Abstract:
The present invention provides an air treatment apparatus. The air treatment apparatus comprises a housing electrically connectable to a voltage source and generating a high voltage and a glass tube. The air treatment apparatus further comprises a tube base electrically connecting internally high voltage to an inner electrode within the glass tube and electrically connected internally an outer electrode surrounding the glass tube and a tube socket electrically connected internally to the outer electrode and electrically connected to a grounding pad, wherein the grounding pad is mechanically connectable to the housing and electrically connectable to the housing.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2009/051998 filed on Jul. 28, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/083,999 filed on Jul. 28, 2008, the entireties of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a bi-polar ionization tube base and tube socket. The invention is comprised of a socket high voltage insert, ground spring insert and housing incorporates the tube socket assembly that attaches to the glass tube/wire mesh assembly. The ground spring and housing incorporates the tube base assembly. The connection of tube socket to tube base creates an electrical circuit to produce ionization thru the tube. 
       DESCRIPTION OF BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Currently, bi-polar ionization represents a proven technology for the generation of an alternating current ionization field. Bioclimatic is a “Non-thermal Plasma Generator” which produces Bi-polar ionization of more than 100,000 ions per cc. in an approximate ratio of 5 positive ions to 4 negative ions. 
         [0004]    Air ionization involves the reactions of electrically charged compounds: 1) recombination with other air ions; and 2) reaction with gaseous molecules. The Bi-polar ionization tube consists of two electrodes with one covering the outside surface of a glass tube and one on the inside surface. Through its alternating current, high voltage output an ionization field is generated around the tube. When air with gaseous compounds passes through the field, they will react with covalent compounds like O 2   +  and hydroxyl ions (OH − ) to form less objectionable, odorless compounds like CO 2  and H 2 O. Acrolein, Ammonia, Acetaldehyde, Formaldehyde are examples of compounds generated by tobacco smoke and controlled with Bi-polar Ionization. 
         [0005]    Microbial contaminants (mold, fungal spores, and bacteria) are controlled by exposure of the microbe to the ionization field, which will, after a suitable exposure alter the DNA and render the microbe ineffective. The mechanism is identical that of UV light although the reduction efficiency is much lower compared to UV. 
         [0006]    Static electricity, a natural occurrence in closed building and a by-product of burning a cigarette, causes microscopic particles to be attracted to building surfaces, furnishings and occupants through an electrostatic attraction to a grounded surface. When the airborne static charges are reduced there is a greater probability that airborne particles will be returned to the air handler to be filtered from the air stream. 
         [0007]      FIG. 1  depicts a generic air ionization device  7  to condition air. Device  7  includes a housing  11  that typically has at least one air ionization glass tube  13  connected through base  12 . The air ionization glass tube  13  is surrounded by an outer electrode array  15  is grounded through an exposed grounding strap  19 . Within the glass tube  13  there is disposed an electrode assembly comprising a second inner electrode array (not shown). Device  7  further includes a high voltage generator (not shown) coupled between the first and second electrodes. An advantage of electro-kinetic devices such as device  7  is that an airflow is created without using fans or other moving parts. 
         [0008]    Preferably particulate matter in the ambient air can be electrostatically attracted to the elderly electrode array  15 , with the result that the outflow (OUT) of air from device  7  not only contains ozone and ionized air, but can be cleaner than the ambient air. In such air ionization devices, it can become necessary to occasionally clean the second outer electrode array  15  to remove particulate matter and other debris from the surface. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, a person must remove the outer electrical array  15  from glass tube  13 . In doing so, the exposed grounding strap  19  present a shock hazard should the person forget to power down the unit when they tried to remove the outer electrical array  15  from the glass tube  13 . 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In example embodiments, the present invention provides an air treatment apparatus. 
         [0011]    In one aspect, air treatment apparatus comprises a housing electrically connectable to a voltage source and generating a high voltage and a glass tube. The air treatment apparatus further comprises a tube base electrically connecting internally high voltage to an inner electrode within the glass tube and electrically connected internally an outer electrode surrounding the glass tube and a tube socket electrically connected internally to the outer electrode and electrically connected to a grounding pad, wherein the grounding pad is mechanically connectable to the housing and electrically connectable to the housing. 
         [0012]    In another aspect, the invention provides a tube base for an air treatment apparatus. Tube base comprises a first internally electrical link connectable to an inner electrode within a glass tube, and a second internally electrical link connectable to an outer electrode surrounding the glass tube. The tube base further comprises an o-ring shoulder for supporting an O-ring between the tube base and a glass tube to prevent moisture penetration. 
