Patent Description:
Various laundry system are disclosed in <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. It is well known that the use of traditional laundry systems can lead to various undesirable environmental conditions. For example, common laundry additives such as detergents, fabric softeners and bleaches typically come in plastic laundry jugs that often end up in landfills. It has been estimated that approximately seven hundred million such plastic laundry jugs end up in landfills each year. Additionally, additives such as detergents, fabric softeners and bleaches can subject the users to potential skin allergies triggered by the chemicals in such additives. Further, new studies have shown that an alarming number of tiny microfibers from synthetic clothing are making their way into our aquatic wildlife due to being washed within traditional laundry systems. On average, synthetic fleece from jackets release <NUM> grams of microfibers every wash, with older jackets shedding twice as much. Such microfibers travel to the local wastewater treatment plant where up to forty percent enter into rivers, lakes and oceans. The small fiber size allows them to be readily consumed by fish and wildlife, thus ending up in the natural food chain.

Additionally, energy utilized to heat the water in traditional laundry systems can greatly increase an individual's carbon footprint. Further, the use of traditional laundry systems can be very costly for the user due to energy costs to heat the water, as well as costs for laundry additives such as detergents, fabric softeners and bleaches. Moreover, the use of hot water as well as the additives noted above can result in increased wear and long-term damage to the fabrics used in various articles of clothing.

For many years, ozone, as a known powerful oxidizer, has been used in a wide variety of industries worldwide to control odors and kill germs, viruses, bacteria, molds and yeasts, including in wastewater plants, water parks, zoos, aquariums, food manufacturing and water bottling. Additionally, ozone laundry systems have been used commercially for over twenty years and have proven effective in places like hospitals and hotels around the world. The increased use of ozone in such industries has helped to realize many environmental and economic benefits. For example, as a powerful oxidizer, ozone is a very effective disinfecting agent for killing germs, viruses, bacteria, molds and yeasts, and eliminating odors, thus greatly reducing the need for laundry additives such as detergents, fabric softeners and bleaches. Further, ozone has proven effective in colder water, thus obviating the need to heat the water in ozone laundry systems.

Accordingly, it is desired to further improve the effectiveness of ozone laundry systems and to make them more accessible to the residential user.

The present invention is directed toward a water ozonation system that receives source water from a water source and converts it to ozonated water for use in a washing machine. As provided herein, the water ozonation system can be selectively operated in multiple alternative modes of operation. In various embodiments, the water ozonation system includes a system body, an ozone generator, a sensor assembly, and a controller. The system body receives the source water from the water source. The ozone generator is configured to generate ozone. The ozone generator is coupled the system body. The sensor assembly is also coupled to the system body. The sensor assembly is configured to sense at least one ambient environmental condition and generate at least one electronic data signal based on the sensed at least one ambient environmental condition. The controller receives the at least one electronic data signal from the sensor assembly and regulates a level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator based at least in part on the at least one electronic data signal.

In some embodiments, the water ozonation system further includes a water mixer that receives the source water from the water source and the ozone from the ozone generator, the water mixer mixing the source water and the ozone to generate the ozonated water that is used in the washing machine.

In various embodiments, the sensor assembly includes one or more of a water flow pressure sensor, an air temperature sensor, and an air humidity sensor. The water flow pressure sensor senses a wafer flow pressure of the source water within the system body, and generates an electronic data signal based on the sensed water flow pressure. The air temperature sensor senses an air temperature of ambient air, and generates a second electronic data signal based on the sensed air temperature. The air humidity sensor senses an air humidity of the ambient air, and generates a third electronic data signal based on the sensed air humidity. The controller regulates the level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator based at least in part on the electronic data signals that are sent from the one or more of the water flow pressure sensor, the air temperature sensor and the air humidity sensor.

Additionally, or in the alternative, in some embodiments, the sensor assembly can also include a water temperature sensor that senses a water temperature of the source water, and generates a first electronic data signal based on the sensed water temperature. In such embodiments, the controller regulates the level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator based at least in part on the first electronic data signal.

Further, in certain alternative embodiments, the ozone generator can be a corona discharge-type ozone generator, or the ozone generator can be an electrolytic cell-type ozone generator.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the water ozonation system further includes a dehumidifier that is configured to receive the ambient air and remove humidity from the ambient air prior to the ambient air being sent to the ozone generator. In certain such embodiments, the water ozonation system will run the ambient air through the dehumidifier to remove humidity from the ambient air only when certain modes of operation are selected for the water ozonation system.

Further, in certain embodiments, the dehumidifier includes a drying tower that contains a desiccant that automatically absorbs surrounding humidity from the ambient air. Still further, in one embodiment, the dehumidifier further includes an electronic heater coil and an air pump that cooperate to selectively regenerate the desiccant.

The present invention is further directed toward an ozone laundry system including a washing machine, and the water ozonation system as described above that receives source water from a water source and converts it to ozonated water for use in the washing machine.

Additionally, the present invention is further directed toward a water ozonation system including a system body that receives the source water from the water source; an ozone generator that is configured to generate ozone from ambient air, the ozone generator being coupled to the system body; and a dehumidifier that is coupled to the system body, the dehumidifier being configured to receive the ambient air and remove humidity from the ambient air prior to the ambient air being sent to the ozone generator.

The present invention is further directed toward methods for converting source water to ozonated water for use in a washing machine. For example, in one embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving the source water from a water source within a system body; coupling an ozone generator to the system body; coupling a sensor assembly to the system body, the sensor assembly being configured to sense at least one ambient environmental condition and generate at least one electronic data signal based on the sensed at least one ambient environmental condition; receiving the at least one electronic data signal from the sensor assembly with a controller; and generating ozone with the ozone generator, a level of the ozone that is generated by the ozone generator being regulated with the controller based at least in part on the at least one electronic data signal.

Additionally, in another embodiment, the method includes the steps of receiving the source water from a water source within a system body; coupling an ozone generator to the system body; coupling a dehumidifier to the system body; receiving ambient air within the dehumidifier; and selectively removing humidity from the ambient air with the dehumidifier prior to the ambient air being sent to the ozone generator.

The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which:.

Embodiments of the present invention are described herein in the context of an ozone laundry system, e.g., a residential ozone laundry system, that is uniquely configured to sense the ambient environmental conditions to more precisely regulate the ozone concentration in the water during use of the ozone laundry system. More specifically, in various embodiments, the ozone laundry system incorporates the use of a water ozonation system which includes a sensor assembly that is configured to sense the ambient environmental conditions unique to each household, with the sensed ambient environmental conditions subsequently being used to regulate the concentration of dissolved ozone that is introduced into the incoming water supply of the ozone laundry system. Additionally, the ozone laundry system and/or the water ozonation system can further include a dehumidifier that is configured, when desired, to remove humidity from the ambient air prior to the use of the ambient air for ozone generation. Thus, the ozone laundry system is functional regardless if the home has low or high water pressure, regardless if the air temperature is warm or cold, regardless if the air is dry or humid, and/or regardless if the water temperature is warm or cold.

Further, the ozone laundry system and/or the water ozonation system provides the user with the ability to choose the ozone concentration level used for everyday loads, and, if desired, the user can select a mode to generate a higher ozone concentration for white loads or other situations where increased ozone concentration may be desired. In particular, in various embodiments, the ozone laundry system and/or the water ozonation system is selectively operable in multiple modes of operation, e.g., a Normal Mode, a Boost Mode and a No Ozone Mode, during a laundry washing process. Additionally, as provided herein, in certain embodiments, the water ozonation system can further include and/or be used in a Stand-By Mode and a Dry Mode. Further and/or alternatively, the ozone laundry system and/or the water ozonation system can have more or fewer modes of operation.

