Patent Description:
Inside the drain, the contaminated liquids sit within a drain trap. As it sits in the trap, the viruses and bacteria are allowed to multiply within the plumbing, regardless of how well the sink basin is cleaned. Gasses that occasionally bubble through the sink drain trap carry the bacteria and viruses up from the plumbing and into the basin or otherwise become airborne. Moreover, fluids that drain from the sink, into the trap, agitate the contaminated fluid and further aerosolize the biological contaminants.

The airborne biological contaminants pose health risks to those in a significant area surrounding the sink. Oftentimes, individuals surrounding the sink in hospitals are immunocompromised, making them more likely to become ill as a result of the airborne contaminants. Similarly, pharmaceutical products in pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and pharmacies can be easily contaminated by the airborne biological contaminants, requiring the disposal of the pharmaceutical products. Such product losses cause significant financial loss annually. <CIT> discloses a sink drainage tank sterilizer comprising: a case in which a sealed space is formed; an ozonizer emitting ozone; an air pump which collects emitted ozone, exposes the collected ozone outside the case, and injects the ozone through an ozone injection pipe; and a controller controlling the operation of the ozonizer and air pump.

A system for treating and disposing of fluid is provided according to claim <NUM>.

A method of treating and disposing of fluid is provided according to claim <NUM>.

This Summary, and the foregoing Background, is not intended to identify key aspects or essential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summary is not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present disclosure provides embodiments of a fluid treatment and disposal system. Various embodiments of the technology are provided as a sink, having a basin with a bottom portion, a forward wall portion, rearward wall portion, and opposite sidewall portions. A drain is positioned at a lower end of the basin, such as within the rearward wall portion. In some embodiments, the drain includes a drain plate having a plurality of openings that penetrate the plate member in an orientation that allows an even distribution of fluid to flow through the drain. Various embodiments of the sink include a faucet that controls a flow of fluid from one or more fluid sources. Embodiments of the basin shape the forward wall portion to extend from an upper vertical portion toward a lower transition portion, adjacent the drain, to receive a fluid stream from the faucet in a gradual fashion that reduces or eliminates turbulent splashing and gently directs the fluid toward the drain.

In various embodiments, an open cavity is disposed behind the rearward wall portion of the basin and extends between a top portion of the sink and a drain trap. An exhaust port is placed in fluid communication with the open cavity and a central exhaust system or a dedicated exhaust system. The exhaust port places the open cavity under a negative pressure and evacuates the gaseous headspace of the open cavity away from the sink. In some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust may be directed to a system for treating one or more types of contaminated or volatile gases. The open cavity is maintained at a negative pressure in relation to the area in which the sink is located in order to draw air from outside the sink. This helps to capture, entrain, and evacuate as many aerosolized biological contaminants, bacteria, or viruses as possible from the sink area.

One or more germicidal ultra-violet lights are disposed within the open cavity. The UV light exposure kills bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, molds and other biological contaminants that may be growing in the fluids within the open cavity and the drain trap. In particular embodiments, elongated germicidal ultra-violet lights are positioned within an upper area of the open cavity, adjacent a top portion of the sink, so that their light is directed throughout the entire open cavity and into the drain trap while staying substantially out of contact with any liquid flowing through the open cavity.

Embodiments of the present technology use one or more sanitizing agent injectors and/or spray bars at various locations throughout the open cavity and/or into the exhaust port to help clean the surfaces of the open cavity and the exhaust port. The sanitizing agent injectors and spray bars may inject one or more of: ozone water (or other ozone solution); copper-silver ionization solution (such as domestic cold water treated with a copper/silver ionization generation unit); or similar sanitizing agent. The ozone water, copper-silver ionization solution, and/or sanitizing agent may be injected into the open cavity continuously or intermittently, whether the sink is in use or not.

