TWI450867B - Water purification - Google Patents

Description

Water purification device

The present invention relates to purification. In particular, the invention relates to water purification devices.

Water cooling machines and other dispensing devices are generally required to dispense purified and potable water. Ultraviolet (UV) systems are often used to purify water. These systems function by illuminating water with UV radiation, which is used to kill bacteria and other microorganisms.

Although water coolers and similar dispensing machines used in home, office or factory environments are extremely efficient, for example, in purifying water to a level sufficient for drinking, and killing microorganisms present in the water when received from a water source, Sometimes there are some problems with the organism at the actual delivery point or faucet. Therefore, the water that has been treated and purified may be contaminated at the point of delivery. Therefore, the weakness of current UV systems is "post-UV disinfection", in which water may be recontaminated. Back contamination by machine nozzles is also a known problem, whether it is natural bacterial reproduction or man-made contamination, which is due to the stagnation of water in a relatively short period of time, which promotes the growth of organisms in any storage medium.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved purification apparatus, and in particular an improved water distribution apparatus.

According to the present invention, in a first aspect, there is provided a purification apparatus comprising: an elongated UV source, and a conduit for water or another fluid to be purified, wherein the conduit is formed of a UV transmissive material, wherein The conduit has an inlet and an outlet and is positioned such that a portion thereof is wrapped around at least a portion of the UV source, thereby disinfecting water or fluid within the conduit; the purification device further comprising: for reflecting UV radiation to A means of reflection on one or more portions of the conduit that extends beyond the portion that is wrapped around the UV source.

With this configuration, the UV radiation on all portions of the catheter is enhanced by reflection.

According to the present invention, in another aspect, an apparatus for a flowable substance is provided, the apparatus comprising: a container formed of a UV transmissive material for a flowable substance; a means for receiving a UV source, It is arranged such that the substance contained within the container acts directly from the UV radiation from the UV source; the inlet and outlet of the container are accessed; the apparatus further comprises: means for reflecting the UV radiation from the luminaire to be reflected At least a portion of the inlet and/or outlet.

In another aspect, the invention comprises a liquid retaining device comprising: means for receiving a UV source, the means being arranged such that liquid contained within the holding device is acted upon by UV radiation from a UV source; The liquid retains the inlet and outlet of the device; the liquid retaining means further includes: means for reflecting the UV radiation from the luminaire to reflect at least a portion of the inlet and/or the outlet.

Preferably, the means for reflecting comprises a cover, at least the outlet is passed through the cover, and the cover has a surface that reflects UV radiation, whereby some of the UV radiation from the source is reflected to one of the container/catheter or On multiple parts. A UV reflecting chamber is preferably mounted over the portion of the sleeve that is wrapped around the UV source, and thereby, the UV that has been transmitted through the conduit is reflected back through the conduit and reflected to all of the chamber section.

In a preferred embodiment, a faucet is provided which is made of a UV reflective material and is positioned such that a portion of the UV radiation is reflected by the faucet to the outlet and/or the inlet of the conduit, thereby Disinfect the water at the outlet and / or at the entrance.

In the case of conventional dispensers, microorganisms may enter the outlet at the point of delivery or be present on the faucet itself, and such microorganisms may contaminate water that has previously been sterilized by passing through the UV source. Such microorganisms can be treated by providing a faucet and/or an end cap that is positioned to reflect at least a portion of the radiation from the luminaire to the end of the water conduit or to a portion proximate the end. This greatly improves the efficiency and effectiveness of disinfection and produces better quality drinking water. This also prevents backflow contamination of microorganisms and contaminants that may be introduced via the dispensing nozzle/faucet.

Preferably, the cover has a surface adapted to reflect UV radiation to a portion of the conduit that is not wound around the UV source. The cover can have at least one inner surface configured to reflect UV radiation onto at least a portion of the inlet and/or the outlet of the conduit.

The reflective inner surface of the cover may be sharpened toward the exit of the catheter. The reflective inner surface of the cover may include a bottom surface, a top surface, and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein at least the side surface and/or the top surface are sharpened toward the outlet.

Preferably, the reflective inner surface converges as it extends away from the UV source.