It is appreciated that each selectable mode of operation during a laundry washing process, e.g., the Normal Mode, the Boost Mode and the No Ozone Mode, incorporates a fluid flow path and an air flow path. Additionally, as described in detail herein below, it is further appreciated that the Dry Mode will also incorporate a particular air flow path.

Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same or similar nomenclature and/or reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following detailed description to refer to the same or like parts.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application-related and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration of an embodiment of an ozone laundry system <NUM>, e.g., a residential ozone laundry system, having features of the present invention. The design of the ozone laundry system <NUM> can be varied. In various embodiments, as shown, the ozone laundry system <NUM> includes a washing machine <NUM>, a water source <NUM> that is configured to supply source water <NUM>, and a water ozonation system <NUM>. As provided herein, the water ozonation system <NUM> is configured to introduce a desired concentration of ozone into the source water <NUM> from the water source <NUM> to generate ozonated water <NUM> that is subsequently provided for use within the washing machine <NUM>. Additionally, or in the alternative, the ozone laundry system <NUM> can have more components or fewer components than what is illustrated and described herein, and/or each of the components of the ozone laundry system <NUM> can have a somewhat different design and function than what is described in detail herein.

As an overview, the water ozonation system <NUM> is configured to introduce dissolved ozone into the incoming source water <NUM> from the water source <NUM> at selected concentration levels (or within approximate concentration ranges) to generate desired ozonated water <NUM> before such ozonated water <NUM> is supplied to the washing machine <NUM>. More specifically, in various embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> is provided in the form of a module, e.g., a wall-hung module, that can be used, without environmental calibration or any other manual adjustments or selections to the module, with any existing residential washing machine regardless of whether the washing machine is low-flow, high-flow, top-load or front-load, and regardless of the particular ambient environmental conditions that exist where the washing machine <NUM> is being used. In such embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> can include a sensor assembly <NUM> that includes one or more sensors for sensing the ambient environmental conditions that exist where the washing machine <NUM> is being used. The water ozonation system <NUM> can then utilize the sensed ambient environmental conditions to generate ozonated water <NUM> approximately at desired ozone concentration levels for more effective use within the washing machine <NUM> of the ozone laundry system <NUM>.

Additionally, the ozone laundry system <NUM> and/or the water ozonation system <NUM> is configured to provide various environmental and financial benefits to the user. For example, since ozone is such a powerful oxidizer, which can effectively destroy germs, bacteria, molds, viruses and yeasts, the ozone laundry system <NUM> can be operated without the need for additives such as detergents, fabric softeners or chemical bleach. Further, the ozone laundry system <NUM> can effectively clean clothes as desired without the need for hot water in the laundry process. Thus, without the need for detergents, fabric softeners, chemical bleach or hot water, the user can achieve substantial cost savings, as well as inhibiting polluted wastewater from entering into rivers, lakes and oceans, and lessening the number of plastic laundry jugs that end up in landfills.

Further, as provided herein, it is appreciated that the ozone laundry system <NUM> can be provided in the form of an open-loop system or a closed-loop system. More particularly, in one embodiment of an open-loop system, the ozonated water <NUM> utilized within the washing machine <NUM> is expended as expended water <NUM> that is passed through a filtration system <NUM> to generate filtered water <NUM> that is then transmitted to a disposal system <NUM>, e.g., a sewer system, for proper disposal. Alternatively, in one embodiment of a closed-loop system, the ozonated water <NUM> utilized within the washing machine <NUM> is expended as expended water <NUM> that is passed through the filtration system <NUM> to generate filtered water <NUM> that is then transmitted back to the water source <NUM> so that the filtered water <NUM> can again be utilized as source water <NUM> for the ozone laundry system <NUM>.

As noted, it is further appreciated that the ozone laundry system <NUM> includes a fluid flow path that requires various fluid or water conduits through which water flows within and between the various components of the ozone laundry system <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG> , (i) the source water <NUM> from the fluid source <NUM> flows through an inlet conduit 16A (or source water conduit) to the water ozonation system <NUM>; (ii) the water, i.e. the source water <NUM> and/or the ozonated water <NUM>, flows through an internal water conduit <NUM> within the water ozonation system <NUM> from a system inlet <NUM> to a system outlet <NUM>; (iii) the ozonated water <NUM> from the water ozonation system <NUM> flows through an outlet conduit 20A (or ozonated water conduit) to the washing machine <NUM>; (iv) the expended water <NUM> from the washing machine <NUM> flows through an expended water conduit 22A to the filtration system <NUM>; and (v) the filtered water <NUM> from the filtration system <NUM> flows through a filtered water conduit 26A to either the disposal system <NUM> (i.e. in an open-loop system) or the fluid source <NUM> (i.e. in a closed- loop system).

As shown in <FIG> , the path of the filtered water <NUM> from the filtration system <NUM> to the disposal system <NUM> is shown in solid lines. Additionally, the path of the filtered water <NUM> from the filtration system <NUM> back to the water source <NUM> is shown in part in dashed lines. Stated in another manner, a part of the filtered water conduit 26A in a closed-loop system is illustrated in dashed lines.

It is appreciated that the various noted water conduits, i.e. the inlet conduit 16A, the internal water conduit <NUM>, the outlet conduit 20A, the expended water conduit 22A, and the filtered water conduit 26A, can have any suitable configuration and/or can be formed from any suitable materials.

It is further appreciated that, in many embodiments, the fluid flow path through the ozone laundry system <NUM> will be substantially identical regardless of whether the ozone laundry system <NUM> and/or the water ozonation system <NUM> is being used in Normal Mode, Boost Mode or No Ozone Mode.

Additionally, as noted above, it is further appreciated that the water ozonation system <NUM> will also have an air flow path for purposes of generating and then utilizing the desired level of ozone to be injected into the source water <NUM> to generate the desired ozonated water <NUM>. Alternative air flow paths depending on the particular mode of operation of the water ozonation system <NUM> will be described in greater detail herein below.

As noted, the water ozonation system <NUM> is configured to provide ozonated water <NUM> to the washing machine <NUM> that includes a target (or desired) concentration level of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM> so that the washing machine <NUM> can more effectively and efficiently clean the laundry within the washing machine <NUM>. As provided herein, however, it is appreciated that the actual concentration level of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM> can vary slightly from the target concentration level. For example, in some non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the actual concentration level of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM> can vary by approximately one percent, two percent, three percent, five percent, seven percent or ten percent from the target (or desired) concentration level. As such, any mention herein of a target or desired concentration level is interpreted to incorporate such an approximate range of target or desired concentration levels.

The design of the water ozonation system <NUM> can be varied to suit the requirements of the ozone laundry system <NUM>. In various embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> , the water ozonation system <NUM> can include a system body <NUM> including the system inlet <NUM> and the system outlet <NUM>; the internal water conduit <NUM>; the sensor assembly <NUM> ; a first air inlet 37A; a second air inlet 37B; an ozone generator <NUM>; a gas mover <NUM>; an air path control system <NUM> ; a water mixer <NUM>; a dehumidifier <NUM>; a controller <NUM>; and a user control system <NUM>. Alternatively, the water ozonation system <NUM> can include more components or fewer components than those specifically listed herein and illustrated in <FIG>.