In various embodiments of the present technology, control systems provide monitoring and control to ensure that the features of the sink are functioning according to their intended design. In one embodiment, sensors within the open cavity and/or the exhaust port monitor pressure and/or airflow. The control system receives and monitors data from the sensors and can initiate, terminate, and vary the exhaust through the exhaust port according to the data received from the sensors. In another embodiment, sensors are positioned within the open cavity and/or the drain trap that monitor UV light and/or an amount of ozone water (or other ozone solution), copper-silver ionization solution, or similar sanitizing agent. The control system may direct the injections to occur on a timed interval, at any time that the faucet is turned on or off, or according to data from the sensors that are not in line with desired or predetermined operational parameters. The data received from the sensors may be recorded by the control system and reported to a user in real-time or stored for delivery or retrieval at a later time. The control system may be provided to receive remote or locally provided inputs from a user that initiates, terminates, and varies the operation of exhaust port, germicidal ultra-violet lights, and the sanitizing agent injectors. The control system may also receive remote or locally provided inputs from a user that varies the operational parameters or programs of the systems associated with the sink. The control systems may be provided to provide a notification either locally (audible or visual) or electronically via e-mail, phone, or text message to initiate service and notify individuals to not use the sink when the control systems determines that any of the exhaust port, germicidal ultra-violet lights, and the sanitizing agent injectors are not functioning properly.

These and other aspects of the present system and method will be apparent after consideration of the Detailed Description and Figures herein. It is to be understood, however, that the scope of the invention shall be determined by the claims as issued and not by whether given subject matter addresses any or all issues noted in the Background or includes any features or aspects recited in this Summary.

Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present invention, including the preferred embodiment, are described with reference to the following figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views unless otherwise specified.

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to the accompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way of illustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments are disclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

With reference to <FIG>, embodiments of the present technology reduce the transmission of biological contaminants, intended to be washed down a drain, into a surrounding environment. While the term "sink" is used herein, those of skill in the art will appreciate that the term, as it relates to the present technology, includes lavatories, wash areas, and other fluid disposal areas. Aspects of the present technology provide for the containment and destruction of infectious agents such as viruses, bacteria, protest, fungi, slime molds, algae, prions, organic infectious disease agents, or other infectious organic matter.

With reference to <FIG>, embodiments of the present technology are provided in the form of a sink <NUM>, having a basin <NUM> with a bottom portion <NUM>, a forward wall portion <NUM>, rearward wall portion <NUM>, and opposite sidewall portions <NUM> and <NUM>. It is contemplated that, in certain embodiments, the sink <NUM> may be formed from one or more continuous walls without corners or edge portions that clearly define a bottom, a forward wall, rearward wall, and sidewalls. In some embodiments, the sink <NUM> includes a combination of clearly defined and continuous walls. A drain <NUM> may be positioned in one or more positions within the basin <NUM>. In one embodiment, the drain <NUM> is placed at least partially into the rearward wall portion <NUM> of the basin <NUM>. The drain <NUM> may extend completely or substantially across a width of the basin <NUM>. In other embodiments, the drain <NUM> includes a width and height that maximizes fluid flow through the drain <NUM> without promoting turbulence. In particular embodiments, the drain <NUM> is shaped to promote the evacuation of water from the basin <NUM> without interrupting the flow of water or causing turbulence downstream from the drain <NUM>. In some embodiments, the drain <NUM> includes a drain plate <NUM>, having a plurality of spaced-apart, horizontally disposed bar members <NUM>. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the drain includes <NUM>/<NUM> inch (<NUM> millimetre) diameter bar members <NUM>, spaced from one another by <NUM>/<NUM> inch (<NUM> millimetre) spaces. In some embodiments, the bar members <NUM> may be flat while, in other embodiments, the bar members may be curvilinear or have a partially curvilinear shape. In these manners, the drain <NUM> is shaped to reduce fluid turbulence by allowing an even distribution of fluid to flow through the drain <NUM>. In other embodiments, the drain plate <NUM> is provided in the form of a generally planar plate member having a plurality of openings that penetrate the plate member in an orientation that allows an even distribution of fluid to flow through the drain <NUM>.

Various embodiments of the sink <NUM> include a faucet <NUM>. The term "faucet," as it is used herein, will simply mean a device by which a flow of fluid (including liquid or gas) from a fluid source can be controlled. The fluid source may be a municipal water supply, a tank or other container of treated water, or a container of a particular fluid or gas chosen for specific uses of the sink <NUM>. It is contemplated that the faucet <NUM> may be coupled to the sink <NUM> at various locations. In some embodiments, the faucet <NUM> extends from the sink adjacent the rearward wall portion <NUM>; while, in other embodiments, the faucet <NUM> extends from one of the opposite sidewall portions <NUM> or <NUM>. It is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, two or more faucets <NUM> may be associated with the sink <NUM> and coupled with one or more fluid sources. The faucets <NUM> may be configured according to the intended use of the sink <NUM>, including a typical rigid neck that may be fixed in position with respect to the basin <NUM> or pivotable to move an outlet with respect to the basin <NUM>. In other embodiments, the faucet <NUM> may include a flexible hose coupled with a nozzle output.