The cover may range in one direction greater than it in the other direction. The cross section of the cover may have a generally fan shape. In cross section, the cover may have a first curved end of a first radius of curvature and a second, second curved end having a larger radius of curvature. These curved ends can be joined by straight sides. The UV source can extend axially within, or partially within, the second curved end, and the outlet of the conduit can be axially within the first curved end.

Due to this configuration of sharpened/converging/scaling shapes, as the distance from the UV source increases, the reflected radiation can preferably concentrate toward the point set at the exit of the catheter for effective reflection by reflected radiation. Illuminate the outlet of the catheter.

The reflective cover preferably provides a reflective path that extends beyond the radial extent of the catheter.

The faucet can be positioned such that it reflects UV radiation onto the outlet. The faucet can include a portion of the cover. In any event, the faucet is preferably attached to the cover to form an unbroken refractive path.

Preferably, the conduit extends into the faucet but stops at the end of the faucet that has not yet reached so that the outlet of the conduit is recessed relative to the outlet of the faucet. The portion of the catheter that extends into the faucet can be shielded by the faucet from direct radiation from the UV source.

Such a device can include a chamber having an inner UV reflecting surface that is mounted over the wound portion of the catheter thereby reflecting radiation back to the catheter. The chamber can terminate in the lid.

Winding can be performed by providing a container/catheter in the form of a spiral or winding that is positioned to be positioned about the UV source.

The UV source can be one or more UV lamps. Its best is the UVC source.

The inlet and outlet of the conduit can be located at the same end of the device or at the opposite ends of the device.

According to the present invention, in another aspect, an in-line water purification apparatus is provided, comprising: a conduit for water to be purified, the conduit being wound around an elongated UV source and having an outlet; A means of reflection is positioned such that UV radiation is reflected by the reflecting means onto the outlet.

A faucet can be provided, which has a reflective surface and is positioned to reflect UV onto the outlet.

Specific embodiments of the present invention ensure that all water purifier types are purged at the point of delivery while reducing backflow contamination. The invention is particularly useful for ambient, foamed, and cold water or other fluids.

Specific examples are also available for many other types of liquids, fluids, or other flowable materials.

Specific examples of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a portion of a water dispenser (which may generally be of the type commonly referred to as a water cooler commonly used in offices or other environments). Such water dispensers require proper disinfection of the water prior to delivery. Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is often used to achieve this. When used at the correct frequency and intensity, UV can effectively kill bacteria and other microorganisms. Each of these is well known to the individual and is not the subject of this patent specification. Note that although the fluid will typically be water, it can be other fluids or beverages.

Figure 1 shows a typical UV source in the form of an elongated UV lamp 1. The device has an electrical connector 2 for connection to a power supply at one end and to an end cap/cover 3 at the other end, the end cap/cover 3 having a cylinder surrounding the end portion of the UV lamp 1 Shaped shield portion 4. The UV lamp 1 is configured to generate sufficient frequency and intensity of UV radiation to kill a sufficient level of microorganisms such that the water in which it is sterilized is sterilized according to certain criteria, as will be appreciated in such techniques.

Figure 2 shows a conduit or tube in which water is delivered around a UV lamp. A winding-type (spiral) conduit 7 is shown here, which is connected at one end to a water inlet 5, which in use is positioned such that it surrounds the lamp 1 (which can be in contact with the lamp 1) from the inlet end 5 is wound to the bottom end and is again wound up to the other end thereof, and is connected to the water outlet 6 at the other end. Therefore, the water to be sterilized passes through the winding, and the winding is tightly wound around the UV lamp to be sterilized thereby. As shown in Figure 2, the inlet and outlet are preferably disposed at the same end of the water source.

Alternatively, as shown in Figure 15, the inlet 5 and the outlet 6 can be placed at opposite ends.