Additionally, as noted above and as described in greater detail herein below, the water ozonation system <NUM> can be configured to operate in multiple alternative modes of operation. For example, in certain embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> can include (i) a"Stand-By Mode", where the water ozonation system <NUM> is properly connected and powered, e.g., 120v AC, the water lines are properly affixed, and the water is pressurized, such that the water ozonation system <NUM> is ready for use; (ii) a"Normal Mode", where the water ozonation system <NUM> will operate under normal, e.g., factory default, settings to provide a target ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM>; (iii) a"Boost Mode", where the water ozonation system <NUM> will operate to provide a desired ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> that is higher than in the Normal Mode; and (iv) a"No Ozone Mode", where the water ozonation system <NUM> will operate without generating and inputting any ozone into the source water <NUM>. As described herein, in some embodiments, the user of the ozone laundry system <NUM> can control when the water ozonation system <NUM> is used in the Normal Mode, the Boost Mode or the No Ozone Mode, i.e. via the user control system <NUM>. Additionally, in controlling the particular mode of operation for the water ozonation system <NUM>, the user can alter the default settings so that the water ozonation system <NUM> can default to use in any of the Normal Mode, the Boost Mode and/or the No Ozone Mode.

The system body <NUM> is configured to provide a housing or base for various components of the water ozonation system <NUM>. Stated in another manner, as shown, various components of the water ozonation system <NUM>, e.g., at least the internal water conduit <NUM>, the sensor assembly <NUM> , the first air inlet 37A, the second air inlet 37B, the ozone generator <NUM>, the gas mover <NUM>, the air path control system <NUM> , the water mixer <NUM>, the dehumidifier <NUM>, and the controller <NUM>, are coupled to the system body <NUM>. In some such embodiments, one or more of such components can be positioned substantially within the system body <NUM>.

The system body <NUM> can have any suitable design. For example, in some embodiments, the system body <NUM> is substantially rectangular box-shaped. Alternatively, the system body <NUM> can have another suitable shape.

Additionally, the system body <NUM> can be formed from any suitable materials. For example, in certain embodiments, the system body <NUM> is formed substantially from stainless steel. Alternatively, the system body <NUM> can be formed from other suitable materials.

As shown in <FIG> , the source water <NUM> is supplied to the water ozonation system <NUM> through the system inlet <NUM>. More particularly, as illustrated, the inlet conduit 16A (i.e. the source water conduit) is coupled in fluid communication with the system inlet <NUM> so that the source water <NUM> can be effectively introduced into the water ozonation system <NUM> via the inlet conduit 16A and the system inlet <NUM>. Additionally, the ozonated water <NUM> leaves the water ozonation system <NUM> through the system outlet <NUM>. More particularly, as illustrated, the outlet conduit 20A (i.e. the ozonated water conduit) is coupled in fluid communication with the system outlet <NUM> so that the ozonated water <NUM> can be directed through the system outlet <NUM> and the outlet conduit 20A to the washing machine <NUM>.

Further, the internal water conduit <NUM> guides the flow of the source water <NUM> and/or the ozonated water <NUM> through and/or adjacent to the system body <NUM> of the water ozonation system <NUM>. More specifically, the source water <NUM> that is introduced into the water ozonation system <NUM>, i.e. via the system inlet <NUM>, is transmitted through and/or adjacent to the system body <NUM> within the internal water conduit <NUM> before being converted into ozonated water <NUM>, e.g., within the water mixer <NUM>. The ozonated water <NUM> is then further transmitted within the internal water conduit <NUM> through and/or adjacent to the system body <NUM> toward the system outlet <NUM> through which the ozonated water <NUM> leaves the water ozonation system <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the internal water conduit <NUM> can have any suitable configuration for guiding the source water <NUM> and/or the ozonated water <NUM> through the water ozonation system <NUM>. Additionally, the internal water conduit <NUM> can be formed from any suitable materials.

As provided herein, the water ozonation system <NUM> includes the sensor assembly <NUM> that is uniquely configured to sense various ambient environmental conditions so that the controller <NUM> is able to better control the desired ozone concentration within the ozonated water <NUM> to be used within the washing machine <NUM>. In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG> , the sensor assembly <NUM> can include one or more of a water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, an air temperature sensor <NUM>, and an air humidity sensor <NUM>. As described in detail herein, the ambient sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> collect data that is used to regulate the variable output of the ozone generator <NUM>, i.e. the sensed ambient data is used by the controller <NUM> to determine the desired output of the ozone generator <NUM> for introducing target or desired concentration levels of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM>. Alternatively, the sensor assembly <NUM> can be configured to include more individual sensors or fewer individual sensors than what is specifically illustrated and described in relation to <FIG>.

The water flow pressure sensor <NUM> is configured to sense the flow rate and/or flow pressure of the incoming source water <NUM>. More particularly, after entering the system body <NUM>, the source water <NUM> is directed through and/or adjacent to the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, which collects data on the water flow rate and/or water flow pressure of the source water <NUM>. The water flow pressure sensor <NUM> then sends an electronic data signal to the controller <NUM> based on the sensed water flow rate and/or water flow pressure. The electronic data signal from the water flow sensor <NUM> provides an initial indication to the controller <NUM> that operation of the ozone generator <NUM> is needed (unless the ozone laundry system <NUM> is being operated in the No Ozone Mode), thus triggering the water ozonation system <NUM> out of Stand-By Mode. It is appreciated that in certain embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> has no specific on/off functionality. Thus, in such embodiments, once the water ozonation system <NUM> is properly connected, as noted above, the water ozonation system <NUM> is always in Stand-By Mode until triggered to operate by the demand of water running through it.

Additionally, the controller <NUM> then uses the electronic data signal from the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, and any other sensor data, to determine the amount of ozone that is needed to be generated by the ozone generator <NUM> so that a final target or desired dissolved ozone concentration level in the ozonated water <NUM> can be achieved. Stated in another manner, the controller <NUM> regulates the level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator <NUM>, i.e. by controlling the voltage being sent to the ozone generator <NUM>, based at least in part on the electronic data signal received from the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>. It is appreciated that, generally, the higher the water flow rate and/or water flow pressure, the more ozone that needs to be generated (and the more voltage that needs to be sent to the ozone generator <NUM> to generate such level of ozone) to provide the desired concentration of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM>. Additionally, it is further appreciated that the specific level of ozone to be generated by the ozone generator <NUM> is also dependent on the particular mode of operation for the water ozonation system <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG> , the operation of the air temperature sensor <NUM> and the air humidity sensor <NUM> are dependent upon ambient air being drawn into the water ozonation system <NUM>. In various embodiments and/or in certain modes of operation, e.g., in Normal Mode, ambient air is initially drawn into the water ozonation system <NUM>, i.e. into the system body <NUM>, via the first air inlet 37A. More specifically, the gas mover <NUM> operates to create a vacuum pressure source through the air path to draw the ambient air into the water ozonation system <NUM>. The design of the gas mover <NUM> can be varied to suit the requirements of the water ozonation system <NUM>. In one embodiment, the gas mover <NUM> can be in the form of a jet venturi device that provides a vacuum pressure source to draw the ambient air into the water ozonation system <NUM> via the first air inlet 37A. Alternatively, the gas mover <NUM> can be provided in another suitable form to move the air into and through the water ozonation system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, after the ambient air is drawn into the water ozonation system <NUM>, e.g., into a first air flow conduit 53A via the first air inlet 37A, the ambient air can be passed through a first pre-filter 55A to remove any unwanted dust and debris in the ambient air that may adversely impact the operation of the water ozonation system <NUM>.

After passing through the first pre-filter 55A, the ambient air is directed through a second air flow conduit 53B toward the air temperature sensor <NUM> and/or the air humidity sensor <NUM> by the air path control system <NUM>. More specifically, the air path control system <NUM> can include a plurality of air path control valves, e.g., a first air path control valve <NUM> A, a second air path control valve <NUM> B and a third air path control valve <NUM> C. To properly direct the ambient air toward the air temperature sensor <NUM> and/or the air humidity sensor <NUM>, the first air path control valve <NUM> A, e.g., a solenoid valve, can be open, while the second air path control valve <NUM> B and the third air path control valve <NUM> C are closed.