Embodiments of the basin <NUM> include a forward wall portion <NUM> that is shaped to extend from an upper portion <NUM> toward a lower transition portion <NUM>, adjacent the drain <NUM>. In an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment, the upper portion <NUM> has a depth of approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres) and transitions from a vertical, or nearly vertical wall, through a <NUM>" (<NUM> centimetre) concave radius curve, into a lower sloped portion. In such exemplary embodiments, the lower transition portion <NUM> is defined by a first vertical portion that transitions at a <NUM> inch (<NUM> centimetre) convex radius from the lower sloped portion of the upper portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vertical portion is sloped at a two degree angle from vertical, toward a front portion of the sink <NUM>. The vertical portion of the lower transition portion <NUM> transitions through a <NUM>" (<NUM> centimetre) concave radius curve, into a lower sloped portion that passes beneath the drain <NUM>. The lower sloped portion terminates at a <NUM> inch (<NUM> centimetre) convex radius transition toward the drain trap <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment, the lower transition has a depth of approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres), as measured at the drain <NUM>. This provides the exemplary sink with a total basin depth of approximately nine inches (<NUM> centimetres). In various embodiments, the lower transition portion <NUM> is positioned beneath an output of the faucet <NUM>. In this manner, portions of the first vertical portion and the curve of the transition into the lower sloped portion receives the fluid stream from the faucet <NUM> in a gradual fashion that reduces or eliminates turbulent splashing and gently directs the fluid toward the drain <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the shape of the lower transition portion <NUM> is mated with a faucet <NUM> having a particular geometry and mounting location with respect to the lower transition portion <NUM> in order to facilitate the elimination or reduction of fluid turbulence. In particular embodiments, the basin <NUM> may include an overflow orifice <NUM> that penetrates the basin <NUM> and is placed in fluid communication with a drainage system. In an exemplary embodiment, depicted in <FIG> and <FIG>, the overflow orifice <NUM> penetrates the forward wall portion <NUM>.

In various embodiments, an open cavity <NUM> is disposed behind the rearward wall portion <NUM> of the basin <NUM> and extends between a top portion of the sink <NUM> and a drain trap <NUM>. In the exemplary, non-limiting, embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the open cavity <NUM> is approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres) deep, <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres) tall, and <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres) wide. It is contemplated that some embodiments of the sink <NUM> may use a drain exit of various drain configurations that is associated with one or more fluid evacuation systems. For purposes of the present matter, however, such drain exits may be considered synonymous to the drain trap <NUM> for various functions of the sink <NUM>. With reference to the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the bottom portion <NUM> of the open cavity <NUM> is trough-shaped, defined by a concave radius that limits turbulent flow of the fluid as it reaches the bottom of the open cavity <NUM>. In particular embodiments, the bottom portion is sloped from horizontal, toward the drain trap <NUM> in order to improve fluid flow toward the drain trap <NUM> and limit pooling of fluid on the bottom portion <NUM> when the flow of fluid into the open cavity <NUM> is stopped. With further reference to the exemplary embodiment depicted in <FIG>, a terminal, lower edge of the lower transition portion <NUM> of the lower wall portion <NUM> may be positioned in a vertical, spaced-apart relationship with the bottom portion <NUM>, defining one end of an air gap <NUM>. In some embodiments, the air gap <NUM> is defined by a forward wall portion <NUM> of the bottom portion <NUM> that extends beneath a length of the lower transition portion <NUM> and ends at a free distal end. An air channel <NUM> extends between the lower transition portion <NUM> and the forward wall portion <NUM> and fluidly couples the open cavity <NUM> and the environment in front of the sink <NUM>.

