IT8224100A1 - IMPROVED APPARATUS FOR THE STERILIZATION OF LIQUIDS - Google Patents

Description

DOCUMENTATION

BOUND

? . ,

DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention entitled: I "PERFECTED APPARATUS FOR THE STERILIZATION OF LIQUIDS" | in the name of Mr. MAZZOTTI Ermanno of Italian nationality, resident in STREAMWOOD, Illinois (U.S.A.) | filed on 5 June 1382 with ]j0e ?

OO O O O OO O O O O O O O O O OO O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O OO O P SUMMARY

; An ultraviolet liquid purifier, ; wherein the liquid is passed through a box having a source of ultraviolet light located therein and housed within a transparent enclosure having a surface treated to prevent the accumulation of sediment or other radiation-blocking material, and radiation detecting means located outside said enclosure is provided to monitor the radiation and regulate the flow of the liquid.

ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for sterilizing a liquid, such as water, by subjecting it to ultraviolet radiation, and more particularly the present invention relates to improved features of said device for detecting the level of radiation and preventing

2 ? ???.

untreated water leaks.

I

Current systems generally work by doing |

passing water near an ultraviolet lamp?:??

proximity sufficiently close to ensure the exposure of the water to ultraviolet radiation, said exposure and said level of radiation

action being of such magnitude as to destroy?Lre

the bacteria present in the liquid. A frequent problem

A recurring theme in such systems is insurance.

of a functioning condition of the lamp so as to disintegrate and maintain a level of radiation

i effective action. After a certain period of time, 1'! i

lamp emission decreases and sediments^

chemicals or similar substances precipitate from the liquid

and gather around the lamp, shielding the radiation. This reduces the reliability of the device.

t vo and has stimulated attempts to improve the system-

but and ensure adequate and complete sterilization!

tion of the water that is passed through?

the machine. | i The previously issued U.S. Patent No. 2,471,693 to Veloz describes an automatic system

sensitive interception co automatically adj i a low level of radiation and arranged so as to

block the flow of liquid through the device

effective when this condition occurs. The system? !according to Veloz includes double photocells placed inside the flow area of the tank.:

During adequate radiation, the photocells

!show a low electrical resistance such as to avoid a solenoid actuating the valve. When the radiation that hits these photocells of ! ' Decreases, through the coil of a relay? is established

jun electric potential, which thus activates a circuit that operates the solenoid and the automatic valve.

This valve is normally open and when operated it closes to prevent water from entering.

;coming soon. In U.S. Patent No. 3,462,597 issued to Young, a similar water purifier is described having means for selectively cleaning*

the sleeve that surrounds the ultraviolet lamp, while means are also provided to manually operate these rings from outside the mechanism.

Differently from the above, the present in-I

The invention provides an improved sleeve design having a chemical coating to prevent the accumulation of dirt or mineral deposits, and further includes an improved electronic detector of the level of ultraviolet radiation for

flow control. In the preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp is enclosed in a sealed glass enclosure to prevent liquid from escaping from the reservoir and contaminating the

i

!touch of the lamp. This casing is covered

According to the procedure and composition for the trat-I

ji treatment of non-porous substrates, as set forth in j

I

U.S. Patent No. 357954-0 issued to Ohlh .usen. jin general this involves treating the sub-4 | | | layer (the glass that encloses the ultraviolet lamp4 ! i i

(1) with a composition containing an inosinic acid and an alkylpolysiloxane to produce a highly adherent and durable water-repellent film on the glass. This composition is now distributed by UNELCO Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, under the trademark "fiain-X". The electronic sensor, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a variable resistance sensing device

I

bile to light, like a photocell, connected el?t-

j lyrically to a control circuit and mounted vi-|?

j up to the lamp outside the tank. A decrease in radiation output or a power failure interrupts the flow of current to I

the valve is operated by the solenoid and interrupts the j

? 1 !

liquid flow through the apparatus. Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide an improved ultraviolet fluid cleaner which keeps the sleeve surrounding the ultraviolet radiation source continuously clean of dirt and inorganic deposits by chemically repelling fluid contacting the said sleeve. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved flow pattern through the apparatus for efficient and effective fluid irradiation. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved sensing means for detecting the operation of the lamp and the effective radiation therefrom, but which is protected

|from the accumulation of deposits on the detector device; which could interfere with its operation.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved sensing device having an electrically controlled solenoid valve that closes and prevents the flow of fluid when the energy supply is interrupted or when the effective radiation decreases.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and reference to the drawings, in which: FIGURE 1a is a perspective view, partially sectioned and removed, of the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

! ~ . ! | FIGURE 1b is a side view of the electrical components of the present invention; and FIGURE 2 is a circuit diagram | . . ~ ?

of the electronic sensor of the present invention. ! ,

While the invention will be described in connection with a preferred embodiment, it is obvious that it is not intended to limit the invention to that embodiment alone. Rather, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope;

of the invention itself.

