US20030053932A1 - Ozone generator - Google Patents
Ozone generator Download PDFInfo
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- US20030053932A1 US20030053932A1 US09/317,362 US31736299A US2003053932A1 US 20030053932 A1 US20030053932 A1 US 20030053932A1 US 31736299 A US31736299 A US 31736299A US 2003053932 A1 US2003053932 A1 US 2003053932A1
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- Prior art keywords
- ozone generator
- ozone
- power supply
- joined
- sterilizing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47G—HOUSEHOLD OR TABLE EQUIPMENT
- A47G25/00—Household implements used in connection with wearing apparel; Dress, hat or umbrella holders
- A47G25/60—Hangers having provision for perfumes or for pesticides or pest repellants, e.g. for storing in moth-proof bags
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/16—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using chemical substances
- A61L2/20—Gaseous substances, e.g. vapours
- A61L2/202—Ozone
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B13/00—Oxygen; Ozone; Oxides or hydroxides in general
- C01B13/10—Preparation of ozone
- C01B13/11—Preparation of ozone by electric discharge
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/10—Dischargers used for production of ozone
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/10—Dischargers used for production of ozone
- C01B2201/14—Concentric/tubular dischargers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/20—Electrodes used for obtaining electrical discharge
- C01B2201/22—Constructional details of the electrodes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C01—INORGANIC CHEMISTRY
- C01B—NON-METALLIC ELEMENTS; COMPOUNDS THEREOF; METALLOIDS OR COMPOUNDS THEREOF NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASS C01C
- C01B2201/00—Preparation of ozone by electrical discharge
- C01B2201/30—Dielectrics used in the electrical dischargers
- C01B2201/32—Constructional details of the dielectrics
Definitions
- Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that has many industrial and household uses. Ozone effectively kills bacteria, inhibits fungal growth, and inactivates many viruses, cysts, and spores. In addition, soaps, oils, and chloramines can be rendered environmentally safe by ozone treatment. The antiseptic properties of ozone are useful for water purification, room sanitation, equipment sterilization, and food preservation.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,673 relates to an ozone generator characterized by an outer electrode overlying a portion of a dielectric tube filled with a mass of helical windings which serves as an inner electrode.
- U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,344 teaches the enhancement of ozone production by employing electrodes with a jagged surface while U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,656 teaches that an electrode of polygonal shape provides uniform gas discharge at low electrical voltages.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,858 teaches the benefits of coating the surface of a dielectric tube with non-conductive particles of inorganic material.
- an ozone generator is comprised of a silent discharge means joined to a reflecting shield.
- the discharge means comprises a rough-surfaced dielectric element of rectangular shape, 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 (HF) converter.
- HF high frequency
- the first electrode is comprised of 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 rectangular shape of the dielectric element facilitates the alignment of the electrodes, and the flanges maintain this aligned position.
- the fusion of the second electrode with the surface of the dielectric element significantly improves ozone recovery by rapidly dispersing heat as it is generated, and the reflecting screen directs accumulated ozone away from the ozone generator and toward an intended site for treatment.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a silent discharge means attached to a HF converter, taken at arrow 1 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the silent discharge means.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the discharge means.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an ozone generator according to the present invention (without reflecting screen).
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- an ozone generator is comprised of a discharge means 24 optionally connected to a reflecting screen 22 .
- the discharge means 24 is connected to a high frequency converter (HF converter) 58 which is in turn connected to a power supply 20 .
- the power supply 20 is either a storage battery (FIG. 6, 8) or normal line current from an electrical network (110 or 220 volts) (FIG. 4, 5, 7 ).
- Optional electrical leads 28 may be used to connect the high frequency converter 58 to the discharge means 24 and the power supply 20 .
- the discharge means 24 is comprised of a rough-surfaced dielectric element 34 of rectangular shape, a central aperture 44 , a first electrode 32 , a second electrode 36 , and a plurality of flanges 30 .
- the electrodes 32 and 36 are attached to the high frequency (HF) converter 58 , which is in turn attached to the power supply 20 .