In various embodiments, an exhaust port <NUM> is placed in fluid communication with the open cavity <NUM>. In the exemplary embodiment, depicted in <FIG>, the exhaust port may be provided as a <NUM> inch (<NUM> centimetre) or <NUM> inch (<NUM> centimetre) diameter line, disposed at a <NUM>° angle, upward from horizontal. In other embodiments, such as depicted in <FIG>, the exhaust port exits the sink <NUM>, in a horizontal manner. The exhaust port <NUM> is also placed in fluid communication with an exhaust system, such as a central exhaust system or a dedicated exhaust system of various known designs (not depicted), that places a positive draft on the exhaust port <NUM> and the open cavity <NUM> under a negative pressure. In this manner, the exhaust port <NUM> may be used to evacuate the gaseous headspace of the open cavity <NUM> away from the sink <NUM>. In various embodiments, a constant volume or variable speed fan may be associated with the exhaust port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust may be directed to a system for treating one or more types of contaminated or volatile gases. In particular embodiments, a HEPA filter exhaust fan will be fluidly coupled with the exhaust port <NUM> to exhaust the air from the sink <NUM>, treat it, and allow it to be released back into the environment around the sink <NUM>. This allows for a less costly installation by not requiring a fully designed exhaust system that discharges to the exterior of the building. In other embodiments, the exhaust system may simply be a central exhaust system associated with a building in which the sink <NUM> will be used. The rate of exhaust, in some embodiments, may be designed to minimize noise by keeping the level below a Noise Criteria (NC) level of <NUM> that corresponds to the NC to decibel noise curves as recognized by the heating/ventilation/air conditioning industry.

The open cavity <NUM> is maintained at a negative pressure in relation to the area in which the sink <NUM> is located. In some aspects of the technology, air surrounding the sink <NUM> is drawn into the basin <NUM>, through the drain <NUM>, and into the open cavity <NUM>, thus, exhausting the air surrounding the sink <NUM> through the exhaust port <NUM>. Where an air channel <NUM> is provided, such as depicted in <FIG>, ambient air in front of the sink <NUM> will be drawn through the air channel <NUM> and exhausted through the exhaust port <NUM>. This will help to evacuate as many biological contaminants, bacteria, or viruses as possible from the sink area that are aerosolized by: a) the splatter/splashing of fluids that are drained into the sink <NUM>; b) an individual coughing, vomiting, or washing his or her hands; c) fluids that are not drained away from the sink; and/or d) the reverse flow of fluid into the drain trap <NUM>. In this manner, the open cavity <NUM> becomes a biological contaminant barrier between the room in which the sink <NUM> is located and the drainage sewer system. When the open cavity <NUM> is maintained at a negative pressure, the air is continuously pulled through the drain <NUM> such that, when water is discharged from the faucet <NUM> or other fluids are poured into the basin <NUM>, the air is pulled across the top surface of the fluid, pulling aerosols that contain biological or other contaminants into the open cavity <NUM> and into the exhaust system where it can be treated and/or safely exhausted.

In some embodiments, the drain <NUM>, open cavity <NUM>, and exhaust port are shaped and oriented with respect to one another to allow an even distribution of air to flow through the drain <NUM> at a velocity of between <NUM> feet per minute (FPM) (<NUM> kilometre per hour) to <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour). Airflows are determined to either obtain a capture velocity above <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour) at the from the drain <NUM> into the open cavity <NUM> or <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour) at the top plane of the basin <NUM>, depending on the use of the sink <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the airflow velocity is between <NUM> (<NUM> kilometre per hour) to <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour) from the drain <NUM> into the open cavity <NUM> when the sink <NUM> is not being used for the input or disposal of fluids. Testing has shown that airflow below <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour) will not produce noise levels that tend to disturb individuals near the sink <NUM>. The testing has further shown that airflow volumes that create an air velocity of between <NUM> (<NUM> kilometre per hour) to <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour) from the rain <NUM> into the open cavity <NUM> provides acceptable capture velocities for smells and undesirable particulate within the air. Furthermore, the testing has also shown that airflow volumes that create an air velocity of between <NUM> (<NUM> kilometre per hour) to <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour) from the drain <NUM> into the open cavity <NUM> provides acceptable capture velocities for gaseous or toxic fumes from ozone-water and sanitizing agents injected into the rearward cavity from escaping into the basin <NUM> or the room in which the sink <NUM> is located. Velocity levels above <NUM> FPM (<NUM> kilometre per hour) from the drain <NUM> into the open cavity <NUM> produce capture velocities for heavier particulates that are entrained within the air. Accordingly, particular embodiments of the present technology use an airflow range of between <NUM> cubic feet per minute (CFM) (<NUM> cubic metres per hour) to <NUM> CFM (<NUM> cubic metres per hour) when the sink <NUM> is not in use and <NUM> (<NUM> cubic metres per hour) to <NUM> CFM (<NUM> cubic metres per hour) or greater when the sink <NUM> is in use. In some embodiments, the exhaust may operate at a constant volume whether the sink <NUM> is in use or not. The sink <NUM> may implement an airflow meter or other known device to monitor and measure the volume of the exhaust. In particular embodiments, the exhaust system may implement a fan or motorized damper to be fluidly coupled to the exhaust port <NUM>. One or more device controls may be provided to vary the exhaust airflow from a lower volume rate when the sink is not in use and a higher volume rate when the sink is in use.

