Abstract:
A liquid storage and dispensing device with a filter for removing minerals and a UV light source for killing pathogens existing in a liquid. A liquid is introduced into the device via the inlet. The liquid passes through the filter into a collector. The filtered liquid flows from the collector through a thru passage into a UV chamber. The UV light source emits UV rays through a UV transmissive wall into the interior portion of the UV chamber. Exposure to the UV light kills pathogens present in the filtered liquid. Substantially purified liquid can then be dispensed from an outlet.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of a cartridge for regulating a fluid flow are described that include an upper housing, and an insert that is user-removable from the upper housing. The cartridge can include one or more valves that are biased in a closed position to prevent odors from escaping the cartridge. The cartridge can also include a fluid trap that is at least partially disposed within the cartridge or fluidly coupled thereto. An ultraviolet light can be inserted within the cartridge to disinfect a fluid passageway of the cartridge.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a refrigerator. The refrigerator includes a refrigerator body having at least one storage chamber, a door to open and close the storage chamber, a water dispenser provided in the door, and a water purification unit to purify water to be supplied to the water dispenser. The water purification unit includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port, a transparent tube provided in the housing, a germicidal lamp provided in the transparent tube to emit ultraviolet rays, and a flow channel defining member provided between the housing and the transparent tube. The flow channel defining member includes a plurality of partitions perpendicular to an outer circumference of the transparent tube. Each of the partitions has at least one communication hole.
Abstract:
A water disinfection apparatus includes a chamber adapted for connection to a pressurized water source. An ultra violet light is oriented to shine ultra violet rays into the chamber and to disinfect water therein, and a normally closed output valve connects the chamber to a supply valve. A control senses when a connected supply valve has been opened, and is operative to turn the ultra violet light on when the connected supply valve is opened; open the output valve after the ultra violet light has been turned on; close the output valve off after a supply time period expires; and turn the ultra violet light off when the output valve has been closed. The ultra violet light is turned on at all times that the output valve is open.
Abstract:
A hydro-generation system includes housing having a passageway, a turbine nozzle, a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a plurality of turbine blades and a permanent magnet. A flow of liquid may enter the passageway and be directed by the turbine nozzle to the turbine blades to induce rotation. The stator is position within the permanent magnet such that rotation of the permanent magnet induces the production of the electrical energy in the stator. The flow of liquid may flow through the housing and out of the hydro-generation system.
Abstract:
An optical radiation sensor system having: a housing having a distal portion for receiving radiation from the radiation source and a proximal portion; a sensor element in communication with the proximal portion, the sensor element configured to detect and respond to incident radiation received from the radiation source; and motive structure configured to move the housing with respect to the sensor element between at least a first position and a second position. A radiation pathway is defined between the radiation source and the sensor element when the housing is in at least one of the first position and the second position. Movement of the housing with respect to the sensor element causes a modification of intensity of radiation impinging on the sensor element.
Abstract:
A miniature hydro-power generation system may include a hydro-generator, a control circuit and an energy storage device. A flow of liquid may be used to rotate the hydro-generator to generate electric power. The control circuit may switch the electric power to charge the energy storage device and/or to supply the electric power to an electrical load. The control circuit may also selectively switch the energy storage device to supply electric power to the electrical load. Further, the control circuit may disable both the hydro-generator and the energy storage device from supplying electric power to the load.
Abstract:
An adaptive inductive ballast is provided with the capability to communicate with a remote device powered by the ballast. To improve the operation of the ballast, the ballast changes its operating characteristics based upon information received from the remote device. Further, the ballast may provide a path for the remote device to communicate with device other than the adaptive inductive ballast.
Abstract:
A portable UV-C purification system is provided that includes a current reduction technique for an electric pump to reduce power demands on an associated generator to thereby produce a light weight and efficient system.
Abstract:
A device for disinfecting water by ultraviolet radiation. The device includes two discharged lamps that are connected by electrical wires. A first electrical circuit is disposed in the immediate vicinity of the discharge lamps and controls a warm-up phase of the discharge lamps. A second electrical circuit is disposed remotely from the discharge lamps and functions to control an operational phase of the discharge lamps.