(12) United States Patent
`US 6,296,756 B1
`(10) Patent N0.:
`
`Hough et al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`US006296756B1
`
`(54) HAND PORTABLE WATER PURIFICATION
`SYSTEM
`
`(75)
`
`Inventors: Gary S. Hough, Woodinville; Troy T.
`Jahns‘m’ Bellevue, bOth 0f WA (Us)
`(73) Assignee: H20 Technologies, Ltd., OR (US)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U~S-C~ 154(b) by0 daYS-
`
`(21) Appl. N0.: 09/393,594
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Sep. 9, 1999
`
`7
`
`...................................................... C02F 1/461
`Int. Cl.
`(51)
`
`.................
`.. 205/744; 204/271
`(52) us. Cl.
`
`-- 204/271; 205/744
`(58) Field Of Search --
`
`(56)
`
`_
`References Clted
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`4,132,620
`4,160,716
`4 180 445
`4,312,736
`4,385,973
`4,419,206
`
`4,425,216
`4,436,601
`4,451,341
`272333783:
`,
`,
`4,572,775
`4,623,436
`
`1/1984 Neymeyer ............................ 204/270
`3/1984 Branchick et a1.
`204/149
`
`5/1984 Miller .....
`204/149
`1;;1322 8kg”? tml
`38:32:
`a on 1 e a .
`
`2/1986 Paniagua .......
`204/229
`11/1986 Umehara .............................. 204/149
`(List continued on next page.)
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`2.150.168
`3/1973 (FR).
`105641
`5/1917 (GB) .
`W0 87/01690
`3/1987 (W0) ~
`W0 95/21795
`8/1995 (W0) .
`WO 98/04502
`2/1998 (W0) .
`W0 99/24369
`5/1999 (W0) .
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`The Advanced Water Systems Incorporated, company bro-
`chure regarding information on various products to improve
`water quality, different types of water systems and current
`teChn010gy> SeP- 30> 1993-
`
`Primary Examiner—Kathryn Gorgos
`ASSiSmm Examiner—Thomas H Parsons
`(74) Attorney) Agent) or Firm—Seed IP Law Group PLLC
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A hand portable water purification system includes a por-
`.
`.
`table electrolyt1c cell to mcrease the content of oxygen and
`.
`.
`.
`.
`.
`chlorme 1n water to be pur1fied. The electrolyt1c cell mcludes
`a housing and a set of electrodes. The housing provides
`physical SHPPOrt and Spacing for the electrodes and Protects
`the electrolytic cell from damage during handling and stor-
`age. The hand portable apparatus has a system control circuit
`that converts an external source of power to a direct current
`(DC) voltage to energize the electrolytic cell. The combi-
`nation of the electrolytic cell and the system control circuit
`-
`-
`-
`-
`,
`ls small enough and l1ght enough to be earned 1n a person 5
`h
`d I
`b d.
`h
`bl
`1
`1
`.
`11 .
`an ~ “ one em 0 “mm t e For.” 6 86‘3”" 3’th CC
`15
`mounted near the bottom of a contamer W1th one-half to five
`gallon capacity mounted either permanently or detachably.
`
`29 Claims, 12 Drawing Sheets
`
`
`
`
`
`2/1917 Schneider ............................. 204/271
`1 217 643 *
`6/1932 Curtis ................................... 204/271
`1,862,663
`4/1949 Brown .................................. 204/248
`2,468,357
`12/1958 Hughes, Jr. et al.
`.. 204/149
`2,864,750
`
`6/1963 Green .................
`.. 204/229
`3,095,365
`8/1970 Mehl """""""" 210/44
`375237891
`4/1972 Wh1te et a1.
`......................... 204/228
`3,654,119
`.
`4/1973 Prels et al.
`........................... 204/275
`3,728,245
`6/1974 Bennett
`204/289
`3 819 504
`.....
`2/1975 Phipps
`204/228
`3,865,710
`..............
`12/1975 Okert
`204/152
`3,925,176
`3/1976 Fenn, III et a1.