One or more aspects of the present technology treat the liquid and gaseous fluids as they pass through the drain <NUM> and the open cavity <NUM>; reduce or eliminate the growth of biological infectious agents downstream from the drain <NUM>; and reduce contamination levels of surfaces exterior to the sink <NUM>. For example, various embodiments of the present technology use one or more of germicidal ultra-violet lights, ozone water, copper-silver ionization solution, and a sanitizing agent to kill bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, molds and other biological contaminants that may grow within or be introduced into the open cavity <NUM>.

In some embodiments, one or more germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> are associated with the sink <NUM>. The light of the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> is typically classified into three ranges of wavelength as follows: a) UV-A from <NUM> nanometers (nm) to <NUM>; b) UV-B from <NUM> to <NUM>; and c) UV-C from <NUM> to <NUM>. Embodiments of the sink <NUM> include one or more germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> within the open cavity <NUM>. The germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> may be associated with <NUM> voltage power or low voltage power simply coupled with an adjacent power source, such as an outlet. Particular embodiments, of the present technology, use germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> in the <NUM> to <NUM> range and, in specific embodiments, a wavelength of <NUM>. Testing has indicated that, in an exemplary embodiment, a single, <NUM> inch (<NUM> centimetre) long, <NUM>/<NUM> inch (<NUM> millimetre) diameter germicidal ultra-violet light <NUM> in these wavelength ranges will be sufficient to reduce biological contaminants within the open cavity <NUM>. In the exemplary, non-limiting, embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the open cavity <NUM> is approximately <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres) deep, <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres) tall, and <NUM> inches (<NUM> centimetres) wide. The germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> are positioned such that any fluids passing through the open cavity <NUM> or sit within the drain trap <NUM> are exposed to the ultraviolet light. The UV light exposure kills bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, molds and other biological contaminants that may be growing on the surfaces within the open cavity <NUM> and in the fluids within the drain trap <NUM>. The UV light exposure also kills the contaminants that may be entrained within sewer and vent gases that occasionally travel back up through the drainage system opposite of the direction of the waste water flow and back "up" through the drain trap <NUM>. These gases have the potential to carry with them bacteria, parasites, fungi, viruses, molds and other biological contaminants that often deposit themselves on adjacent surfaces next to the plumbing fixture from which they are expelled such as surfaces of sinks, faucets, floors, walls, towels, clothing, or plumbing fixtures, etc..

In particular embodiments, elongated germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> are positioned within an upper area of the open cavity <NUM>, adjacent a top portion of the sink <NUM>, so that their lengths extend along a width of the open cavity <NUM> between the opposite side portions <NUM> and <NUM>. In this location, the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> are able to direct their light throughout the entire open cavity and into the drain trap <NUM> while staying substantially out of contact with any liquid flowing through the open cavity <NUM>. In various embodiments, an interior of the open cavity <NUM>, adjacent the drain <NUM>, will be sloped concentrically or eccentrically to reduce fluid from splashing onto the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM>. It is contemplated, however, that embodiments of the sink <NUM> will use a UV light assembly capable of withstanding damp/wet environments or being fully submerged in water. A fluid overflow may be incorporated in the design of the basin <NUM> in lieu of water-proofing the UV light enclosure. In various embodiments, lamp shields <NUM> are installed to separate the germicidal ultra-violet light <NUM> from an exhaust air passage between the exhaust port <NUM> and the drain <NUM> where liquids typically flow. The lamp shields <NUM> may also be designed to encompass the germicidal ultra-violet light <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lamp shields <NUM> may be made from quartz or other type of transparent material that will not reduce the effectiveness of the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM>. A high water sensor may also be incorporated in the design of the open cavity <NUM> in lieu of water-proofing the UV light enclosure. In embodiments, such as the exemplary embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the overflow orifice <NUM> penetrates the forward wall portion <NUM> below a level of the germicidal ultra-violet light <NUM> to prevent a clog or backflow from putting fluid in contact with the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM>. In various embodiments of the present technology, the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> remain on in order to continuously treat the open cavity <NUM> and a portion of the drain trap <NUM>.

