MXPA00003930A - Ozone generator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an ozone generator comprising a discharge means and a reflecting screen. The discharge means comprises a rough-surfaced dielectric element with central aperture and rectangular cross section sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode comprises a plurality of helical windings that contact a plurality of flanges on the dielectric element and the second electrode is comprised of an electrically conductive coating which overlies the rough surface of the dielectric element. The first electrode is aligned with respect to the central aperture, dielectric element, and the second electrode such that a constant distance of separation between the electrodes is maintained along the entire length of the discharge means. The reflecting screen, joined to the discharge means by a plurality of mounting brackets, directs accumulated ozone away from the ozone generator and toward an intended site for treatment. The disclosed invention converts oxygen to ozone with great efficiency and, unexpectedly, the fusion of the second electrode with the surface of the dielectric element provides improved ozone recovery by rapidly dissipating heat generated by the discharge means.

Description

OZONE GENERATOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that has many industrial and domestic uses. Ozone kills bacteria effectively, inhibits the growth of fungi and inactivates many viruses, cysts and spores. Additionally, soaps, oils and chloramines can be sent environmentally safe through ozone treatment. The antiseptic properties of ozone are useful for water purification, room sanitation, equipment sterilization and food preservation. There are several known methods for producing ozone from the air or from other gases that contain oxygen. A number of these procedures generate ozone by passing an oxygen-containing gas between two electrodes, separated by a dielectric material - oxygen is converted to ozone as it travels through the electrical corona. Ozone has a half-life of only about 22 minutes at room temperature, and at higher temperatures the rate of decomposition of ozone accelerates. An efficient ozone generator must, therefore, produce a high concentration of ozone if generating the applicable heat. For this purpose, several modifications have been developed in the discharge of the basic crown of the generator. U.S. Patent No. 5,409,673 is related to an ozone generator characterized in that an outer electrode lies on top of a portion of a dielectric tube filled with a mass of helical windings that serve as an inner electrode. Similarly, U.S. Patent No. 5,554,344 teaches the improvement of ozone production by employing electrodes with an irregular surface while U.S. Patent No. 4,981,656 teaches that a polygonal shaped electrode provides a uniform discharge of gas at low electrical voltages. . Further, with respect to heat dissipation, U.S. Patent No. 4,770,858 teaches the benefits of coating the surface of a dielectric tube with non-conductive particles of an inorganic material. Despite the numerous beneficial applications of ozone and the repeated attempts of previous technology to invent an efficient ozone generator, this discovery has not yet occurred. The failure of prior technology to provide an efficient ozone generator can be attributed to three persistent problems: improperly aligned electrodes, heat buildup generated by electric shock, and the lack of elements to direct ozone made recently away from apparatus to Site ready for treatment. The need for a simple and compact device that efficiently produces and disperses ozone without accumulating a considerable amount of heat is manifest. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention discloses a new apparatus and method for producing ozone through a silent electric discharge. As disclosed herein, an ozone generator comprises a silent discharge element attached to a reflective shield. The discharge element comprises a dielectric element with a rough rectangular surface, a first electrode and a second electrode. The dielectric element is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode and both electrodes are connected to a high frequency converter (HF). The first electrode comprising a plurality of helical windings that contact a plurality of flanges in the dielectric element and the second electrode comprising an electrically conductive coating that lies on top of the rough surface of the dielectric element. The rectangular shape of the dielectric element facilitates the alignment of the electrodes, and the flanges maintain this position. The fusion of the second electrode with the surface of the dielectric element significantly improves the recovery of ozone by rapidly dispersing the heat while generating, and the reflecting screen directs the accumulated ozone away from the ozone generator and towards a site destined for the treatment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a side sectional view of a first embodiment of a silent discharge element fixed to an HF converter, taken on arrow 1 of Figure 2. Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the silent discharge element. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the discharge element.