- the power supply is either a battery or line current from an electrical network.
- the first electrode 32 is comprised of a plurality of helical windings that are mounted inside the central aperture 44 in an aligned position. Alignment of the first electrode 32 with respect to the central aperture 44 , dielectric element 34 , and the second electrode 36 is necessary to ensure uniform discharge at low voltages and to reduce the accumulation of heat at the dielectric element 34 and the electrodes 32 and 36 .
- the intended meaning of the word alignment and derivatives thereof encompasses the position of the first electrode 32 with respect to the central aperture 44 , the dielectric element 34 , and the placement of the first electrode 32 in a manner that maintains a constant distance of separation between the electrodes 32 and 36 along the entire length of the discharge means 24 .
- the rectangular shape of the dielectric element 34 facilitates the determination of the position of the alignment of the first electrode 32 , and flanges 30 hold the first electrode 32 in the properly aligned position.
- the helical windings of the first electrode 32 comprise a spiral shape. The first electrode is held in position inside the dielectric element 34 through the elastic nature or spring-like behavior of the spiral.
- the first electrode 32 is generally the same length as the dielectric element 34 , although a first electrode 32 of any size can be constructed and mounted within a larger-sized dielectric element 34 .
- the first electrode 32 of the first embodiment of the discharge means 24 may have 1 winding per cm to 100 windings per cm, or more desirably 2 windings per cm to 50 windings per cm, or preferably 2 windings per cm to 20 windings per cm.
- the diameter of the filament used to construct the helical windings for this embodiment may include 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 from tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, molybdenum, or other suitable metals.
- the flanges 30 which hold the first electrode 32 in an aligned position may be part of a single-piece dielectric element 34 or, alternatively, may be comprised of a material different than the dielectric element 34 and attached to the dielectric element 34 by conventional methods.
- the dimensions of the flanges 30 and their spacing within the central aperture 44 may depend on the type of ozone generator and its intended application.
- the dielectric element 34 may contain from 4 to 20 flanges 30 , or desirably 4 to 10 flanges 30 , or preferably 4 to 6 flanges 30 .
- the second electrode 36 of the first embodiment of the discharge means 24 comprises an electrically conductive coating that overlies the rough outer surface of the dielectric element 34 .
- Suitable electrically conductive coatings include copper, silver, and aluminum, although one of skill in the art would be able to develop and/or use many equivalent coatings to fulfill the intended purpose of this element of the present invention.
- the electrically conductive coating can be applied by being sprayed or chemically deposited to a thickness of 0.1 microns to 100 microns or more desirably from 0.5 microns to 50 microns or preferably from 2 to 10 microns.
- the second electrode 36 preferably spans the entire length of the dielectric element 34 , or alternatively, may overlay only a portion of the dielectric element 34 .
- the dielectric element 34 can be made from ceramic, but it is within the skill of anyone in the art to manufacture a dielectric element from many other suitable materials such as glass or PYREX.
- 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 such as ceramic and glass fiber.
- the thickness of the dielectric element 34 and the dimensions of the central aperture 44 may vary according to the apparatus and intended application, but, in general, the electrodes 32 and 36 are separated by a dielectric element 34 having a thickness of 0.01 mm to 10 mm or, more desirably, 0.05 mm to 2 mm or preferably 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, and the central aperture 44 can have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, and most preferably from 2 mm to 6 mm.
- the dielectric element 34 has a rough surface which serves as the foundation for the second electrode 36 , once the dielectric element 34 is overlaid with the electrically conductive coating serving as the second electrode 36 .
- the rough surface on the dielectric element 34 can be made by sanding, chemical treatment, or by embedding the surface with electrically non-conductive particles. Particles suitable for embedding the surface of the dielectric element are glass or ceramic, but many equivalent particles would be known by one of skill in the art.
- 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 enables the rapid dispersion of heat generated by the discharge means 24 .
- first embodiment of the discharge means 24 can be used to guide one of skill in the art to make and use the second embodiment of the discharge means 24 , illustrated in FIG. 3.
