DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0055] The present invention ozonation device is a compact and portable system for introducing ozone into water and for providing a convenient means for utilizing the ozonated water. In short, the present invention allows water in a handy reservoir to be ozonated in a simple, convenient and efficient manner. The ozonated water can then be applied to a variety of surfaces for cleaning and/or disinfecting purposes. The unit 60 includes a base 62 , a reservoir 64 and a filter cartridge 66 . The reservoir 64 is filled with water and placed on the base 62 . The water in the reservoir 64 circulates through the base 62 and filter cartridge 66 to become ozonated, and then flows back into the reservoir 64 . After this “charging” step is complete, the reservoir can be removed from the base 62 and used to apply the ozonated water in any manner desirable. The filter cartridge 66 is a separate element because it requires periodic replacement when its filtering qualities are diminished. It could, however, be built integrally with the base. The base 62 includes a control unit, using software to control the operation of the ozonating function. For instance, the control unit controls the “charging” of the water with ozone, turns on and off the ozone generator, senses performance (filter cartridge usefulness) and many other features to make the system work.

[0056] In one embodiment of the present invention, the invention is encompassed by the combination of a base unit 62 , a reservoir 64 and a cartridge 66 . The reservoir 64 , typically defined by a spray bottle or carafe, is removably retained within a recess 68 defined in the top surface 70 of the main housing of the base 62 . In addition, the water treatment cartridge containing deionization media and lead abatement media is removably retained within a second recess 72 in the top surface of the main housing. An ozone generator is also contained within the main housing 62 . Finally, a circulating flow path is defined between the reservoir, the ozone generator, and the water treatment cartridge 66 .

[0057] In operation, a user fills the reservoir 64 and places it in the corresponding recess 68 in the top surface 70 of the main housing 62 . Automatic valves 74 formed in the bottom of the reservoir 64 form part of the circulation path and connect with valve assembly 78 formed in the surface of the main housing 62 and are in fluid connection with the ozone generator. The automatic valves 74 work as part of the circulation path to allow water to flow from the reservoir 64 to the ozone generator and back into the reservoir 64 , during operation of the device 60 . The user next actuates the device 60 by a control unit thereby causing both a device pump and ozone generator to actuate. Generally, water is circulated from the reservoir 64 to the ozone generator (and also through a deionization media and lead abatement media) and back to the reservoir 64 for a predetermined amount of time. Over time, the level of ozone in the water contained within the reservoir is increased. After the cycle ends, the user simply removes the reservoir 64 from the base and uses it as desired. In an embodiment where the reservoir 64 is defined by a spray bottle, the user might use the ozonated water to clean vegetables or clean countertops.

[0058] FIG. 1 is a block diagram that illustrates the water circuit of one embodiment of the present invention. To use the present invention system, the user fills the reservoir 64 , in this case represented by a spray bottle, with tap water and installs it on the main housing 62 . The interface between the bottle 64 and the main housing 62 contains two one-way valves 74 (one for outflow from the bottle to the main housing and one for inflow to the bottle from the main housing) that cooperate to automatically open when the spray bottle 64 is installed on the main housing 62 thereby allowing water to pass between the base main housing 62 and the spray bottle 64 .

[0059] The user then activates a start switch of the control unit on the base main housing; the system could also automatically activate. The switch activates the pump, which draws tap water from the spray bottle into the ozone generator contained in the main housing. In one embodiment, the output of the pump has three branches including: a recirculation water path to a venturi mixer which then flows back to the bottle; a second flow path to the DI resin bed, which leads to the ozone cell; and a third path that leads a mechanical system to actuate the ozone generator (and thus the ozone cell). The water that goes through the recirculation branch flows through the venturi, then flows back to the bottle. The water that flows down the second path, is diverted to the DI resin and then through the ozone cell, then back to the venturi to be re-mixed with the water in the recirculation path, which flows back into the bottle. The water in the third path pressurizes a piston assembly in the ozone generator to move one member of the ozone cell towards the other member to complete the cell and start creating ozone for introduction to the water in the second path. This circulation path is described in more detail below with respect to FIG. 1 .

[0060] As designed, the ozone cell needs DI water input to prevent “poisoning” of the cell by ions commonly present in tap water, which would shorten its life. The ozone cell uses DI water as input and dissociates part of the DI water flowing through it into ozone gas (O ₃ ), oxygen gas (O ₂ ), and hydrogen gas (H ₂ ). The H ₂ gas dissipates into the air as a waste product. The DI water exiting the ozone cell contains O ₂ and O ₃ gases. It may also contain trace amounts of dissolved lead from the lead oxide plating used in the cell as a catalyst. The cell generates the O ₃ gas as micro bubbles that dissolve into the water. The water exiting the ozone cell (containing O ₂ and O ₃ gases) flows through a lead removal media to remove any trace amounts of lead. After exiting the lead filter, the ozonated DI water and ozone gas are fed back into the recirculation water line through a venturi. The venturi helps dissolve the ozone into the water. The water then flows back to the bottle.

[0061] The cycle continues for a preset amount of time during which the ozone concentration increases in the spray bottle to a desired level. The time period may vary depending on the size of the reservoir being ozonated. For example, a large reservoir may take approximately 15 minutes, while a small container may take approximately 10 minutes. The spray bottle or carafe ozone concentration is preferably about 2.0 ppm. At the end of the time period, the control unit instructs the pump and ozone cell to shut off. When the pump shuts off, the pressure on the piston keeping the cell in an operating orientation is released, and a biasing force, such as a spring, moves the movable member of the cell away from the rest of the cell, and thus terminates the ozone production. The user can then remove the reservoir and use the ozonated water to clean and/or disinfect food or surfaces.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 1 , the circulation path 80 incorporated in the present invention is disclosed. The circulation path is generally a loop extending between the reservoir 64 and the ozone generator 122 to allow the water in the reservoir 64 to become charged or ozonated. In particular reference to FIG. 1 , the circulation path 80 , for a point of reference, begins and ends in the reservoir 64 . The first section 82 of the circulation path flows from the reservoir 64 to the pump 124 . Pump 124 comprises an electric motor 286 and a gear pump 288 . The water flows to and through the pump 124 due to gravity as well as the draw created by the pump. After the pump, the circulation path braches into three different paths. The first path 84 is the recirculation path that flows back to the reservoir 64 through the venturi 308 . The second path 86 flows to the ozone generator 122 for treatment by the ozone cell 154 , and the third path 88 flows to the ozone generator 122 to actuate the ozone cell 154 .

