US 5,845,504 A · Portable/potable water recovery and dispensing apparatus · patentgrep

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Abstract

A portable, potable-water generator for producing high-purity liquid water by condensation of dew from ambient air is described. The generator employs filtration subsystems to remove particulates and aerosols from the incoming air. An enclosed heat absorber cools the filtered air below its dew point and collects droplets of condensate into a closed system. The collected liquid dew is further continually treated in a bacteriostat loop to destroy adventitious living organisms and to filter out undesirable and dangerous contaminants. All the subsystems are failsafe-interlocked to disable the generator immediately and prevent delivery of water if any one of them stops functioning within predetermined safe limits. Hybrid embodiments of the water generator attached to or integrated with refrigeration-type appliances such as water coolers, refrigerators, freezers, icemakers and air-conditioners are illustrated.

Claims29

Dependent claims

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir,
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein and
k. further wherein the air inlet port and the air outlet port are both covered by insect-proof screens and all seams and openings of the housing are fitted with barriers and seals to repel and prevent entry of insects and airborne contaminants.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein said air inlet port and air exhaust port each have a cross-sectional area in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 m.sup.2.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein said variable flow volume of said system for circulating air is in the range of 1-10 m.sup.3 /min.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein said first enclosed water reservoir has a volume in the range of 1-10 liters.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein said monitor is interconnected with system components within said housing and comprises fail safe sensors and alarms which continually verify integrity, function and operation of each component within predetermined pressure, temperature and flow-rate control parameter limits, and operate to shut down the water recovery system and prevent water from being dispensed from the housing if there should occur excessive deviations from the predetermined parameter limits.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein, and further comprising a first substytem located within said housing and connected to said closed-loop re-circulation channel for providing, holding and dispensing from the housing chilled, purified water at a predetermined temperature range of 5-15 deg. C,
and still further comprising thermostat/humidistat controls which are automatically regulated by thermal sensors located in the air downstream of said enclosed cooler to prevent formation of ice on cooling surface of said enclosed cooler.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the bacteriostatic loop includes a UV treatment zone in which the UV source is selected from the group consisting of electronic solid-state UV devices, natural sunlight light pipes and fluorescent/chemiluminescent sources.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the system for circulating air further comprises an electro-chemical generator to generate sterilizing gas, such as halogen, which gases so generated can be electrochemically dissociated in liquid solution and released.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
and further comprising a ducted particle-generating device sealingly connected downstream of said air inlet port, the ducted particle-generating device being provided with at least one of:
(1) electrodes for generating charged particles and ions, or (2) one or more radioisotope sources for emitting charged particles, said particle-generating device being sealingly connected to said air inlet port,
wherein the ducted particle-generating device includes a source of charged particles and ions, said source being selected from the group consisting of isotope mixtures and decomposition-results alloys of radioactive metals, to thereby permit control of particle fluxes and incorporation of small area sources of charged particles into said system.

10 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the refrigerant is a low-temperature refrigerant fluid such as 406A to thereby permit operation of the system in air-conditioned environs.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
and further comprising a second subsystem located within said housing and connected to said re-circulation channel for providing, holding and dispensing from the housing heated purified water at a predetermined temperature of 60-80 deg. C;
wherein the re-circulation channel includes a heat sink for use of the system in an air conditioned environment, the heat sink being so disposed in the housing to permit passage of heat collected into either one or both of the structure of the housing and liquid water collected in a third enclosed water reservoir.

9 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the first-enclosed water collection vessel is covered, has a large volume capacity, and is external from the housing, but sealingly connected thereto in a manner sufficient to prevent entry of insects, dust and miscellaneous debris.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the housing is adapted for receipt of a gravity type water container dispenser, and further comprising a retrofitting kit including a gravity type water container dispenser for connection to the housing, the kit comprising an adjustable vertically disposed water delivery tube, a rubber seal collar and an integral water level sensor at the uppermost end of the water delivery tube, whereby the water level sensor detects when the water reservoir on the housing is filled to capacity and serves to shut off a valve of the water generator.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the system is adapted for attachment to the cooling and automatic ice making subsystems of a conventional refrigerator, and further comprising appropriate fluid couplings and electrical circuitry to connect the water condenser within the housing to such conventional refrigerator to thereby permit the conventional refrigerator to generate mineral free potable water for dispensing directly as ice water or for automatic preparation of mineral-free ice cubes.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the system is adapted for integration with a vapor-compression refrigeration-type appliance, wherein circulation air from the system is drawn over the water generator in the housing of the system and the heat absorbers of the system are adapted to draw liquid refrigerant from the vapor-compression refrigeration type appliance, to thereby permit the housing of the system to be substantially smaller than would otherwise be possible without use of such integrated arrangement.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
and further comprising a kit to modify fluid fittings and electrical circuits of the system to permit attachment of the system to a conventional ice maker, air conditioner or dehumidifier, to thereby provide a hybrid appliance capable of generating potable water as well as performing the normal function of the conventional icemaker, air conditioner or dehumidifier.

