WO2007086829A1

WO2007086829A1 - Accessory for providing ultraviolet disinfection to a water dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2007086829A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/047601
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Witham; Keith Crawford; Michael Pederson
Original assignee: Ultraviolet Devices, Inc.
Priority date: 2005-12-30
Filing date: 2005-12-30
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Also published as: WO2007078302A1

Abstract

An accessory (100), and a method therefor, added between a water source such as a water bottle (B) and a water dispenser (D). The water is disinfected as it flows, generally by gravity, from the source through a UVC, i.e., Ultraviolet C), water treatment reactor (105) within the accessory (100). Disinfected water is supplied to the water dispenser's supply reservoir (R). It may be then consumed with a diminished risk of transmission of disease and/or sickness to the consumer, thereby decreasing the risks to the person's health.

Description

ACCESSORY FOR PROVIDING ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION TO A WATER DISPENSER

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to water purification and sterilization systems and more particularly to a water sterilization system adapted for use with a bottled water dispenser that sterilizes the water by means of ultraviolet light.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Water dispenser appliances have long been used in homes and offices. In some parts of the world, they are very common for household use. Typically, they hold a supply bottle of two to five gallons in the USA and 15 to 25 liters in other countries. The bottled water is typically purified, processed, or spring water supplied by a variety of vendors and large water bottling companies. Usually, this type of drinking water is a good alternative to the use of tap water as it tastes better and may have most of the contaminants removed. Normally, this type of water is quite pleasant and safe if the water is processed by a reputable company which includes a form of disinfection in its processing.

[0003] Recently two problems have developed causing concerns over the safety of this type of water. A new type of product has come into use which can replace the vendor supplied water bottle. The cost and inconvenience of handling large water bottles has helped the popularity of these devices. In these devices, a large container is filled partially with municipality-supplied tap water. The device has an upper and lower compartment for water and includes a variety of filtering media absorbents such as granulated carbon and mineralizing pellets in a cartridge. The water flows by gravity from the upper compartment through the filtering cartridge into the lower compartment. From here it flows into the dispenser appliance's normal input reservoir. The problem with the safety of this device is that many consumers use it with their standard tap water. In many parts of the world, this tap water contains microbiological contaminants such as bacteria, fungi, and viruses, including microorganisms such as giardia and oocysts, among others. The filter cartridge, while often quite effective at removing many chemical contaminants, is mostly ineffective on microbes. What is needed is a device and method to add disinfection treatment to these devices prior to dispensing the water. Another problem comes from the improper processing of large bottled water by some companies. In some countries, typically third world countries, some vendors do not adequately process the water to make it biologically safe. Also, when this type of water is stored for long periods of time, bacterial, fungal, or viral levels may grow in the water bottle. What is needed again is a device which will disinfect the water at a point between the water supply bottle and the dispenser reservoir. [0004] In the prior art are several examples of utilizing UV sterilization in a water dispenser. A UV lamp is placed within the water reservoir in UK Patent Application GB 2 022 979 A, UK patent application GB 2 289 045 A, and in a collar which irradiates the reservoir in US Patent 5,441,179. In US Patent Application US 2001/000162 Al, an encapsulated lamp is suspended within the dispenser reservoir. These types of applications present two problems. First, generally the dispenser water reservoir contains many plastic parts which may be substantially damaged or degraded by UVC (ultraviolet C) light. Second, the water is treated as a batch. The amount of UV dose delivered by the lamp is not well controlled. If the water is rapidly used, the holding time may be insufficient to effectively treat the water. Furthermore, incorporating UV in a dispenser requires significant design changes.

[0005] In International PCT application WO 00/38814, a separate reservoir with a UV source is installed in the dispenser. However, it has the same short comings as above-explained. In another water dispenser as shown in US Patent Application 2005/0156119 Al, an apparatus is shown which partially treats the water as the water flows through a multiple path as well as treating the batch of water in a reservoir. This reactor may be complex, costly, and inefficient in comparison to reactors explained in the present invention.

[0006] A further UV water cooler device, as described in US 6,469,308 (and its application and PCT counterparts), uses a flow-through UV reactor which also includes a batch processing feature. This is a very complex and costly design.

[0007] Several prior attempts have been made in the art with respect to UV water sterilizers and disinfectors, as reflected by the indication of the below-referenced background art, which may be regarded as useful for the understanding, searching, and examination of the present invention as set forth and claimed herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the references are US patents or US publications.

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DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The present invention includes a method and a device to disinfect water between a supply and a typical water dispenser. The device includes an upper reservoir to hold water from the supply, typically a large bottle. As water is used in the reservoir of the dispenser, a float valve, a part of this device, allows water to gravity flow through this invention. The device includes an ultraviolet (UVC) disinfection reactor which disinfects water flowing into the dispenser. A variety of UV reactors may be used. Two unique reactor embodiments are included and are part of this invention.

