nanotechnology sensor, e.g., oxygen sensor, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,569,518, which issued to Yadav, et al. on May 27, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The air filtration unit38can include virtually any type of air filter, including, but not limited to, a traditional air filter made of paper, fiber, foam, and so forth. This traditional air filter is preferably, but not necessarily, in the form of a mat. The air filtration unit38can be electronic, passive electrostatic, active electrostatic, ionic and other types of electrical or electronic air filtration. The air filtration unit38can be either a disposable or a reusable filtration type of device.

The ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36preferably includes at least one ultraviolet light40to provide germicidal action in the flowing air supply to destroy organisms. Preferably, but not necessarily, there is an upper reflective shield42and a lower reflective shield44to keep dust and debris off of the ultraviolet light40.

Electrically connected to the at least one sensor48and the at least one ultraviolet light40is a control unit52. The control unit52preferably includes a processor. A processor referred to herein can be a single processor or a whole series of processors and any variant of a processor such as a computer or a programmable logic controller.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36is able to transmit sensor data and receive commands through a network. In the preferred embodiment, this network would be a wireless communication network. Therefore, the control unit52also preferably includes wireless communication mechanism. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example, of this type of wireless communication technology is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,535,838, which issued to Abraham et al. on Mar. 18, 2003, which is hereby incorporated by reference. However, a dedicated wired network or power line carrier communication network is also possible.

Referring now toFIG. 8, the transmission of sensor data and receive commands can be accomplished through a computer network300. Preferably, the computer network is local in nature such as a local area network (LAN). However, a wide area network (WAN) and other types of computer networks are possible. When using a LAN networking environment, the control unit52is connected to the LAN through a network interface or adapter. When using a WAN networking environment, the control unit52typically includes a modem or other means for establishing communications over the WAN, such as a global computer network e.g., the Internet. The WAN network permits communication to other points or systems with a more comprehensive computer network. The computer network is capable of communicating in a wide variety of methods including, but not limited to, point-to-point, star, mesh or star-mesh architecture. The protocols utilized can include, but are not limited to, proprietary, Internet, contention and polled protocols and their derivatives.

Preferably, the at least one ultraviolet light40can also be used to purify drinking water. As shown inFIG. 5, a preferred embodiment for the water purification mechanism utilizing ultraviolet light is generally indicated by numeral80. Referring now toFIG. 4, the at least one ultraviolet light40is in the form of an ultraviolet diode array54. The individual ultraviolet diodes in the ultraviolet diode array54are indicated by numeral56. The ultraviolet diode array is preferably, but not necessarily attached to a flexible circuit board92. Ultraviolet light emitting diodes are preferred over traditional florescent lighting for a variety of reasons. One reason is that a standard florescent ultraviolet light tube has an average life of 5,000 to 7,000 hours, while an ultraviolet light emitting diode has an average life of 100,000 hours. As such, the use of ultraviolet light emitting diodes56in filtration and sanitizing systems will have a huge impact on the cost of maintenance for such systems by altering the replacement cycle from approximately once every nine (9) months to once every fifteen (15) years.

Referring again toFIG. 5, there is a plumbing inlet that is generally indicated by numeral82. There is a first manifold84that connects a first portion85of an ultraviolet radiation chamber86to the plumbing inlet82. Preferably, the ultraviolet radiation chamber86is made of transparent material such as, but not limited to glass, plastic, and composites. The ultraviolet radiation chamber86is positioned adjacent, and preferably encircled by, the ultraviolet diode array54mounted on the flexible circuit board92for providing germicidal action on the water passing through the ultraviolet radiation chamber86to kill both bacteria and viruses. However, the ultraviolet diode array54may be positioned internally within the ultraviolet radiation chamber86.

This ultraviolet light source is totally flexible in its design so that there is an injection of light from the outside of the ultraviolet radiation chamber86to the inside of the ultraviolet radiation chamber86. The ultraviolet radiation chamber86includes a second portion87that is connected to a second manifold88. The second manifold88is connected to a plumbing outlet90. The plumbing inlet82and the plumbing outlet90can include any type of plumbing or piping that can be utilized in a building or premises utilizing all of the wide variety of materials that can be used therewith. The first manifold84and the second manifold88provide a transition mechanism between the ultraviolet radiation chamber86and the plumbing inlet82and the plumbing outlet90, respectively. This type of ultraviolet sanitation is low cost, low maintenance and uses very little electrical power.

An additional feature of utilizing ultraviolet light emitting diodes56is that their output can be focused using optical light guiding encapsulation technologies during manufacturing which pinpoints all of their output into the ultraviolet radiation chamber86. This technique, unlike traditional florescent tube designs, provides a higher level of penetration of ultraviolet radiation through the use of focused beam technology.

An additional flexibility in the design of the ultraviolet radiation chamber86is the ability to mold the ultraviolet light emitting diodes56directly into the ultraviolet radiation chamber86. It would include the molding of the ultraviolet light emitting diodes56directly into the surface of the ultraviolet radiation chamber86and making them an integral part of the ultraviolet radiation chamber86and can include the flexible circuit board92as associated connectors (not shown) as well. This method would integrate the ultraviolet light emitting diodes56to the ultraviolet radiation chamber86so that ultraviolet light would fully penetrate the ultraviolet radiation chamber86. This method would provide the best overall penetration of the ultraviolet radiation into the ultraviolet radiation chamber86and the water being purified but does make maintenance of the array of ultraviolet light emitting diodes56more difficult in that it would require replacing the entire ultraviolet radiation chamber86when the ultraviolet light emitting diodes56eventually failed.