The air temperature sensor <NUM> collects data on the ambient air temperature prior to entry of the air into the ozone generator <NUM>. The air temperature sensor <NUM> then sends an electronic data signal to the controller <NUM> based on the sensed ambient air temperature. The controller <NUM> uses the electronic data signal from the air temperature sensor <NUM>, along with any other sensor data, to determine the proper voltage needed by the ozone generator <NUM> to produce the target or desired amount of ozone to achieve a stable and consistent dissolved ozone concentration within the ozonated water <NUM>. It is appreciated that, generally, the hotter the air temperature, the more voltage that is required by the ozone generator <NUM> to generate the desired level of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM>.

Somewhat similarly, the air humidity sensor <NUM> collects data on the ambient air humidity prior to entry of the air into the ozone generator <NUM>. The air humidity sensor <NUM> then sends an electronic data signal to the controller <NUM> based on the sensed ambient air humidity. As with the other sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, the controller <NUM> uses the electronic data signal from the air humidity sensor <NUM> to determine the proper voltage needed by the ozone generator <NUM> to produce the target or desired amount of ozone to achieve a stable and consistent dissolved ozone concentration level within the ozonated water <NUM>.

Additionally, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the electronic data signal from the air humidity sensor <NUM> can further be utilized by the controller to determine whether or not the incoming air needs to be dehumidified, e.g., whether or not the ambient air humidity exceeds a certain predetermined humidity threshold, e.g., fifty percent humidity. In such embodiment, the ambient air can be directed through the dehumidifier <NUM> prior to being directed into the ozone generator <NUM> if the ambient air humidity exceeds the predetermined humidity threshold.

Alternatively, in various embodiments and/or in certain modes of operation, e.g., Boost Mode, the ambient air is directed by the second air path control valve <NUM> B to be processed by the dehumidifier <NUM> prior to being directed into the ozone generator <NUM>. More particularly, in such instances, the first air path control valve <NUM> A is now closed, and the second air path control valve <NUM> B is now opened (with the third air path control valve <NUM> C remaining closed) to control the air flow path. With the second air path control valve <NUM> B open, the ambient air is now drawn into the water ozonation system <NUM>, i.e. through use of the gas mover <NUM>, via the second air inlet 37B at the top of the dehumidifier <NUM>. As will described in greater detail herein below, the ambient air traverses the dehumidifier, which <NUM> removes undesired humidity from the ambient air. The dehumidified air is then directed out the bottom of the dehumidifier <NUM>, through dehumidifier outlet 44A, and through a fourth air flow conduit 53D toward a second pre-filter 55B to remove any unwanted dust and debris in the dehumidified air that may adversely impact the operation of the water ozonation system <NUM>. With the second air path control valve <NUM> B open, the dehumidified air then continues through the fourth air flow conduit 53D before merging into the second air flow conduit 53B that directs the dehumidified air to the air temperature sensor <NUM> and the air humidity sensor <NUM>, where the air temperature and the air humidity are sensed, with appropriate electronic data signals being sent to the controller <NUM>. Subsequently, the dehumidified air is directed through the third air flow conduit 53C to the ozone generator <NUM> where the dehumidified air enters the ozone generator <NUM> via the generator inlet 38A.

The ozone generator <NUM> is configured to generate a desired amount of ozone that can be injected into the source water <NUM> so that the ozonated water <NUM> has a target or desired level of ozone concentration. Additionally, the ozone generator <NUM> can have any suitable design. In one non-exclusive embodiment, the ozone generator <NUM> can be a corona discharge-type ozone generator that receives voltage or current in a desired level as controlled by the controller <NUM>, which breaks down some of the oxygen gas, <NUM>, in the ambient air into individual oxygen molecules, O, that can bond with the O2 to generate the ozone, O3. Alternatively, in another non-exclusive embodiment, the ozone generator <NUM> can be an electrolytic cell-type ozone generator that includes an electrolytic cell that is positioned directly within a volume of the source water <NUM>. In such embodiment, the electrolytic cell is configured to break down at least a portion of the source water <NUM> into its component parts, i.e. hydrogen and oxygen, and then converts at least a portion of the liberated oxygen into ozone, with the ozone then being directly dissolved into the source water <NUM> to provide the desired ozonated water <NUM>. Still alternatively, the ozone generator <NUM> can have another suitable design.

It is appreciated that the actual level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator <NUM> for any particular use of the water ozonation system <NUM> can be varied as desired based on the requirements of the ozone laundry system <NUM>. Additionally, as noted, it is also appreciated that the actual ozone level can vary slightly from the desired ozone level during the ozone generation process. It is further appreciated that, as noted above, specific locations of use for the water ozonation system <NUM> can have different ambient room conditions of varied air temperature, humidity, and water source pressures (PSI), which impact the desired level of ozone generation, e.g., as determined by the controller <NUM>. For example, ozone generated by corona discharge is greatly influenced by the temperature and humidity of the air. Additionally, varied water pressure will also require varied ozone concentration in order to meet the requirements of a desired final dissolved ozone concentration in the ozonated water <NUM>. Thus, in order to maintain a stable and consistent final dissolved ozone concentration in the ozonated water <NUM>, the ozone generator <NUM> must react to the ambient conditions mentioned and adjust its output accordingly. Further, as noted, the desired output of ozone from the ozone generator <NUM> is determined based on the sensed data from one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM> , as evaluated by the controller <NUM>. More particularly, the controller <NUM> uses the sensed data from one or more of the sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM> , and varies the voltage to the ozone generator <NUM> in order to effectively control the specific output of ozone from the ozone generator <NUM>. In various embodiments, as described below, the controller <NUM> can use a specially designed algorithm that receives and interprets the electronic data signals from one or more of the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, the air temperature sensor <NUM> and the air humidity sensor <NUM>, to selectively adjust the appropriate voltage supply to the ozone generator <NUM> so that the desired amount of ozone is generated to thus provide the target or desired ozone concentration level within the ozonated water <NUM>.

In addition to drawing the ambient air into the water ozonation system <NUM>, the gas mover <NUM> is further configured to extract ozone gas from the ozone generator <NUM>, i.e. via generator outlet 38B near the top of the ozone generator <NUM>. The gas mover <NUM> draws the ozone gas through a fifth air flow conduit 53E from the ozone generator <NUM> to the gas mover <NUM> and then injects the ozone gas via mover port 40A into the internal water conduit <NUM> with the source water <NUM>. The ozone gas and the source water <NUM> then continue through the internal water conduit <NUM> to the water mixer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the gas mover <NUM> can further include valves on either side of the mover port 40A that inhibit back flow of the ozone gas and also inhibit flow of the source water <NUM> into the fifth air flow conduit 53E.

The water mixer <NUM> is configured to fully mix the source water <NUM> and the ozone from the ozone generator <NUM>, so as to dissolve the ozone into the source water <NUM> to generate the ozonated water <NUM>, i.e. so that the source water <NUM> is effectively converted into the ozonated water <NUM>, having the target or desired ozone concentration level that will be used in the washing machine <NUM>. The water mixer <NUM> can have any suitable design for purposes of effectively and completely mixing the source water <NUM> and the ozone as desired to provide the ozonated water <NUM> having the desired ozone concentration level.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the water mixer <NUM> can include a mixer window 42A that enables the user to better and more effectively monitor operation of the water ozonation system <NUM>. The mixer window 42A provides visual access to the water flow through the water ozonation system <NUM> and mixing of the source water <NUM> and the ozone within the water mixer <NUM>. In some embodiments, the mixer window 42A can be backlit by two different LED colors, e.g., BLUE or anther suitable color for when the Normal Mode setting is chosen, and GREEN or another suitable color for when the Boost Mode setting is chosen. Alternatively, the mixer window 42A can allow a different manner of visual indication between modes of operation.