Referring now to Figure 1a, there is shown a perspective view, partially sectioned and removed, of the body of the purifying device according to the present invention, consisting mainly of an outer box 12 provided with through holes for inlet 14 and outlet 16. These holes connect to an internal tank 20 for the convective circulation of the fluid passing through to be treated therein. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a normally closed solenoid valve 21f is also provided, mounted on the water inlet, so as to electrically regulate the flow through the purifying chamber. As described more fully below, this solenoid valve opens when the water inlet is closed. receives an electrical command from the radiation detector circuit. When the inlet valve is open, the incoming fluid enters the internal cavity of the tank at line pressure and circulates through it until it reaches the outlet.

| Sealed internally within the aforementioned internal cavity of the tank is provided a radiation source 22 and, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, this lamp is an ultraviolet radiation lamp, such as an elongated quartz tube ultraviolet lamp (mercury vapor).

2

capable of emitting 55*000 nUW sec./cm. Around this ultraviolet lamp is provided a transparent shielding envelope 25, such as a glass tube, which allows the radiation to pass through it, but prevents the circulating fluid from touching the ultraviolet lamp. This glass envelope is sealed at its ends.

the internal tank, so as to provide a hermetic path for the circulation of the fluid during the operation. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tanks are made of stainless steel and the internal chamber is closed at each

ends by means of welded heads enclosing the aforementioned tube under pressure inside them

hermetically sealed glass with gaskets 25? ! I. .. " .. ? ' j {furthermore, this allows the ultraviolet lamp

! I J ! iidi to be removed from the internal circulation chamber of the tank and to be replaced when

:? I( {makes it necessary, without opening any of the sealing gaskets, allowing easier access as well as greater reliability. Access to the lamp and the circuit is generally provided through the bottom end 24 of the sterilizing device.

The ultraviolet lamp can be removed from its electrical contacts and support irons by accessing this side.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the glass envelope surrounding the ultraviolet lamp is coated according to the process and the substrate treating composition is non-porous, as described in U.S. Patent No. 3,579,540 issued to Ohlhausen. Generally, the glass envelope is sprayed or dipped in a chemical composition containing a combined mixture of an acid:

| inorganic and an alkylpolysiloxane. The result is a transparent film that adheres to the glass but repels the fluid circulating in the tank, thus preventing the formation of deposits on its surface. This chemical composition is now commercially available and is distributed by the UNELCO Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, under the trademark "Rain-X". As a result of the application of this repellent treatment technique, an improved sealing envelope is obtained that prevents the formation of deposits on its surface.

periodic cleaning required by existing systems today.

As best shown in Figure 1b, the electrical circuitry controlling the inlet valve and the ultraviolet lamp is mounted on the bottom plate of the device. More specifically, there is seen a reactor capacitor 26 for driving the ultraviolet lamp, as well as the solid-state circuitry 28 for detecting and driving the inlet valve, having an ultraviolet sensor 30 mounted thereon in proximity to the ultraviolet lamp 32. In operation, this radiation level detector is used to detect the ultraviolet radiation level.

solid-state radiation control tests^

? and? nothing from the ultraviolet lamp and transmits this

this information to the circuit intended to regulate the

the inlet valve. What is the result of the logic?

; ]

|of the circuit, as described in more detail in the

|following, the following J will be detected by the circuit

; !

failures and the entry and exit of the j will be prevented

!

Fluid or water to be treated. j

|

Failure? Result!

"i

1. Electrical fault The lamp remains switched off;!

(power failure) the detector does not detect any radiation and does not

activates the valve; the valve remains closed. NONE

WATER OUTLET. !

|2. Insufficient electrical power supply. The detector does not provide sufficient radiation to operate the valve.