A light emitting diode56when utilized as the at least one ultraviolet light40would have applicability for both water and air. For example, light emitting diodes56would have applicability in items like water filters, air filtration and air movement systems like central air conditioning systems, window air conditioning systems, cloths dryers, automotive air conditioning systems, pond filtration systems, cooling towers for chillers (where costly algaecides and bacterial prevention chemicals must be used), public and private swimming pool filtration systems, water parks, amusement centers, drinking fountains, chilled water dispensers, under-the-counter filtration units, refrigerator water dispensers and ice makers, among numerous other air and water purification applications.

One source for ultraviolet light emitting diodes56would include III-N technology, Inc. An illustrative, but nonlimiting example of ultraviolet light emitting diodes is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,765,396, which issued to Barror on Jul. 20, 2004, which is hereby incorporated by reference and in U.S. Patent application No. 20040075065, which was published for Spivak on Apr. 22, 2004, which also is hereby incorporated by reference.

Referring now toFIG. 6, an alternative embodiment of a water purification mechanism is indicated by numeral58. This includes a jacket66that is capable of receiving water from an inlet62. The water then enters a first manifold64so that is can pass around the outside of the at least one ultra violet light40through a jacket66. From the jacket66, the water exits through a second manifold68. The water then leaves the second manifold68through an outlet70. The jacket66is connected at each end to the first manifold64and the second manifold68, respectively. Preferably, the first manifold64, the jacket66and the second manifold68and are made of transparent material such as glass, plastic, composites and other types of transparent material. As water enters the inlet62, as indicated by a first arrow72, the water passes into the first manifold64and then flows through the jacket66as indicated by second arrow76and third arrow78, respectively. As the water is flowing through the jacket66, the light from the at least one ultraviolet light40radiates the water for germicidal purposes to kill bacteria and viruses in the water. The water then enters the second manifold68and passes out the outlet70as indicated by a fourth arrow79. Preferably, but not necessarily, the water is already purified through filtration before the water enters the inlet62. The jacket66is preferably enclosed by material to keep the ultraviolet radiation from leaving the jacket66. An illustrative material for enclosing the jacket66is preferably metal, e.g., stainless steel. This is preferred since the ultraviolet light40can be harmful to the human eye.

Referring now toFIG. 7, an illustrative building or premises utilizing the invention of the present invention is generally indicated by numeral100. In the upper portion110of the building or premises100, the air flows into the return air plenum12and then passes into the ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36and then out of the supply plenum32. Preferably, the ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36includes the ultraviolet water purification mechanism80which are both connected in wireless communication through the control unit52to an electronic display with an input device and an output device101, e.g., radio frequency, wireless thermostat. The ultraviolet water purification mechanism80receives water from the plumbing inlet82and dispenses germicidally cleansed water through the plumbing outlet90.

In the lower portion112of the building or premises with a less preferred embodiment, the air flows into the return air plenum112and then passes into the ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36and then out of a dual air supply plenum132. The ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36is separate from the ultraviolet water purification mechanism80. The ultraviolet, filtration and sensing mechanism36through the control unit52is electrically connected by a first electrical conductor106to an electronic display with an input device and an output device101, e.g., wired thermostat104. The wired thermostat104is electrically connected by a second electrical conductor108to the ultraviolet water purification mechanism58. The ultraviolet water purification mechanism58receives water from the plumbing inlet182and dispenses germicidally cleansed water from the plumbing outlet190.

Although thermostats102and104are illustrated, virtually any type of electronic output device103and electronic input device108will suffice, as shown inFIG. 8. Preferably, but not necessarily, the electronic output device103includes an electronic display. Although a liquid crystal diode display is preferred for the electronic display, a cathode ray tube, a plasma screen and virtually any other type of electronic display will suffice. The electronic display can be hard wired, portable or in wireless connection with the control unit52and any combination thereof.

The electronic output device103can also include an alarm to detect abnormal operating conditions or failures on part of the subsystems that can be visual or audible or both visual and audible. The alarm can be both local or over a computer network300. If the alarm is over a computer network300then nodes on the computer network300will be able to visually or audibly indicate the alarm condition through controlled systems, subsystems and processes. Use of a wide area network, WAN, will permit safety and lower level alarm conditions to reach nodes that can provide an emergency response, monitoring services, owners, operators, repair and servicing organizations, and so forth. In premise nodes, such as that found on a local area network, LAN, the electronic display and input/output device can include, in addition to a thermostat102and104, appliances, messaging terminals, personal computers, televisions, auxiliary smoke and fire monitors and alarm mechanisms, and so forth.

An electronic input device108can include any type of pushbutton entry system including, but not limited to, a keyboard, voice recognition, and so forth. This can include, but is not limited to, a television set interface, security alarm display, global computer network enabled appliance, e.g., web appliance, telephone, personal digital assistant (“PDA”), home control interface and a wide variety of devices that use Wireless Application Protocol (“WAP”). WAP is a secure specification that allows users to access information instantly via handheld wireless devices. The electronic input device108can provide input to operate various components within an HVAC system10, as shown inFIG. 1, such as the driven air chamber16, e.g., an air propulsion mechanism18, a heating chamber20, e.g., a gas-fired heating unit22, a cooling chamber24, e.g., an evaporator coil26, and an auxiliary heating chamber28, e.g., resistive heating elements30. Also, these same components and/or subsystems can be monitored and with the status displayed on the electronic output device103.

The preferred embodiment of the present invention and the method of using the same has been described in the foregoing specification with considerable detail, it is to be understood that modifications may be made to the invention which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims and modified forms of the present invention performed by others skilled in the art to which the invention pertains will be considered infringements of this invention when those modified forms fall within the claimed scope of this invention.