Figure 3 illustrates the manner in which the outer shroud or casing (outer chamber) 8 is positioned over the top of the conduit 7 and fastened to the end cap 3 in use, while being generally cylindrical in shape with closed ends 9. It is formed of a UV reflective material such as aluminum. Please note that the sleeve or conduit 7 will be made of a UV transmissive material, and a preferred embodiment for the preferred use is quartz. The aluminum chamber is formed of any material that reflects UV. Although preferably aluminum, it can also be reflective other metals, plastics, or other materials. It is used to reflect the UV radiation that has passed through the cannula back through the cannula and thereby enhance and improve the sterilization of the fluid within the portion of the cannula between the lamp 1 and the chamber 8.

Cover 3 is also a reflective material and may also be made of aluminum, steel, or any other reflective material.

In particular, as seen in Fig. 3(a), the extreme portions of the sleeves 7b, 7c do not form part of the winding-type portion 7a, and are connected to the inlet 5 and the outlet 6. However, since the cover is reflective, the cover reflects some of the UV radiation from the UV source 1 to the extreme portions 7b, 7c of the sleeve and ensures that the UV radiation still acts on the sleeve. On the extreme part. Thus, any microorganisms that may be present in the sleeve that are not directly adjacent to the portion of the winding-type portion of the UV lamp are still subject to UV disinfection due to UV radiation being reflected from the end cap or chamber.

The end cap can be of any suitable design. As shown, the end caps are preferably cylindrical for maximum effect, but may also have a square or other internal shape. The end cap may include a baffle or other portion that is in close proximity to the extreme portion of the cannula, thereby improving sterilization efficiency. The chamber 9 is preferably directly connected to the end cap to avoid leaving a gap or space that would allow UV radiation to escape.

As shown in Fig. 3b, the end cap may preferably be closed end shaped and includes a closed end 10 having an opening, aperture, or otherwise shaped to receive the inlet connector 5 and the outlet connector 6. This closed end 10 or end wall is also used to reflect UV radiation back towards the sleeve 7.

4 to 8 show alternative examples. This alternative embodiment also includes a UV lamp 11. This UV lamp can for example be 11 W, but other luminaires can also be used. The spiral quartz sleeve 12 having a spiral portion similar to the spiral portion of the first specific example serves as a conduit for water to be sterilized, and includes an inlet 13 and an outlet 14 which are disposed at the same end. Thus, the water to be sterilized enters via the inlet 13, moves downwards in a helical manner towards the lower end 15 of the casing, and then returns upwards in a spiral manner to the outlet 14 again. The cannula is positioned over the elongate lamp 11 in a manner similar to the cannula positioning of the first embodiment, such that it is actually wrapped around the lamp and sterilizes the water passing through the cannula.

A UV reflecting chamber or housing 16 is mounted over the sleeve 12 and also acts to reflect radiation back through the quartz sleeve, which may be aluminum (such as anodized aluminum) or any Other UV reflective metals, plastics, or other materials. Please note again that in any particular example, the sleeve can be quartz or other material that is UV transmissive.

A plug 17 of silicone, rubber, or other material covers the end of the connector of the UV lamp to the power supply and control circuitry.

A UV reflective cover is mounted at the end of the quartz sleeve carrying the inlet and outlet, and a chamber 16 of an anodized aluminum housing or other material is attached to the end. It is also typically aluminum (such as anodized aluminum) or other materials having the desired properties of reflection. It includes a recess, an aperture, or other portion, or is shaped to receive the inlet and outlet of the quartz sleeve, and, in this particular embodiment, also houses means for receiving the hot water supply conduit 18.

In a preferred embodiment, the water applied to the sterilization unit can be cold (i.e., frozen) water or ambient temperature water and can be stationary or foamed.

In this specific example and some other specific examples, a faucet 19 is provided. The faucet houses an outlet 14 from a quartz sleeve that extends to some extent into the faucet. The faucet 19 is also a UV reflective material and is typically stainless steel, but can be any metallic or plastic material that is reflective.

The outlet 14 from the casing includes an elbow 14a which is generally at right angles or approximately right angle and wherein the end portion of the elbow extends into the faucet.

Because the faucet 19 is a reflective material, the faucet in combination with the end cap 17 also reflects some of the UV radiation from the luminaire directly to the outlet 14, and thereby sterilizes any bacteria or other microorganisms that may be present at the faucet. .

The reflective end cap 17 maximizes UV intensity because UV light is reflected inside the chamber 16.