- the first electrode 32 spirals around the outside of the dielectric element 34 , and the dielectric element 34 has a central aperture 44 with a rough interior surface.
- the electrically conductive coating of the second electrode 36 overlies the rough surface inside the central aperture 44 .
- the first electrode 32 is aligned with respect to the central aperture 44 and the second electrode 36 , and 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 means 24 may have 1 winding per cm to 100 windings per cm, or more desirably 2 windings per cm to 50 windings per cm, or preferably 2 windings per cm to 20 windings per cm.
- the filament used to construct the helical windings for 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 may be made from tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, molybdenum, or other suitable metals.
- reflecting screens 22 are generally made from plastic or metal, but they can also be constructed from many other materials known to those of skill in the art.
- the reflecting screen 22 is a parabolic shape, and the dielectric element 34 of the discharge means 24 is joined to the reflecting screen 22 by a plurality of mounting brackets 26 .
- Mounting brackets 26 can include many types of connectors whose compositions are frequently made of plastic but can be comprised of any other insulating material.
- FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of the ozone generator in which the discharge means 24 is enclosed within a discharge housing 54 .
- a switch 48 is connected to a high frequency converter 58 that joins to the power supply 20 and the discharge means 24 .
- the power supply 20 is line current from an electrical network.
- a light emitting diode 50 is also connected to the high frequency converter 58 and indicates the operation of the ozone generator.
- a source of oxygen can be attached to an inlet 62 so that ozone can be generated as the oxygen passes through the discharge means 24 .
- the inlet 62 can be attached directly to the dielectric element 34 when using an embodiment of the invention with a hollow dielectric element, such as one 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 be attached and sterilized.
- Objects which can be attached to the sterilizing tip of this embodiment include catheters, tubing, needles, bottles, and syringes.
- the sterilization of many other items can be achieved by this embodiment, and the sterilization tip 64 can be modified by one of skill in the art to accommodate a multitude of medical devices.
- an upper compartment 56 of the ozone generator houses a switch 48 joined to the timer 46 , a light emitting diode 50 , and a high frequency converter 58 (shown in phantom lines) joining the power source 20 and the discharge means 24 .
- the power source is line current from an electrical network.
- the discharge means 24 is mounted in a lower compartment 60 of the ozone generator, and the reflecting screen 22 forms a barrier between the two compartments.
- the timer 46 is set, and current from the 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.
- the set time expires, the current to the high frequency converter 58 , the electrodes 32 and 36 , and the light emitting diode 50 is removed.
- the ozone generator illustrated in FIG. 6 is constructed similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 but takes the shape of a clothes hanger and provides a means to sterilize articles of clothing.
- the power supply 20 (shown in phantom lines), switch 48 (not shown), timer 46 (shown in phantom lines), high frequency converter 58 , and light emitting diode 50 are isolated from the discharge means 24 by a barrier created by the reflecting screen 22 .
- the power supply 20 is a battery.
- FIG. 7 Although the embodiment set forth in FIG. 7 is fabricated in much the same manner as the ozone generators described above, an adapter 52 attached to the high frequency converter 58 enables a user to draw current directly from an electrical outlet.
- a photo-cell 51 allows for automatic on/off switching depending on the light level. For example, the ozone generator can be set to operate automatically at night.
- the ozone generator pictured in FIG. 7 provides an efficient and economical means to deodorize or sanitize a room.
- the apparatus shown in FIG. 8 can be used to deodorize shoes.
- This ozone generator is constructed in the same manner as the embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 - 7 , but it is shaped so that the apparatus can be placed in a shoe.
Abstract
Description
- Ozone is a powerful oxidizing agent that has many industrial and household uses. Ozone effectively kills bacteria, inhibits fungal growth, and inactivates many viruses, cysts, and spores. In addition, soaps, oils, and chloramines can be rendered environmentally safe by 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 air or other oxygen-containing gases. A number of these processes generate ozone by passing an oxygen-containing gas between two electrodes, separated by a dielectric material—the oxygen is converted to ozone as it travels through the electrical corona. Ozone has a half-life of only about 22 minutes at ambient temperatures, and at higher temperatures the rate of ozone decay is accelerated. An efficient ozone generator should, therefore, produce a high concentration of ozone without generating appreciable heat.