As provided herein, the mixer window 42A has three basic purposes: (<NUM>) provides ability of visual observance of water flow through the water ozonation system <NUM> as well as the ozone bubbles being mixed or dissolved into the source water <NUM> to generate the ozonated water <NUM> before the ozonated water <NUM> is directed toward and enters the washing machine <NUM>; (ii) provides a quick backlit color reference (or other indicator) to know what ozone concentration setting has been selected and is in use (e.g., BLUE=Normal Mode, GREEN=Boost Mode, No Backlit=No Ozone Mode); and (iii) provides exciting interactive graphic aspects to the aesthetics of the water ozonation system <NUM>.

Additionally, as noted, the water ozonation system <NUM> further includes the dehumidifier <NUM> that is coupled to the system body <NUM>. It is appreciated that incoming air to the ozone generator <NUM> is sensitive to air humidity. The more humid the air, the less ozone will be generated by the ozone generator <NUM> under the same supplied voltage. Therefore, in certain embodiments and/or in some modes of operation in order to have a stable dissolved ozone concentration in high humidity ambient environments, the on-board dehumidifier <NUM> is needed to reduce the humidity of the ambient air (in such high humidity environments) prior to ozone generation so that a desired amount of ozone gas can be produced. For example, in some embodiments, the dehumidifier <NUM> is only used when the Boost Mode setting of ozone concentration is selected. Thus, in such embodiments, when the Normal Mode ozone concentration setting is chosen by the user, the incoming air will always bypass the dehumidifier <NUM>. Conversely, in such embodiments, when the Boost Mode ozone concentration setting is chosen, the air path control system <NUM> can be used to effectively divert the incoming air as desired, e.g., through the dehumidifier <NUM> before being directed to the ozone generator <NUM> and/or substantially directly into the ozone generator <NUM>.

The design of the on-board dehumidifier <NUM> can be varied. In certain embodiments, the dehumidifier <NUM> includes a drying tower <NUM> that contains a drying agent, e.g., a desiccant <NUM>, that automatically absorbs surrounding humidity. More specifically, as air is passed through the drying tower <NUM>, the humidity is automatically absorbed by the desiccant <NUM> and thus removed from the air. Thus, the excess humidity is then retained within the desiccant <NUM>. In some such embodiments, when the desiccant <NUM> is fully dry it is cobalt blue in color (or another suitable color). Additionally, in such embodiments, when the desiccant <NUM> has absorbed as much humidity as it can, the desiccant <NUM> will turn clear to pink in color (or another suitable color).

Additionally, in various embodiments, the dehumidifier <NUM> incorporates a unique design that enables the desiccant <NUM> to be effectively self-regenerating. More specifically, in such embodiments, the dehumidifier <NUM> can be operated to remove the humidity from the desiccant <NUM>, thus regenerating the desiccant <NUM> so that it can be continuously used without need for replacement. The regenerating process can be performed in any suitable manner. In some such embodiments, the dehumidifier <NUM> can further include a built-in electronic heating coil <NUM> (illustrated in phantom) and an on-board air pump <NUM>. During the regeneration process, the heating coil <NUM> operates to heat the desiccant <NUM>, and then the air pump <NUM> blows air out through the dehumidifier <NUM>. More specifically, during operation, the heating coil <NUM> will heat for a moment and then the air pump <NUM> will run for a moment. This cycle of heating followed by air pumping will repeat for a designated period of time, e.g., up to two hours per completed cycle, which would complete a full cycle of dehumidifying the desiccant <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the process of drying out of the desiccant <NUM> can be manually selected by the user, e.g., through the user control system <NUM>, or automatically based on settings of the water ozonation system <NUM>. For example, in some non-exclusive embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> can be designed such that the desiccant self-regeneration process runs after every one, two, three, four or five uses of the dehumidifier <NUM>. As noted, the drying out or self-regeneration of the desiccant <NUM>, either automatically or through manual selection, can sometimes be referred to as the"Dry Mode" of operation.

The air flow path for the desiccant self-regeneration process will now be described. For operation of the desiccant self-regeneration process, the third air path control valve <NUM> C is now opened, while the first air path control valve <NUM> A and the second air path control valve <NUM> B are closed. With the third air path control valve <NUM> C open, air is pumped out from the air pump <NUM> through a sixth air flow conduit 53F before the pumped air travels through the second pre-filter 55B to remove any unwanted impurities. The pumped air is then directed in through the bottom of the drying tower <NUM>, i.e. through outlet 44A, such that the pumped air is going in the reverse direction through the dehumidifier <NUM>. The pumped air blows through the desiccant <NUM> removing the humidity and pushing the humidity out through the top of the dehumidifier <NUM>.

As described, the desiccant self-regeneration process dries out the desiccant <NUM> and returns its condition back to a fully dry state. This dehumidifying process can occur again and again for the life of the dehumidifier <NUM> without the need for any maintenance or replacement parts. Stated in another manner, the dehumidifier <NUM> includes a built-in, self-regenerating, desiccant dryer pack that does not require replacing over the life of the dehumidifier <NUM>.

Additionally, as shown, the dehumidifier <NUM> can also include a dehumidifier window 44B that provides visual access to the dehumidifier <NUM> and desiccant dryer agent <NUM>. With the dehumidifier window 44B, the user is able to visualize and appreciate the status of the desiccant <NUM> within the dehumidifier <NUM>. As noted above, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, when the desiccant <NUM> is cobalt blue it is fully dry. Further, in such embodiment, when the desiccant <NUM> is clear to pink it is indicating that the dehumidifier <NUM> needs to run its self-regenerating dryer utility.

The general air flow paths into and through the water ozonation system <NUM> will now be summarized for instances when it is not necessary or desired to remove humidity from the ambient air, e.g., when operating in Normal Mode, and when it is necessary or desired to remove humidity from the ambient air, e.g., when operating in Boost Mode.

In Normal Mode and/or when the dehumidifier is not required, the first air path control valve <NUM> A is open and the other air path control valves <NUM> B, <NUM> C are closed. With the first air path control valve <NUM> A open, the ambient air is drawn in through the first air inlet 37A into the first air flow conduit 53A to travel through the first pre-filter 55A. The ambient air then continues through open first air path control valve <NUM> A and into the second air flow conduit 53B to the air temperature sensor <NUM> and the air humidity sensor <NUM>. Not needing to dehumidify the ambient air, the ambient air is then directed through the third air flow conduit 53C to the ozone generator <NUM>. The ambient air enters the ozone generator <NUM> through the generator inlet 38A. The ozone generated within the ozone generator <NUM> then is drawn out of the ozone generator <NUM> through the generator outlet 38B, and the ozone travels through the fifth air flow conduit 53E to the gas mover <NUM> and the mover port 40A. The ozone is then injected into the internal water conduit <NUM> through the mover port 40A.