[0009] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of water purifiers now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new sterilizer and/or disinfector for bottled water dispensers, wherein the same can be used to prevent the transmission of disease, sickness, biological contaminants, and otherwise.

[0010] The general purpose of the present invention, described in more detail below, is to provide purer and safer water by means of ultraviolet sterilization prior to the consumption of the water in a device which has many of the advantages of the water purifiers mentioned heretofore as well as many novel features that result in a new bottled water dispenser purifier and sterilizer which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, taught, nor even implied by any of the prior art devices, either individually or in any combination thereof.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a purifier is provided for a water dispenser having a removable water container for containing water and a dispensing unit for dispensing the water. The purifier includes a holder adapted to engage the removable water container and enables water flow from the container. An electromagnetic water purifier is coupled to the holder and is adapted to receive water flowing from the container. The electromagnetic water purifier purifies water flowing through it by irradiation. A valve is coupled to the electromagnetic water purifier and is adapted to engage the dispensing unit, the valve controlling flow from the holder. In this way, the water held in the removable water container is purified by irradiation prior to flowing to the dispenser.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a purifier accessory is provided for a water dispenser having a removable water container for containing water and a dispensing unit for dispensing the water. The purifier included a holder adapted to engage the removable water container. The holder enables water flow from the container. The holder includes an upper collar adapted to engage the water container and an accessory reservoir container coupled to the upper collar, the accessory reservoir container defining an accessory reservoir which has an outlet for the outflow of water. The upper collar is adapted to enable a neck of the water container to descend partially into the accessory reservoir so as to prevent further flow of water from the water container into the accessory reservoir when a water level in the accessory reservoir rises above an opening of the neck.

[0013] An ultraviolet water purifier purifies water by irradiation with ultraviolet light, including ultraviolet light in the ultraviolet "C" band. The water purifier is coupled to the holder and is adapted to receive water flowing from the container. The water purifier has an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the water purifier with the inlet coupled to the outlet of the accessory reservoir. The water purifier has an ultraviolet light source adjacent a watertight vessel selected from one of several alternative embodiments, including, first, a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, the inner sleeve generally transparent to the ultraviolet light and, second, a sealed tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring water flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path, whereby such water is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path;

[0014] For the embodiment with the outer sleeve, the outer sleeve may be generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof and/or the outer sleeve may generally reflect the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein. [0015] A float valve is coupled to the ultraviolet water purifier and may be adapted to engage the dispensing unit. The float valve controls flow from the holder and is adapted to descend into the reservoir of a dispenser, the float valve also controlling water flow from the ultraviolet water purifier to the dispenser reservoir. In this way, the water held in the removable water container is purified by irradiation prior to flowing to the dispenser.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, a water purifier has a holder with a water-holding reservoir. The holder is adapted to engage a removable water container; and the holder enables controllable water flow therefrom. A reactor emits electromagnetic radiation, the reactor being coupled to the holder and being adapted to irradiatingly purify water flowing through the reactor. A valve is coupled to the reactor and is adapted to engage a water dispensing unit. The valve controls flow from the holder. In this way, water held in the water- holding reservoir is purified by irradiation prior to flowing past the valve. [0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, a water purification method includes the steps of providing a holder having a water-holding reservoir with the holder adapted to engage a removable water container. The holder enables controllable water flow therefrom. The method also includes providing a reactor that emits electromagnetic radiation. The reactor is coupled to the holder and is adapted to irradiatingly purify water flowing through the reactor. Another step in the method includes providing a valve coupled to the reactor. The valve is adapted to engage a water-dispensing unit and the valve controls flow from the holder. By implementing this inventive method, water held in the water-holding reservoir is purified by irradiation prior to flowing past the valve.

[0018] In another embodiment, a reactor for purifying fluids includes a source of purifying electromagnetic radiation and a jacket proximate the source and being irradiated thereby. The jacket has an inner and outer sleeve and is adapted to receive fluid therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking. The inner sleeve is generally transparent to the purifying electromagnetic radiation. In this way, fluid may be passed through the reactor and purified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0019] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below- referenced accompanying Drawings. Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the Drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 is a basic view of the present invention in place on a typical existing appliance. [0021] Figure 2 is a side plan view of the accessory for providing ultraviolet disinfection to a water dispenser and shows a view of the overall device. The bottle and the dispenser used in conjunction with the accessory set forth herein are shown in phantom.

[0022] Figure 3 shows a cross section of accessory shown in Figure 2 taken generally along the line 3-3 of Figure 2.

[0023] Figure 4 is a side, plan, and partially exploded view of the accessory and device indicating water flow therethrough, particularly through the reactor vessel.

[0024] Figure 5 shows a plan and partial cross-section view of one embodiment of the UV reactor shown in Figures 2-4.

[0025] Figure 6 shows a side, partially perspective, and partially exploded view of an alternative embodiment of a UV reactor for use in the device set forth herein.