- To this aim, several modifications on the basic corona discharge ozone generator have been developed. U.S. Pat. No. 5,409,673 relates to an ozone generator characterized by an outer electrode overlying a portion of a dielectric tube filled with a mass of helical windings which serves as an inner electrode. Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,554,344 teaches the enhancement of ozone production by employing electrodes with a jagged surface while U.S. Pat. No. 4,981,656 teaches that an electrode of polygonal shape provides uniform gas discharge at low electrical voltages. Furthermore, with regard to heat dissipation, U.S. Pat. No. 4,770,858 teaches the benefits of coating the surface of a dielectric tube with non-conductive particles of inorganic material.
- Despite the numerous beneficial applications for ozone and repeated attempts in the prior art to invent an efficient ozone generator, such a discovery has not yet occurred. The failure of the prior art to provide an efficient ozone generator can be attributed to three persistent problems: improperly aligned electrodes, accumulation of heat generated by the electrical discharge, and the lack of a means to direct freshly made ozone away from the apparatus to a site intended for treatment. The need for a simple and compact apparatus which efficiently produces and rapidly disperses ozone without accumulating an appreciable amount of heat is manifest.
- The present invention discloses a new apparatus and method for producing ozone by electrical silent discharge. As disclosed herein, an ozone generator, is comprised of a silent discharge means joined to a reflecting shield. The discharge means comprises a rough-surfaced dielectric element of rectangular shape, 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 (HF) converter.
- The first electrode is comprised of 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 rectangular shape of the dielectric element facilitates the alignment of the electrodes, and the flanges maintain this aligned position. The fusion of the second electrode with the surface of the dielectric element significantly improves ozone recovery by rapidly dispersing heat as it is generated, and the reflecting screen directs accumulated ozone away from the ozone generator and toward an intended site for treatment.
- FIG. 1 is a sectional side view of a first embodiment of a silent discharge means attached to a HF converter, taken at arrow1 of FIG. 2.
- FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the silent discharge means.
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the discharge means.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of an ozone generator according to the present invention (without reflecting screen).
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- FIG. 6 is a sectional view of a third embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a fifth embodiment of the ozone generator according to the present invention.
- The present invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may be embodied in many different forms, however, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth within. Applicants provide these embodiments so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and willfully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
- As shown in FIGS.1-8, an ozone generator is comprised of a discharge means 24 optionally connected to a reflecting
screen 22. The discharge means 24 is connected to a high frequency converter (HF converter) 58 which is in turn connected to apower supply 20. Thepower supply 20 is either a storage battery (FIG. 6, 8) or normal line current from an electrical network (110 or 220 volts) (FIG. 4, 5, 7). Optionalelectrical leads 28 may be used to connect thehigh frequency converter 58 to the discharge means 24 and thepower supply 20. FIGS. 1-3 reveal that the discharge means 24 is comprised of a rough-surfaceddielectric element 34 of rectangular shape, acentral aperture 44, afirst electrode 32, asecond electrode 36, and a plurality offlanges 30. Theelectrodes converter 58, which is in turn attached to thepower supply 20. The power supply is either a battery or line current from an electrical network. - In a first embodiment of the discharge means24, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, the