`.. 204/149
`3,943,044
`
`
`4/1977 Pohto ..............
`204/255
`4,017,375
`~~ 204/271
`12/1977 Reis et 511.
`4,061,556
`8/1978 Okazakl
`~~~~~~
`204/263
`471079021 *
`10/1978 HengSt """."""""
`471197517
`204/229
`4,119,520 * 10/1978 Paschakarms et a1.
`.
`.. 204/276
`
`.
`
`.. 204/242
`.......
`1/1979 Nldola et al.
`7/1979 Wiseman .........
`204/270
`
`.. 204/129
`12/1979 Bennett et a1.
`.
`1/1982 Menth et a1.
`.. 204/255
`5/1983 Reis et al.
`.. 204/149
`12/1983 Frame .................................. 204/228
` /
`V5”}
`l
`START
`
`SET WE T0 ENERGTZE
`ELECTROLYTTC CELL 5504
`
`‘1,
`SET LENGTH OF TIME
`ELECTROLVTTC CELL TO BE
`ENERGTZED
`
`
`
`
`/155
`
`,.
`:
`'
`'
`.
`102
`135
`"
`J
`
`T
`- a; “\fi
`
`145)
`l\
`146
`1"
`
`134
`
`“’7
`
`KIM
`r
`/
`CONTROL
`ELECTRONIC
`
`CTRCUIT
`
`
`
`"
`J75”
`
`
`[6W
`
`‘
`
`
`
`J- ENERGTZE ELECTROLVTTC
`
`1 CELL AT TTME SET TN STEP
`so:
`//
`
`//HAS WE SET
`
`\\ TN STEP sue
`\[uPSEm
`VES
`
`DEENERGTZE ELECTRDLVTTC
`N614
`CELL
`
`1
`61011 coMTATNER 0R
`ELECTROLVTTC CELL TO
`
`NEW WATER new
`
`1
`REPEAT STEPS 504—616
`FOR NEXT WATER
`TREATMENT
`
`W515
`
`
`
`
`DONE
`
`“'7
`
`Tennant Company
`Exhibit 1011
`
`Tennant Company
`Exhibit 1011
`
`

`

`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`Page 2
`
`US. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`4,639,303
`27:21:32
`7
`7
`4,783,246
`4,784,735
`4,790,914
`4,797,182
`4,839,007
`
`4,917,782
`4,936,979
`5,062,940
`5,100,502 *
`
`1/1987 Staab et al.
`.......................... 204/258
`133/132: grill“ et al- ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~2341/23
`
`"
`/
`a gen ““““
`/
`11/1988 Langeland et al.
`.................... 204/95
`11/1988 Sorenson ................................ 204/98
`12/1988 Sorenson
`204/98
`
`.......................... 204/14.1
`1/1989 Beer et al.
`..
`6/1989 Kotz etal.
`........................... 204/149
`.
`
`.. 204/152
`4/1990 DaV1es
`6/1990 Brown .................................... 210/85
`11/1991 Davies ................................. 204/228
`3/1992 Murdoch et a1.
`.................... 156/643
`
`5,292,412
`5,324,398
`5328584
`5,389,214
`5,427,667
`5,460,702
`5,728,287
`5,759,384 *
`5,876,757 *
`5,911,870
`5928503 *
`,
`,
`
`3/1994 Pitton ................................... 204/149
`6/1994 Erickson et al.
`..................... 204/149
`7/1994 Erickson et a1.
`..................... 204/229
`2/1995 Erickson et al.
`..................... 204/149
`6/1995 Bakhiretal.
`........................ 204/260
`.
`10/1995 Blrkbeck et al.
`. 204/149
`
`3/1998 Hough etal.
`. 205/743
`.
`.
`
`.205/743
`6/1998 SllVerl
`......
`.204/197
`3/1999 Kump
`
`. 205/701
`6/1999 Hough ......