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the first embodiment of an ozone generator according to the present invention (without reflective screen). Figure 5 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention. Figure 6 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention. Figure 7 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention. Figure 8 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FORMS OF REALIZATION OF PREFERENCE The present invention will be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, and in which the preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. However, this invention can incorporate many different forms, and should not be construed as limited by the embodiments set forth herein. The applicants provide these embodiments so that this disclosure can be thorough and complete, and desirably convey the scope of the invention to persons skilled in the art. As shown in Figures 1-8, an ozone generator comprising a discharge element 24 optionally connected to a reflective screen 22. The discharge element 24 is connected to a high frequency converter (HF converter) 58, which change is connected to a power supply 20. The power supply 20 can be a storage battery (Figures 6, 8) or a normal line of current from an electrical network (110 or 220 volts) (Figures 4, 5, 7). ). Optional electrical conductors may be used to connect the high frequency converter 58 to the discharge element 24 and to the power supply 20. Figures 1-3 reveal that the discharge member 24 comprises a rough surface dielectric element 34 of rectangular shape, central opening 44, a first electrode 32, a second electrode 36 and a plurality of flanges 30. The electrodes 32 and 36 are connected to the high frequency converter (HF) 58, which in turn is connected to an energy supply 20. Power supply can be a battery or a line current from a power grid. In a first embodiment of the discharge element 24, illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the first electrode 32 comprising a plurality of helical windings that are mounted within the central opening 44 in an aligned position. The alienation of the first electrode 32 with respect to the central opening 44, the dielectric element 34 and the second electrode 36 is necessary to ensure uniform discharge at low voltages and to reduce the heat buildup of the dielectric element 34 and the electrodes 32 and 36 As used in this disclosure, the intended meaning for the word alignment and derivatives thereof encompasses the position of the first electrode 32 with respect to the central opening 44, the dielectric element 34 and the positioning of the first electrode 32 in a manner that it maintains a constant distance of separation between the electrodes 32 and 36 along the entire length of the discharge element 24. The rectangular shape of the dielectric element 34 facilitates the determination of the position of the alignment of the first electrode 32, and the flanges hold the first electrode 32 in a correct aligned position. The helical windings of the first electrode 32 comprise a spiral shape. The first electrode is held in position within the dielectric element 34 through the elastic nature or the spring-like behavior of the spiral. The first electrode 32 is generally of the same length as the dielectric element 34, although a first electrode 32 of any size can be constructed and mounted within the dielectric element of a larger size 32. The first electrode 32 of the first embodiment of the discharge element 24 may have from 1 winding per cm up to 100 windings per cm, or more desirably from 2 windings per cm to 50 windings per cm, or preferably from 2 windings per cm to 20 windings per cm. Similarly, the diameter of the filament used to construct the helical windings for this embodiment may include from 0.001 mm to 1 mm, or more desirably from 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.14 mm. The helical windings of the first electrode 32 can be made of tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, molybdenum and other suitable metals.

The flanges 30 holding the first electrode 32 in an aligned position can be part of a one-piece dielectric element 34, or alternatively, can be comprised of a different material than the dielectric element 34 and be fixed to the dielectric element 34 by methods conventional The dimensions of the flanges 30 and their spacing within the central opening 44 may depend on the type of the ozone generator and its intended application. The dielectric element 34 may contain from 4 to 20 flanges 30, or desirably from 4 to 10 flanges 30, or preferably from 4 to 6 flanges 30. The second electrode 36 of the first embodiment of the discharge element 24 comprises a conductive coating which lies above the rough outer surface of the dielectric element 34. electrically suitable conductive coatings include copper, silver, aluminum, although a person skilled in the technology may be able to develop and / or use any equivalent coating to comply with the intended purpose of this element of the present invention. The electrically conductive coating can be applied by spraying it or depositing it chemically with a thickness of 0.1 microns to 100 microns and more desirably 0.5 microns to 50 microns or preferably 2 to 10 microns. The second electrode 36 preferably covers the entire length of the dielectric element 34, or alternatively, may lie on top of only one of the portions of the dielectric element 34. The dielectric element 34 may be made of ceramic, but is within the ability of either the technology the manufacture of a dielectric element from many other suitable materials such as glass or PYREX. Alternatively, the surface of the dielectric element 34 facing the first electrode 32 can be a composite structure constructed of materials having different dielectric permeability and porosity as a ceramic or fiberglass. The thickness of the dielectric element 34 and the dimensions of the central opening 44 may vary according to the apparatus and the intended application, but, in general, the electrodes 32 and 36 may be separated by a dielectric element 34 having a thickness of 0.01. mm to 10 mm, or, more desirably, from 0.05 mm to 2 mm, or preferably from 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, and the central opening may have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, and still more preferably from 2 mm to 6 mm. The dielectric element 34 has a rough surface that serves as a foundation for the second electrode 36, since the dielectric element 34 overlaps the electrically conductive coating serving as the second electrode 26. The rough surface of the dielectric element 34 can be made by sanding, chemical treatment or incrustando the surface with nonconductive electrical particles. Suitable particles for embedding