Patent Abstract:
A portable fluid ozonation apparatus includes a container for treating and storing fluid, a filter that attaches to the container and an ozone generator. In use, a fluid is dispensed into the container and optionally passed through the filter. At this point, power is supplied to the ozone generator which operates for a period of time necessary for disinfecting the fluid. Additives and post filters can be utilized in conjunction with the ozonation apparatus in order to obtain sufficient purified fluid within a short time frame.

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention pertains to the art of fluid treatment systems and, more particularly, to a portable filtration and ozonation apparatus for disinfecting fluid. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Filtration and disinfecting systems are employed to provide cleaner, safer water for drinking and other uses. Most portable filtration systems used for camping or hiking are pump-style systems which include a number of components that must be assembled before, and disassembled after, each use. For example, many of the pump-style systems require separate containers, multiple hoses and pumps that must be routinely connected prior to each use and disconnected before packing the system away for travel. Many users have difficulty obtaining an adequate volume of water from such systems due to clogged filters. In addition, filters in such devices typically have limited life-spans resulting in significant costs associated with maintaining the systems. The need for replacement filters is of particular concern in disaster-type situations where potable water and spare filters can be scarce. 
     In order to obtain an adequate volume of safe drinking water, chemical disinfectants, such as iodine and chlorine, are often utilized. However, chemical disinfectants can have a detrimental effect on the taste and smell of the water. Thus, in order to provide an adequate water supply that is both potable and appealing to the senses, other non-chemical disinfecting methods, such as ultraviolet radiation and ozonation, have recently become more popular. Unfortunately, such systems are not designed for a user who is traveling, hiking or otherwise on the move. 
     Ozone is one of the strongest oxidizing agents that is readily available and easily produced for use in treating fluid. Ozone is useful in eliminating organic waste and reducing color, odor and total organic carbon. In addition, ozone kills bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms more effectively and more quickly then ultraviolet light or chemicals, such as iodine and chlorine. Of course, the effectiveness of ozone treatment, as well as the processing time required for treatment, is dependent upon the quality of the fluid being treated. High levels of sediment in the fluid may contain high levels of metals, organic fluid and carbons, which may require a longer ozone treatment period. 
     Based on the above, there still exists a need in the art for a portable purification system. More specifically, there exists a need for a portable ozone purification system that can be easily utilized in an outdoor or transitory setting and which includes at least one additional filtration device to decrease the treatment time. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a portable filtration and ozonation apparatus that easily, effectively and inexpensively disinfects and stores fluids. The apparatus includes a container having an opening for receiving fluid, a filter and a removable treatment cap. The treatment cap includes an ozone generator and a power source mounted therein. In use, raw or non-potable fluid is poured through the filter into the container. At this point, the treatment cap is placed onto the container to seal the opening. Next, a user inverts the container such that the non-potable fluid contacts an electrolysis cell portion of the ozone generator. The power source is then activated to energize the ozone generator and initiate the production of ozone gas which is introduced into the fluid. Preferably, the power source is in the form of a hand cranked electrical generator which is manually operated by a user. After a necessary treatment period or disinfection cycle, the ozone gas transforms the non-potable fluid into a potable fluid suitable for human consumption. At the termination of the disinfection cycle, the ozone generator is deactivated. 
     In accordance with one aspect of the invention, additives, such as chemical disinfectants, nutraceuticals, coagulating agents and dyes are selectively dispensed into the container via an additive storage/dispenser located in the treatment cap. In addition, the ozonation apparatus may employ one or more post filters that are utilized when dispensing treated fluid from the container. The post filters further treat, i.e., filter and/or condition the potable fluid before consumption. 
     In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the ozone generator extends through a bottom wall of the container. In this configuration, the container need not be inverted to immerse the electrolysis gas cell in the fluid. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the ozonation apparatus is incorporated into a carafe used for storing fresh water in a refrigerator. The carafe sits atop the treatment cap. In this configuration, the ozone generator extends through a bottom wall of the carafe and fluid is introduced into the carafe through an upper opening. In accordance with one aspect of this embodiment, a filter is placed within the upper opening and the fluid is initially passed through the filter before being treated with ozone gas. 