In the Boost Mode and/or when use of the dehumidifier is desired, the second air path control valve <NUM> B is open and the other air path control valves <NUM> A, <NUM> C are closed. With the second air path control valve <NUM> B open, ambient air is drawn in through the second air inlet 37B at the top of the dehumidifier <NUM>. The air is dehumidified within the dehumidifier <NUM> to provide dehumidified air which is then drawn out of the dehumidifier <NUM> through the dehumidifier outlet 44A at the bottom of the dehumidifier <NUM>. The dehumidified air is then drawn through the fourth air flow conduit 53D and through the second pre-filter 55B. With the second air path control valve <NUM> B still open and the other air path control valves <NUM> A, <NUM> C still closed, the dehumidified air then continues through the fourth air flow conduit 53D before it merges into the second air flow conduit 53B. The dehumidified air then continues through the second air flow conduit 53B to the air temperature sensor <NUM> and the air humidity sensor <NUM>. With the dehumidified air being properly dehumidified, the dehumidified air is then directed through the third air flow conduit 53C to the ozone generator <NUM>. The dehumidified air enters the ozone generator <NUM> through the generator inlet 38A. The ozone generated within the ozone generator <NUM> then is drawn out of the ozone generator <NUM> through the generator outlet 38B, and the ozone travels through the fifth air flow conduit 53E to the gas mover <NUM> and the mover port 40A. The ozone is then injected into the internal water conduit <NUM> through the mover port 40A.

As described, the controller <NUM> receives input from the sensor assembly <NUM> and determines the desired and/or preferred ozone concentration level within the ozonated water <NUM> based at least in part on the input from the sensor assembly <NUM> , i.e. based at least in part on the input electronic data signals from one or more of the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, the air temperature sensor <NUM>, and the air humidity sensor <NUM>. As described above, the three sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> of the sensor assembly <NUM> will send their respective data to the controller <NUM>. The controller <NUM> then utilizes a specially designed algorithm to determine the amount of ozone that needs to be generated by the ozone generator <NUM>, i.e. so that the source water <NUM> can be converted to the ozonated water <NUM> having a desired concentration level of ozone. The controller <NUM> then sends the needed amount of voltage to the ozone generator <NUM> so that a specific amount of ozone will be generated to be mixed into the source water <NUM> to provide the desired dissolved ozone concentration target level within the ozonated water <NUM>.

Further, in some embodiments, the controller <NUM> can automatically detect and adjust for high-efficiency front-load or traditional high water volume top-load machines without the user needing to select such options.

The user control system <NUM> is configured to enable the user to exercise some measure of control over the operation of the water ozonation system <NUM>. For example, in various embodiments, the user control system <NUM> enables the user to select from the different modes of operation as described herein.

As mentioned above, the controller <NUM> and/or the user control system <NUM> can enable the water ozonation system <NUM> to operate in certain modes of operation. For example, in some embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> can be configured to operate in a"Stand-By Mode", a"Normal Mode", a"Boost Mode", and a"No Ozone Mode". Alternatively, the water ozonation system <NUM> can be configured to operate with more or fewer modes of operation.

The"Stand-By Mode" is when the water ozonation system <NUM> is powered and all necessary water lines are properly attached and pressurized with water. The water ozonation system <NUM> is thus ready for use as needed. It is appreciated that the water ozonation system <NUM> will typically automatically come out of Stand-By Mode as soon as the washing machine <NUM> demands water from the water source <NUM>.

The"Normal Mode" of operation is when the water ozonation system <NUM> will generate a preset target dissolved ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the target dissolved ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> in Normal Mode is approximately <NUM> ppm. In certain such embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> may have a factory default to this setting, and thus the water ozonation system <NUM> will automatically run this setting once the water flow pressure sensor <NUM> is triggered by water flowing through the water ozonation system <NUM>, unless a different mode has been specifically selected. It is appreciated that the user is able to change the factory default setting so that the water ozonation system <NUM> defaults to run in any of the Normal Mode, the Boost Mode or the No Ozone Mode.

The"Boost Mode" of operation is when the water ozonation system <NUM> will generate an increased ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> relative to the Normal Mode. For example, in some embodiments, when in Boost Mode, the water ozonation system <NUM> can be configured to generate a target dissolved ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> of approximately <NUM> ppm. It is appreciated that if Boost Mode is specifically selected, or if the factory default is changed to this setting, the water ozonation system <NUM> will automatically run this setting once the water flow pressure sensor <NUM> is triggered by water flowing through the water ozonation system <NUM>.

It is appreciated that the specific ozone concentration levels for the ozonated water <NUM> can be different than what is specifically mentioned above in the Normal Mode and/or the Boost Mode. More specifically, the ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> in Normal Mode can alternatively be greater than or less than <NUM> ppm; and/or the ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> in Boost Mode can alternatively be greater than or less than <NUM> ppm. For example, in some non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the target or desired ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> in Normal Mode can be approximately <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, or another appropriate ozone concentration level. Additionally, in certain non-exclusive alternative embodiments, the target or desired ozone concentration level for the ozonated water <NUM> in Boost Mode can be approximately <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM>, ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, <NUM> ppm, or another appropriate ozone concentration level.

The"No Ozone Mode" of operation is when the water ozonation system <NUM> will not generate any ozone for a particular use of the ozone laundry system <NUM>. It is appreciated that if the No Ozone Mode is specifically selected, or if the factory default is changed to this setting, the water ozonation system <NUM> will automatically run this setting once the water flow pressure sensor <NUM> is triggered by water flowing through the water ozonation system <NUM>. It is further appreciated that if the ozone laundry system <NUM> is being used in the No Ozone Mode, the ozonated water <NUM> will not actually have any dissolved ozone therein. However, for convenience, any source water <NUM> that has been transmitted through the water ozonation system <NUM> for the potential introduction of ozone into the source water <NUM> will still be referred to as ozonated water <NUM> regardless of whether there is actually any ozone in the water, i.e. regardless of whether the ozone laundry system <NUM> is being used in the No Ozone Mode.

The design of the user control system <NUM> can be varied. For example, in some embodiments, the user control system <NUM> can include one or more of a control panel <NUM> that is coupled to the system body <NUM> of the water ozonation system <NUM>, and a remote control <NUM>, e.g., a radio frequency remote control, that is positioned remotely from the system body <NUM> of the water ozonation system <NUM>. In such embodiments, each of the control panel <NUM> and the remote control <NUM> can include a touch screen and/or one or mover knobs or buttons. Thus, in such embodiments, the user can utilize the control panel <NUM> and/or the remote control <NUM> to better enable the user to control certain functioning of the water ozonation system <NUM> and/or the ozone laundry system <NUM>. More specifically, with this design, the user can operate the user control system <NUM> to select the desired mode of operation for the ozone laundry system <NUM> and/or the water ozonation system <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, the user can use appropriate buttons on the control panel <NUM> and/or the remote control <NUM> to choose between different modes of operation, e.g., Normal Mode, Boost Mode and/or No Ozone Mode. For example, the user can choose Normal Mode (e.g., targeted <NUM> ppm ozone concentration level in the ozonated water <NUM>) for washing colors; and the user can choose Boost Mode (e.g., targeted <NUM> ppm ozone concentration level in the ozonated water <NUM>) for washing whites. As noted above, the actual ozone concentration level in the ozonated water <NUM> can vary slightly from the target ozone concentration level.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> can have a factory default for using the Normal Mode. Thus, in such embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> will be used in Normal Mode unless the user specifically selects otherwise. However, in such embodiments, the user is still free to choose among the different modes of operation for any given use of the water ozonation system <NUM> and/or the ozone laundry system <NUM>.

Further, in certain embodiments, the user control system <NUM>, i.e. the control panel <NUM> and/or the remote control <NUM>, can include various visual and/or audio indicators to the user about the selections made and the actual operation of the water ozonation system <NUM>. For example, the user control system <NUM> can employ a multi color backlit display, e.g., a multi-color LED touch screen display, where different modes of operation as selected are displayed in different colors. Additionally, or in the alternative, the user control system <NUM> can provide appropriate audio signals to the user as the user selects between different modes of operation.