first electrode 32 is comprised of a plurality of helical windings that are mounted inside thecentral aperture 44 in an aligned position. Alignment of thefirst electrode 32 with respect to thecentral aperture 44,dielectric element 34, and thesecond electrode 36 is necessary to ensure uniform discharge at low voltages and to reduce the accumulation of heat at thedielectric element 34 and theelectrodes first electrode 32 with respect to thecentral aperture 44, thedielectric element 34, and the placement of thefirst electrode 32 in a manner that maintains a constant distance of separation between theelectrodes dielectric element 34 facilitates the determination of the position of the alignment of thefirst electrode 32, andflanges 30 hold thefirst electrode 32 in the properly aligned position. The helical windings of thefirst electrode 32 comprise a spiral shape. The first electrode is held in position inside thedielectric element 34 through the elastic nature or spring-like behavior of the spiral. Thefirst electrode 32 is generally the same length as thedielectric element 34, although afirst electrode 32 of any size can be constructed and mounted within a larger-sizeddielectric element 34. Thefirst electrode 32 of the first embodiment of the discharge means 24 may have 1 winding per cm to 100 windings per cm, or more desirably 2 windings per cm to 50 windings per cm, or preferably 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 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 thefirst electrode 32 can be made from tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, molybdenum, or other suitable metals. - The
flanges 30 which hold thefirst electrode 32 in an aligned position may be part of a single-piecedielectric element 34 or, alternatively, may be comprised of a material different than thedielectric element 34 and attached to thedielectric element 34 by conventional methods. The dimensions of theflanges 30 and their spacing within thecentral aperture 44 may depend on the type of ozone generator and its intended application. Thedielectric element 34 may contain from 4 to 20flanges 30, or desirably 4 to 10flanges 30, or preferably 4 to 6flanges 30. - The
second electrode 36 of the first embodiment of the discharge means 24 comprises an electrically conductive coating that overlies the rough outer surface of thedielectric element 34. Suitable electrically conductive coatings include copper, silver, and aluminum, although one of skill in the art would be able to develop and/or use many equivalent coatings to fulfill the intended purpose of this element of the present invention. The electrically conductive coating can be applied by being sprayed or chemically deposited to a thickness of 0.1 microns to 100 microns or more desirably from 0.5 microns to 50 microns or preferably from 2 to 10 microns. Thesecond electrode 36 preferably spans the entire length of thedielectric element 34, or alternatively, may overlay only a portion of thedielectric element 34. - The
dielectric element 34 can be made from ceramic, but it is within the skill of anyone in the art to manufacture a dielectric element from many other suitable materials such as glass or PYREX. Alternatively, the surface of thedielectric element 34 facing thefirst electrode 32 can be a composite structure constructed of materials having different dielectric permeability and porosity such as ceramic and glass fiber. The thickness of thedielectric element 34 and the dimensions of thecentral aperture 44 may vary according to the apparatus and intended application, but, in general, theelectrodes dielectric element 34 having a thickness of 0.01 mm to 10 mm or, more desirably, 0.05 mm to 2 mm or preferably 0.1 mm to 0.7 mm, and thecentral aperture 44 can have a diameter of 0.1 mm to 20 mm, more preferably 1 mm to 10 mm, and most preferably from 2 mm to 6 mm. - The
dielectric element 34 has a rough surface which serves as the foundation for thesecond electrode 36, once thedielectric element 34 is overlaid with the electrically conductive coating serving as thesecond electrode 36. The rough surface on thedielectric element 34 can be made by sanding, chemical treatment, or by embedding the surface with electrically non-conductive particles. Particles suitable for embedding the surface of the dielectric element are glass or ceramic, but many equivalent particles would be known by one of skill in the art. Furthermore, there are many ways to create adielectric element 34 with a rough surface, and any person of skill in the art could develop alternative means to fulfill this purpose of the invention. Discharge at low voltages is improved by the rough surface of thesecond electrode 36, and the intimate association of thesecond electrode 36 with thedielectric element 34 enables the rapid dispersion of heat generated by the discharge means 24. - The construction of the first embodiment of the discharge means24 can be used to guide one of skill in the art to make and use the second embodiment of the discharge means 24, illustrated in FIG. 3. In the second embodiment, the
first electrode 32 spirals around the outside of thedielectric element 34, and thedielectric element 34 has acentral aperture 44 with a rough interior surface. Furthermore, the electrically conductive coating of thesecond electrode 36 overlies the rough surface inside thecentral aperture 44. Thefirst electrode 32 is aligned with respect to thecentral aperture 44 and thesecond electrode 36, and flanges secure thefirst electrode 32 to thedielectric element 34 in the aligned position. Thefirst electrode 32 of the second embodiment of the discharge means 24 may have 1 winding per cm to 100 windings per cm, or more desirably 2 windings per cm to 50 windings per cm, or preferably 2 windings per cm to 20 windings per cm. Similarly, the filament used to construct the helical windings for 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 thefirst electrode 32 may be made from tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, molybdenum, or other suitable metals. - The fabrication of reflecting