?\ the valve remains closed;j

1

i % NO WATER OUTLET, j

|3? The lamp is burned out. The detector does not detect enough radiation to operate the valve;

the valve remains closed,j

NO WATER LEAKAGE. |

|i4. Defective detector The detector does not operate j

the valve; the valve remains closed. NO OUTPUT Of

WATERFALL.

|5- Defective valve The valve remains closed.

NO WATER LEAKAGE.

6. Transformer The lamp does not turn on;

defective the detector does not activate j

the valve. NO OUTPUT

OF WATER. !

j7- Defective capacitor The lamp does not turn on;

the detector does not activate the

the valve. NO OUTPUT

OF WATER. ;

Turning now to the circuit shown in figure 2, the

photosensitive transistor 42 is represented with its base 44 attached to its emitter 46 through the !

?a load resistor 48. The emitter is also connected

jrepresented/electrically at the trigger 50 of an i

[52 silicon controlled rectifier switch i 1 i (SCR) and is also fixed to the power line

common 54 through a load resistor 56.

In parallel with the rectifier switch co*n-

Silicon rolled? A 58mm capacitor is expected

series with a resistance of 60. When a voltage

positive is applied to the input line to

i

forward polarization 62, the positive potential [

causes a forward polarization of the 1 switches

silicon controlled rectifier and starts to ca-

recharge the capacitor through its load resistance: |. The common terminal 54 is therefore maintained

' i negative with respect to the input terminal 62 of thej ; | voltage. j ! ( \ This circuit is powered by a power supply

f ? 64, schematically indicated in figure 2, which j ' ' | ? is connected to the input voltage line 62

for the radiation detector circuit, through | [ [ Towards protection diodes 66 and 68. The drive coil

solenoid valve 70 is electrically activated; it is connected to the radiation detector circuit via protective diodes 72 and 74. Consequently, the

When the radiation detector circuit is positively biased at the voltage input terminal 62 and when the SCR is subsequently operated in its "on" state, current flows through the detector circuit and then through the solenoid coil until it reaches

When the photodetector detects sufficient light from the radiation source, an input voltage is generated which operates the switch - Silicon Controlled Rectifier and leads this I

I

jSCR to its "on" state. This starts a .

| .

current flows from the input terminal to the common terminal and consequently provides a current flow through the protection diodes 68 and 72

j

jalle solenoid valve coils. When a light Ij

sufficient to operate the rectifier circuit i

If the silicon-controlled current does not reach the photoconductor, the rectifier turns off and the capacitor begins to charge again and the current flow from the input terminal to the common line ceases. In the event of an electrical fault or a fault in the voltage supply, no current flows through this circuit to the drive coils of the

valve, as a result of the series connection of the power supply and the detector circuit. If the lamp burns out/if the detector is faulty, then the inter-

[:silicon controlled rectifier breaker not siI r ? i ! ' j [will activate and through the valve coils not

\

(passer? current.

; The preferred embodiment of the present invention, as shown and described, is pre-assembled

[perhaps upright with the entrance! , ]

je l'uscita in the upper position for the connec-i-

:direct connection with the fittings located close to the outlet taps. In this position, the fluid is

!which enters the tank cavity from the common ones; [

[cold water pipes heat up slowly diif - ; f

jrante the radiation process causing a conr

natural convection, whereby the fluid just entered the

? | (it descends downwards, while the irradiated fluid ;

[it goes up and out from there. ! !i In short.? an apparatus has been shown and described;

|improved sterilizer having a chemically coated lamp housing | [so as to repel-

r>and continuously and avoid the accumulation of dirt*

:and of inorganic deposits. This is obtained by treating

I provide the non-porous transparent element with a chemical composition of inorganic acid and an alkylpolysiloxane. An improved electronic sensor is planned that uses an isolated detector.

|from the treatment tank to prevent interference with the circuit by impurities in the fluid and also providing a series connection of a current supply circuit with a detector-controlled SCE to regulate the operation of the inlet valve. j CLAIMS

i ! ! ? . An ultraviolet fluid purifier |comprising : j ? I j : an elongated box provided with inlet and outlet openings provided at one end thereof;

j a source of ultraviolet radiation mounted j ; ! inside said box to provide effective radiation substantially along the entire length of said i I

|box;

j a substantially transparent sleeve element!

jrente which encloses the said light source ? ' ?itravioletta; and

i

the electrical control means equipped with radiation detecting means outside said box, whereby said input closes when said ultraviolet radiation falls below a predetermined level.