Additionally, in certain embodiments, the user control system <NUM> can further provide the user with an option of manual dehumidifier regeneration, i.e. the user can manually select the Dry Mode. It is appreciated that the purpose for enabling a manual selection for dehumidifier regeneration is for when the user may have a visual indication, e.g., an observation of the desiccant agent turning pink as viewed through the dehumidifier window 44A, that the desiccant pack needs to be dried out. It is further appreciated that the heater cycle will not function when water is flowing through the water ozonation system <NUM>.

<FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration of another embodiment of the ozone laundry system <NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the components of the ozone laundry system <NUM> outside of the water ozonation system <NUM>, e.g., the washing machine <NUM>, the water source <NUM>, the filtration system <NUM> and the disposal system <NUM>, and the water flow outside of the water ozonation system <NUM>, e.g., through the inlet conduit 16A, the outlet conduit 20A, the expended water conduit 22A, and the filtered water conduit 26A, can be substantially identical to what was illustrated and described in relation to <FIG>. Accordingly, such components and water flow will not be described again in relation to <FIG>.

Flowever, as shown in <FIG>, in this embodiment, the design of the water ozonation system <NUM> can be somewhat different than what was illustrated and described in relation to <FIG>. For example, as illustrated in this embodiment, the water ozonation system <NUM> need not include the air temperature sensor <NUM>, the air humidity sensor <NUM>, the dehumidifier <NUM>, the gas mover <NUM>, the air pump <NUM> and/or the air path control system <NUM>.

As with the previous embodiment, the water ozonation system <NUM> is configured to provide ozonated water <NUM> to the washing machine <NUM> that includes a target (or desired) concentration level of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM> so that the washing machine <NUM> can more effectively and efficiently clean the laundry within the washing machine <NUM>. Additionally, the water ozonation system <NUM> and/or the ozone laundry system <NUM> can be controlled to selectively operate in multiple modes of operation, such as described in detail above, although it is appreciated that without the dehumidifier, the water ozonation system <NUM> and/or the ozone laundry system <NUM> would not operate in Dry Mode.

As shown in this embodiment, the water ozonation system <NUM> can include one or more of a system body <NUM> including a system inlet <NUM> and a system outlet <NUM>, an internal water conduit <NUM>, a sensor assembly <NUM> , an ozone generator <NUM>, a water mixer <NUM>, a controller <NUM>, and a user control system <NUM>. Alternatively, the water ozonation system <NUM> can include more components or fewer components than those specifically listed herein and illustrated in <FIG>. For example, in certain non exclusive alternative embodiments, the water ozonation system <NUM> can be designed without the water mixer <NUM>.

As above, the system body <NUM> can have any suitable design and be formed from any suitable materials. As shown in <FIG>, the source water <NUM> is supplied to the water ozonation system <NUM> through the system inlet <NUM>. More particularly, as illustrated, the inlet conduit 16A (i.e. the source water conduit) is coupled in fluid communication with the system inlet <NUM> so that the source water <NUM> can be effectively introduced into the water ozonation system <NUM> via the inlet conduit 16A and the system inlet <NUM>. Additionally, the ozonated water <NUM> leaves the water ozonation system <NUM> through the system outlet <NUM>. More particularly, as illustrated, the outlet conduit 20A (i.e. the ozonated water conduit) is coupled in fluid communication with the system outlet <NUM> so that the ozonated water <NUM> can be directed through the system outlet <NUM> and the outlet conduit 20A to the washing machine <NUM>.

Further, as with the previous embodiment, the internal water conduit <NUM> guides the flow of the source water <NUM> and/or the ozonated water <NUM> through and/or adjacent to the system body <NUM> of the water ozonation system <NUM>. More specifically, the source water <NUM> that is introduced into the water ozonation system <NUM>, i.e. via the system inlet <NUM>, is transmitted through and/or adjacent to the system body <NUM> within the internal water conduit <NUM> before being converted into ozonated water <NUM>. The ozonated water <NUM> is then further transmitted within the internal water conduit <NUM> through and/or adjacent to the system body <NUM> toward the system outlet <NUM> through which the ozonated water <NUM> leaves the water ozonation system <NUM>.

As provided herein, the water ozonation system <NUM> includes the sensor assembly <NUM> that is uniquely configured to sense various ambient environmental conditions so that the controller <NUM> is able to better control the desired ozone concentration within the ozonated water <NUM> to be used within the washing machine <NUM>. In some embodiments, as illustrated in <FIG>, the sensor assembly <NUM> can include one or more of a water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, and a water temperature sensor <NUM>. As above, the ambient sensors <NUM>, <NUM> collect data that is used to regulate the variable output of the ozone generator <NUM>, i.e. the sensed ambient data is used by the controller <NUM> to determine the desired output of the ozone generator <NUM> for introducing target or desired concentration levels of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM>. Alternatively, the sensor assembly <NUM> can be configured to include more individual sensors or fewer individual sensors than what is specifically illustrated and described in relation to <FIG>. For example, in one non-exclusive alternative embodiment, the sensor assembly <NUM> is designed without the water temperature sensor <NUM>.

The water flow pressure sensor <NUM> is configured to sense the flow rate and/or flow pressure of the incoming source water <NUM>. More particularly, after entering the system body <NUM>, the source water <NUM> is directed through and/or adjacent to the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, which collects data on the water flow rate and/or water flow pressure of the source water <NUM>. The water flow pressure sensor <NUM> then sends an electronic data signal to the controller <NUM> based on the sensed water flow rate and/or water flow pressure. The electronic data signal from the water flow sensor <NUM> provides an initial indication to the controller <NUM> that operation of the ozone generator <NUM> is needed (unless the ozone laundry system <NUM> is being operated in the No Ozone Mode), thus triggering the water ozonation system <NUM> out of Stand-By Mode.

Additionally, the controller <NUM> then uses the electronic data signal from the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, and any other sensor data, to determine the amount of ozone that is needed to be generated by the ozone generator <NUM> so that a final target or desired dissolved ozone concentration level in the ozonated water <NUM> can be achieved. Stated in another manner, the controller <NUM> regulates the level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator <NUM> based at least in part on the electronic data signal received from the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>.

The water temperature sensor <NUM> is configured to sense a water temperature of the source water <NUM>. More particularly, as shown, after being directed through and/or adjacent to the water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, the source water <NUM> can be directed through and/or adjacent to the water temperature sensor <NUM> , which collects data on the source water <NUM>. The water temperature sensor <NUM> then sends an electronic data signal to the controller <NUM> based on the sensed water temperature. The controller <NUM> then uses the electronic data signal from the water temperature sensor <NUM> , and any other sensor data, to determine the amount of ozone that is needed to be generated by the ozone generator <NUM> so that a final target or desired dissolved ozone concentration level in the ozonated water <NUM> can be achieved. Stated in another manner, the controller <NUM> regulates the level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator <NUM> based at least in part on the electronic data signal received from the water temperature sensor <NUM>.

After being directed through and/or adjacent to the water flow pressure sensor <NUM> and/or the water temperature sensor <NUM> , the source water <NUM> is directed to the ozone generator <NUM>.