     Additional objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments when taken in conjunction with the drawings wherein like reference numbers refer to corresponding parts in the several views. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a partial cross-sectional view of a portable filtration and ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the portable filtration and ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the portable filtration and ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of the portable filtration and ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a portable filtration and ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with a fifth embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a exploded view of the portable filtration and ozonation apparatus of  FIG. 5 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     With initial reference to  FIG. 1 , a portable filtration and ozonation apparatus for storing and disinfecting non-potable fluids constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention is generally indicated at  2 . Ozonation apparatus  2  includes a beverage or fluid container  4  and a removable treatment cap  8 . In the embodiment shown, container  4  is constituted by a plastic bottle, such as one formed from Nalgene®, capable of holding between one-half liter up to twenty liters or more of fluid. That being said, container  4  can be of any type of bottle sized in accordance with the desired amount of fluid to be stored and disinfected. In addition, it should be understood that container  4  can be formed from an opaque or clear material in a variety of colors and provided with indicia (not shown) printed thereon. 
     As shown, container  4  includes a threaded neck portion  10  having an opening  12 , a sidewall portion  14  and a bottom wall portion  16  that collectively define an interior storage/treatment area  18 . Treatment cap  8  includes a mating threaded portion  24  adapted to interengage with threaded neck portion  10  of container  4 . In a manner known in the art, threaded neck portion  10  and mating threaded portion  24  allow a user to easily seal and unseal container  4 . However, it should be readily understood that various other means for securing treatment cap  8  to container  4  can be utilized in accordance with the present invention. Container  4  is also shown to include a handle  28  that enables a user to readily grasp and operate ozonation apparatus  2  as will be described more fully below. 
     Ozonation apparatus  2  further includes an ozone generator  30  mounted in treatment cap  8 . The particular details of this overall mounting arrangement do not form part of the present invention. The actual mounting of ozone generator  30  can be found in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/834,803 entitled “Portable Ozonation Apparatus for Storing and Purifying Liquid” filed Aug. 7, 2007. Ozone generator  30  includes an electrolysis cell  31  that extends into interior storage/treatment area  18  when treatment cap  8  is attached to container  4 . As will be detailed more fully below, ozone generator  30  functions to emit ozone gas into container  4  in order to disinfect a fluid  32  contained therein. More specifically, ozone gas generated by ozone generator  30  acts as an oxidant which kills any microorganisms present in fluid  32 . In accordance with the invention, ozone generator  30  is selectively energized by a power source  34  also arranged within treatment cap  8 . 
     In the embodiment shown, power source  34  preferably includes a hand crank  50  that facilitates manual operation, replacing the need for batteries or other forms of energy devices. That is, hand-cranked electrical generators known in the art may be utilized with the present invention. For example, power source  34  can be a standard spring-loaded generator typically used by campers and hikers. Of course, ozonation apparatus could also operate with other power sources such as batteries, solar power or a plug-in connection to a separate power source. In the embodiment shown, power source  34  is connected to a power switch  54  mounted atop treatment cap  8 . In the case of a hand-cranked generator, power switch  54  serves as a redundant system preventing inadvertent powering of ozone generator  30 . 
     In further accordance with the invention, ozonation apparatus  2  also includes a pre-ozonation particle filter  60  having an upper opening  62 . Particle filter  60  can take on various filter media  63  such as mesh filters, granular activated carbon filters, carbon block filters, ceramic filters, membrane filters or any other type of filter known in the art. A ceramic filter has the benefit of being cleanable and, thus, could be reused several times prior to replacement. Preferably, filter  60  is removably supported by container  4  and includes a support flange  64 . Support flange  64  suspends or supports filter  60  within opening  12 . More specifically, support flange  64  is constituted by short, radial collar that rests atop threaded neck portion  10  such that treatment cap  8  is still capable of being secured to container  4  with filter  60  in place. This particular configuration allows for easy transportation and/or storage of ozonation apparatus  2 . 