         [0013]    These and other aspects, features and advantages of the invention will be understood with reference to the drawing figure and detailed description herein, and will be realized by means of the various elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following brief description of the drawing and detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory of preferred embodiments of the invention, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]    The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the claims at the conclusion of the specification. The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the invention are apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0015]      FIG. 1  depicts a generic air ionization device  7  that outputs ionized air and ozone, according to the prior art. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2  shows a side view of the bi-polar ionization device with tube base and socket assembly that eliminates the external contact of the present invention. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  is a cutaway side view of the bi-polar ionization device according to an electrical embodiment of the bi-polar ionization device of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway side view according to an example embodiment of the bi-polar ionization device  10  of the present invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  is another cutaway side view according to an example embodiment of the bi-polar ionization device of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6  is a cutaway side view of the separate base and socket assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the separate components for the tube base according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the separate components for the socket assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the outer electrode over the glass tube. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    The detailed description explains the preferred embodiments of the invention, together with advantages and features, by way of example with reference to the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The present invention may be understood more readily by reference to the following detailed description of the invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing figures, which form a part of this disclosure. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the specific devices, methods, conditions or parameters described and/or shown herein, and that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments by way of example only and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Any and all patents and other publications identified in this specification are incorporated by reference as though fully set forth herein. 
         [0026]    Also, as used in the specification including the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include the plural, and reference to a particular numerical value includes at least that particular value, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” or “approximately” one particular value and/or to “about” or “approximately” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. 
         [0027]    The present invention incorporates within the ion tube base and socket, internal electrical connections for both load and ground to support 4500 volts. A unique grounding pad at an attaching point permits the ion tube to be installed with one hand and eliminates the need for an external ground contact. A beveled receiver of the tube base seals the ion tube base and the tube socket so that water vapor will not penetrate the interstitial surfaces and cause arcing. This enables the bi-polar ionization device with tube base and socket assembly to operate at a high frequency to provide 3 times the output of current models that operate at 50/60 Hz. 
         [0028]    With reference now to the drawing figures, wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIG. 2  shows a side view of the bi-polar ionization device  10  of the present invention with tube base  20  and tube socket  70  assembly, that eliminates the external contact. As shown, bi-polar ionization device  10  includes a housing  11  that has at least one air ionization glass tube  13  connected through tube base  20 . The air ionization glass tube  13  is surrounded by an outer electrode  15  and is grounded through a non-exposed grounding pad (not shown). As shown, the tube base  20  and tube socket  70  assembly is connected to housing  11  by anchor screws  22 . The anchor screws  22  connected with the non-exposed grounding pad to ground the bi-polar ionization device  10 . Inclusion of the non-exposed grounding pad prevents shock hazards. A non-exposed grounding pad is herein defined in further detail with regard to  FIGS. 4 ,  6 , and  9 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the bi-polar ionization device  10  according to an electrical embodiment of the bi-polar ionization device of the present invention. As shown, the air ionization glass tube  13  contains a inner electrode  17  that is connected to power strip  40 . The power strip  40  is being connected to the high-voltage side of a transformer coil  9 . In the preferred embodiment the high-voltage ranges from 2000 to 3000 V. The transformer coil 9 is connected to the standard electrical service of 120 or 220 V. The electrical service includes the load  1 , neutral  3  and ground  5  terminals. The when the bi-polar ionization device  10  is energized, the high-voltage flows through the power strip  40 , the inner electrode  17  produces ions. These ions are attracted to the outer electrode  15 . The outflow of these ions to outer electrode  15  causes particulate matter to neutralize any electrical charge on the particulate matter. This prevents the particulate matter from adhering building surfaces or occupants. In the process of generating the ionized airflow appropriate amounts of ozone (O.sub.3) are beneficially produced. The ions flow causes current flow to ground spring  30  which is connected to transformer coil  9  and to ground  5 . 
         [0030]      FIG. 4  is a cutaway side view according to an example embodiment of the bi-polar ionization device  10  of the present invention with the tube base  20  and tube socket  70  connected. In this embodiment of the bi-polar ionization device  10 , the bi-polar ionization device  10  includes the air ionization glass tube  13  with the inner electrode  17  and outer electrode  15  as discussed previously. As now shown, the bi-polar ionization device  10  shows a cutaway view of tube base  20  and tube socket  70 . It is tube base  20  and tube socket  70  that provides the inventive features of the bi-polar ionization device  10  of the present invention. As shown in the high voltage enters the bi-polar ionization device  10  through high-voltage connector  75  that is connected to power strip  40 . Power strip  40  is in connected to the inner electrode  17  within the air ionization glass tube  13 . Ground connections for the bi-polar ionization device  10  is through ground connection  80  on the tube socket  70 . 
         [0031]    Included in the tube base  20  is an O-ring  21 . The O-ring  21  seals the air ionization glass tube  13  to tube base  20 , so that water vapor will not penetrate the interstitial surfaces that can cause arcing. In the preferred embodiment, the o-ring comprises a silicon material. 
         [0032]    Also shown in the cutaway of tube base  20  is the bonding material  51 . It is the bonding material that further provides a seal that water vapor will not penetrate. The bonding material  51  covers the power strip  40  that connects to inner electrode  17 . In operation, the glass tube is slid into the tube base  20  so that the inner electrode  17  comes in contact with the power strip  40  and is sealed on the inside by bonding material  51 . In this way, the O-ring  21  prevents water vapor from entering from outside of the air ionization glass tube  13  and bonding material  51  prevents any water vapor from coming in contact with the power strip. 