the surface of the dielectric element are glass or ceramic, but many equivalent particles will be known to a person skilled in the art. In addition there are many ways to create a dielectric element 34 with a rough surface, and any person skilled in the art can develop alternative elements to fulfill the purpose of the invention. The discharge at low voltages is improved by the rough surface of the second electrode 36, and the intimate association of the second electrode 36 with the dielectric element 34 allows rapid dispersion of the heat generated by the discharge element 24. The construction of the first form of The embodiment of the waste element 24 can be used as a guide for a person skilled in the technology to make and use the second embodiment of the discharge element 24, illustrated in Figure 3. In the second embodiment, the spiral of the first electrode 32 around the outside of the dielectric element 34, and the dielectric element 34 has a central opening 44 with a rough interior surface. In addition, the electrically conductive coating of the second electrode 36 lies on the rough surface within the central opening 44. The first electrode 32 is aligned with respect to the central opening 44 and the second electrode 36, and the flanges secure the first electrode 32 to the dielectric element 34 in the aligned position. The first electrode 32 of the second embodiment of the discharge element 24 can have from 1 winding per cm up to 100 windings per cm, or more desirably from 2 windings per cm up to 50 windings per cm, or preferably from 2 windings per cm up to 20 windings per cm. Similarly, the filament used to construct the helical windings of this embodiment has a diameter of 0.001 mm to 1 mm, or more desirably 0.01 mm to 0.5 mm, or preferably 0.1 mm to 0.14 mm. The helical windings of the first electrode 32 can be made of tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, molybdenum and other suitable metals. The fabrications of the reflecting screens 22 to accompany the embodiments illustrated in Figures 5-8 can be achieved through routine experimentation by a person skilled in the art upon presentation of the disclosure that follows. The reflecting screens 22 are generally made of plastic or metal, but can also be constructed of any other material known to those skilled in the art. In Figure 5, the reflecting screen 22 has a parabolic shape, and the dielectric element 34 of the discharge element 24 is attached to the reflecting screen 22 through a plurality of frame brackets 26. The frame brackets 26 may include many types of connectors whose compositions are often made of plastic but can comprise any other type of insulating material. By placing the discharge element 24 within the focus of the parabola of the reflecting screen 22, the ozone flow can be directed to the site intended for sterilization. Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the ozone generator in which the discharge element 24 is enclosed within a discharge box 54. A switch 48 is connected to a high frequency converter 58 which is attached to the power supply 20 and to the discharge element 24. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the power supply 20 is a line current of an electric network. A light emitting diode 50 is also connected to the high frequency converter 58 and indicates the operation of the ozone generator. An oxygen source can be connected to an inlet 62 so that the ozone can be generated while the oxygen passes through the discharge element 24. Alternatively, the inlet 62 can be fixed directly to the dielectric element 34 when an embodiment is used of the invention with a hollow dielectric element, such as with an internal electrode 32. The ozone exits the ozone generator through a sterilizing tip 64 which is constructed so that a variety of objects can adhere and be sterilized. Objects that can be attached to the sterilizing tips of this embodiment include catheters, tubing, needles, bottles and syringes. Sterilization of many other products can be achieved through this embodiment, and the sterilization tip 64 can be modified by a person skilled in the art to arrange a multitude of medical devices. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 5 (embodiment 2), the saddle brackets 26 and a protective shield 38 secure the discharge element 24 to a reflective screen 22 having the shape similar to a lid of a container. By placing this embodiment of the ozone generation 18 on a container that matches, items placed inside the container can be sterilized. In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, an upper compartment 56 of the ozone generator houses a switch 48 attached to the timer 46, a light emitting diode 50, and a high frequency convert 58 (shown 'in translucent lines) joining the power supply 20 and discharge element 24. In this case, the power supply is the line current from an electrical network. The discharge element 24 is mounted in a lower compartment 60 of the ozone generator, and the reflecting screen 22 forms a barrier between the two compartments. Upon opening the switch 48, the timer 46 is adjusted, and the current from the * «* - 5 power supply 20 is transferred through the high frequency converter 58 to the electrodes 32 and 36 and the light emitting diode 50. The Light emitting diode indicates that the ozone generator is in operation. When the set time ends, the current is withdrawn to the high frequency converter 58, the electrodes 32 and 36, and the light emitting diode 50. The ozone generator illustrated in Figure 6 is constructed similarly to the shape of embodiment shown in Figure 5, but takes the form of a clothes hook that provides an item for sterilizing articles of clothing. As described above, the power supply 20 (shown in translucent lines), the switch (not shown), the timer 48 (shown in translucent lines), the high frequency converter 58 and the light emitting diode 50 are isolated from the discharge element 24 by a barrier created by the reflecting screen 22. In this case, the power supply 20 it's a battery 20.