8 more elements

A portable, potable water recovery and dispensing system comprising:

a. a portable housing having an air inlet port and an air exhaust port,
b. a system for circulating air from the air inlet port to the air exhaust port,
c. at least one air filter adapted to remove and trap particulates having a diameter larger than 1-10 micrometers dispersed in ambient air, said particle-generating device sealingly connected upstream of said at least one air filter,
d. said air exhaust port being adapted to mount an optional charged-particle generator inside said housing whereby a physiologically-safe level of charged particles and ions is added to the air being discharged,
e. said system for circulating air further comprising an internal, ducted, air-circulation device of controllable, variable flow volume sealingly connected downstream of the at least one air filter for causing variable flow intake of ambient air,
f. a water condenser within the housing comprising an enclosed cooler having dew-forming surfaces sealingly connected to a heat absorber to receive particle-free air from said system for circulating air, said dew-forming surfaces being adapted to cool boundary-layer air adjacent to said dew-forming surfaces to a temperature in the range of 1-10 deg. C below the equilibrium dew-point of the inlet air stream, thereby forming liquid water on said dew-forming surfaces, said dew-forming surfaces being formed and positioned for gravity flow of said liquid water into an enclosed dripoff water collection vessel,
g. a first enclosed water reservoir formed of material appropriate for storage of high-purity drinking water, said first enclosed reservoir being sealingly connected to said enclosed dripoff water collection vessel and fitted with an outlet connection whereby at least most of the water held within said first enclosed water reservoir can be withdrawn,
h. a bacteriostatic loop sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and comprising a closed-loop, re-circulation channel and pump assembly by which water in said first enclosed water reservoir is pumped at a predetermined flow rate through an activated-carbon porous filter-absorber connection in series with a UV treatment zone where the water is continually exposed to radiation of sufficient energy and appropriate wavelength to kill bacteria and viruses,
i. a delivery channel sealingly connected to said first enclosed water reservoir and extending through said housing for external dispensing of purified water from said first enclosed water reservoir, and
j. a monitor disposed within the housing for monitoring housing integrity and proper operation of system components therein,
wherein the bacteriostatic loop provides filtration and bacteriostatic treatment sufficient to render water recovered and dispersed by the system at purity levels at least equivalent to NSF 53 standards.

8 more elements

A process for preparing and dispensing potable water by condensation of moisture from ambient air carried out within a portable device, the process comprising:

a. removing particulate contaminants from ambient air by drawing a flowing stream of ambient air through a channel within the portable device, the channel being fitted with electrostatic particle separators and particle filters,
b. cooling the stream of particle-free air produced in step (a) by closed-system, forced convection across chemically-inert cooled dew-forming surfaces in a heat absorber to at least 3 deg. C below the equilibrium dew point temperature of the stream of particle-free air,
c. allowing liquid water formed on the cooled, dew-forming surfaces to flow under gravitational forces to a predetermined, enclosed dew-dripoff collection zone within the portable device,
d. collecting said drip off liquid water in a non-corroding reservoir within the portable device,
e. continually circulating said collected liquid water in the reservoir through a bacteriostatic treatment loop within the device wherein any microorganisms in the water are killed and any absorbable dissolved or dispersed contaminants are removed by activated-carbon filtration, and
f. selectively dispensing water stored in the reservoir from the portable device, wherein all steps of the process are accomplished while monitoring integrity and operation of the portable device to within the range of pre-selected parameters,
whereby any impurities detectable in said dispensed water are within safe levels for potable water and
wherein all said process steps are accomplished by electrically powered subsystems mounted within an enclosure, all seams and openings of the enclosure being fitted with barriers and seals to repel and prevent entry of insects and airborne contaminants.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 08/802,489Filed 20 Feb 1997 · continuation in part
Priority: 8 Apr 1996
Granted: 8 Dec 1998
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification26 codes

C02F 9/20
Multistage treatment of water, waste water or sewage: portable or detachable small-scale multistage treatment devices, e.g. point of use or…
B01D 5/0072
In combination with other processes: with filtration
C02F 1/008
Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage: control or steering systems not provided for elsewhere in subclass C02F
E03B 3/28
Methods or installations for obtaining or collecting drinking water or tap water: from humid air

Family

Serial629,305Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 8 Apr 1996
US 5,669,221 AParent of this continuation-in-part
US 5,845,504 AThis patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Timeline

Citations

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