         [0033]    Also shown in  FIG. 4  is the tube socket  70  with the ground connection  80 . The ground connection  80  is connected through grounding collar  81  molded into the tube socket  70 . The grounding collar  81  is herein defined in further detail with regard to  FIG. 8 . The ground connection  80  is a exposed electrical ground that is covered by the grounding screw that secures the tube socket to the housing  11  ( FIG. 2 ) 
         [0034]      FIG. 5  is another side view according to a example embodiment of the bi-polar ionization device  10  of the present invention. Shown is the bi-polar ionization device  10  of the present invention with the tube base  20  and tube socket  70  connected. In this example of the bi-polar ionization device  10 , the air ionization glass tube  13  with the inner electrode  17  and outer electrode  15  are shown as discussed previously. 
         [0035]    As now shown, the bi-polar ionization device  10  includes power strip  40  connected between a power connection assembly comprising of washers  42  and  43  with hex nuts  41  and  44  on either side. The power assembly is shown herein in further detail with regard to  FIG. 7 . The power strip and assembly is electrically connected to the high-voltage connector  75  in the tube socket  70 . Also shown is the bonding material  51  between the tube base  20  and tube socket  70  assembly. 
         [0036]    Also shown is the grounding spring  30  connected to the grounding collar  31 . The grounding collar  31  is within the tube base  20 . The tube base  20  is constructed by utilizing injection molding material around grounding collar  31 . This non-electrical conductive material includes, but is not limited to, Makrolon 9415®, or the like. Grounding collar  31  within tube base  20 , is electrically connected to the grounding collar  81  in the tube socket  70 . The grounding collar  31  and grounding collar  81  are electrically isolated from power strip  40  and assembly  41 - 45  and tube base  30  and tube socket  70 . 
         [0037]    Also shown in  FIG. 5  is the ground connection  80  on tube socket  70 . The ground connection  80  surrounds screw slot  82 . When they screw it  22  anchors the bi-polar ionization device  10  to housing  11 , the ground connection  80  is removed from exposure to a person. 
         [0038]      FIG. 6  is a side view of the separate tube base  20  and tube socket  70  assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6  gives an example illustration of how the tube base  20  and tube socket  70  are connected. As shown power strip  40  and power assembly  41 - 45  in the tube base  20  provide a connection to the high-voltage connector  75  in the tube socket  70  assembly. Also shown is how the grounding spring  30  and the grounding collar  31  is molded in tube base  20 . Also illustrated is how grounding collar  81  is molded into the tube socket  70 . Illustrated is that when the tube base  20  and tube socket  70  are connected then grounding collar  31  and grounding collar  81  are electrically connected as well. 
         [0039]    In an alternative embodiment, assembly receiver  50  in tube base  20  is beveled or chamfered, so as to provide a watertight seal when the tube socket  70  assembly is connected to the tube base  20 . The tighter the tube socket  70  assembly is pressed upon tube base  20 , the tighter the watertight seal. The beveling is within the range of between 45 and 90°, and in the preferred embodiment, the beveling is in the range of approximately 75-89°. 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the separate components for the tube base  20  according to an example embodiment of the present invention. The components of tube base  20  include the ground spring  30  electrically connected to grounding collar  31 . Also included are the power strip  40  and power components  41 - 45 , electrically connected to the high-voltage connector  75 . In the preferred embodiment, the grounding collar  31  has the tube base  20  injection molded to it. The power strip  40  and power assembly  41 - 45  are then connected to tube base  20  after the injection molding cools. An alternative embodiment, the tube base  20  can be manufactured by means other than injection molding and then have grounding collar  31  adhered to tube base  20  utilizing a bonding material or heat. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a perspective view of the separate components for the tube socket  70  assembly according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown, grounding collar  81  is electrically connected to the exposed ground connection  80 . When the tube socket  70  assembly is mechanically connected to housing  11  ( FIG. 2 ) by screw  22 , then screw  22  provides the electrical grounding of the bi-polar ionization device  10 . In the preferred embodiment, grounding collar  81  and ground connection  80  are connected to tube socket  70 , when tube socket  70  is injection molded around grounding collar  81 . The high-voltage connector  75  and hex nut  77  is also embedded in the tube socket  70  during the injection molding. An alternative embodiment, the tube socket  70  can be manufactured by means other than injection molding and then have grounding collar  81  adhered to tube socket  70  utilizing a bonding material or heat. 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a top view of the outer electrode  15  over the air ionization glass tube  13 . The outer electrode slips over the air ionization glass tube  13  loosely. A loop is compressed in the outer electrode along the entire length of the glass tube. The loop is compressed to adjust the tension of the external electrode on the glass tube surface. This provides the ability to set the capacitance within the prescribed limits by adjusting the tension. As the loop is being compressed, the capacitance is measured by a multimeter (not shown). The prescribed limits are measured at 24° C., 45-50% relative humidity and the capacitance in the range of 1.4 to 2.4 nF±20% 
         [0043]    While the invention has been described with reference to preferred and example embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that a variety of modifications, additions and deletions are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.