[0063] The first path (recirculation path) 84 flows through the venturi 308 to allow mixing with the treated water flowing in the second path 86 , after that water has been treated by the ozone generator 122 . The water stream in the first path 84 and second path 86 recombine at the venturi 308 to flow back to the reservoir 64 .

[0064] The second path (the treatment path) 86 splits from the first path 84 in a diverter 90 (such as an aperture) to direct the water to the ozone generator 122 to be treated by the ozone cell 154 . In the embodiment described herein, the second path 86 , after splitting from the first path 84 , leads to a DI resin bed 92 to deionize the water prior to the water being treated by the ozone cell 154 . After the water flows through the DI bed 92 , the second path 86 flows through the ozone cell 154 for treatment thereby. The ozone cell 154 ozonates the water, as described below. After the ozone cell 154 , the second path 86 leads to a lead abatement filter 94 to remove any residual lead that may have been placed in the water stream in the ozone cell 154 . After flowing through the lead abatement filter 94 , the second channel 86 flows to the venturi 308 for recombination with the first path (the recirculation path) 84 , which again Rows back to the reservoir 64 .

[0065] The third path 88 formed by the circulation path 80 after the pump leads to the ozone generator 122 to actuate the ozone cell 154 . This is the actuation path. The ozone generator 122 includes the ozone cell 154 and related mechanism that allow the ozone cell 154 to be in one of two positions: 1) disengaged where the ozone cell 154 is not operable, and 2) engaged, where the ozone cell 154 is operable. The third path 88 actuates the mechanism to cause the ozone cell 154 go change from the first, unengaged position to the second, engaged position. In the embodiment described herein, the third path 88 is a dead leg which creates pressure on a piston 350 (the pressure being developed by the pump) to move the ozone cell 154 into the second, operable position.

[0066] The circulation path shown in FIG. 1 is representative of one circulation path only. The important path is the one flowing from the reservoir 64 to the ozone cell 154 and back to the reservoir. The pathway through the DI resin bed, or through the lead abatement filter are not necessarily required. In addition, with a different cell structure, the pathway to actuate the mechanism to engage the ozone cell is also not necessary where the ozone cell does not require such actuation.

[0067] The spray bottle 64 , base unit 62 , and deionization and lead filter cartridge 66 (cartridge unit) according to one embodiment of the present invention are shown in FIGS. 2 - 4 . While in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 a spray bottle 64 is illustrated, a carafe or other container can be used in the system providing it includes a valve assembly 74 adapted to work with the valve assembly 78 in the base unit 62 of the system, all as part of the circulation path for charging the fluid in the reservoir 64 (bottle or carafe) with O ₃ .

[0068] As illustrated in FIG. 3 , both the spray bottle 64 and cartridge 66 can be removed from the base unit 62 of the system 60 . Typically, a user will remove the spray bottle 64 after the water is ozonated to spray the ozonated water as desired. The cartridge unit 66 will usually remain in the base unit 62 . However, when the filtration media of the cartridge unit 66 is exhausted, the cartridge unit 66 can be removed and replaced with a new cartridge unit 66 .

[0069] The base unit 62 is a housing containing: the ozone generator 122 ; the pump 124 and valve assembly 126 for moving the treated and untreated water along the circulation flow path; the control unit 128 for controlling the process; and a substantial part of the circulation path 80 . As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the ozone generator 122 and pump 124 mentioned above are enclosed within the base unit housing 62 . Additional details regarding the spray bottle 64 , the cartridge unit 66 , and the base unit 62 are provided below.

[0070] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and FIGS. 3 and 4 , the base unit housing 62 contains the ozone generator 122 , the pump 124 , and the valve assemblies 126 for diverting both treated and untreated water. In one embodiment of the base unit housing 62 , the base unit 62 is substantially oval in shape in the lateral dimensions. However, any shape could be used for the base unit housing 62 so long as the base unit housing design provides stability to hold the spray bottle 64 and cartridge unit 66 and house the ozone generator 122 described below. As illustrated in FIG. 3 , there are two recesses 68 , 72 in the top surface of the base unit housing 62 . The front and larger recess 68 is adapted to receive a lower portion 76 of the reservoir 64 . For the purposes of this description, reference to a spray bottle will be made, understanding that a carafe or other type of reservoir could be used. The rear and smaller recess 72 is adapted to receive the cartridge unit 66 .

[0071] As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the bottom surface of the front recess includes valve assemblies 78 adapted to correspondingly connect with the valve assemblies 74 on the bottom surface of the spray bottle 64 . The recess 72 for the cartridge unit 66 defines apertures on a bottom wall of the recess to correspond to apertures on a base wall of the cartridge unit. These apertures are part of the circulation path. As also illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a user places the spray bottle 64 in the larger recess 68 towards the front of the top surface 70 of the base unit 62 . The user places the cartridge unit 66 in the rear recess 72 of the base unit 62 . Both the spray bottle recess 68 and the cartridge unit recess 72 are configured to securely hold the spray bottle 64 and cartridge unit 66 , respectively. The larger recess 68 , or spray bottle recess, as illustrated in FIG. 3 , includes a raised portion 132 on the bottom surface of the recess 68 . The valve assemblies 78 on the base unit 62 for the spray bottle 64 reside within the raised portion 132 . The bottom 76 of the reservoir defines a recess 134 having sidewalls and a ceiling (part of the bottom wall of the reservoir). The valve assemblies 74 for the bottle 64 are in the ceiling of the recess 134 . The raised portion 132 has the same general shape as the recess 134 , and provides added stability for the spray bottle 64 as it resides within the recess 68 in the main housing. In addition, the shape of the raised surface 132 acts as a key to help the user properly orient the spray bottle 64 within the recess 68 in the main housing 62 .

