Refrigeration – With means preventing or handling atmospheric condensate...
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-18
2001-04-03
Doerrler, William (Department: 3744)
Refrigeration
With means preventing or handling atmospheric condensate...
C062S093000, C062S264000, C062S285000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06209337
ABSTRACT:
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART
Various processes for purifying water exist in the prior art. Examples of such processes include filtration, anion/cation exchange, distillation and reverse osmosis. Each process is often supplemented with chlorination, oxidation, ultraviolet radiation and similar treatment methods. However, each of the aforementioned processes has several disadvantages. Filtering employs a filter medium that must be cleaned or periodically replaced which is expensive and laborious. Ion exchange resin is susceptible to destruction by other water treatment chemicals especially chlorine. Reverse osmosis is effective in removing most contaminants but the process requires a significant amount of raw input water to produce a predetermined amount of purified water.
Distillation involves boiling water and condensing the steam produced thereby. Because most of the dissolved solids remain with the liquid, the condensed steam is essentially pure. However, many volatile organics such as pesticides will vaporize with the steam and will be condensed therewith. Additionally, distillation requires a boiler or a similar steam producing device which is expensive to operate and maintain.
The present invention overcomes each of the disadvantages enumerated above by providing a device that condenses moisture from ambient air and collects such moisture within a storage reservoir. The storage reservoir includes a dispensing spigot in fluid communication therewith allowing the collected condensate to be dispensed into an external container. Although similar devices have been developed, the present invention includes an ultraviolet light unit having a sight port and a light cleaning means to ensure proper and efficient operation of the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a device for conveniently purifying and collecting water vapor entrained within ambient air. The device comprises a cabinet member having an air vent on a side wall thereof through which ambient air is delivered to the cabinet interior. Within the cabinet is an air intake fan, a condenser, a collection reservoir, a main reservoir, an ultraviolet light unit and a compressor. Ambient air is drawn through a filtering device and delivered to the condenser wherein moisture entrapped within the ambient air is condensed. The resulting moisture drips into the collection reservoir, is sterilized in an ultraviolet unit and is transferred to the main storage reservoir from which it may be selectively dispensed to an external container. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a portable water purification and collection device that provides a complete, multi stage treatment process for removing particulates, organics and inorganics from a water source.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a water purification and collection device that provides an inexpensive means for purifying a water source.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a water purification and collection device that produces sterile, purified water from ambient air. Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment when considered with the attached drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3035418 (1962-05-01), Wright
patent: 4255937 (1981-03-01), Ehrlich
patent: 5149446 (1992-09-01), Reidy
patent: 5203989 (1993-04-01), Reidy
patent: 5259203 (1993-11-01), Engel et al.
patent: 5301516 (1994-04-01), Pointdexter
patent: 5366705 (1994-11-01), Reidy
patent: 5517829 (1996-05-01), Michael
patent: 5701749 (1997-12-01), Zakryk
patent: 5729981 (1998-03-01), Markus et al.
patent: 5768905 (1998-06-01), Oh
Doerrler William
Shulman Mark
Tolar Kenneth L.
LandOfFree
Water collection and purification system does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Water collection and purification system, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Water collection and purification system will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2467675