screens 22 to accompany the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 5-8 can be accomplished through routine experimentation by one of skill in the art given the disclosure that follows. Reflectingscreens 22 are generally made from plastic or metal, but they can also be constructed from many other materials known to those of skill in the art. In FIG. 5, the reflectingscreen 22 is a parabolic shape, and thedielectric element 34 of the discharge means 24 is joined to the reflectingscreen 22 by a plurality of mountingbrackets 26. Mountingbrackets 26 can include many types of connectors whose compositions are frequently made of plastic but can be comprised of any other insulating material. By placing the discharge means 24 within the focus of the parabola of the reflectingscreen 22, the flow of ozone can be directed to a site intended for sterilization. - FIG. 4 shows a first embodiment of the ozone generator in which the discharge means24 is enclosed within a
discharge housing 54. Aswitch 48 is connected to ahigh frequency converter 58 that joins to thepower supply 20 and the discharge means 24. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, thepower supply 20 is line current from an electrical network. Alight emitting diode 50 is also connected to thehigh frequency converter 58 and indicates the operation of the ozone generator. A source of oxygen can be attached to aninlet 62 so that ozone can be generated as the oxygen passes through the discharge means 24. Alternatively, theinlet 62 can be attached directly to thedielectric element 34 when using an embodiment of the invention with a hollow dielectric element, such as one with aninternal electrode 32. The ozone exits the ozone generator through a sterilizing tip 64 which is constructed so that a variety of objects can be attached and sterilized. Objects which can be attached to the sterilizing tip of this embodiment include catheters, tubing, needles, bottles, and syringes. The sterilization of many other items can be achieved by this embodiment, and the sterilization tip 64 can be modified by one of skill in the art to accommodate a multitude of medical devices. - Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 5 (embodiment 2), mounting
brackets 26 and aprotective shield 38 secure the discharge means 24 to a reflectingscreen 22 shaped like a lid to a container. By placing this embodiment of the ozone generator over a matching container, items placed inside the container can be sterilized. According to this aspect of the present invention, anupper compartment 56 of the ozone generator houses aswitch 48 joined to thetimer 46, alight emitting diode 50, and a high frequency converter 58 (shown in phantom lines) joining thepower source 20 and the discharge means 24. In this case, the power source is line current from an electrical network. The discharge means 24 is mounted in alower compartment 60 of the ozone generator, and the reflectingscreen 22 forms a barrier between the two compartments. By opening theswitch 48, thetimer 46 is set, and current from thepower supply 20 is transferred through thehigh frequency converter 58 to theelectrodes light emitting diode 50. The light emitting diode indicates that the ozone generator is in operation. When the set time expires, the current to thehigh frequency converter 58, theelectrodes light emitting diode 50 is removed. - The ozone generator illustrated in FIG. 6 is constructed similarly to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 but takes the shape of a clothes hanger and provides a means to sterilize articles of clothing. As described above, the power supply20 (shown in phantom lines), switch 48 (not shown), timer 46 (shown in phantom lines),
high frequency converter 58, andlight emitting diode 50 are isolated from the discharge means 24 by a barrier created by the reflectingscreen 22. In this case, thepower supply 20 is a battery. - Although the embodiment set forth in FIG. 7 is fabricated in much the same manner as the ozone generators described above, an
adapter 52 attached to thehigh frequency converter 58 enables a user to draw current directly from an electrical outlet. A photo-cell 51 allows for automatic on/off switching depending on the light level. For example, the ozone generator can be set to operate automatically at night. The ozone generator pictured in FIG. 7 provides an efficient and economical means to deodorize or sanitize a room. - The apparatus shown in FIG. 8 can be used to deodorize shoes. This ozone generator is constructed in the same manner as the embodiments shown in FIGS.5-7, but it is shaped so that the apparatus can be placed in a shoe.
- Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to the mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications and embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US09/317,362 US20030053932A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 1999-05-24 | Ozone generator |
US09/974,660 US6565805B2 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 2001-10-09 | Ozone generator for deodorizing shoes |
US09/974,426 US20020025274A1 (en) | 1999-05-24 | 2001-10-09 | Ozone generator for sterilizing a medical device |
US09/973,859 US20020037235A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 2001-10-09 | Ozone generator for treating clothing |
US10/456,974 US20040071615A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 2003-06-05 | Ozone generator |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/956,709 US5911957A (en) | 1997-10-23 | 1997-10-23 | Ozone generator |
US09/317,362 US20030053932A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 1999-05-24 | Ozone generator |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/956,709 Continuation US5911957A (en) | 1997-10-23 | 1997-10-23 | Ozone generator |
Related Child Applications (4)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US39774999A Continuation-In-Part | 1997-10-23 | 1999-09-16 | |
US09/973,859 Division US20020037235A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 2001-10-09 | Ozone generator for treating clothing |
US09/974,426 Division US20020025274A1 (en) | 1999-05-24 | 2001-10-09 | Ozone generator for sterilizing a medical device |
US09/974,660 Division US6565805B2 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 2001-10-09 | Ozone generator for deodorizing shoes |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030053932A1 true US20030053932A1 (en) | 2003-03-20 |
Family
ID=25498584
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/956,709 Expired - Fee Related US5911957A (en) | 1997-10-23 | 1997-10-23 | Ozone generator |
US09/317,362 Abandoned US20030053932A1 (en) | 1997-10-23 | 1999-05-24 | Ozone generator |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US08/956,709 Expired - Fee Related US5911957A (en) | 1997-10-23 | 1997-10-23 | Ozone generator |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US5911957A (en) |
EP (1) | EP1042062A2 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2001520161A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20010015789A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1193795C (en) |
AU (1) | AU751897B2 (en) |
HK (1) | HK1033745A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1999020388A2 (en) |
Cited By (1)
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US20100259282A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2010-10-14 | Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. | Detector for proximity sensor and proximity sensor |
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-
1997
- 1997-10-23 US US08/956,709 patent/US5911957A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1998
- 1998-10-22 WO PCT/US1998/022358 patent/WO1999020388A2/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-10-22 KR KR1020007004436A patent/KR20010015789A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1998-10-22 EP EP98953876A patent/EP1042062A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1998-10-22 JP JP2000516771A patent/JP2001520161A/en active Pending
- 1998-10-22 AU AU11136/99A patent/AU751897B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1998-10-22 CN CNB988106108A patent/CN1193795C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-05-24 US US09/317,362 patent/US20030053932A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2001
- 2001-06-20 HK HK01104290A patent/HK1033745A1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100259282A1 (en) * | 2007-09-20 | 2010-10-14 | Panasonic Electric Works Co., Ltd. | Detector for proximity sensor and proximity sensor |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU751897B2 (en) | 2002-08-29 |
US5911957A (en) | 1999-06-15 |
WO1999020388A2 (en) | 1999-04-29 |
CN1193795C (en) | 2005-03-23 |
HK1033745A1 (en) | 2001-09-21 |
JP2001520161A (en) | 2001-10-30 |
CN1277557A (en) | 2000-12-20 |
EP1042062A2 (en) | 2000-10-11 |
AU1113699A (en) | 1999-05-10 |
KR20010015789A (en) | 2001-02-26 |
WO1999020388A3 (en) | 1999-09-23 |
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Owner name: HARTZ INTERNATIONAL INC., CALIFORNIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:KHATCHATRIAN, ROBERT G.;KHATCHATRIAN, ASHOT P.;REEL/FRAME:011539/0395 Effective date: 20000810 |
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Owner name: KNOBBE, MARTENS, OLSON & BEAR, LLP, CALIFORNIA Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MEDTECH CENTER, INC.;REEL/FRAME:012287/0752 Effective date: 20010820 |
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