Embodiments of the present technology use one or more sanitizing agent injectors <NUM> and/or spray bars <NUM> at various locations throughout the open cavity <NUM> and/or into the exhaust port <NUM> to help clean the surfaces of the open cavity <NUM> and the exhaust port <NUM>. Exemplary embodiments, depicted in <FIG>, show a sanitizing agent injector <NUM> associated with the exhaust port <NUM>. However, other locations throughout the open cavity <NUM> may include one or more sanitizing agent injectors <NUM>. Similarly, with reference to <FIG>, one or more spray bars <NUM> can be positioned within the open cavity <NUM>. As depicted, the spray bar <NUM> may be generally horizontally disposed along a width or depth of the open cavity <NUM>. However, the spray bar <NUM> may also be vertically disposed. It is contemplated that the spray bar may provide one or more spray outlets along a length of the spray bar <NUM>. The one or more sanitizing agent injectors <NUM> and spray bars <NUM> may inject one or more of: ozone water (or other ozone solution); copper-silver ionization solution (such as domestic cold water treated with a copper/silver ionization generation unit); or a sanitizing agent. The sanitizing agent injectors <NUM> and/or spray bars <NUM> are positioned throughout the open cavity <NUM> and exhaust port <NUM> in locations that will maximize distribution of the ozone water, copper-silver ionization solution, and/or a sanitizing agent throughout the open cavity <NUM>. Testing has proven that the ozone water effectively reduces or eliminates the biological contaminants within the open cavity <NUM>. The ozone water and/or sanitizing agent may be injected into the open cavity <NUM> continuously or intermittently, whether the sink <NUM> is in use, or not, depending on desired protocols or detected contaminant levels. An ozone water generator or ozone gas generator that creates higher or lower concentrations of ozone water solution may be associated with the sink <NUM>. In a particular embodiment, the ozone water generator produces ozonized water with a concentration of <NUM>-<NUM> parts/ million for injection within the sink <NUM>. Similarly, a copper/silver ionization generator that creates different concentrations of copper/silver ions in water may be associated with the sink <NUM>.

In various embodiments of the present technology, control systems provide monitoring and control to ensure that the features of the sink <NUM> are functioning according to their intended design. Such monitoring and control may prove beneficial in view of the fact that incorporated features, such as the exhaust port <NUM>, germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM>, sanitizing agent injectors <NUM>, and spray bar <NUM> play individual and, at times, combined roles in protecting the sink <NUM> and creating a contamination barrier between the sink <NUM> and its operational environment. In one aspect of the control systems, sensors are positioned within the open cavity <NUM> and/or the exhaust port <NUM> that monitor pressure and/or airflow. In such embodiments, the control system receives and monitors data from the sensors. The control system may be associated with the exhaust port <NUM> and its related systems to initiate, terminate, and vary the exhaust through the exhaust port <NUM> according to its comparison of the data received from the sensors with desired operational parameters. In another aspect of the control systems, sensors are positioned within the open cavity <NUM> and/or the drain trap <NUM> that monitor UV light and/or an amount of ozone water (or other ozone solution), copper-silver ionization solution, or similar sanitizing agent. In particular embodiments, the control systems will control the injection of the ozone water (or other ozone solution), copper-silver ionization solution, or similar sanitizing agent. This control system may direct the injection to occur on a timed interval, at any time that the faucet <NUM> is turned on or off, or according to data from the sensors that are not in line with desired or predetermined operational parameters.

