Liquid purification or separation – Serially connected distinct treating with or without storage...
Reexamination Certificate
2000-07-24
2001-10-09
Simmons, David A. (Department: 1724)
Liquid purification or separation
Serially connected distinct treating with or without storage...
C210S266000, C210S748080, C210S917000, C422S186300
Reexamination Certificate
active
06299770
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to devices which utilize ultraviolet radiation and, more particularly, to a portable fluid container with an integral ultraviolet lighting system powered by direct current.
2. Description of the Related Art
One of the most basic necessities for human life is water. While large scale filtering and purification plants do a superb job of keeping a supply of fresh, clean water to most humans, there are times when such access is not handy. These times occur while camping, hunting, fishing and during other outdoor activities at remote conditions. They also occur while traveling to locations where water quality is questionable such as overseas locations. While such methods as portable filters and iodine tablets do exist to help in the filtering process, some bacteria and germs are still present. Ultraviolet light has proven to be an effective disinfection method for such bacteria and germs but such ultraviolet systems require connection to the AC power grid and are not suitable for remote locations.
A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related.
The following patents an ultraviolet radiation for disinfecting potable water.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,916,439 issued in the name of Oleskow
U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,395 issued in the name of Kuennan et al.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,026,477 issued in the name of Yen
U.S. Pat. No. 4,615,799 issued in the name of Mortenson
The following patents describe a portable water disinfecting device.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,066,551 issued in the name of Stern
U.S. Pat. No. 3,965,008 issued in the name of Dawson
U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,394 issued in the name of Markham discloses a water treatment system ultraviolet bulb voltage monitor circuit.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,956,754 issued in the name of Chen describes an ultraviolet lamp assembly for destroying microorganisms in aquarium water.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,089,768 issued in the name of Fischer et al. discloses a battery-operated water purification system.
Consequently, a need exists for a means by which water can be disinfected by ultraviolet light without connection to an AC power source.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is an object of the invention to provide for a portable water treatment apparatus capable of disinfecting the liquid contents held therein.
Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable ultraviolet water disinfecting device is provided as a portable apparatus that disinfects water using ultraviolet light. The main housing of the invention is a two liter durable container with an opening at top. Filtered water is charged into this opening until the container is filled to a predetermined recommended fillpoint. An ultraviolet lamp is then inserted into the opening. A ballast powered by a DC source (such as a rechargeable battery) allows for the operation of the light without connection to an AC power grid. After an appropriate period of time, the water inside will be disinfected of any bacteria or germs that can be killed by ultraviolet light. The invention also includes a power inlet for connection to an external DC source (such as a cigarette lighter) to operate the invention or recharge the DC source. It is envisioned that the invention would be suited for use while camping and is especially suited for use during travel to overseas locations where water quality is questionable.
The use of the present invention allows for the disinfection of water by ultraviolet light in a quick, easy and effective manner at any location without reliance on external sources of power.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3965008 (1976-06-01), Dawson
patent: 4008045 (1977-02-01), Free
patent: 4066551 (1978-01-01), Stern
patent: 4089768 (1978-05-01), Fischer et al.
patent: 4101777 (1978-07-01), Reid
patent: 4615799 (1986-10-01), Mortenson
patent: 4755292 (1988-07-01), Merriam
patent: 4857204 (1989-08-01), Joklik
patent: 4956754 (1990-09-01), Chen
patent: 5026477 (1991-06-01), Yen
patent: 5106495 (1992-04-01), Hughes
patent: 5401394 (1995-03-01), Markham
patent: 5536395 (1996-07-01), Kuennan et al.
patent: 5785845 (1998-07-01), Colaiano
patent: 5853676 (1998-12-01), Morgan, Jr.
patent: 5916439 (1999-06-01), Oleskow
patent: 6110424 (2000-08-01), Maiden et al.
patent: 6180003 (2001-01-01), Reber et al.
patent: 6245229 (2001-06-01), Kool et al.
Diener Ray R.
Hecht Thomas R.
Gugliotta John D.
Prince Fred
Simmons David A.
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