[0072] A lower front portion of the base unit 136 illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 defines a shelf 138 . In one embodiment, the shelf 138 includes an interface for the control unit 128 for actuating the device. In addition to the dimensions of the spray bottle 64 and the cartridge unit 66 , other parameters that affect the dimensions of the base unit 62 include the desired water flow capacity of the system, the necessary size of the ozone generator 122 to meet the desired capacity, the power supply, printed circuit board, and other elements.

[0073] A cantilever deflecting rib 142 on the back of the cartridge housing cooperates with a catch 144 on the back portion of the corresponding cartridge recess 72 to releasably secure the cartridge housing 66 within the main housing cartridge recess 72 . (See FIGS. 3 and 4 .) A power switch is located along one of the side surfaces of the main housing 62 and supplies power to the control unit 128 , the pump 124 , and the ozone generator 122 when turned on. The unit is powered by line voltage from regular 110 v electrical service, and can also be battery powered.

[0074] A backside wall 148 is vented to facilitate cooling of the generator motor and drying of an evaporation media. FIG. 4 shows two vents, a first vented area 150 located to reside below the motor, and a second smaller vented area 152 is located to reside below cell chamber 154 .

[0075] An evaporation media 156 (see FIG. 5 ) is located adjacent the smaller vented area 152 beneath the ozone generator cell chamber 154 (see FIG. 4 ). Referring to FIG. 5 , the evaporation media 156 is formed from a sponge-like absorbent material. The evaporation media is configured to collect any moisture that leaks from the ozone generator 122 . The vented bottom surface 152 in the lower housing portion and vented sidewall 150 in the back 148 of the upper housing portion 62 facilitate drying of the evaporation media 156 .

[0076] FIGS. 6 - 10 B illustrate the cartridge element 66 . The cartridge includes a cartridge housing 158 having a flat front surface 160 and a rounded back surface 162 . The cartridge housing 158 contains a DI resin filter separated into several separate but interconnected chambers 172 , and a lead abatement region in a serpentine layout. FIG. 6 shows the four apertures formed in the bottom of the cartridge. From left to right, aperture 164 is the inlet to the DI chamber. Aperture 166 is the outlet from the DI chamber. Aperture 168 is the inlet to the lead abatement region, and aperture 170 is the outlet from the lead abatement region. FIG. 7 shows the apertures from a bottom view. FIG. 8 shows the rib 142 that helps keep the cartridge 66 in the recess 72 . FIG. 9 is a cross section showing a couple DI chambers 172 , down tubes, fitter tops, and the lead abatement serpentine 178 . These will be described in more detail below.

[0077] FIGS. 10A and B are front exploded isometric views of the cartridge unit 66 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 6, 10A and 10 B, the cartridge unit 66 encloses media 180 for deionizing water prior to entering the ozone generator 122 , and the lead abatement filter 178 for removing trace amounts of lead after the water has passed through the ozone generator 122 . In one embodiment the cartridge unit 66 is divided into two regions, one for the DI water treatment and one for the lead abatement treatment. In the preferred embodiment, the top chamber 182 includes the deionizing media 180 and a bottom chamber 184 includes the lead filter. (See FIG. 9 .) Although the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 10A and B is generally rectangular in shape, any shape capable of enclosing both the deionizing media 180 and the lead filter 178 is acceptable providing it corresponds with the recess 72 in the base unit 62 of the system 60 and the applicable apertures 164 , 166 , 168 , 170 . The two chambers 182 , 184 could also be side by side or in any different configuration.

[0078] As mentioned above, in addition, the back surface 162 of the cartridge housing 158 also includes a rib 142 that mates with a catch 144 located on the device base 62 . The catch 144 operates with the rib 142 on the cartridge 66 to hold the cartridge 66 in place during operation of the device 60 .

[0079] As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the bottom surface of the cartridge unit 66 includes apertures 164 , 166 , 168 , 170 for allowing water to enter and exit both the deionization chamber 182 and the lead filter chamber 184 . The apertures can be watertight fittings that mate with corresponding fittings in the base of the recess 72 for the cartridge 66 . O-rings 186 or the like can be used to allow the fittings to seal tightly together but also provide a removable fit. The apertures 164 , 166 , 168 , 170 can also be similar to those between the bottom of the reservoir 64 and the circulation path, which are open when engaged and closed when not engaged. This valve variation is described in more detail below.

[0080] Since the cartridge 66 is not removed and replaced very often, the fittings structure (without valves) would be appropriate. The fittings, or valves, on the bottom of the recess 72 for the cartridge 66 are part of the circulation path, and either lead from the path to the DI water treatment, or from the DI water treatment to the ozone generator 122 or from the ozone generator 122 to the lead abatement region, or from the lead abatement region to the venturi to mix the charged water with the water in the recirculation path.

[0081] For example, in one embodiment of the cartridge unit 66 illustrated in FIG. 7 , the circles illustrated on the left side of the bottom surface of the cartridge unit represent an inlet 164 and an outlet 166 for water to enter and exit the deionization media. The circles illustrated on the right side of the bottom surface of the cartridge unit represent an inlet 168 and outlet 170 for water to enter and exit the lead abatement filter 178 in the cartridge unit 66 . The valve assemblies used in one embodiment of the present invention cartridge unit are adapted to cooperate with the valve assemblies in the corresponding cartridge recess in the base unit 62 of the system 60 . The valve assemblies utilized in the cartridge unit are substantially similar to those used in the spray bottle 64 and spray bottle recess 68 (described below). When a cartridge unit 66 is removed from the base unit 62 , the valve assemblies on the cartridge 66 automatically close to seal the cartridge unit 66 . Correspondingly, when the cartridge unit 66 is placed in the recess 72 within the base unit, the valves assembled on the bottom of the cartridge 66 automatically open to allow water to enter and exit the cartridge unit 66 . As described above, in one embodiment of the present invention system, untreated water is pumped through the deionization media 180 in the cartridge unit prior to introducing the water to the ozone cell. After ozonation, the de-ionized and ozonated water is then fed to the lead abatement filter 178 in the cartridge prior to ultimately exiting the base unit 62 and reentering the spray bottle 64 .

