Time release biocide dispensing device

A time release biocide dispensing device for controllably dispensing biocide into a condensation line of an air conditioner at predetermined concentrations and volumes over a duration. The device utilizes principles of pressure equilibrium and material resistance to dispense a regulated and steady flow of the biocide into the line. The device utilizes a controller, a pump, a container, a fluid tube, and a coupling member. The device is configured to easily attach to the line and facilitate setting of the controller, such that minimal tools and expertise are needed for operation. A container attaches to the line and holds a biocide and a volume having a vacuum. A pump forces a fluid into the vacuum to disturb the equilibrium, and thus partially force the biocide into the line. A resistance member restricts the flow to drops to further regulate the flow of the biocide into the line.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a time release biocide dispensing device. More so, a time release biocide dispensing device regulates the release of a biocide into a condensation line by controllably pumping a fluid into a vacuum that is formed in a container above the biocide to displace the biocide through a resistance barrier, and into the condensation line.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The following is an example of a specific aspect in the prior art that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present invention, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.

By way of educational background, another aspect of the prior art generally useful to be aware of is that air conditioning is the process of altering the properties of air (primarily temperature and humidity) to more comfortable conditions, typically with the aim of distributing the conditioned air to an occupied space to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality. This involves a refrigeration cycle that carries fluids through a coils, condensation lines, and various other refrigerant components.

In the refrigeration cycle, heat is transported from a colder location to a hotter area. As heat would naturally flow in the opposite direction, work is required to achieve this. A refrigerator is an example of such a system, as it transports the heat out of the interior and into its environment, such as a room. The refrigerant is used as the medium which absorbs and removes heat from the space to be cooled and subsequently rejects that heat elsewhere.

Typically, the cycle continues as the circulating refrigerant vapor enters a compressor and is compressed to a higher pressure, resulting in a higher temperature as well. The hot, compressed refrigerant vapor is now at a temperature and pressure at which it can be condensed and is routed through a condenser line to the condenser. At the condenser, the vapor is cooled by air flowing across the condenser coils and condensed into a liquid. Thus, the circulating refrigerant rejects heat from the system and the heat is carried away by the air.

The condensed and pressurized liquid refrigerant is next routed through an expansion valve where it undergoes an abrupt reduction in pressure. That pressure reduction results in flash evaporation of a part of the liquid refrigerant, lowering its temperature. The cold refrigerant is then routed through the evaporator. A fan blows the warm air, which is to be cooled, across the evaporator, causing the liquid part of the cold refrigerant mixture to evaporate as well; thus further lowering the temperature. The warm air is consequently cooled. To complete the refrigeration cycle, the refrigerant vapor is routed back into the compressor through a condensation line.

The condensation line discharges excess condensate formation. It is known that condensate formation is problematic to air conditioners and other refrigeration systems. When humid air contacts an air conditioner's cold evaporator coils, moisture from the air condenses on the coils. The condensed moisture, called “condensate,” must be collected and disposed of to prevent water damage to property in the vicinity of the air conditioner.

Often, the collection of the condensate that drips off the air conditioner's evaporator coils, involves the use of a drain pan placed below the coils. The condensate collected in the drain pan is then carried through a condensation discharge line to a sewer system or an outside area. A common problem occurring with condensate drain pipes has been that biotic growth, such as algae or fungus, formed in the pipes blocks the flow of condensate. The blockage caused by this biotic growth results in condensate backing up in the drain pan and ultimately spilling over into the surrounding area. The collection of condensate encourages the growth of bacteria, algae, and other organisms that block the condensation line. Further, because the drainage system is out of sight, it may be neglected until damage occurs to the lines and components of the air conditioning unit.

It is known that a biocide is a chemical substance or microorganism which can deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means. Biocides can be added to the condensation line to inhibit the growth of bacteria, algae, and other organisms that block the condensation line.

Even though the above cited systems and methods for dispensing a biocide into a condensation line address some of the needs of the market, a device that easily attaches to the condensation line and controllably releases the biocide through the utilization of a time release pump is still desired. Devices that dispense biocide into condensation lines and cold-lines have been used for inhibiting algae in the past, yet none with the present characteristics of the present invention. See patent numbers: U.S. Pat. No. 4,962,778; U.S. Pat. No. 5,402,813; U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,034 and U.S. 20130306163.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a time release biocide dispensing device that is efficacious for controllably dispensing a biocide into a line at predetermined concentrations and volumes over a duration. The device utilizes basic principles of pressure equilibrium and material resistance to dispense a regulated and steady flow of the biocide into the line. The device utilizes a controller, a pump, a container, a fluid tube, and a coupling member to ensure that a steady supply of biocide is dispensed into the line. The device is also configured to easily attach to the line and facilitate setting of the controller, such that minimal tools and expertise are needed for operation.