`Ch
`71999 Sh
`210 86
`“‘1 """""""""""""""
`/
`/
`
`ang'
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 1 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`772
`
`
`
`777
`
`
`
`
`
`7 02
`
`/
`
`770
`
`
`
`
`
`77777777
`
`7_7—7777'i
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`706
`
`774
`
`774
`
`700
`
`///,
`
`702
`
`///_
`
`706
`
`
`7_77|7|7|7|73|7L|7|7|7|L|L|777|
`l7|7|7|7|7|7|7|7|7C77||'“77V|||||!'
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 2 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`7/5
`
`SYSTEM
`’20
`
`
`CONTROL
` URCUH
`
`///—/00
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`774
`
`720
`
`
`
`LEVEL
`
`
`
`
`USER
`ORENTAHON
`SENSOR
`CONTROL
`
`
`
`URCUH
`PANEL
`URCUH
`
`
`
`
`
`SENSOR
`
`Hg. 4
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 3 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`728
`
`URCUH
`
`SYSTEM
`CONTROL
`
`702
`
`746
`
`Mg. 5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 4 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`START
`
`602
`
`[600
`
`SET TIME TO ENERGIZE
`ELECTROLYTIC CELL
`
`SET LENGTH OF TIME
`ELECTROLYTIC CELL TO BE
`
`ENERGIZED
`
`604
`
`505
`
`ENERGIZE ELECTROLYTIC
`
`CELL AT TIME SET IN STEP
`
`
`
`604
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HAS TIME SET
`
`|N STEP 606
`
`ELAPSED?
`
`YES
`
`DEENERGIZE ELECTROLYTIC
`CELL
`
`674
`
`CARRY CONTAINER OR
`ELECTROLYTIC CELL TO
`
`NEW WATER
`
`575
`
`678
`
`REPEAT STEPS 504—616
`
`FOR NEXT WATER
`
`TREATMENT
`
`Fig 5
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 5 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`
`
`7/0
`
`770
`
`706
`
`“709
`
`“#09
`
`Fig. 8
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 6 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 7 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
` 775
`
`/706
`
`725
`
`Transformer
`
`36912
`:11]
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 8 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`r91|1|0B
`
`n.“nUVII
`
`fig
`
`.12
`
`727
`
`729
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Solar Power Unit
`
`.13Mg
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 9 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`700
`
`///
`
`URCUH
`
`CONTROL
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 10 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`CIRCUIT
`762
`
`ELECTRONIC
`CONTROL
`
`I40
`
`’50
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 11 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`
`
`

`

`US. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2001
`
`Sheet 12 0f 12
`
`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`755
`
`

`

`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`1
`HAND PORTABLE WATER PURIFICATION
`SYSTEM
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`
`This invention relates to water treatment systems, and in
`particular to a water treatment system that a person can carry
`in one hand.
`
`2. Description of the Related Art
`The demand for water treatment systems is increasing. As
`population increases, the demand for water also increases. In
`many areas, clean drinking water may not be readily avail-
`able. When a population moves from a well-established city
`with a water system to more remote areas, small scale and
`portable water treatment becomes even more important. If
`the water treatment can both remove the danger of contami-
`nants and also add healthy components,
`then a double
`benefit is obtained from such a treatment.
`
`One known water treatment method is to add oxygen to
`water. Some systems bubble gas containing oxygen through
`the water so that some of it is retained in the water. This has
`
`been shown effective from some types of large scale water
`treatment but is somewhat expensive and is a slow treatment
`technique.
`Another known technique to place oxygen in water is
`electrolysis, which operates as follows. Avoltage is applied
`to an electrolytic cell that is immersed in water, resulting in
`current flow in the water. The current flow in the water
`
`causes the water molecules to break up into their component
`parts of hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen gas and oxygen
`gas are thereby freed from the water. Typically, most of the
`hydrogen gas escapes as a gas from the water, while some
`of the oxygen gas is dissolved into the water. See, for
`example, the systems described in US. Pat. No. 5,728,287,
`issued Mar. 17, 1998, and US. Pat. No. 5,911,870, issued
`Jun. 15, 1999, owned by the same assignee as this invention.