Although the embodiment set forth in Figure 7 is made in much the same way as the ozone generators described above, an adapter 52 attached to the high frequency converter 58 allows the user to draw power directly from an electrical outlet. A photo cell 51 allows an automatic change of on / off depending on the level of light. For example, the ozone generator can be adjusted to operate automatically at night. The ozone generator illustrated in Figure 7 provides an efficient and economical element to deodorize or sanitize a room. The apparatus shown in Figure 8 can be used to deodorize shoes. This ozone generator is constructed in the same manner as the embodiments shown in Figures 5-7, but is formed so that the apparatus can be placed inside a shoe. Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention may come to the mind of a person skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and associated drawings. Therefore, it should be understood that the invention is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed, and that the modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS 1. An apparatus for generating ozone from an electric discharge in a gas containing oxygen, this apparatus comprises: a dielectric element of rectangular cross-section having a rough surface; a plurality of flanges joined to the dielectric element; a first electrode comprising a plurality of electrically conductive helical windings in contact with the flanges; and a second electrode comprising an electrically conductive coating that lies on the rough surface of the dielectric element.
2. 2. The device according to the Claim 1 further comprises a reflective screen attached to the dielectric element to direct the flow of the ozone. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the dielectric is a composite structure comprising at least two materials of different dielectric permeability. 4. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the roughness of the dielectric is achieved through the milling of the dielectric surface. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the roughness of the dielectric is achieved by chemically treating the dielectric surface. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the roughness of the dielectric is achieved by embedding the dielectric surface with particles that are not electrically conductive. 7. The apparatus according to the Claim 1, wherein the second electrode comprises an electrically conductive material of non-solid structure. 8. The apparatus of Claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive material of non-solid structure comprises a gel. The apparatus according to Claim 7, wherein the electrically conductive material of non-solid structure comprises a colloid. The apparatus according to Claim 1, wherein the dielectric element comprises an opening. 11. The apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the flanges are outside the apparatus and the first electrode is in contact with the flange. The apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the dielectric flanges are outside the opening and the electrically conductive coating of the second electrode lies on the surface of the dielectric outside the opening. The apparatus according to Claim 10, wherein the dielectric flanges are outside the opening and the electrically conductive coating of the second electrode lies on the surface of the dielectric within the opening. 15. The device according to the Claim 10, wherein the first electrode is aligned with respect to the opening and the second electrode and the flanges maintain the aligned position. 16. A method for generating ozone from an electric discharge in an oxygen-containing gas comprises the steps of: providing a rectangular cross section dielectric element having a surface with a plurality of flanges joined with a dielectric and a surface opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges, a first electrode comprising a plurality of helical windings electrically conductive facing the plurality of flanges, and a second electrode comprising a coating electrically conductive on the surface of the dielectric element opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges; energize the first electrode and the second electrode with electrical energy to generate the electric discharge; Pass the oxygen-containing gas through the electric discharge to generate ozone. 17. The method according to claim 16, further comprising the direction of the flow of ozone through a parabolic-shaped reflecting screen. 18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the dielectric is a composite structure comprising at least two materials of different dielectric permeability. The method of Claim 16, wherein the second electrode comprises a layer of an electrically conductive material. 20. A method of agreement with Claim 16, further comprises flanges that make contact with the first electrode. 21. The method according to Claim 10, wherein the flanges hold the first electrode in an aligned position. 22. A method for sterilizing the contents of a container comprising the steps of: providing an ozone generator that is in the form of a felling of a container comprised of a dielectric element of rectangular cross-section having a surface with a plurality of flanges and a surface opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges, a first electrode comprising a plurality of helically wound coils electrically conductive facing the surface with a plurality of flanges, a second electrode comprising an electrically conductive coating on the surface of the element dielectric opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges, and a reflective screen that is fixed to the dielectric element; deposit the materials arranged for sterilization inside the container; join the ozone generator to the container; energize the first electrode and the second electrode with electrical energy to generate an electrical discharge; and passing a gas containing oxygen through the electric discharge to generate ozone. 