[0082] The top chamber 182 of the cartridge housing 158 (see FIG. 9 ) for DI filtering is divided into four quadrants. As illustrated in FIGS. 10A and B , quadrant one 188 is in the upper left hand corner and the remaining quadrants are numbered sequentially in a clockwise manner. Each quadrant forms a sub-chamber that extends the length of the top portion 182 . Each quadrant includes a tube 174 extending the length of the sub-chamber, which tube serves as a down-flow tube. Each sub-chamber is filled with a deionizing (DI) material to de-ionize the tap water used in the device 60 . A porous filter 196 is positioned at the top of each sub-chamber to collect the DI fines out of the water so they do not clog the venturi. The porous filter 196 in each sub-chamber defines an aperture 198 that fits over the down-flow tube. The upper end 200 of the down-flow tube extends above or flush with the top surface of the filter. The filter 196 can be one piece, as shown in FIGS. 10A and B , to fit fully over the top of the DI chambers. A cover 202 fits over the open top of the cartridge and is attached with a watertight seal. There is a space between the cover and the filter to allow the water to flow therebetween. (See FIG. 9 .)

[0083] The bottom of the cartridge includes three plates delineating two intervening layers. The bottom or inlet plate 204 forms the four apertures 164 , 166 , 168 , 170 therethrough (described above) to allow in-flow and out-flow to and from the DI and lead abatement regions. The top surface of the inlet plate forms a continuous channel in a labyrinth, serpentine-like shape. The channel leads from the inlet of the lead abatement region (aperture in inlet plate) to the outlet of the lead abatement 178 region (aperture in inlet plate).

[0084] The second plate 206 , or labyrinth plate, has the same labyrinth design on its bottom surface as the design on the top surface of the inlet plate. These two plates are connected together along the common walls of the channel (which weld together) and along the outer rim 208 of the second plate. This forms the labyrinth pathway between the two plates. The second plate has two apertures 210 , 212 in it that match and align with the two apertures in the inlet plate that are associated with the inlet 164 and outlet 166 of the DI chamber. The top of the second plate 206 is divided into four quadrants 224 , 226 , 228 , 230 to match with and seal 214 between the four quadrants formed in the distribution plate, as described below. These quadrants also correspond to the quadrants 188 , 190 , 192 , 194 of the DI chamber. The upper left quadrant, or first quadrant, of the second plate 206 is sealed to the bottom of the corresponding chamber. The DI inlet aperture 164 is encompassed by the perimeter of the first quadrant wall in the distribution plate, so the water flows into the first quadrant and up through the DI material in the first DI chamber. More detail on the water flow path is provided below.

[0085] The other quadrants on the top of the second plate also seal with the corresponding quadrants in the distribution plate, forming a plurality of DI chambers 172 attached in series. The perimeter of each quadrant defines a protrusion 218 to encompass a down-flow tube 174 and to divert the water into the next chamber, or to allow the water to enter the first chamber or exit the last chamber and continue on the circulation path.

[0086] A distribution plate 216 is positioned above the second plate 206 . The distribution plate 216 is also separated into the four quadrants on both its top and bottom surfaces. The shape of the quadrants on the bottom surface of the distribution plate 216 match the shape of the quadrants on the top of the second plate, in order to facilitate the correct water flow from one DI quadrant to another. Each of the quadrants in the distribution plate are perforated with small apertures 220 in order to distribute the water somewhat evenly over the cross-sectional area of the DI material 180 in the particular chamber. This helps minimize channeling and increases the efficiency of the effect and length of life of the DI filtration process. Each quadrant also defines a larger aperture 222 that matches with the protrusions 218 in the perimeters of the quadrants on the top side of the second plate 206 . Each of these apertures 222 seals with the bottom of a down-flow tube 174 to direct the water to the next quadrant, as is explained in more detail below. The top surface of the distribution plate 216 seals with the quadrant walls of the main body 158 .

[0087] The flow path of the water through the DI chamber starts at the inlet aperture 164 formed in the inlet plate 204 . The water flows up through the inlet aperture 164 , and up through the inlet aperture 210 in the second plate 206 . The water is distributed through the perforations 220 in the first quadrant section of the perforation plate 216 , and then flows upwardly through the DI material 180 in the first quadrant chamber 188 . The water then flows through the top filter 196 above the first quadrant 188 and enters the first down-flow tube 174 and flows downwardly to the bottom of the tube and exits into the protrusion 218 that leads the water into the second quadrant 226 . The water then flows upwardly through the perforations in the second quadrant section of the perforation plate 216 , and then flows upwardly through the DI material in the second quadrant chamber. The water then flows through the top filter 196 above the second quadrant 190 , and enters the second down-flow tube 200 and flows downwardly to the bottom of the tube and exits into the protrusion 218 that leads the water into the third quadrant 228 . The water then flows upwardly through the perforations 220 in the third quadrant section 228 of the perforation plate, and then flows upwardly through the DI material 180 in the third quadrant chamber 192 . The water then flows through the top filter 196 above the third quadrant 192 , and enters the third down-flow tube 174 and flows downwardly to the bottom of the tube and exits into the protrusion 218 that leads the water into the fourth quadrant 230 . The water then flows upwardly through the perforations 220 in the fourth quadrant section 230 of the perforation plate 216 , and then flows upwardly through the DI material 180 in the fourth quadrant chamber 194 . The water then flows through the top filter 196 above the fourth quadrant 194 , and enters the fourth down-flow tube 174 and flows downwardly to the bottom of the tube and out the outlet hole in the distribution plate, which is connected to the outlet hole 212 in the second plate, and which is in turn connected to the outlet hole 166 in the inlet plate 204 . The water then continues flowing along the circulation path to the ozone generator 122 .