`Current water treatment systems using electrolysis are usu-
`ally designed to be installed in-line with the water flow path.
`Additionally,
`these systems are commonly designed to
`handle large volumes of water. What is not currently avail-
`able is a system and method that efficiently increase the
`dissolved oxygen content of water off-line, and which is
`small enough for home use.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`According to the principles of the present invention, a
`hand portable water purification system is provided that uses
`electrolysis to increase the quantity of oxygen in water to be
`treated. The hand portable water purification system is small
`enough to be carried by a person in one hand.
`The hand portable water purification system has an elec-
`trolytic cell with a set of electrodes and a housing. The
`housing provides proper spacing, support and protection for
`the set of electrodes. The hand portable water purification
`system has a control circuit coupled to the electrolytic cell.
`The control circuit provides a direct current (DC) voltage to
`the set of electrodes when the portable electrolytic cell is
`immersed in water to be purified. In one embodiment, the
`electrolytic cell is mounted in a container and the control
`circuit
`is external
`to the container.
`In an alternative
`
`embodiment, the electrolytic cell and the control circuit are
`a self-contained assembly. The combination of the portable
`electrolytic cell and the portable system control circuit,
`including the container when used, are of a size and weight
`to be easily hand carried.
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`2
`One embodiment of the hand portable water purification
`system operates as follows. Auser programs the electrolytic
`cell using the control circuit to energize via the DC voltage
`at a predetermined point in time and to remain energized for
`a predetermined duration of time. The predetermined dura-
`tion of time corresponds to a target dissolved oxygen content
`of water. In response to programming, the electrolytic cell is
`energized at the predetermined time. Water to be treated is
`circulated through the energized electrolytic cell for the
`predetermined duration of time such that the target dissolved
`oxygen content of the water is achieved. When the prede-
`termined duration of time has elapsed, the electrolytic cell
`automatically de-energizes.
`The user can easily transport the electrolytic cell, the
`control circuit, and DC voltage source as a single assembly
`by hand to the next water to be treated. Operation of the hand
`portable water purification system can be under manual
`control as well. That is, a user can immerse the hand portable
`water purification system in a glass of water, for example,
`and turn on and off the system without using the program-
`ming capabilities.
`Further features and advantages, as well as the structure
`and operation of various embodiments are described in
`greater detail below with reference to the accompanying
`figures.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
`
`The invention is best understood by reference to the
`figures, wherein references with like reference numbers
`indicate identical or functionally similar elements.
`FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a portable electrolytic
`cell with a set of electrodes and a housing according to one
`embodiment of the present invention.
`FIG. 2 is a top, isometric view of the cell of FIG. 1.
`FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the cell of FIG. 1 and a
`portable system control circuit.
`FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the portable system control
`circuit suitable for use in an embodiment of the present
`invention.
`
`FIG. 5 is a side elevational cut-away view of the inventive
`cell and a water container combination, with a system
`control circuit.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`FIG. 6 is a flow chart of one method of operation of the
`inventive device.
`
`FIG. 7 is an isometric view of an alternative housing.
`FIG. 8 a top view of the alternative housing of FIG. 7.
`FIG. 9A is an end view of the electrodes showing one
`alternative method of connecting them together.
`FIG. 9B is an end view of the electrodes of FIG. 9A
`
`showing them connected together.
`FIG. 10 is an end view of an alternative housing with a
`cut-away showing a technique for connecting the electrodes
`to each other.
`
`FIG. 11 is a front view of a first power supply for
`operation from wall outlet power.
`FIG. 12 is a front view of a battery operated supply.
`FIG. 13 is a front view of a solar power operated power
`supply.
`FIG. 14 is an isometric view of one embodiment of the
`
`inventive portable electrolytic cell in combination with a
`water container.
`FIG. 15 is a further alternative embodiment of the inven-
`
`tive portable electrolytic cell in a different water container,
`after the water has been filtered.
`
`

`

`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`3
`FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the inventive portable
`electrolytic cell inside a closed water bottle having water
`inductively supplied through the side of the water bottle.
`FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of the inventive portable
`electrolytic cell in an office water container.
`FIG. 18 is a side view of the inventive portable electro-
`lytic cell in a glass of water.
`FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the inventive portable
`electrolytic cell in a water jug.
`FIG. 20 is a side elevational view in a portable electrolytic
`cell in a filtration water unit with the treatment occurring
`prior to filtration of the water.
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a hand portable water purification sys-
`tem 100 according to one embodiment of the present inven-
`tion. The hand portable water purification system 100
`includes a portable electrolytic cell 102 with a set of
`electrodes (or plates) 104. The individual electrodes within
`the set of electrodes 104 may be coupled together using a
`variety of different techniques as discussed later herein.
`The portable electrolytic cell 102 includes a housing 106
`to provide structural support and spacing for the electrodes
`104. The housing 106 may include spacers 108, which
`maintain respective gaps between the set of electrodes 104.
`The spacers 108 are not used in many embodiments, but are
`provided in large area or heavy handling use applications.
`The housing 106 includes a set of slotted supports 110,
`which provides additional structural support and separation
`for the set of electrodes 104. The housing 106 includes
`standoffs 114 holding the cell a distance “d1” off the surface
`on which the housing sits upright such that when in use
`water flows easily around the portable electrolytic cell 102
`and through the individual electrodes within the set of
`electrodes 104. FIG. 2 is a view of the top of the housing 106
`depicting the spaces 108, an end-mounted slotted support
`110, and horizontal standoffs 115 for holding the electrodes
`a distance “d2” above the surface. The distance d2 may be
`greater, less than or equal to dl. Usually it will be less since
`there is a greater surface area below for circulation. Power
`is provided through a connection 112 in the housing at the
`top, shown also in FIGS. 1 and 2.
`In one embodiment, portable electrolytic cell 102 includes
`a membrane or mesh-like material surrounding the cell. The
`membrane or mesh-like material is a water permeable sleeve
`around the set of electrodes 104. The membrane prevents
`external objects from creating an electrical short across the
`set of electrodes 104. The membrane is like a fishnet, having
`many small holes and is sufficiently permeable to permit
`easy flow of water through the housing and across the plates.
`The electrolytic cell 102 may be connected in a monopo-
`lar electrolytic cell circuit with four 6x1.0 inch plates
`operating at three to twelve volts DC and from 0.1 to 5
`amperes or up to fifty amperes, and with the plates spaced
`0.030 inches apart. The electrolytic cell 102 also may
`include up to twenty plates and operating in the range of 12
`to 150 volts DC and in the range of less than 1 ampere to
`over 5 amperes with the plates spaced 0.030 inches apart. In
`the alternative, they can be connected in a bipolar mode at
`a higher voltage and lower current.
`The electrodes 104 are depicted as having a rectangular
`shape, but the invention does not require elongated rectan-
`gular shaped electrodes and they could be square in shape.
`The set of electrodes 104 may be oval, cylindrical or other
`acceptable shape.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`4
`FIG. 3 illustrates the electrolytic cell 102 coupled to a
`power supply via a system control circuit 118. Apower cord
`120 provides power to the system control circuit 118. Power
`cord 119 outputs electronic controls and power from the
`system control circuit 118 directly to the electrolytic cell 102
`within the housing 106.
`FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the electronics within the
`system control circuit 118. The system control circuit 118
`includes a power adapter 121, which supplies a direct
`current (DC) voltage to the electrolytic cell 102. In one
`embodiment of the invention,
`the power adapter 121
`receives power on line 120 via a standard household plug. In
`this embodiment, the power adapter 121 includes a trans-
`former and AC to DC converter. The power adapter 121 may
`also include a voltage converter that converts alternating
`current (AC) voltage to direct current (DC) voltage. If the
`power source is a battery,
`the power adapter 121 may
`include a battery voltage control and sensor unit.