2. An ultraviolet fluid purifier as defined in claim 1, further comprising means secured to the surface of said member.

with a sleeve to constantly keep the sleeve clean from unwanted deposits.

3. The ultraviolet fluid purifier of claim 2 wherein said means for keeping said sleeve element constantly clean of unwanted deposits comprises a chemical coating on said sleeve element.

.o hand element iii cooked. ||

4.d ultraviolet fluid purifier according to claim 3? wherein the said coating4

? ? i |chemical composition includes a composition of an acid ?i

inorganic and an alkylpolysiloxane.

| 5? The ultraviolet fluid purifier of claim 3, wherein said electrical control means further comprises an electrically operated fluid inlet valve and wherein said electrical control means further comprises electronic interrupter means electrically connected for directing current between a voltage supply and said solenoid valve and distributors so as to supply current to said valve, BI-4941 LA/vr 16 ??

???

to keep it in the open position when the radiation level is above a predetermined level

caco and to interrupt the current to the said valve so as to close it when the radiation level drops below the said pre-set effective level.

6. An ultraviolet fluid purifier as defined in claim 5 wherein said radiation-radiating means comprises a forward-biased variable resistance photosensitive device exposed to said ultraviolet radiation source and electrically connected to the trigger of a silicon-controlled switch which is electrically connected between said solenoid and the voltage supply such that during the detection of a predetermined effective radiation level, said variable resistance has a low resistance and thereby causes said silicon-controlled switch to a conductive "on" condition, and during the detection of a radiation level below said predetermined effective radiation level, said variable resistance has a high resistance and thereby causes said silicon-controlled switch to a non-conductive "off" condition.

PP- MAZZOTTI one

SOCI ET NA BREVETTI s,P,

IMPROVED DEVICE FOR THE STERILIZATION OF FLUIDS

To the Commissioner of Patents:

Your Applicant, ERMANNO MAZZOTTI, an Italian citizen, resident in Streamwood, State of Illinois, whose postal address is 501 Newberry Drive, Streamwood, Illinois, 60103, requests that he be granted a patent for the improvement of an apparatus for the sterilization of fluids described in the following report.

I hereby certify that this is an authentic copy of the original.

Signed: Michael Stathos Notary Public DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRIAL INDUSTRY OF THE "PERFECTED APPARATUS FOR STERILIZATION

IDI LI-?UH>I* FL UI D/ .

ift?acme.-dol Mr. MASBOTTI Ermanno of Italian nationality, member of STBfiAMWOO&?? I-ll-inoio (U.O.A?j?? ? ~ i idtepocitata-?l- ^con? No.

SUMMARY ; AJAAAC^\

A purifier over there, with ultraviolet rays, ;

l***cLo

jin in which the ?figuido is passed through a (box equipped with a source of ultraviolet light (placed in it and housed inside an envelope- ? 1

|transparent envelope having a surface treated to prevent the accumulation of sediment or other radiation-blocking material, and further provided; radiation detecting means located outside of said envelope to monitor the radiation and regulate the flow of the J?quidks

oaofab

The present invention relates generally to a dhs/ifflo apparatus for sterilizing a medium, such as water, by subjecting it to ultraviolet radiation, and more particularly the present invention relates to improved features of said device for detecting the level of radiation and preventing leaks of untreated water.

Current systems generally work by passing water near an ultraviolet lamp in sufficiently close proximity to ensure exposure of the water to the ultraviolet radiation being read, said exposure and said level of irradiation being of a magnitude sufficient to destroy the

bacteria present in the liquid. A frequently recurring problem in such systems? Insurance

jof a satisfactory lamp operating condition and the maintenance of an effective radiation level. After a long period of time, the lamp's output decreases and sediments, chemicals, or the like precipitate from the liquid and collect around the lamp, shielding the radiation. This reduces the reliability of the device and has prompted attempts to improve the system and ensure adequate and complete sterilization of the water passed through the machine.

t> | U.S. Patent No. 547,693, issued in the name of Veloz, discloses an automatic shut-off system that is automatically sensitive to a low level of radiation and arranged to block the flow of liquid through the device when such a condition occurs. The Veloz probe system includes dual photocells located within the flow area of the tank. During adequate radiation, the photocells exhibit a low electrical resistance that prevents a solenoid from operating the valve. When the radiation striking these photocells decreases, an electrical potential is established across a relay coil, thereby activating a circuit that operates the solenoid and the automatic valve. This valve is normally open and when it is

The activated valve closes to prevent the incoming water from entering. U.S. Patent No. 3,462,597 issued to Young describes a similar water purifier equipped with means for selectively cleaning the sleeve surrounding the ultraviolet lamp, while means are also provided for manually operating these rings on the outside of the mechanism.