As with the previous embodiment, the ozone generator <NUM> is configured to generate a desired amount of ozone that can be injected into the source water <NUM> so that the ozonated water <NUM> has a target or desired level of ozone concentration. However, the ozone generator <NUM> in this embodiment has a different design than the corona discharge-type ozone generator that was described above. In <FIG>, the ozone generator <NUM> is an electrolytic cell-type ozone generator that includes a generator tank <NUM> for receiving, i.e. via generator inlet 238A, and retaining a volume of source water <NUM>, and a electrolytic cell <NUM> (illustrated in phantom) that is positioned within the generator tank <NUM>. During use of the ozone generator <NUM>, the electrolytic cell <NUM> is configured to break down at least a portion of the source water <NUM> into its component parts, i.e. hydrogen and oxygen, and then convert at least a portion of the liberated oxygen into ozone, with the ozone then being directly dissolved into the source water <NUM> to provide the desired ozonated water <NUM>.

Once the ozone has been dissolved into the source water <NUM> to provide the desired ozonated water <NUM>, the ozonated water <NUM> is directed out of the ozone generator <NUM> via the generator outlet 238B. As shown, in some embodiments, the ozonated water <NUM> can then be directed toward and through the water mixer <NUM> to ensure that the ozone is dissolved as desired within the ozonated water <NUM>. Alternatively, however, the water ozonation system <NUM> can be configured without the water mixer <NUM>, with the ozone having been previously dissolved into the source water <NUM> within the ozone generator <NUM>.

After the desired ozonated water <NUM> has been generated, e.g., within the ozone generator <NUM> and/or within the water mixer <NUM>, the ozonated water <NUM> is directed through the internal water conduit <NUM> to the system outlet <NUM> where the ozonated water <NUM> leaves the system body <NUM>.

As noted above, the controller <NUM> receives electronic data signals from the sensor assembly <NUM> , i.e. the water flow pressure sensor <NUM> and/or the water temperature sensor <NUM> , and then utilizes a specially designed algorithm to determine the desired and/or preferred ozone concentration level within the ozonated water <NUM> based at least in part on the electronic data signals from the sensor assembly <NUM>. The controller <NUM> then sends voltage at an appropriate level to the electrolytic cell <NUM> to control operation of the electrolytic cell <NUM> so that a specific amount of ozone will be generated within the ozone generator <NUM> to be mixed into the source water <NUM> to provide the desired dissolved ozone concentration target level within the ozonated water <NUM>.

Additionally, as with the previous embodiment, the user control system <NUM>, i.e. the control panel <NUM> and/or the remote control <NUM>, is utilized by the user to control the water ozonation system <NUM> to operate in certain desired modes of operation.

As provided herein, it is appreciated that certain features, components and/or modes of operation of the water ozonation system can be varied from what has been specifically illustrated and described in detail herein above. For example, <FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration of a portion of still another embodiment of the ozone laundry system <NUM> where the features, components and/or precise mode of operation of the water ozonation system <NUM> can vary somewhat from the previous embodiments. Flowever, it is further appreciated that the water ozonation system <NUM> is still configured to introduce dissolved ozone into the incoming source water <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) from the water source <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) at selected concentration levels (or within approximate concentration ranges) to generate desired ozonated water <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) before such ozonated water <NUM> is supplied to the washing machine <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). More particularly, as above, the water ozonation system <NUM> is configured to provide ozonated water <NUM> to the washing machine <NUM> that includes a target (or desired) concentration level of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM> so that the washing machine <NUM> can more effectively and efficiently clean the laundry within the washing machine <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the water ozonation system <NUM> is substantially similar to what has been illustrated and described herein above, although the precise fluid flow path and/or the precise air flow path may vary somewhat from the previous embodiments. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, the water ozonation system <NUM> again includes a system body <NUM> having a system inlet <NUM> and a system outlet <NUM>; an internal water conduit <NUM>; a sensor assembly <NUM> including one or more of a water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, an air temperature sensor <NUM> and an air humidity sensor <NUM>; an ozone generator <NUM>; a gas mover <NUM>; an air path control system <NUM> ; a water mixer <NUM>; a dehumidifier <NUM>; a controller <NUM>; an air pump <NUM>; and a user control system <NUM> that are substantially similar in design and function to what has been illustrated and described herein above. However, it is appreciated that the air flow path is somewhat different than what has illustrated and described above. Additionally, it is recognized that the precise positioning of the components of the water ozonation system <NUM> can also be varied from what has been illustrated herein without deviating from the intended scope and breadth of the present invention.

Additionally, <FIG> is a simplified schematic illustration of a portion of yet another embodiment of the ozone laundry system <NUM> where the features, components and/or precise mode of operation of the water ozonation system <NUM> can vary somewhat from the previous embodiments. However, it is further appreciated that the water ozonation system <NUM> is still configured to introduce dissolved ozone into the incoming source water <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) from the water source <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) at selected concentration levels (or within approximate concentration ranges) to generate desired ozonated water <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) before such ozonated water <NUM> is supplied to the washing machine <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>). More particularly, as above, the water ozonation system <NUM> is configured to provide ozonated water <NUM> to the washing machine <NUM> that includes a target (or desired) concentration level of ozone within the ozonated water <NUM> so that the washing machine <NUM> can more effectively and efficiently clean the laundry within the washing machine <NUM>.

As illustrated in <FIG>, the water ozonation system <NUM> is substantially similar to what has been illustrated and described herein above, although the precise fluid flow path and/or the precise air flow path may vary somewhat from the previous embodiments, and/or the precise design of and connections to each of the components of the water ozonation system <NUM> may vary somewhat from the previous embodiments. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, the water ozonation system <NUM> again includes a system body <NUM> having a system inlet <NUM> and a system outlet <NUM>; an internal water conduit <NUM>; a sensor assembly <NUM> including one or more of a water flow pressure sensor <NUM>, an air temperature sensor <NUM> and an air humidity sensor <NUM>; an ozone generator <NUM>; a gas mover <NUM>; an air path control system <NUM> ; a water mixer <NUM>; a dehumidifier <NUM>; a controller <NUM>; an air pump <NUM>; and a user control system <NUM> that are substantially similar in design and function to what has been illustrated and described herein above. However, it is appreciated that the air flow path is somewhat different than what has illustrated and described above. Additionally, it is recognized that the precise positioning of the components of the water ozonation system <NUM> can also be varied from what has been illustrated herein without deviating from the intended scope and breadth of the present invention.

The use of the water ozonation systems <NUM> as described herein as part of the ozone laundry system <NUM> can provide various benefits for the user - health-related, economics-related, and environmental-related. More specifically, in various embodiments, the ozone laundry system <NUM> and/or the water ozonation system <NUM> of the present invention can provide advantages such as:.

It is understood that although a number of different embodiments of the ozone laundry system <NUM> and/or the water ozonation system <NUM> have been illustrated and described herein, one or more features of any one embodiment can be combined with one or more features of one or more of the other embodiments, provided that such combination satisfies the intent of the present invention.

Claim 1:
A water ozonation system (<NUM>) that receives source water (<NUM>) from a water source (<NUM>) and converts it to ozonated water (<NUM>) for use in a washing machine (<NUM>), the water ozonation system comprising:
a system body (<NUM>) that receives the source water from the water source;
an ozone generator (<NUM>) that is configured to generate ozone, the ozone generator being coupled to the system body;
a sensor assembly (<NUM>) that is coupled to the system body, the sensor assembly being configured to sense at least one ambient environmental condition and generate at least one electronic data signal based on the sensed at least one ambient environmental condition; and characterised in that the water ozone system further comprises:
a controller (<NUM>) that receives the at least one electronic data signal from the sensor assembly and regulates a level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator based at least in part on the at least one electronic data signal;
wherein the sensor assembly includes an air humidity sensor (<NUM>) that senses an air humidity of ambient air to determine if the ambient air should be dehumidified prior to being directed into the ozone generator, and generates a first electronic data signal based on the sensed air humidity; and
wherein the controller regulates the level of ozone that is generated by the ozone generator based at least in part on the first electronic data signal.