[0088] The flow through the DI resin material 180 is designed to maximize the residence time of the water with the DI material 180 . This could also be done with various other flow geometries inside of the cartridge 66 , or inside the base housing 62 if this portion of the circulation path was designed to be inside the main housing. The inlet 164 and outlet 166 ports of the DI material flow-path are sealingly engaged (such as with o-ring seals to allow a removable engagement) with the corresponding circulation flow path structures.

[0089] As described above, after the DI process, the water flows through the enlarged port 166 and into the ozone generator cell chamber 154 . Deionized water is used to prevent “poisoning” the ozone generation cell by ions in tap water, which could shorten the cell life. Distilled water could also be used in place of deionized water to prevent poisoning of the ozone generation cell by ions in tap water. While not necessary, in practice, utilizing deionization is a cost effective way of pre-treating the tap water.

[0090] After the water is ozonated in the ozone generator 122 , the water is pumped into the bottom chamber 184 of the cartridge housing 158 and into the lead abatement section 178 to remove any trace amounts of lead that may be present in the water. The ozonated water enters the cartridge housing via the lead abatement inlet port 168 . The ozonated water enters the labyrinth pathway channels defined by the underside of the labyrinth plate and the inlet plate, as described above. The ozonated water flows through lead removal resin that resides in the labyrinth pathway channels 232 . The labyrinth pathway channels 232 are comprised of small channels containing lead abatement material, and the channels serve to keep the velocity of the gas/fluid mixture high enough to transport the gases through the lead abatement resin thereby preventing gas from being trapped in the cartridge housing. In one embodiment the labyrinth channels 232 are 0.125 inches by 0.100 inches. In the unlikely event that the ozonated water contains trace amount of lead from the lead dioxide on the anode, the lead removal resin will substantially remove any trace amounts of lead. The preferred lead abatement resin is activated alumina. Typical activated alumina beads are 0.06-0.09 inches in diameter. However, other lead removal resins could be utilized (e.g., ATS coated alumina). After flowing through the labyrinth 232 , the ozonated water exits the cartridge housing 158 via the lead abatement exit port 170 . The water flows from the fourth port and re-enters the ozone generator 122 , flowing into the channel that leads to the venturi for re-introduction into the circulation stream. The lead abatement medium is not necessary given the slight levels of lead that might be found in the ozonated water. In the case where it is unnecessary, the lead abatement material can simply be removed from the lead abatement region of the cartridge, or the flow path can be modified altogether to flow directly from the ozone cell to the venturi.

[0091] The DI resin 180 generally loses its effectiveness after approximately 300 ozonation cycles. The flow control software described below includes a counter that counts the number of ozonation cycles run through a filter. As described in more detail below, an alarm and signal notifies the user when the DI resin 180 requires replacement. In other embodiments, the status of the DI resin could be indicated using color indicating resin or from an alarm or indicator that is activated based on the results of conductivity measurements of the DI resin 180 .

[0092] Regarding the geometry of the DI resin chamber 172 , a tall, cylindrical DI resin chamber has been found to be effective. The four-quadrant columnar chambers generally replicate the preferred geometry by connecting 4 shorter length chambers. This design is preferred to provide a design with a lower profile. Regarding the type of DI resin 180 , in one embodiment, a mixed bed DI resin is utilized. In a mixed bed resin, the resin is comprised of both anion and cation exchange resins, which can be synthetic, natural (such as zeolite). Other suitable DI resins include product number MBD-10-NS from RESINTECH, Inc., which is a combination anion/cation resin, or equivalent.

[0093] The cartridge housing 158 and related elements are generally constructed of ABS, white, RM No. 20000839 (Virgin). Alternate materials include but are not limited to regrind ABS, white, RM No. 20000840 (25% blend).

[0094] FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate a spray bottle 64 that can be used as part of the present invention. A spray bottle 64 allows the user to spray the ozonated water on surfaces, foods and vegetables, and clothing. The present invention spray bottle 64 includes a hand-actuated spray nozzle 234 with a tube 236 extending to the bottom of the bottle 64 as known in the art; preferably the present invention spray nozzle is adjustable and can provide a fine stream spray or a wide stream spray.

[0095] The spray nozzle removably attaches to a transparent spray bottle 238 . The spray nozzle 234 is removed from the spray bottle for the purpose of filling the spray bottle 238 with water. The spray bottle portion is generally well known in the art. However, in the present invention, the spray bottle includes valve assemblies 74 on its bottom surface 76 . As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the bottom surface 76 of the spray bottle includes a portion that extends upwardly into the spray bottle to form a recess 134 . The recess 134 is configured to receive the raised portion 132 on the bottom surface of the spray bottle recess 68 in the base unit 62 .

[0096] As seen in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the bottom surface 76 of the spray bottle 64 includes valve assemblies 74 adapted to connect with the valve assemblies 78 located on the bottom surface of the spray bottle recess 68 in the base unit. The valve assemblies 74 on the bottom surface of the spray bottle are adapted to automatically close when the spray bottle 64 is removed from the base unit recess 68 , thereby effectively sealing the bottom surface 76 of the spray bottle 64 . Conversely, when the spray bottle 64 is placed in the spray bottle recess 68 in the base unit 62 , the valve assemblies 74 on the bottom surface 76 of the spray bottle 64 automatically open and cooperate with the valve assemblies 78 on the bottom surface of the spray bottle recess 68 to allow water to flow in and out of both the spray bottle 64 and the base unit 62 .