As described, the chamber causes UV to be directed to the end portion of the cannula. It includes an end wall 24 that is spaced from the end of the side wall 21 and that means for receiving the hot water supply conduit 18 are typically located on the end wall, as shown in FIG. The hot water pipe also extends a length to the faucet 19. Thus, in this particular example, the hot water system remains separate, although a certain degree of disinfection of hot water can occur at the faucet.

Figures 8(a) and 8(b) show the cold/surround water outlet 14 extending into the faucet. These figures show the manner in which UV is exposed to the faucet, where the UV is reflected back to the winding flow, thereby having UV disinfecting properties that can be used to affect the microorganisms (if any) at the exit. Figure 8(b) shows that the aluminum chamber or housing 16 can have an end with threads or other means for attaching to the cooperating threads (shown in Figure 14) on the aluminum cover 17. It can be connected in other ways, but it is preferred to have a reliable, unbroken connection between the outer casing and the cover to achieve the best UV efficiency. In Figure 8(b), the thread is labeled 20.

Fig. 15 shows a fifth specific example of the present invention. This specific example is very similar to the invention exemplified in the fourth to eighth claims, but the inlet 13 and the outlet 14 are tied at different ends of the winding 12.

Figure 14 shows a typical end cap 17. The end cap 17 may include an inlet, an aperture, or a hollow projection 21 that houses the inlet 13 of the quartz sleeve, and a slit 22 that receives the outlet 14 of the sleeve. This figure also shows the threaded portion 23 which cooperates with the threaded end 20 and end face 24 of the chamber. It can have other configurations as described.

Figure 7 shows the manner in which UV radiation is emitted towards the end cap 17, while the UV radiation is reflected from the end cap 17.

9 to 12 show another specific example. The function of this specific example is similar to that of the second specific example described above. It is also provided with a helical (spiral) core sleeve 30 which, as previously described, has an inlet 31 and an outlet 32 at the same end. The sleeve is mounted above a UV lamp, and the end 33 of the UV lamp is shown in Figure 11, and a chamber or cover 34 other than anodized aluminum or other reflective material is placed over the end. The outer chamber is preferably stainless steel that provides a suitable level of reflectivity. The inner surface can be polished to maximize its reflectivity.

A reflective end cap 35 is also provided, but in this embodiment, the end cap has a generally fan-shaped shape but has a curved end profile, as best seen in Figures 10, 12(a) and 12(b). Show. As shown, the end cap 35 has two straight walls 36, 37 that converge to a first curved end 38 having a relatively small radius of curvature and, at the other end, by Another curved end 39 having a larger radius of curvature is joined, thereby forming a curved sector or wedge shape, as best shown in Figure 12(a). The straight walls 36, 37 and the curved ends 38 and 39 together form a side that extends from the top surface formed by the end plate or cover 40 and is formed by protrusions or extensions 42 (described below) Between the bottom surfaces. It is believed that such surfaces (in combination) comprise a reflective inner surface of the cover 35, as shown clearly in the figures, which is sharpened toward the exit of the catheter. In other words, the inner surface converges as it extends away from the UV source. This situation provides the benefit that the reflected radiation is concentrated toward the outlet of the faucet 43 and the conduit located therein. This concentration of reflected radiation is illustrated in Figure 12(b), while Figure 12(b) shows a partial cross-sectional view of the end cap 35.

Mounting means or tweezers 60 are provided for mounting the chamber 34 to the end cap 35, however, in alternative embodiments, such members may be omitted or disposed externally to provide a smooth reflective inner surface.

An end plate or cover 40 covers the end of the end cap away from the end of the chamber/cannula. The end cap is also a UV reflective material, typically the same material as the lid of any other metal or plastic material that may be aluminum or have suitable reflective properties. The end plate or cover member 40 can also be sharpened toward the outlet of the catheter, as shown at 40a in Figure 12(c), in which case the side walls 36, 37 and the curved end 38 are chamfered to A sharpened cover 40 is received. This further contributes to the reflection of the IR radiation towards the faucet.