`Alternatively, the power adapter 121 receives power from a
`solar power unit or any well known power supply. Of course,
`those skilled in the art will appreciate that a particular power
`source 120 is not essential to implementation of the power
`adapter 121. Instead, the present invention can be practiced
`using a variety of power sources.
`The system control circuit 118 also includes electronic
`controls 122, which controls the timing sequence and
`amount of power to be applied to the electrodes 104. For
`example, the electronic controls 122 includes an on/off and
`power control signals. Implementation of this type of elec-
`tronic controls using standard microprocessors and memory
`is well known.
`
`The system control circuit 118 also includes a timer 124,
`which aids in controlling the timing of power from the
`power adapter 121 to the set of electrodes 104. The length
`of time that power is applied determines the amount of
`oxygenation. A user can set the timer 124 to turn on and off
`the hand portable water purification system 100 in any
`desired pattern or sequence. For example, a user can set the
`timer 124 such that the hand portable water purification
`system 100 recharges the dissolved oxygen content of the
`filtered water over the course of a day to maintain a specific
`target dissolved oxygen content, as explained elsewhere
`herein.
`
`The system control circuit 118 also includes a user control
`panel 126, which serves as an input and output interface
`between the hand portable water purification system 100 and
`a user. User commands entered at the control panel 126 are
`processed by the electronics 122 to operate all parts of the
`system. In one embodiment, the timer 124 is located on the
`user control panel 126 for direct access by the user. The
`timer will usually be implemented within in the electronic
`control 122, or user control panel 126, since electronic
`timers are easily constructed and are well known in the art.
`All microprocessors have timers and if the electronic con-
`trols 122 are of the type that include a microprocessor, then
`its timers could be used.
`
`The system control circuit 118 may also include a water
`level sensor to detect when water covers the portable elec-
`trolytic cell 102. The level sensor electronic unit 128 may be
`implemented using any number of acceptable technologies
`known in the art. For example, a pair of sensing elements
`may be used such that a current flows between the sensing
`elements (see FIGS. 14 and 15) when water completes the
`electrical circuit between them. Accordingly, if both sensing
`elements are not covered with water a signal is output by
`level sensor circuit 128 to prevent electronic controls 122
`
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`

`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`5
`from providing power to the set of electrodes 104.
`Conversely,
`if both sensing electrodes are covered with
`water, a signal output by level sensor 128 is coupled to the
`electronic controls 122 to permit power to the set of elec-
`trodes 104. Alternatively, a single sensing element such as a
`float, a resistor, or the like, may be used that provides a
`signal to the electronic controls 122 when the individual
`sensing element is covered with water.
`As a further alternative, the system control circuit 118
`may also include input from an orientation sensor circuit 130
`to detect whether the housing 106 is properly oriented.
`When the housing 106 is not properly oriented, the orien-
`tation sensor 130 provides a signal to the electronic controls
`122 to prevent power to the electrodes 104. Conversely,
`when the housing 106 is properly oriented, the orientation
`sensor provides a signal to the electronic controls 122 to
`permit power to the electrodes 104 if all other operating
`conditions are met. The orientation pick-up for input to the
`sensor may be implemented using any number of acceptable
`technologies known in the art that provides an output signal
`indicative of orientations relative to gravity or to some other
`object.
`FIG. 5 shows a hand portable water purification system
`100 that includes a watertight container 132 having a handle
`134 and the portable electrolytic cell 102. The cell 102 is
`controlled by the system control circuit 118. The watertight
`container 132 can be filled with water in the bottom and the
`
`portable electrolytic cell 102 submerged in water without
`causing damage to the electronics or the electrical connec-
`tions of the portable system control circuit 118.
`The cell 102 of FIG. 5 may include level sensor pick-ups
`146, preferably on opposite diagonal corners of housing 106.
`When both pick-ups are covered by water, a signal is emitted
`to circuit 128, indicating that the cell 102 is assured of being
`fully covered by water, regardless of its orientation in the
`container.