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 , the valve assemblies 74 on the bottom of the bottle work with the corresponding valve assemblies 78 positioned in the aperture at the bottom of the bottle recess 68 in the main housing 62 . The front aperture 78 A in the main housing recess 68 allows water to flow from the bottle 64 into the main housing 62 and to the ozone generator 122 , and the rear aperture 188 allows water to flow from the main housing 62 (already having been treated by the ozone generator and the venturi) and back into the bottle 64 . The bottle 64 and inlet 74 A and outlet 74 B valves are part of the circulation path. The front 74 A and rear 74 B outlets can be reversed or repositioned with the appropriate changes being made to the circulation path structure inside the main housing.

[0098] Still referring to FIGS. 13 and 14 , the valve assemblies 74 A, 74 B on the bottom of the bottle each include a collar 240 A, 240 B forming the aperture, a pin 242 A, 242 B extending down into the aperture, a plug 244 A, 244 B slidably positioned on the pin 242 , a spring mechanism 246 A, 246 B biasing the plug 244 into the lower, closed position, and a screen 248 A, 248 B covering the top opening of the collar 240 . The collar 240 is slightly cone-shaped (smaller diameter downwardly positioned) to allow the tapered plug 244 to seat in the collar 240 and make a watertight seal when in the lower position. The spring 246 keeps the plug 244 in the seated position. The plug 244 can be slid upwardly along the pin 242 to an unseated, or unsealed, position by an adequate force. When the force is removed, the plug 244 is biased back into the seated position by the spring 246 .

[0099] The valve assemblies 78 A, 78 B in the bottom of the recess in the main housing 62 each include an outer flange 250 A, 250 B forming the aperture into the main housing 62 . Each flange 250 also forms an annular groove 252 A, 252 B around a stand tube 254 A, 254 B for receiving the bottom end of the collar 240 . The stand tube 254 extends upwardly from the groove 252 in the center of the flange 250 . The stand tube 254 extends sufficiently above the bottom of the annular groove 252 such that when the bottle 64 is placed in the recess 68 and the corresponding two valve assemblies 74 , 78 engage, the stand tube 254 pushes the plug 244 upwardly enough to move, it to an unseated position in the collar 240 (see FIG. 13 ). This allows water to either flow out of bottle 62 through the particular valve assembly 74 A, or into the bottle through the other valve assembly 74 B.

[0100] Referring back to FIGS. 11 and 12 , the sprayer mechanism assembly 234 is generally typical of those found in the art. However, the present invention sprayer mechanism assembly 234 has a nozzle 256 that is designed to not atomize the mixture while spraying. The present invention sprayer mechanism assembly reduces the amount of mist created while the mixture is being sprayed. It is designed to eject small streams of the mixture, which helps keep the ozone gas in the liquid. The stream spray basically has a larger stream size than normal to keep the stream from misting when sprayed. The nozzle includes six holes: three inner holes 258 and three outer holes 260 . In one embodiment, the nozzle provides at least two modes of spray: 1) where the nozzle is completely open or unscrewed, all six streams 258 , 260 combine to form a spray; and 2) where the nozzle is screwed all the way in, the three outside streams 260 are blocked and only the three smaller holes 258 combine to form spray. The nozzle 256 may also include a fully closed position that prevents fluids or gases from escaping the spray bottle. In one embodiment, all of the holes in the nozzle are 0.04 inches in diameter. In normal operation, approximately 2.5 ml of mixture is ejected from the sprayer per spray. By avoiding atomization of the mixture, the ozone loss is limited to 20-30% each spray. The sprayer mechanism assembly 234 is configured to releasably attach to an open top portion of the spray bottle portion 238 . The grooved collar 262 releasably attaches to a threaded open top portion 264 of the spray bottle 238 . Fluid and gases contained in the sprayer bottle 64 are drawn into the body and forced out of the sprayer nozzle by squeezing the trigger.

[0101] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the sprayer bottle portion is a typical polymer based material and is typically formed from two pieces: a body portion 268 ; and a bottom portion 76 . The two pieces are typically sonically welded together. In one embodiment, it is substantially transparent to allow the user to view the contents of the bottle 64 . In addition, generally the top of the body portion is threaded to allow mating with the collar on the sprayer mechanism assembly. In the present invention, the shape of the body portion bottom is configured to attach to the and to fit within the reservoir container recess formed in the top surface of the upper housing portion of the main housing. The bottom of the bottle includes the valve assemblies.

[0102] Alternative reservoir containers can also be utilized in the present invention. One example of an alternative reservoir container is a carafe 270 . See FIGS. 15 and 16 . A reservoir container having a carafe body 272 , a lid 274 , and a bottom 276 including the valve assemblies 74 A, 74 B (same as valve assemblies 126 ) is illustrated in FIGS. 15 and 16 . The lid snap 274 fits to the carafe body 272 and can be opened during use. The body 272 includes a v-notched pour spout 278 for directing fluids while pouring.

[0103] The carafe container 270 allows a user to introduce gross quantities of treated water to selected areas or surfaces. Examples of such uses include pouring treated water over plants, over fruits and vegetables, and into drinking containers. The carafe container 270 includes the same valve assemblies used in the spray bottle and described above. Other types of containers could be utilized in the present invention providing they include valve assemblies capable of cooperating with the main housing valve assemblies.

[0104] The front shelf portion 138 of the upper housing portion includes a control panel on its surface. The control panel is operably connected to a control unit 128 circuit board (discussed later). The control panel is configured to include push buttons that allow the user to operate the functions of the device. A more detailed description is provided below.

[0105] As illustrated in FIG. 17, a manifold is secured to the upper housing portion of the main housing 62 . The manifold includes an upper 282 and lower 284 housing portion, the lower portion containing the ozone generator 122 depending downwardly therefrom at one end. At the opposite end, an electric motor 286 depends downwardly from the lower manifold 284 . The motor is used to drive the gear pump 288 , as is described in greater detail below.