     Filter  60  is also shown to include a clear housing  66  that allows a user to visually determine when filter media  63  requires replacement. In order to better facilitate visual inspection, filter  60  includes an indicator  68 . Indicator  68  can take on a variety of forms such as time based indicators, flow based indicators or indicators that employ a bar graph and/or color change material. In the embodiment shown, indicator  68  takes the form of a painted or dyed disk that changes color based upon a length of time filter media  63  is exposed to or saturated with fluid. Although depicted as being located above filter  60 , it should be understood that indicator  68  can be located at a variety of positions without departing from the invention. 
     Reference will remain with  FIG. 1  in describing a method of disinfecting fluid  32 . Initially, a user will pour or dispense raw, non-potable fluid into container  4  through opening  12 . At this point, treatment cap  8  is seated upon threaded neck portion  10  to seal opening  12 . Once opening  12  is properly sealed, container  4  is inverted to submerge electrolysis cell  31  in non-potable fluid  32 . After electrolysis, cell  31  is covered by fluid, a disinfection cycle is initiated by actuating power source  34  which supplies DC current to ozone generator  30  which, in turn, begins to produce ozone gas. The ozone gas diffuses through and disinfects the non-potable fluid. After a prescribed treatment time, typically dependant upon the volume and quality of fluid to be treated, the disinfection cycle is complete and the non-potable fluid has been transformed into a potable fluid suitable for human consumption. 
     Typical treatment time for twenty liters of non-potable fluid is approximately 20 minutes. Of course smaller volumes of fluid will require proportionately shorter treatment times. In any event, once the disinfection cycle is complete, container  4  is again inverted and any cloudiness in the now potable fluid is given time to settle before being consumed. Conveniently, ozonation actually aids in the settling of any suspended cloudiness that may be in the fluid. Ozone decomposes to form oxygen and leaves the fluid with a sweet, fresh taste. Fluid treated by ozonation apparatus  2  can be consumed/utilized directly after treatment, or may be stored in container  4  for future use. 
     If the non-potable fluid should contain high levels of sediment, the time required for disinfection may be increased. In order to reduce the time required for disinfection, non-potable fluid is initially passed through filter  60  to remove any sediments prior to treatment. When pre-treatment is desired, a user simply places filter  60  in opening  12  and pours the non-potable fluid  2  into upper opening  62 . The non-potable fluid passes through filter media  63  and into storage/treatment area  18 . Once container  4  is filled to a desired level, filter  60  is removed and treatment cap  8  is installed over opening  12 . At this point, the process continues as described above. As noted above, filter  60  is typically employed in situations where water quality is more questionable so as to reduce the time required for the disinfection cycle. When water quality levels are higher, pre-treatment may be eliminated from the process to extend the overall service life of filter  60 . 
     Reference will now be made to  FIG. 2  wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views in describing a second embodiment of the present invention. As shown, an ozonation apparatus  2 ′ includes a container  4 ′ having a first threaded neck portion  10 ′ provided with an opening  12 ′, a sidewall portion  14 ′ and a bottom wall portion  16 ′ that collectively define an interior storage/treatment area  18 ′. In the embodiment shown, container  4 ′ also includes a second threaded neck portion  70  that extends from bottom wall portion  16 ′. Second threaded neck portion  70  includes an outer, peripheral rim  72  that defines an opening  74 . In accordance with this arrangement, filter  60  is inserted into container  4 ′ through opening  74  such that flange  64  rests upon rim  72 . After raw or non-potable fluid is poured through filter media  63 , a lid  76  having internal threads (not shown) is placed over opening  74  and secured to second threaded neck portion  70  to seal container  4 ′. In this manner, the disinfection cycle is initiated without requiring that container  4 ′ be inverted as the non-potable fluid will already be in contact with electrolysis cell  31 . That is, in this configuration, electrolysis cell  31  becomes submerged as the non-potable fluid enters container  4 ′. Of course, the disinfection cycle could also take place as described above with the step of pre-filtering the non-potable fluid being omitted if the fluid quality is not particularly poor. 