In one embodiment, a condensate fluid from a collection pan near an air conditioning unit passes through a condensation line. The biocide is stored in a container, which is configured to attach along a longitudinal axis of the condensation line. The container is oriented in relation to the condensation line so that a vacuum forms in a volume above the biocide. The vacuum inhibits the biocide from dispensing from the container into the condensation line.

A controller controllably pumps a fluid into the volume containing the vacuum. This higher pressure entering the volume disturbs the equilibrium, and thus forces the biocide out of the container and into the condensation line. Further, a resistance barrier positions at a dispensing aperture in the container. The resistance barrier also contributes to regulating the release of the biocide by restricting the biocide from flowing freely from the container. The controller works in conjunction with the resistance barrier to dispense a predetermined concentration and volume of the biocide into the condensation line.

In one aspect, a biocide dispensing device for regulating the release of a biocide into a line, the device comprises:a container configured to contain a biocide, the container at least partially comprising a volume having a vacuum, wherein the vacuum is at an equilibrium pressure with the biocide, the container further comprising a dispensing aperture configured to enable at least partial passage of the biocide;a pump configured to force a fluid into the volume, wherein the fluid at least partially disturbs the equilibrium pressure to at least partially enable the biocide to dispense through the dispensing aperture;a controller configured to regulate the pump; anda resistance barrier disposed in proximity to the dispensing aperture, the resistance barrier configured to at least partially inhibit the free flow of the biocide through the dispensing aperture.

In another aspect, the line comprises a condensation line for an air conditioning unit.

In another aspect, the container comprises a substantially cylinder shaped bottle.

In another aspect, the container comprises an upper region and a lower region.

In another aspect, the container couples to the line at a T junction.

In another aspect, the container is oriented in relation to the line such that the lower region positions above the upper region.

In another aspect, the lower region comprises the volume having the vacuum, and the upper region comprises the biocide.

In yet another aspect, the fluid flows from the pump to the volume through a fluid tube.

In yet another aspect, the fluid comprises air.

In yet another aspect, the pump comprises a micro air pump.

In yet another aspect, the controller comprises a circuitry.

In yet another aspect, the dispensing aperture couples to the T junction through a molded cap.

In yet another aspect, the molded cap comprises a threaded inner surface configured to rotatably attach to a 0.5″ male threaded PVC pipe at the T junction.

In yet another aspect, the circuitry comprises a timer, a switch, and at least one light emitting diode.

In yet another aspect, the resistance barrier comprises a sponge.

One objective of the present invention is to provide a biocide delivery system for air conditioning condensation lines that allows the steady release of a biocide over a duration.

Another objective is to help prevent mold and sludge build up in the condensation line.

Another objective is to provide a biocide dispensing device that easily attaches to a T junction along the condensation line.

Another objective is to combine the effects of pressure equilibrium in a container of biocide, and a sponge's capacity to restrict flow of a fluid to regulate the dispensing of the biocide.

Yet another objective is to provide a biocide dispenser that enables a user to determine the concentration and volume of biocide released into a condensation line.

Yet another objective is to provide a biocide dispensing device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

At the outset, it should be clearly understood that like reference numerals are intended to identify the same structural elements, portions, or surfaces consistently throughout the several drawing figures, as may be further described or explained by the entire written specification of which this detailed description is an integral part. The drawings are intended to be read together with the specification and are to be construed as a portion of the entire “written description” of this invention as required by 35 U.S.C. §112.

In one embodiment of the present invention presented inFIGS. 1-3, a time release biocide dispensing device100for controllably dispensing a biocide124into a line126at predetermined concentrations and volumes over a predetermined duration. In this manner, a steady, controllable stream of biocide124can enter a line126to help prevent biological and sludge buildup in the line126. The device100easily attaches to the line126, such that minimal tools and expertise are needed to attach the device100to the line126.

In some embodiments, the line126may include, without limitation, a condensation line for an air conditioning unit, a cold-line, a refrigerant line, a drain pipe, a waste gulley, a hose line126, and different components of an HVAC system. The biocide124is effective in destroying the bacteria and organic buildup in the line126without damaging the interior lining of the line126itself. In one embodiment, the biocide124may be present in the form of a liquid. However, in other embodiments a solid tablet of biocide124may be dissolved and stored within the device100prior to dispensing into the line126. The biocide124may include, without limitation, a natural biocide, a synthetic biocide, white vinegar, bleach, and a chemical substance or microorganism which can deter, render harmless, or exert a controlling effect on any harmful organism by chemical or biological means.

As referenced inFIG. 1, the device100attaches to a T junction128in the line126. A molded cap112can form a coupling mechanism to fasten the device100to the T junction128. However, in other embodiments, the device100may position at a distance from the line126, such as at an air conditioning unit. A biocide tube may then carry the dispensed biocide124to a desired location along the line126. The device100utilizes basic principles of pressure equilibrium and material resistance to dispense a regulated and steady flow of the biocide124into the line126.