[0106] As illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 , the lower manifold 284 forms the bottom surface 290 of the manifold 280 . The upper manifold 282 forms the top surface of the manifold 280 . The gear pump motor 286 resides below and is connected to the gear pump 288 , which is located in the gear pump housing 294 formed in the upper manifold 282 . The ozone generator 122 is suspended from the right side of the manifold as shown in FIG. 18 . The flow ports that allow water to flow to and from the ozone generator 122 are located above the ozone generator 122 on the right side of the manifold. The left-most stand tube 296 defines the port 297 that allows water to flow from the reservoir container 64 into the manifold 280 . The next stand tube to the right 298 allows water to flow out of the manifold 280 and back into the reservoir 64 after treatment. Other apertures are formed in the upper manifold to allow flow to and from the cartridge 66 .

[0107] FIG. 18 shows various parts of the circulation path 80 formed in the manifold. In the first region 304 shown, the water enters the manifold 280 from the reservoir 64 through the valve assembly 126 associated with the left-most aperture or port 297 . The gear pump 288 , driven by the motor 286 , draws the water from the reservoir 64 (with the aid of gravity) and generates sufficient pressure to push it through the rest of the circulation path 80 . The motor drives one gear 300 , which is engaged with a second free-floating gear 302 , and together this gear pump 288 creates sufficient pressure to push the water through the circulation path 80 . The second region 306 shown is the venturi 308 and exit from the manifold 280 back into the reservoir 64 . In the second region 306 , the venturi 308 is formed to take water from the recirculation path 342 and from the ozone generator 122 and mix the two streams together in the venturi 308 . The mixed water then flows back into the reservoir 64 through the valve assembly 126 associated with the rightmost aperture or port 299 . FIG. 18 also indicates that the top of the lower manifold portion 284 is relatively planar, with the flow paths being formed by the seals 310 held in place against the lower manifold by the upper manifold. This will be described in more detail later.

[0108] FIGS. 19 and 20 provide additional details on the ozone generator system of the present invention. The flow path of the water in the ozone generator system is best illustrated in FIG. 19 . FIG. 19 shows the bottom surface 312 of the upper manifold portion 282 . The bottom side 312 of the upper manifold 282 includes tabs 314 , screw holes 316 , and various grooves 318 . The overall shape of the upper manifold 282 is configured to fit within the base housing 62 of the present invention device, and to fit precisely with the bottom manifold portion 284 .

[0109] As mentioned previously, the upper manifold includes mounting tabs 314 . The mounting tabs are used to mount the manifold inside the device base housing. In FIG. 19 , four mounting tabs 314 are illustrated. However, in other embodiments, more or less mounting tabs may be utilized. As illustrated in FIG. 19 , the upper manifold 282 also includes multiple screw holes 316 . The screw holes 316 are used to attach the upper manifold 282 to the lower manifold 284 . In addition to screw holes 316 and screws 317 , other means for attaching the upper and lower manifolds could be utilized. Other means include detent structures or rivets, or the like.

[0110] The bottom surface 312 of the upper manifold 282 also includes a series of grooves 318 . One groove 318 A is for receiving the seal 310 between the upper and lower manifolds, and the other 318 B forms the physical channels of the portion of the circulation path 80 formed in the manifold 280 . The outermost groove 318 A is a groove for receiving a housing seal 310 . The housing seal groove 318 A is generally exterior to other grooves in the bottom surface of the upper manifold 282 . The housing seal groove 218 A, in combination with the seal 310 , generally provides a seal around all water-flow channels and ports between the upper and lower manifolds. The seal 310 is generally a rubber, plastic, or similar material formed to fit in the seal groove 318 A and for a water tight seal when clamped between the upper and lower manifolds. Both the water flow channels and ports are discussed in greater detail below. The housing seal 310 is received by the housing seal groove 318 A and sandwiched between the upper 282 and lower 284 manifolds. The housing seal 310 serves to prevent any fluids from leaking out of the circulation path and manifold. In one embodiment (not shown in the drawings), an outer groove may be formed on the lower manifold (outside of the housing seal). This outer groove serves to direct any water that leaks past the housing seal (out of the generator) to an evaporation media (discussed below).

[0111] As mentioned above, the bottom surface 312 of the upper manifold 282 also includes the channels 320 that form the portion of the circulation path 80 that is formed by the manifold 280 . The water-flow channels 318 B within the upper manifold bottom surface are generally U-shaped open channels for ease of manufacture. In use, the flat lower manifold 284 covers the U-shaped channel 318 B to form a generally rectangular channel. However, any shape of channel cross section, such as cylindrical channels, could be used in other embodiments (upper and lower manifolds joined to form a cylindrical channel). In one embodiment, the rectangular channels are 0.02 inches wide by 0.02 inches deep.

[0112] FIG. 20 illustrates a top view of the upper manifold 282 . Mounting tabs 314 and screw holes 316 are also formed in the upper manifold 282 . In addition, the stand tubes 296 , 298 , 322 , 324 , 326 , 328 that connect the reservoir container 64 to the manifold 280 , and the cartridge 66 are also illustrated in FIG. 20 . On the left-most end of the top surface of the upper manifold 282 , is the port 297 through which the water flows from the reservoir 64 to the manifold 280 . The next stand tube to the right 298 allows water to flow from the manifold 280 back into the reservoir container 64 . The stand tubes may also include a porous plastic screen, or other such device, to prevent debris from clogging the venturi 308 .

[0113] In between the stand tubes is an oval-shaped surface that represents the top surface of the gear pump housing enclosure 294 . At the right end of the upper manifold are four ports 330 , 332 , 334 , 336 . The four ports are configured to receive the four apertures 164 , 166 , 168 , 170 on the bottom of the cartridge housing 66 . The top port 330 in FIG. 20 allows water to exit the manifold 280 and flow to the DI resin located in the cartridge housing 66 . The second port 332 just below the DI resin port 330 is enlarged. The enlarged port 332 allows water to flow from the DI resin back into the ozone generator 122 and into the ozone reaction chamber or cell 154 . The third port 334 allows water to flow from the ozone reaction chamber or cell 154 to a labyrinth containing lead abatement resin. The labyrinth and lead abatement resin are located in the bottom portion of the cartridge housing 66 . The bottom-most or fourth port 336 allows water to flow from the lead abatement resin in the cartridge housing 66 back into the manifold 280 and towards the venturi 308 .