     Reference will now be made to  FIG. 3 , where like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views in describing a third embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment shown, an ozonation apparatus  2 ″ includes a treatment cap  8 ′ provided with an ozone generator  30 ′, a power source (not shown), a removable filter  60 ′ and an additive storage/dispenser  80  for selectively storing and dispensing an additive  84  either before, during or after the disinfection cycle. Additive storage/dispenser  80  is preferably a self-contained removable unit that is readily replaced as needed. Additive storage/dispenser  80  is preferably calibrated to dispense a pre-determined amount of additive. The amount of additive dispensed is typically based on the type of additive used and the particular effect desired. Additive  84  may include chemical disinfectants, dyes, coagulators, minerals or other health related chemicals, e.g., nutraceuticals. The type of additive  84  employed at any given time is based on user needs, preferences and/or regional fluid characteristics. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, additive  84  is a colored dye which is added to the non-potable fluid prior to initiating the disinfection cycle. Ozone gas introduced into the non-potable fluid gradually removes any coloration created by the dye and thus provides a visual cue to the user indicating that the disinfection cycle is in progress or complete. 
     In the embodiment shown, additive/storage dispenser  80  is in the form of a manually actuated dispenser including an actuator  90 . However, it should be readily understood that additive/storage dispenser  80  could be in various other forms, including automatic dispensers, pump dispensers and the like without departing from the spirit of the invention. In the case of an automatic dispenser, dye is either injected into container  4  at an initial stage of the disinfection cycle or after the ozone gas in container  4  reaches a predetermined level. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention, additive/storage dispenser  80  is calibrated to dispense an amount of coagulating agent required to pre-treat eight ounces of fluid prior to ozonation. Coagulating agents react with the non-potable fluid and “capture” undesirable substances prior to ozonation thereby reducing the time required for a disinfection cycle while also eliminating any ozonation byproducts. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the invention illustrated in  FIG. 3 , treatment cap  8 ′ is shown to include an opening  95  that leads to filter  60 ′. Opening  95  is provided to allow a user to add fluid to container  4  without requiring the removal of treatment cap  8 . Once a desired amount of non-potable fluid is in storage/treatment area  18 , a cover (not shown) is placed over opening  95 , ozonation apparatus  2 ′ is inverted, and a disinfection cycle is initiated in a manner corresponding to that described above in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention. With this configuration, filter  60 ′ is constituted by a one-way filter that prevents fluid in container  4  from flowing backwards through filter media  63 ′ when container  4  is inverted. 
     Reference will now be made to  FIG. 4 , wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views, in describing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment shown, an ozonation apparatus  2 ′″ includes a container  4 ″ having a first threaded neck portion  10 ″ defining an opening  12 ″, a sidewall portion  14 ″ and a bottom wall portion  16 ″ that collectively define a storage/treatment area  18 ″. Bottom wall portion  16 ″ preferably includes a second threaded neck portion  70 ″ which defines a second opening (not separately labeled). In a manner similar to that described above, ozonation apparatus  2 ′″ includes a treatment cap  8  having arranged therein an ozonation generator  30  including an electrolysis cell  31 , and power source  34  defined by a manually operated generator having a hand crank  50 . In addition, ozonation apparatus  2 ′″ includes a secondary cap  120  that engages with second thread neck portion  70 ′ to close the second opening. Secondary cap  120  includes a one-way filter  60 ″, an additive storage/dispenser  80 ″ including an actuator  90 ″, and a post-treatment filter  130 . 
     In use non-potable fluid  3  is poured through an opening  62 ″ in filter  60 ″ and passes through filter media  63 ″ prior to entering interior storage/treatment compartment area  18 ″. If desired, a user may dispense an additive  84 ″ from a storage/dispenser  80 ″ into interior storage/treatment area  18 ″ either before, after or during ozonation of non-potable fluid  32 . After completing a disinfection cycle, treatment cap  8 ″ is removed from threaded neck portion  10 ″ and treated or potable fluid is poured from container  4 ″ through opening  12 ″. Alternatively, secondary cap  120  may be removed in order to dispense fluid through opening  74 ″. As a third option, the user may desire post disinfection cycle filtering of the potable fluid. In accordance with the embodiment shown, secondary cap  120  includes a post-treatment filter  130 . Post-treatment filter  130  includes a filter media  134  and a spout  136  having a lid that facilitates dispensing fluid from container  4 ″. Filter media  134  may be of any type of filter desirable for use with ozonation apparatus  2 ′″, such as a mesh filter, a granulated activated carbon filter, a carbon block filter, a ceramic filter, a membrane filter or the like. 