Monitoring of the system ensures that all system safety components are properly functioning and will alert someone or something if service or maintenance is needed. The data received from the sensors may be recorded by the control system and reported to a user in real-time or stored for delivery or retrieval at a later time. In some embodiments, the control system status will be relayed through visual and/or audible indicators. Such indicators may be provided through a control panel and/or individual indicator lights or audible signals. On one example, a visual indicator may be provided by a green LED light visible when approaching the sink <NUM>. Green, in this example, would mean the sink <NUM> is operational; while a red LED light indication may be provided to indicate the sink <NUM> may not be functioning to design specification and needs service or maintenance. Some embodiments of the control system will be placed in communication with a building automation system (BAS) or Internet of Things (IOT) cloud network for remote monitoring and control. Accordingly, the control system may be configured to store data and desired operational parameters and programs locally or remotely. The control system may be provided to receive remote or locally provided inputs from a user that initiates, terminates, and varies the operation of exhaust port <NUM>, germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM>, sanitizing agent injectors <NUM>, and spray bar <NUM>. The control system may also receive remote or locally provided inputs from a user that varies the operational parameters or programs of the systems associated with the sink <NUM>. The control system may be provided to provide a notification either locally (audible or visual) or electronically via e-mail, phone, or text message to initiate service and notify individuals to not use the sink <NUM> when the control system determines that any of the exhaust port <NUM>, germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM>, sanitizing agent injectors <NUM>, and spray bar <NUM> are not functioning properly. The control system may also be provided to monitor when any of the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> is burned out and send a notification to initiate service and not use the sink <NUM>. The control system can also be provided to monitor the germicidal ultra-violet lights <NUM> for annual maintenance or replacement.

With reference to <FIG>, the present technology is easily applied to floor drains of various configurations and uses. In the exemplary, non-limiting embodiment depicted in <FIG>, the floor drain <NUM> is positioned within a floor surface <NUM>. An open cavity <NUM> is in fluid communication with, and extends beneath, the floor drain <NUM>. An exhaust port <NUM> is in fluid communication with the open cavity <NUM>. The exhaust port <NUM> will operate similarly, and in similar parameters, to the exhaust port <NUM> described above. The exhaust port <NUM> is placed in fluid communication with a central exhaust system or a dedicated exhaust system of various known designs (not depicted) that place the open cavity <NUM> under a negative pressure to evacuate the gaseous headspace of the open cavity <NUM> away from the floor drain <NUM>. In various embodiments, a constant volume or variable speed fan may be associated with the exhaust port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gaseous exhaust may be directed to a system for treating one or more types of contaminated or volatile gases. In various embodiments, a germicidal ultra-violet light <NUM> is designed to be fuller submersible or installed in a waterproof floor box <NUM> and will operate similarly, and in similar parameters, to the germicidal ultra-violet light <NUM> described above. Embodiments of the floor drain <NUM> may also use one or more sanitizing agent injectors <NUM> and/or spray bars <NUM> (not depicted) at various locations throughout the open cavity <NUM> and/or into the exhaust port <NUM> to help clean the surfaces of the open cavity <NUM> and the exhaust port <NUM>. The one or more sanitizing agent injectors <NUM> may inject one or more of: ozone water (or other ozone solution); copper-silver ionization solution (such as domestic cold water treated with a copper/silver ionization generation unit); or similar sanitizing agent and will operate similarly, and in similar parameters, to the sanitizing agent injectors <NUM> described above. It is further contemplated that one or more control systems, such as those described above may be associated with the floor drain <NUM> to provide monitoring and control functions.

Claim 1:
A system for treating and disposing of fluid, the system comprising:
a drain (<NUM>) through which a fluid may pass;
an open cavity (<NUM>) in open fluid communication with the drain (<NUM>) such that fluids may freely pass from the drain (<NUM>) into the open cavity (<NUM>);
a drain trap (<NUM>) positioned adjacent a bottom portion (<NUM>) of the open cavity (<NUM>) and in open fluid communication with the drain (<NUM>);
an exhaust port (<NUM>) in open fluid communication with the open cavity (<NUM>), the drain (<NUM>), the drain trap (<NUM>), and an exhaust system that is configured to place a draft on the exhaust port (<NUM>) and maintain the open cavity (<NUM>) under a negative pressure in relation to an area in which the system is located to continuously pull air through the drain (<NUM>); and
a germicidal ultra-violet light (<NUM>) disposed within the open cavity (<NUM>).