`
`An example of the operation of the cell 102 in combina-
`tion with the container 128 will now be described. The
`
`container 128 has its power cord plugged into the wall
`socket, similar to that of an automatic coffeepot. The system
`control circuit 118 steps down the voltage and provides DC
`power of the desired voltage and current to the cell 102. The
`cell 102 is spaced a selected distance of the bottom of the
`container 128 so that water may flow around, under, through
`and up out of the housing 106. Circulation between the
`electrodes 104 is therefore set up when power is applied to
`the electrodes 104. When the user desires to treat the water
`
`with oxygenation, they fill the container 128 with water and
`plug it into the power supply. The cell 102 is an integral part
`of, and fixedly connected into the bottom portion of the
`container 128 so it is automatically assured of having the
`correct spacing above the bottom for water circulation and
`being surrounded by water when the container is in an
`upright position and has water therein. The user then pro-
`grams the system control circuit 118 to oxygenate the water
`in a desired sequence and at a desired time. For example, if
`a user wishes to have instant oxygenated water, they may
`simply push the on a switch and indicate that oxygenation
`should begin immediately. After a desired time period as
`determined by the user, for example, after 2 or 3 minutes, the
`user may then switch the power off and pour the treated
`water into a glass and drink it
`immediately. The user
`therefore has direct control from the user control panel 126
`as shown in FIG. 4 to turn the cell on to provide further
`oxygenation or to turn the cell off to terminate oxygenation
`as desired. As an alternative, the user may follow the timing
`control pattern as described and shown in FIG. 6.
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`6
`According to the embodiment of FIG. 6, the user inputs
`signals into the user control panel in step 604 to set a time
`at which the cell will begin to be energized for oxygenation
`of the water. The user will then input a set time for which the
`oxygenation is to be carried out in step 606. For example, the
`user may program the pot in the evening to begin oxygen-
`ation the next morning at 6:00 am. and continue for 15
`minutes. When the user arrives in the kitchen at 6:30 am. the
`next day, the oxygenation will have been completed, and the
`water will have a very high dissolved oxygen content ready
`for drinking or use in making coffee, orange juice, or other
`drinking beverage.
`At the appropriate time, as stored in the memory register
`of the electronic controls, and/or in the timer, the cell 102 is
`energized and power is provided in step 608. This causes the
`water to begin oxygenation. As oxygen gas is created,
`bubbles are placed into the water which naturally rise. The
`oxygen bubbles, together with the hydrogen bubbles, cause
`the water out of the cell to rise rapidly, which results in good
`circulation of the water through the system as water is
`sucked from the bottom up through the cell and out the top.
`Much of the hydrogen gas remains in gaseous form and exits
`to an air vent at the top of the container 132. Much of the
`oxygen gas dissolves into the water and becomes dissolved
`oxygen trapped in the water. Though, of course, some of the
`oxygen gas will remain in gaseous form and gas off as well.
`When the elapsed time is expired, step 612, the power is shut
`off and the cell is deenergized as in step 614. The water is
`now ready for use. The user may pick up the handle 134 and
`pour a glass of water for use in direct drinking, or in making
`coffee, orange juice, or other beverage. The user can also
`pick up the pitcher as in step 616, carry it to the sink and fill
`it again with water and then replace it for further use.
`FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment for the hous-
`
`ing 106, shown without the plates 104 therein for clarity. The
`housing 106 includes standoff legs 114 which hold the plates
`a selected distance above the bottom so the water may freely
`circulate under and around the housing. Brackets 110 con-
`tain slots 109 into which the individual plates 104 are
`positioned to hold them in a rigid location relative to each
`other. FIG. 8 is a top view of the housing of FIG. 7 again,
`without the plates 104 shown therein for clarity. Of course,
`the housing can have many alternative shapes and designs
`beyond those shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 7, 8 and other Figures
`herein. Any suitable housing which maintains the relative
`spacing of the plates 104 and the position of the cell is
`acceptable.