     In accordance with another aspect of the present embodiment, one or more nutraceuticals, in soluble form, are incorporated into post-treatment filter  130 . With this arrangement, fluid exiting through post-treatment filter  130  is further enhanced with dissolved nutraceuticals. At this point, it should be readily understood that the various embodiments of the ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with the present invention are designed to be readily transported enabling an individual to readily obtain, treat and carry a supply of potable fluid such as water for his/her consumption throughout a given day. Such a self-contained portable apparatus is also suitable for use in disaster relief and military operations. 
     Reference will now be made to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , wherein like reference numbers represent corresponding parts in the respective views, in describing a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In accordance with the embodiment shown, an ozonation apparatus  2 ″″ includes a container  4 ′″ having a top portion  200  defined by a rim  205  which establishes an opening  206 . Container  4 ′″ also includes a sidewall portion  210  leading to a bottom wall portion  215  that defines an interior storage/treatment area  217 . As shown, bottom wall portion  215  includes an opening  220  for receiving ozone generator  30 . In further accordance with the embodiment shown, container  4 ′″ includes a handle  225  that enables a user to readily grasp and dispense treated fluid. Container  4 ′″ preferably includes an upper cap  230  including a spout portion  235  and a lid or cover portion  240 . 
     Spout portion  235  preferably includes a flange portion  250  including a lower section  255  that is sized to be received within opening  206  of container  4 ′″. Lower section  255  extends to an upper section  256  to define a pre-treatment area  260 . Pre-treatment area  260  includes a plurality of spaced base members, one of which is indicated at  262 , and a filter  263 . Of course, is should be understood that, in addition to filter  263 , additional filtering material(s) can also be placed within pre-treatment area  260 . In any event, upper section  256  is shown to include a threaded region which, as will be discussed more fully below, is configured to receive lid  240 . As best shown in  FIG. 6 , flange portion  250  also includes a lip  262  having an opening  263  that facilitates dispensing fluid from interior storage/treatment area  217 . 
     Lid portion  240  is attached to spout portion  235  in order to facilitate treatment and/or maintain freshness of any treated fluid in container  4 ′″. As shown, lid portion  240  includes a main body  267  having an internal threaded region (not shown) adapted to matingly engage with a upper section  256  of spout portion  235 . Lid portion  240  is also shown to include a pivoting cap  270  having an associated living hinge  271  that enables cap  270  to be selectively opened to allow dispensing of fluid through opening  263  of flange portion  250 . 
     In further accordance with the embodiment shown, ozonation apparatus  2 ″″ includes a treatment cap  8 ″ having a main body  280  provided with a recessed region  285  having a stepped zone  286  and a central opening  288 . Stepped zone  286  is designed to receive ozone generator  30 , with opening  288  serving as an interface between ozone generator  30  and a power source (not shown). More specifically, ozone generator  30  is detachably mounted to treatment cap  8 ″ at opening  288  to enable replacement as necessary. Once ozone generator  30  is properly secured, container  4 ′″ is seated within recessed region  285  of treatment cap  8 ″. When fully seated, ozone generator  30  extends through opening  220  of bottom wall  215  into storage/treatment area  217 . At this point, container  4 ′″ is filled with fluid and ozone generator  30  is activated through, for example, manipulation of a power switch  54 ′ to initiate a treatment process. After treatment, the fluid can be selectively dispensed through opening  262 . It should be recognized that the ozonation apparatus constructed in accordance with the fifth embodiment of the present invention constitutes a carafe that is designed for home use rather than outdoor situations and can be readily stored within a refrigerator to provide cool, treated water for a consumer. 
     Although described with reference to preferred embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that additional changes and/or modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For instance, although only one post-filter has been discussed, it should be understood that multiple filters or a multilayered filter could also be employed. Additionally, the manner in which the treatment cap is attached to a container may be altered without departing from the invention. In general, the invention should only be limited by the scope of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 2