Although a particular shape is shown, any suitable shape, cylindrical or non-cylindrical, or other shape (including such as an elongated shape) can be used. The purpose of these shapes will be described below.

It should be noted that in this case, as previously mentioned, the chamber 34 includes a generally cylindrical portion 41, but also includes a laterally extending portion to the cylindrical portion (faucet) 43 at its open end. For example, a protrusion or extension 42, as shown in Figure 11, which in use accommodates the outlet 32 from the water cannula 30 and is large enough to accommodate the outlet 13. This will preferably be formed as a one-piece chamber unit, although the portions may be separate, but the cylindrical portion 41 and at least the second cylindrical projection 43 (accommodating the outlet from the sleeve) shall be a UV reflective material. . This extended hollow cylindrical portion 43 serves as a faucet. The portion of the conduit that is within the faucet 43 is shielded by the faucet from direct radiation. The outlet of the conduit is recessed from the end of the faucet to prevent contamination. In an alternative configuration, a separate faucet can be attached thereto, and the faucet is also reflective.

The rubber stopper 56 is mounted on the cover, and, in this embodiment, the rubber stopper is substantially circular, the radius of which matches the curved portion 39 of the end cap, and the rubber stopper includes a connection for electrical connection to the lamp. The orifice 51 of the end 33. This rubber stopper also includes an aperture 52 for the inlet 31 of the core sleeve.

A septum 53 can be provided to space the bottom end 54 of the sleeve from the closed end 55 of the chamber. This spacer can be, for example, rubber.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the UV is also reflected by the end cap, acting on the microorganisms present at the outlet of the sleeve (and also at the inlet), and the faucet is a reflective material and is formed by the end cap. Reflective surface helps disinfect.

Figure 16 shows the sterilizing device, as in the third embodiment, mounted to the inside of the water dispensing machine 60. Water enters through the inlet 31, is sterilized, and is then delivered to the outside of the machine via a faucet.

Fig. 17 illustrates another specific example. This sixth embodiment is very similar to the above-described third embodiment, but the inlet 31 and the outlet 32 are provided at the opposite ends of the device.

UV radiation or UV monitors can be used to control UV radiation.

It should be noted that any of the various shapes/configurations of components, lamps, conduits, other components may be used with any particular embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 18 shows a specific example in which the duct 7 has an inlet and an outlet, but is wound only a few times around the UV lamp 1. In the particular example in which a conduit wrapped around a light is provided, there may be any number of turns (counting up from one). In the example shown in Figure 18, the inlet and outlet are at respective opposite ends of the device, but it should be understood that such inlets and outlets may be provided at the same end of the device.

FIG. 19 shows a specific example in which specific mirrors 40, 41 are provided. In the particular example shown in Figure 19, the mirrors are disposed at the end caps and positioned in a "periscope" configuration to reflect UV radiation from the first direction A by 90° and then in direction B. °, and then reflect 90° to direction-A, and guide it to the faucet area F. Of course, only one mirror, or two or more mirrors may be provided, and it may be configured to reflect radiation at any particular angle or combination of angles. Rather than having a reflective end cap, such specific examples may be provided with such mirrors, and in some embodiments, such mirrors may be formed as part of a reflective configuration (in a separate reflective configuration) with other reflective portions. Of course, this mirror should be made of a material that reflects UV radiation or has a surface that reflects UV radiation.

Figure 20 shows an arrangement in which the tube or conduit 7 is not helically wound but in a series of straight lines in a generally longitudinal direction relative to the axis of the UV lamp. In its entirety, the parallel lines (which do not have to be completely parallel to one another) are actually still wrapped around the lamp, but in the longitudinal direction rather than in the transverse direction. This example can also be used in any specific example. In some other specific examples, the catheter can have one or more turns in combination with one or more longitudinally disposed portions.

Another embodiment includes a helical configuration that extends from a portal at one end to a distal end with a plurality of helical turns, and then a single return line that is not wound around the UV source returns to the general The exit at the same end. Although most of the specific examples above include a single luminaire, more than one luminaire may be present. For example, there may be two lamps connected in series or in parallel, and the lamps may be arranged to be longitudinally spaced apart (as shown schematically in Figure 22), parallel, or possibly with such as 90° or another Angle of view. Figure 23 shows schematically two lamps in parallel. In addition to paralleling, in some embodiments, two or more lamps that are themselves wound together may be provided.