Differently from the above, the present in-I

The invention provides an improved sleeve design having a chemical coating to prevent the accumulation of dirt or mineral deposits, and further includes an improved electronic detector of the level of ultraviolet radiation for flow control. In the preferred embodiment, the ultraviolet lamp is enclosed in a

jin a glass/sealed casing to prevent the

! liquid to escape from the tank and come into contact with the lamp. This casing is covered with

1 according to the process and composition for treating non-porous substrates, as set forth in U.S. Patent No. 35795^0 issued to nano Ohlhausen. In general this involves treating the sub-f . . . .

| layer (the glass that encloses the ultraviolet lamp) with a composition containing an inor-. .

? I

l

hydroxypropyl alcohol and an alkylpolysiloxane to produce a water-repellent film on the glass, j

| highly adherent and durable. This composition is now distributed by UNELCO Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, under the trademark "Rain-X". The electronic sensor, in the preferred embodiment, comprises a light-sensitive variable resistance device, such as a photocell, electrically connected to a control circuit and mounted near the lamp outside the tank. A decrease in radiation output or a power failure interrupts the flow of current to the solenoid-operated valve and stops the

liquid flow through the device. ! Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to provide an improved ultraviolet fluid purifier, which

It continuously keeps the sleeve surrounding the ultraviolet radiation source clean of dirt and inorganic deposits by chemically repelling the fluid that comes into contact with the sleeve,

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved model of fusing through the apparatus for irradiation of the

!efficient and effective fluid. i ; | j | A further object of the present invention is to provide an improved sensing means capable of detecting the operation of the lamp and the effective radiation coming from it, but which is protected from the accumulation of deposits on the sensing device which may interfere with its operation.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide an improved sensing device having an electrically controlled solenoid valve that closes and prevents the flow of fluid when the energy supply is interrupted or when the effective radiation decreases.

Other purposes and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the reading of the following de|-I i

detailed description and with reference to the di-, w

I

jsegni, in which:

i I

t FIGURE 1a is a perspective view, partially

I :

ite sectioned and removed, of the realization form!

?i

[preferred embodiment of the present invention;

! FIGURE 1b is a side view of the components

. .

i ;

[electrical of the present invention; and ;

i FIGURE 2 represents a schematic of the circuit j

i j

'of the electronic sensor of the present invention. |

. . . I

I While the invention will be described in connection

i ?io

with a preferred embodiment, it is obvious that/n|on

I intend to limit the invention itself to this one

!

embodiment. On the contrary, ??r intend to cover

i

all alternatives, modifications and equivalents that j

can be understood in spirit and scope;

of the invention itself- cltjlL l\?firUr\oh\c&J? <rvvi .

But tr*jL M X'ii/vi/fr .

Referring now to figure 1a, there is shown a

perspective view, partially sectioned and removed, of the body of the purifying device according to the

present invention, consisting mainly of

an external box 12 equipped with through holes of j

input 14 and output 16. These holes connect

] I

[with an internal tank 20 for the conjective circulation of the passing fluid that must be treated well oJ^A'/V?/W O J? i/VW ? 1

internal anus. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a normally closed solenoid valve 21 is also provided, mounted on the water inlet, so as to be electrically adjustable.

;the flow through the purification chamber. As described in more detail below, this val-; i i

The solenoid valve opens when it receives an electrical command from the radiation detector circuit. When the inlet valve is open, the incoming fluid enters the inlet at line pressure.

'internal cavity of the tank and circulates in it until it reaches the outlet.

; Sealed internally within the aforementioned internal cavity of the tank is provided a radiation source 22 and, in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, this lamp is an ultraviolet radiation lamp, such as an elongated quartz tube ultraviolet lamp (mercury vapor).

2

capable of emitting 35,000 nUW sec./cm. Around this ultraviolet lamp is a transparent shielding envelope 23, such as a glass tube, which allows radiation to pass through it, but prevents the circulating fluid from touching the ultraviolet lamp. This glass envelope is sealed at its ends to the internal reservoir, so as to provide a path

hermetic for the circulation of the fluid during the treatment. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the tanks are made of stainless steel and the internal chamber is closed at each

ends by means of welded heads enclosing a j

pressure inside them the aforementioned tube of ?