In some embodiments, the device100may include a controller118, a pump116, a container102, a fluid tube114, and a coupling molded cap112to operate; thereby ensuring a steady supply of biocide124is dispensed into the line126. The device comprises a container102configured to at least partially contain a biocide124. In one embodiment, the container102comprises a substantially cylinder shaped bottle. However, in other embodiments, any housing that is sized and dimensioned to contain the biocide124and position proximally to the line126may be used. The container102couples to the line126at a T junction128along a longitudinal axis of the line126.

The container102comprises an upper region106and a lower region104. The container102is oriented in relation to the line126such that the lower region104positions above the upper region106. Those skilled in the art will recognize that filling the container102partially with a liquid and then reorienting the container102over itself creates a vacuum in the empty region of the container102. The container102at least partially comprises a volume108having a vacuum, wherein the vacuum is at an equilibrium pressure with the biocide124. In one embodiment, the lower region104comprises the volume108having the vacuum, and the upper region106comprises the biocide124.

The container102further comprises a dispensing aperture110that aligns adjacently to the T junction128on the line126to enable at least partial passage of the biocide124into the line126. In one embodiment, the dispensing aperture110couples to the T junction128through a molded cap112. In another embodiment, the molded cap112comprises a threaded inner surface configured to rotatably mate with a 0.5″ male threaded PVC pipe at the T junction128. However, in other embodiments, the molded cap112may frictionally snap, magnetically attach, and be fastened by screws to the T junction128.

Turning now toFIG. 2, the device100comprises a pump116configured to force a fluid132into the empty volume108within the container102. The fluid132flows from the pump116to the volume108through a fluid tube114. The fluid tube114is sufficiently flexible to follow a circuitous route from the pump116to the container102while still maintaining a pressure. The pressure from the fluid132disturbs the pressure equilibrium between the volume108and the biocide124, and thus forces the biocide124to dispense through the lower region104of the container102. The pump116may include a micro air pump116. However, any pump116having sufficient capacity to generate and force the fluid132into the fluid tube114to the container102may be used. The fluid132may include air generated by the pump116to at least partially disturb the equilibrium pressure. Once the equilibrium is disturbed the biocide124dispenses through the dispensing aperture110.

As referenced inFIG. 3, a controller118controllably regulates the pump116, which generates and forces a fluid132into the volume108of the container102. This higher pressure entering the volume108disturbs the equilibrium, and thus forces the biocide124out of the container102and into the line126. The controller118comprises a circuitry configured to regulate the pump116. In one embodiment, the circuitry comprises a timer (not shown), at least one switch120, and at least one light emitting diode130. The circuitry is configured to regulate the duration that the pump116operates with the timer. In one embodiment, the circuit may include a 5 5 5 integrated circuit having a timer. However in other embodiments, the timer is integrated into the at least one switch120. In any case, the duration that the pump116operates may be controlled.

In one alternative embodiment, a pin valve (not shown), rather than the pump116is used to disturb the equilibrium between the volume108and the biocide124in the container102. In this configuration, the controller118regulates the pin valve, which is located at the lower region104of the container102. The pin valve opens to enable passage of the fluid132from the fluid tube114to pass into the volume108. The pin valve can also close to restrict passage of the fluid132into the container102. Nonetheless, the basic premise of disturbing the equilibrium between the vacuum and the biocide124to dispense the biocide124into the line126remains the same for either the pin valve or the pump116.

FIG. 3further illustrates a resistance barrier122disposed in proximity to the dispensing aperture110. The resistance barrier122is configured to at least partially inhibit the free flow of the biocide124through the dispensing aperture110. The resistance barrier122may include, without limitation, a sponge, a filter, a valve, and an object having a capacity to absorb and release a liquid. Those skilled in the art will recognize that a sponge's capacity to restrict flow of a fluid132can be effective in regulating the dispensing of the biocide124. The resistance barrier122works in conjunction128with the controller118to dispense a predetermined concentration and volume of the biocide124into the condensation line126. Thus, the device100relies on two bottle neck effects to regulate the dispensing of the biocide124: the pump116forces fluid132into the container102for a duration, and the resistance barrier122regulates the final dispensing of biocide124into the line126. This double regulation creates a more precise, cost effective dispensing solution for the biocide124.

In one example, without limitation, a condensate fluid from a collection pan near an air conditioning unit passes through a condensation line. The biocide124is stored in a container102, which is configured to attach along a longitudinal axis of the condensation line126. The container102is oriented in relation to the condensation line126so that a vacuum forms in a volume108above the biocide124. The vacuum inhibits the biocide124from dispensing from the container102into the condensation line126. As the pump116forces air into the vacuum in the volume108, the biocide drips through the dispensing aperture110and a sponge, into the condensation line. The amount of biocide124dripping into the condensation line is controlled by the timer in the controller118.