Many other configurations and deployments and numbers of luminaires will be apparent to the present invention.

The above specific examples include containers in the form of conduits (e.g., tubes or pipes). In other embodiments, water may simply be supplied to the sump, and the sump encloses or partially surrounds the (or other) UV source. This situation is conceptually shown in Figure 24. The UV lamp 1 is disposed inside the water sump 42, water enters through the inlet 43 and exits through the outlet 44, and is also provided with a reflective end cap or other means of reflection 45 for reflecting some of the UV radiation to the outlet.

Accordingly, the present invention is applicable not only to specific examples in which water (or any other fluid or flowable substance) remains in a conduit or tube, but also to any specific example in which water is retained in a container, the container including a storage tank, a reservoir , tubes, conduits, or other devices that hold such substances.

The invention is also applicable to many other fields, for other fluids or flowable substances, including many different beverages, medical applications (for disinfecting substances or disinfecting pharmaceuticals), other industries where disinfection of flowable substances is necessary, Aquarium or pond cleaning or other applications, shower heads (where pure water can be dispensed), nursing homes, hospitals, catering, laboratories and other environmental, electronics industries (eg, for handling solder or other materials).

A device embodying the invention can be incorporated into a device such as a water cooler where the water has been initially filtered or sterilized (possibly by another UV system). In such systems, it can be incorporated, for example, at the exit/distribution end.

Many different types of containers can be used, such as the catheter (tube), sump, or other type of container in question.

1. . . (UV) lamp; UV source

2. . . Electrical connector

3. . . (end) cover; cover

4. . . Shield part

5. . . (water) inlet; inlet connection; inlet end

6. . . (water) outlet; outlet connector

7. . . Catheter; cannula; tube

7a. . . Winding type

7b. . . Casing; extreme part

7c. . . Casing; extreme part

8. . . (outer) shroud; casing; chamber

9. . . (closed) end; chamber

10. . . (closed) end

11. . . (UV) light

12. . . (spiral) (quartz) casing; winding

13. . . Entrance

14. . . Export

14a. . . elbow

15. . . Lower end of the casing

16. . . (UV reflection) chamber; outer casing

17. . . Plug; (end) cover; (aluminum) cover

18. . . Hot water supply conduit

19. . . faucet

20. . . Thread

twenty one. . . Inlet, pore, or hollow protrusion; side wall

twenty two. . . incision

twenty three. . . Threaded part

twenty four. . . End wall

30. . . Core casing

31. . . Entrance

32. . . Export

33. . . (UV lamp) end

34. . . (outer) chamber; cover

35. . . (reflection) (end) cover

36. . . Straight wall

37. . . Straight wall

38. . . (first) curved end

39. . . (other) curved end; (end cover) curved part

40. . . End plate; cover member; mirror surface

41. . . Cylindrical part

42. . . Protrusion; extension; water storage tank

43. . . Cylindrical portion; faucet; (second) cylindrical protrusion; inlet

44. . . Export

45. . . Reflection means

51. . . Orifice

52. . . Orifice

53. . . bead

54. . . Bottom end

55. . . (chamber) closed end

56. . . Rubber stopper

60. . . Installation means; scorpion; water distribution machine

F. . . Faucet area

A, -A. . . direction

B. . . direction

Figure 1 shows a portion of a UV disinfection device.

Figure 2 shows a sterilizing device wrapped around a water pipe.

3(a) and 3(b) show partial cross-sectional views through the sterilizing device.

Figure 4 shows an alternative device including a faucet.

Figure 5 shows the device of Figure 4 with the end cap removed.

Figure 6 is an exploded view of some of the components of the specific examples of Figures 4 and 5.

Fig. 7 is a view showing the end of the second specific example.

8(a) and 8(b) are plan views of the end of the second specific example in which the cover has been removed.

Fig. 9 shows a third specific example.

Fig. 10 is an alternative view of the third specific example.

Figure 11 is a view showing a third specific example in which a portion of the cover has been removed.