`FIG. 9A illustrates individual electrodes 104 and a pos-
`sible technique for electrical connection between the elec-
`trodes. Each of the electrodes 104 has a tab 112 extending
`from one end thereof. Every other electrode has a tab at the
`top, and every other electrode has a tab at the bottom. The
`tabs may be at the other end thereof as well, if desired.
`According to a first embodiment,
`the tabs 112 remain
`straight and a first electrical connection at the top thereof
`connects all the tabs 112 at the top portion to a negative side
`of a power supply. Similarly, an electrode at the bottom
`connects all of the tabs 112 of the bottom portion to a
`positive power supply. The electrodes are therefore all
`connected in parallel with the full battery voltage applied
`again across each electrode. Additional
`techniques are
`shown and described in the previous US. patents which
`have been incorporated herein by reference.
`FIG. 9B illustrates a fast connection clip technique in
`which the tabs 112 are bent and clips 113 are placed at the
`end of alternating tabs 112 for quickly and easily connecting
`them together as pairs. This is an easy manufacturing
`
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`

`US 6,296,756 B1
`
`7
`process and may shorten the time to manufacture and have
`the same electrical results.
`
`FIG. 10 shows yet a further alternative embodiment,
`generally along the lines of FIG. 9B. According to this
`alternative embodiment, a housing cap 115 contains electri-
`cal connections 116. The electrical connections 116 mate
`
`with the tabs 112 to hold them together, as well as electri-
`cally connect
`them to each other. This is a quick and
`common easy manufacturing method by which the housing
`is assembled simultaneously with the electrodes being con-
`nected to each other in a proper manufacturing technique.
`This end cap 115, may, for example, be at a top portion
`thereof similar to the electric power supply 112 so as to both
`retain the plates and also provide the final electrical con-
`nection therefor.
`
`FIG. 11 shows a simple housing 125 which includes an
`on/off switch and a transformer for a direct connection to the
`AC power supply. The transformer steps the power down for
`usage by the electronic controls 118 and provides it on line
`120. FIG. 12 shows a similar housing 127 and power supply
`124 in which battery is the source of the power. Again, the
`output of the power supply 124 is provided on line 120 to the
`electronic controls 118. FIG. 13 shows a similar housing 129
`which includes a solar power source 129 having a solar plate
`123. The solar plate 123 receives sunlight and generates
`electric power in a manner well known in the art. Each of the
`power units shown in FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 include an output
`switch by which the output voltage can be selected from a
`range of 3 to 12 volts in 3 volt increments. Of course, power
`supplies can be provided with a higher or lower voltage
`output as desired. These all represent very simple versions of
`the control circuit 118 since it
`includes only the power
`adapter and an on/off switch for the user control panel and
`the electronic controls.
`
`In one preferred embodiment, the power supply unit is in
`the same housing, integral with a more complex control
`circuit 118. In this embodiment,
`the power supply unit
`corresponds to the power adapter 121 within the system
`control circuit 118. The user control panel 126 has the
`appropriate selection buttons and visual display readout to
`permit selection of the appropriate power supply and output
`voltage if this is needed. Of course, much of this will be
`automatically provided on the control of the central elec-
`tronic controls 122 so that the user control panel includes
`switches for on and off, timing, programming and other
`functions, but does not include a voltage selection switch or
`the like.
`
`FIGS. 14 shows in one embodiment, the portable elec-
`trolytic cell 102 and the system control circuit 118 connected
`to a container 140. In FIG. 14, the cell 102 is fixed in the
`container, but in FIG. 15, both the portable electrolytic cell
`102 and the system control circuit 118 are detachable from
`the container 140. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, a container
`connector 135 is located on an inside wall of the container
`
`140 to receive the electrolytic cell 102. A system control
`circuit connector 134 is located on an outside wall of the
`
`container 140 to receive the connection from the system
`control circuit 118. The connectors 135 and 134 are water-
`
`proof to permit easy removal and coupling. The container
`140 includes water 142 at any desired level.
`When the portable electrolytic cell 102 is in the container
`140, standoffs 114 maintain the portable electrolytic cell 102
`off the bottom of the container 140 such that, when in use,
`water flows easily