[0114] Water entering the manifold flows from the reservoir container 64 , through a valve tube, and into a stand tube 296 , as illustrated in FIG. 20 , and into the receiving channel on the upstream side of the gear pump housing 294 . The upstream side of the gear pumping is the side closest to the port 297 where water enters the fluid circuit from the reservoir container 64 . As illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 , water enters the generator on the left side of the upper manifold bottom surface 312 . Water is pumped to the right as shown in FIG. 19 within the manifold 280 by a gear pump 288 that resides in a gear pump housing 294 recess. The gear pump 288 draws water from the reservoir container 64 (e.g., spray bottle or carafe) and through the gear pump housing 294 recess and pumps it along the circulation path 80 in the manifold 280 . The gear pump 288 is located outside of the ozone generator 122 . The water is pumped along the circulation channel to a first junction 340 (see FIG. 1 or 19 ).

[0115] At the first junction 340 , the channel branches toward a recirculation channel path 342 and a second way toward the DI resin (DI water path) 344 . The water channel 344 leading to toward the DI resin also further branches to a dead leg path 346 that causes pressure to build on the upstream side 349 of the piston 350 in the ozone generator (system actuation path), as described in some detail here, and in more detail below. The pressure on the piston 350 serves to actuate a diaphragm/anode post assembly. When the diaphragm/anode post assembly is actuated, the ozone generation cell and cycle is activated (system is actuated). The second path channel 344 that flows towards the DI resin chamber also flows to the dead-leg channel 346 to actuate the piston 350 . The water flowing to the DI resin chamber flows upwardly out of the manifold 280 through aperture 330 , and the water that is used to pressurize and actuate the piston flows downwardly into the ozone generator 122 .

[0116] As also illustrated in FIG. 20 , the water flowing toward the DI resin exits a port in the top surface 330 of the upper manifold and enters a DI resin chamber 182 that is housed in the cartridge housing (described above) 66 . The water is deionized prior to entering the ozone generation cell to prevent “poisoning” of the cell by ions in the tap water. The use of deionized water in the reservoir container 64 would eliminate the need for DI resin. After circulating through the DI resin, the deionized water enters the ozone generator 122 . The deionized water enters the ozone generator through the enlarged port 332 (as illustrated in FIG. 20 ). The deionized water then flows into and through the ozone cell 154 . In the ozone cell 154 , the deionized water is ozonated. The anode 356 and possibly other components of the ozone cell 154 are possibly plated with lead dioxide. Lead dioxide serves to increase the electrochemical reactions that produce ozone gases.

[0117] The ozonated water is now a mixture of H, O ₃ , O ₂ , and H ₂ O. The ozonated mixture then exits the ozone generator 122 and re-enters the cartridge housing 66 . The water exiting the ozone cell 154 is then run through the lead abatement media (as described above) to remove any trace amounts of lead that may exist in the ozonated water. The ozonated water circulates through a labyrinth filled with lead abatement resin and then re-enters the ozone generator 122 . The ozonated water exiting the lead abatement labyrinth re-enters the ozone generator via the bottom-most port 336 (as illustrated in FIG. 20 ).

[0118] The ozonated water then flows along a channel 352 formed in the bottom surface of the upper manifold 282 and flows to the venturi 308 . At the venturi 308 , the ozonated water is mixed with water flowing in the re-circulation line 342 . The mixture of ozonated and re-circulated water then flows into an exit channel 354 . From the exit channel 354 , the ozonated mixture exits the manifold 280 through a stand tube 298 and valve assembly (as described above) and enters the reservoir container 64 . Generally, for example, the re-circulation stream flows at 300 ml/minute and the stream flowing through the DI resin and ozone generator flows at 20 ml/minute. In other embodiments, the stream rates may vary (e.g., re-circulation stream of 200-400 ml/minute).

[0119] The venturi 308 helps to promote dissolution of the ozone in the water via the following means: by creating a turbulent zone that increases the contact time of the ozone with the water; and by shearing ozone bubbles into smaller bubbles to increase the overall surface area of ozone in the water. The venturi design geometry can affect the pressure loss experienced through the venturi. In one embodiment, the venturi inlet angle is 20° and the outlet angle is 7°. For ease of manufacturing, the venturi in the present invention is formed from rectangular channels 318 B (U-shaped channel in upper manifold bottom surface covered by flat lower manifold surface to form a rectangular channel). In other embodiments, cylindrical channels could be used (as formed by upper and lower manifold surfaces). In one embodiment, the rectangular channels are 0.020 by 0.020 inches. The geometry of the venturi channels (channels narrow to an intersection) generally increases the velocity of the water contained therein as it flows through the narrowing channels (velocity=flow rate/area). The accelerated water basically collides at an intersection thereby increasing the mixing of the two flows entering the venturi. The resulting mixed flow enters a third channel. The third channel increases in diameter to help reduce the velocity of the flow.

[0120] While the venturi 308 benefits the ozonation of the water by helping mix the ozone into the recirculation path of the water, any mixing device or means would suffice, but possibly not be as effective. In fact, the invention can work without the venturi 308 or any type of mixing means. Other types of mixing means include converging flowpaths (whether at acute, obtuse, or right angles), perforated screens, mechanical mixers, or any other type of structure or system that cause the ozonated sample of water to flow into an untreated stream and mix the two together.

[0121] A gear pump 288 draws water from the reservoir container 64 and into the fluid circuit. The majority of the water flows into the re-circulation path 342 towards the venturi 308 . The balance of the water flows into the DI path 344 towards the DI resin. The water flowing into the DI path also flows to into a dead leg 346 that forms the system actuation path 348 . The system actuation path dead-ends into the upstream side of the piston 350 . The water flowing into the system actuation path 348 causes a pressure of 20-30 psi to build against the upstream side of the piston 350 thereby causing the pis