Figure 12 is an exploded view of portions of a third specific example.

Figure 12 (a) shows a perspective perspective view of a portion of the cover.

Figure 12 (b) shows a partial cross-sectional view of the cover illustrating the concentration of UV radiation.

Fig. 12 (c) shows a side view of a third specific example having a chamfered front surface.

Figure 13 shows a disinfecting unit of a third specific example installed in a water dispenser.

Figure 14 shows an end cap.

Figure 15 shows a fourth specific example with water inlets and outlets at opposite ends.

Figure 16 shows a fifth specific example of a device having a faucet.

Figure 17 shows a sixth embodiment with a wedge shaped end cap.

Figure 18 shows a specific example with a smaller number of turns.

Fig. 19 shows a specific example of using a mirror surface.

Figure 20 shows a specific example with an alternative catheter/sleeve.

Figure 21 shows an alternative catheter design.

Figures 22 and 23 show an alternative UV lamp design.

Fig. 24 shows another specific example.

1. . . (UV) lamp; UV source

2. . . Electrical connector

3. . . (end) cover; cover

4. . . Shield part

Claims (24)

A purification apparatus comprising: an elongated UV source, and a conduit for water or another fluid to be purified, and the conduit is formed of a UV transmissive material, wherein the conduit has an inlet and an outlet, and is positioned such that a portion thereof is wound around at least a portion of the UV source, thereby disinfecting water or fluid within the conduit; the purification device further comprising: means for reflecting the UV radiation to one or more portions of the conduit, and The means of reflection extends beyond the portion wound around the UV source, wherein the means for reflecting comprises a cover having a surface adapted to reflect UV radiation to a portion of the conduit that is not wound around the Uv source And wherein the cover has at least one inner surface configured to reflect UV radiation onto at least a portion of the outlet of the conduit. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one inner surface is configured to also reflect UV radiation onto at least a portion of the inlet of the conduit. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflective inner surface of the cover is sharpened toward the outlet of the conduit. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflective inner surface converges as it extends away from the UV source. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflective inner surface is configured to concentrate radiation as it extends away from the UV source. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover has a substantially fan-shaped cross section. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflective inner surface of the cover comprises: a bottom surface, a top surface, and a side surface extending between the top surface and the bottom surface, wherein at least the top surface and/or the The side faces are sharpened toward the exit. The device of claim 1, wherein the reflective cover provides a reflective path that extends beyond a radial extent outside the conduit. A device according to claim 1, wherein a faucet is provided which has a reflective surface and is positioned such that it reflects UV radiation to the outlet. The device of claim 9, wherein the faucet is attached to the cover to form an unbroken refractive path. The device of claim 9, wherein the conduit extends into the faucet but stops at an end that has not yet reached the faucet such that the outlet of the conduit is recessed relative to the outlet of the faucet. The device of claim 11, wherein the portion of the catheter that extends into the faucet is shielded by the faucet from direct radiation from the UV source. A device according to claim 1, wherein a chamber having an inner UV reflecting surface is mounted, and the chamber is mounted over the wound portion of the conduit, thereby reflecting radiation back to the conduit. The device of claim 13, wherein the chamber ends at The cover is in. The device of claim 1, wherein the UV transmitting material is quartz. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more mirrors formed as at least a portion of the reflective surface are included. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet of the conduit are disposed at substantially the same end of the device. The device of claim 1, wherein the inlet and outlet of the conduit are disposed at substantially opposite ends of the device. The device of claim 1, wherein the catheter comprises one or more folded portions that are generally positioned longitudinally relative to the UV source. The device of claim 1, wherein the conduit is a sump adapted to radially surround at least a portion of the UV source. The device of claim 1, wherein the UV source comprises two or more UV sources. A device according to claim 1 wherein a container for the second source of flowable material is included to enable different sources of material to be dispensed directly without being directly illuminated by radiation from the UV source. The device of claim 22, wherein the conduit for the second source of material is positioned to receive at least some of the reflected radiation. The device of claim 1, wherein the cover has a first curved end of a first radius of curvature and a second, greater curvature half in cross section The second curved end of the diameter.