I

hermetically sealed glass with gaskets 25- ]

'Furthermore, this allows the ultraviolet lamp

Idi to be removed from the internal circulation chamber-I

end of the tank and to be replaced when j

i ^ !

jrende necessary, without opening any of the sealing gaskets, allowing easier access

as well as greater reliability. Access to the lamp and circuit is generally provided through-* j

so the bottom end 24 of the sterilizer device and the ultraviolet lamp can be removed

from its electrical contacts and support irons

by access from quoted -1-eto aM h?yvt/iA? ? In the preferred embodiment of this

j invention, the glass casing that surrounds the lam-|

ultraviolet pad? coated according to the procedure and composition of treatment of non-metallic substrates

porous, as described in U.S. Patent No. 3579^40

1 released in Ohlhausen. In general, the casing of

* ?

Glass is sprayed or immersed in a chemical composition containing a combined mixture of an inorganic acid and an alkylpolysiloxane. The result is a transparent film that adheres to the glass but repels the fluid circulating in the tank, thus preventing the formation of deposits on its surface. This chemical composition is now commercially available and is distributed by the UNEI?0: ; Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, under the trademark "Rain-X". The application of this repellent treatment technique results in an improved sealing envelope that eliminates the periodic cleaning required by existing systems today.

As best shown in Figure 1b, the electrical circuit that controls the inlet valve and the ultraviolet lamp is mounted on the bottom plate of the device. More specifically, a reactor capacitor 26 is seen for driving the ultraviolet lamp.

: ultraviolet lamp, as well as the i-state circuit

; solid state radiation level detector 28 for detecting and actuating the inlet valve, having an ultraviolet sensor 30 mounted thereon in proximity to the ultraviolet lamp 32. In operation, this solid state radiation level detector monitors the radiation produced by the inlet valve.

nothing from the ultraviolet lamp and transmits that

! ' i This information to the circuit intended to regulate j i

the inlet valve. As a result of the logic i | j of the circuit, as described in more detail below, the following ij will be detected by the circuit

faults and the entry and exit of the j will be prevented

fluid or water to be treated.

Failure Bis ultato

Electrical fault The lamp remains off; (power failure) the detector does not detect any radiation and does not activate the valve; the valve remains closed. NO WATER OUTPUT. j |2. Insufficient electrical power The detector does not detect enough radiation to activate the valve; the valve remains closed;

NO WATER OUTLET.

3- The lamp is burned out. The detector does not detect enough radiation to activate the valve; the valve remains closed. NO WATER OUTPUT. 4. Defective detector. The detector does not activate the valve; the valve remains closed. NO WATER OUTPUT. 3. Defective valve. The valve remains closed.

NO WATER OUTPUT. ! |6. Faulty transformer - The lamp does not turn on; ! the detector does not activate the valve. NO WATER OUTPUT. i 7? Faulty capacitor - The lamp does not turn on;

the detector does not operate the valve. NO OUTPUT

WATER.

? t

Turning now to the circuit shown in figure 2, the photosensitive transistor 42 is represented by the

its base 44 fixed to its emitter 46 through|

a load resistor 48. The emitter is also connected as shown electrically to the trigger 50 of a silicon-controlled rectifier switch 52.

?(SCR) and is also fixed to the common power line 54- through a load resistor 56. j

, ? In parallel with the rectifier switch con-

silicon controlled ? a capacitor 58 is provided ? ? in series with a resistor 60. When a positive voltage [ I is applied to the input line a

s forward polarization 62, the positive potential j

causes a direct polarization of the 1 switches

silicon controlled rectifier and starts to c a-

recharge the capacitor through its load resistance! ; ! The common terminal 54 is therefore kept negative with respect to the input terminal 62 of the! i | voltage. | ' i This circuit is powered by a power supply

64, schematically indicated in figure 2, which

? connected to the input voltage line 62

for the radiation detector circuit, through-

towards protection diodes 66 and 68. The drive coil

solenoid 70 electrically activated ? ; jConnected to the radiation detector circuit [through protection diodes 72 and 74--Consequently, jwhen the radiation detector circuit is ? ppi

jIlarized positively at the input terminal 62 of the voltage and when the SCR is subsequently operated in its "on" state, current flows through the detector circuit and I

then through the solenoid coil to masi ; jsa. , ! | j When the photodetector detects enough light ! jte coming from the radiation source, an input voltage is generated which operates the switch, ! ! jsilicon-controlled rectifier and brings this