23. The method according to the Claim 22, wherein the ozone generator further comprises a stopwatch, a switch attached to the stopwatch and a high frequency converter attached to the electrodes. A method for treating clothes with ozone comprising the steps of: providing an ozone generator having the shape of a clothes hook comprising a dielectric element of rectangular cross section having a surface with a plurality of flanges and an opposite surface - to the surface with a plurality of flanges, a first electrode comprising a plurality of helical windings electrically conductive facing the surface with a plurality of flanges, a second electrode comprising an electrically conductive coating on the surface of the dielectric element opposite to the surface with a plurality of flanges and a parabolic reflecting screen that is fixed to the dielectric element; join the materials destined for sterilization in the ozone generator; energize the first electrode and the second electrode with electrical energy to generate an electrical discharge; and passing a gas containing oxygen through the electric discharge to generate ozone. 25. The method according to the Claim 24, wherein the ozone generator further comprises a portable power supply, a timer attached to the portable power supply, a switch attached to the timer, and a high frequency converter attached to the power supply and the electrodes. 26. A method for sanitizing shoes comprising the steps of: providing an oblong-shaped ozone generator comprising a dielectric element of rectangular cross-section having a surface with a plurality of flanges and a surface opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges, a first electrode comprising a plurality of helically wound helical windings facing the surface with the plurality of flanges, a second electrode comprising an electrically conductive coating on the surface of the dielectric element opposite the surface with the plurality of flanges, and a parabolic reflecting screen that is fixed to the dielectric element; place an ozone generator inside a shoe; energize the first electrode and the second electrode with electrical energy to generate an electrical discharge; and passing the gas containing oxygen through the electric discharge to generate ozone. 27. The method according to the Claim 26, wherein the ozone generator further comprises a portable power supply, a timer attached to the portable power supply, a switch attached to the timer, a high frequency converter attached to the power supply and to the electrodes. 28. A method for deodorizing a room comprising the steps of: providing an ozone generator comprising a dielectric element of rectangular cross-section having a surface with a plurality of flanges and a surface opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges, a first electrode comprising a plurality of electrically conductive helical windings facing the surface of the dielectric element with a plurality of flanges, a second electrode comprising an electrically conductive coating on the surface of the dielectric element opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges , and a parabolic reflector screen fixed to the dielectric element. energize the first electrode and the second electrode with electrical energy to generate an electrical discharge; and passing a gas containing oxygen through the electric discharge to generate ozone. 29. The method according to Claim 28, where the ozone generator also includes a stopwatch, a switch attached to the stopwatch, and a high frequency converter linked to the power supply and the electrodes. 30. A method according to claim 18, wherein the ozone generator further comprises an adapter for an electrical outlet. A method for sterilizing a medical device comprising the steps of: providing an ozone generator comprising a dielectric element of rectangular cross section having a surface with a plurality of flanges and a surface opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges , a first electrode comprising a plurality of helical windings electrically conductive facing the flanges, a second electrode comprising an electrically conductive coating on the surface of the dielectric element opposite the surface with a plurality of flanges, a reflective screen of tubular shape which is connected at one end to an intake port that can be attached to a source of a gas containing oxygen, and a sterilizing tip attached to the reflecting screen on the side opposite the side where the intake port was connected; join a source of a gas containing oxygen to the intake intake; energize the first electrode and the second electrode with electrical energy to generate an electrical discharge; and passing a gas containing oxygen through electric discharge to generate ozone. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an ozone generator comprising a discharge element and a reflective screen. The discharge element comprises a dielectric element with a rough surface with a central opening and a rectangular cross section sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode comprises a plurality of helical windings that contact a plurality of flanges in the dielectric element and the second electrode comprises an electrically conductive coating that lies on the rough surface of the dielectric element. The first diode is aligned with respect to the central opening, the dielectric element and the second electrode so that a constant distance of separation between the electrodes is maintained along the entire length of the discharge element. The reflecting screen, attached to the discharge element through a plurality of mounting brackets, directs the accumulated ozone away from the ozone generator and into a site intended for treatment. The disclosed invention converts oxygen into ozone with great efficiency and, unexpectedly, the fusion of the second electrode with the surface of the dielectric element provides an improved recovery of ozone through rapidly dissipating the heat generated by the discharge element.