1 SCR to its "on" state. This initiates a current flow from the input terminal to the common terminal and consequently provides a current flow through the protection diodes 68 and 72 in the solenoid valve coils. When a light is sufficient to operate the rectifier circuit:

[controlled by silicon does not reach the photoconductor, the ?

rectifier turns off and capacitor starts r

to charge again and the flow of current from the input terminal to the common line ceases. In the event of an electrical fault or a fault in the voltage supply, no current flows through this circuit to the valve's operating coils, as a result of the series connection of the power supply and the detector circuit. If the lamp-! ?

jda burns out/if the detector is faulty, then the in]er ! [silicon controlled rectifier interrupter does not

! will activate and no current will pass through the valve coils.

The preferred embodiment of the present

The invention, as shown and described, is mounted preferably in a vertical position with the inlet and the outlet in the upper position for direct connection to fittings located near the outlet taps. In this position, the fluid is

|which enters the tank cavity from the common cold water pipes slowly heats up during the radiation process, causing natural convection, so that the fluid that has just entered sinks downwards, while the irradiated fluid rises upwards and exits from there. | Briefly, an improved sterilizing apparatus has been shown and described having a lamp casing chemically coated to continuously repel and prevent the accumulation of dirt and inorganic deposits. This is achieved by treating the non-porous transparent element with a composition

chemical reaction of an inorganic acid and an alkylpolysiloxane. An improved electronic sensor is planned which uses an insulated detector j !

; from the treatment tank to prevent interference with the circuit by impurities?

i ?held in the fluid and which also provides a connection

! series connection of a current supply circuit with a detector-controlled SCE to regulate the operation of the inlet valve.

! ; ? /w\rfc*u?kw> : .?????)?0???0??- ! i ! 1 . An ultraviolet fluid purifier E ? i comprising:

i I ; i ? ! an elongated box with inlet and outlet openings at one end; ; i ' j a source of ultraviolet radiation mounted

! ! | ? inside said box to provide effective radiation substantially along the entire said |

the box;

! a substantially transparent sleeve element that tightly encloses said light source j

ultraviolet; and

i

electrical control means equipped with radiation detectors on the outside of said box, whereby said input closes when said ultraviolet radiation falls below a predetermined level.

2. An ultraviolet fluid purifier as defined in claim 1, further comprising means secured to the surface of said member.

with a sleeve to constantly keep the said sleeve clean from iadoo??e??Oft->? deposits

3. Ultraviolet fluid purifier according to claim 2, wherein said means i i

to keep constantly clean from unwanted deposits

Consider the said sleeve element ? consisting of a chemical coating on the said sleeve element. j

Cooked.

I

i 4. Ultraviolet fluid purifier six .

{according to claim 3, wherein said chemical coating comprises a composition of an acid I.

inorganic and an alkylpolysiloxane.

j 5- Ultraviolet fluid purifier j |according to claim 3* wherein said electrical control means | further comprises an electrically operated fluid inlet valve

!j and wherein said electrical control means covers-I

| also electronic interrupting means connected ? !electrically to direct current between a power supply

voltage supply and the said solenoid valve and arranged to supply current to the said valve

Claims (1)

I BI-4941 LA/vr - 16 -r> f.' to keep it in the open position when the radiation level is above a predetermined effective level and to interrupt the current to the said valve so as to close it when the radiation level falls below the predetermined effective level^ _ _ 6. A BJ ultraviolet fluid purifier as defined in claim 5 wherein said radiation sensing means comprises a forward biased variable resistance photosensitive device exposed to said ultraviolet radiation source and electrically connected to the trigger of a silicon controlled switch which is electrically connected between said solenoid valve and the voltage supply whereby during the detection of a predetermined effective radiation level, said variable resistance has a low resistance and thereby causes said silicon controlled switch to a conductive "on" condition, and during the detection of a radiation level below said predetermined effective radiation level, said variable resistance has a high resistance and thereby causes said silicon controlled switch to be in a conductive "on" condition. ) silicon-controlled in a non-conductive "off?-|ment" condition. ! (For Certified Translation) SOCIETIES>TI?n> ??? PATENTS and*. / *