[0026] Figure 7 is a side, plan, and partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the UV reactor for use in the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 A is a side plan and generally cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 7 generally taken along the line 7-7A thereof.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0028] The detailed description, as set forth below in connection with the appended drawings, is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments, which are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention, is to be understood. [0029] Unlike typical or modified batch-processing systems, the present invention accomplishes disinfection in a single pass without batch processing . Also, the present invention is an accessory which may be added to any cooler and does not potentially adversely affect the reservoir of a cooler or require any design changes to the cooler or dispenser.

[0030] Figure 1 shows the present invention 100 in place upon a typical water dispenser. Water dispensers come in a variety of sizes, floor or counter top models, and may include heating and cooling as well as additional features. Bottles B typically used to supply water to the dispenser D can be from bottle water vendors, or a filtering bottle B' sold to help improve water for the dispenser. [0031] The basic device is shown in Figure 2 and, in the cross section, Figure 3. An upper collar 104 supports the supply bottle B. The upper collar includes a lower portion 102 which acts as a reservoir for water from the supply bottle B. The collar 104 is attached to an enclosure 103. The enclosure 103 serves to house and mount the components as herein set forth. The lower portion of the enclosure 103 provides a base which supports the entire device 100 upon the top, usually a collar of a typical dispenser D. Within the enclosure 103, is mounted the UV reactor 105. The reactor 105 may be of any type. Two possible reactors, a part of this invention, are detailed below with regards to the description of Figures 5 and 6. Water is supplied from the reservoir 102 to the reactor 105 by a tube 109. Disinfected water is supplied by another tube 110 to the float valve assembly 106. Alternatively, both supply tube 109 and the outlet tube 110 could be formed as water channels integral to the enclosure 103. [0032] A power receptacle 107 is mounted in the side wall of the enclosure 103. A power cable

108 houses conductors which provide power from the receptacle to the UV reactor 105. Power may be supplied to the receptacle 107 by a plug, power cord, or integrated utility plugs with power supply and/or otherwise. Alternatively, the receptacle 107 may be eliminated; and a battery supplied power supply may be mounted within the enclosure 103.

[0033] When the water level falls in the water dispenser's reservoir R, the float valve 106 opens to allow water to flow from the UV reactor unit 105 until the water level is reached in the water dispenser reservoir R. The float valve 106 then closes. Figure 4 shows the unit 100 and the float valve 106 in an exploded view; and the water flow through the unit is indicated. [0034] Figure 5 shows a unique UV reactor, in cross section, which can be the reactor 105 of this unit, and is part of this invention. The reactor of Figure 5 includes an outer sleeve 120 which may be made of an opaque or clear material, depending on whether or not a visual indication of the lamp operation is desired. The outer sleeve 120 should be made of a material which does not transmit UVC in order to protect from the unwanted transmission of UVC. As an option, a shield or coating 127 may be applied to the outside of the sleeve 120 to block light: An inner sleeve 121 is held in position within the outer sleeve by two end caps 123. The end caps 123 serve several purposes. They support and locate the inner sleeve 121. This provides means for two "O-rings" 124 in each end cap 123 to seal water contained in the reactor vessel. Alternate techniques for providing a hermetic seal could also be incorporated into the end caps 123. The end caps 123 include a small diameter inlet or outlet pipes 122 to allow easy connection of tubing

109 and 110 to the reactor. The direction of water flow may not be generally significant so long as the water is sufficiently irradiated and sterilized with UVC.

[0035] A UVC lamp 125 of appropriate size and wattage is located within the inner sleeve 121. A combination receptacle and end cap 126 may be used to provide connection from the power supply cordsl08 to the UV lamp 125. The ends of the inner sleeve 121 may be closed with a fall cap 126 or left open to provide for natural air convection to cool the lamp. Generally, no water is present in the enclosure 103 save that in the tubes 109, 110 and the jacket defined between the two sleeves 120, 121.

[0036] Figure 6 shows another reactor embodiment 130 which also could be the reactor 105 of this unit, and is part of this invention. In the alternative embodiment shown in Figure 6, a base 131 (which may be part of an enclosing structure) may be a molded or fabricated tray-like part through which the water passes. The water enters the base 131 through an inlet pipe 135. The water flows through a maze like and/or circuitous path, diverted by integral weirs which are a part of base 131. This increases the path length and, thus, the exposure time of the water to the ultraviolet lamp 134. The water, after UV exposure, exits the base 131 via pipe 136. The base tray 131 is covered with a UV transparent lens and cover 132 which is hermetically sealed to the top of the base tray 131. The lens/cover may be fabricated of quartz, Teflon™, or soda barium glass to provide good transmissibility of the UV energy into the water. An enclosure top 133 is affixed to the top of the assembly of 131 and 132 and serves to hold the UV lamp 134 in proximity to the water path and also shield users from stray UV rays.

[0037] Figure 7 shows yet a third reactor embodiment 140 which could be the reactor 105 of this unit and is part of this invention. In Figure 7, a lower enclosure 146 serves as the base of the assembly, also may house a ballast 149 (Figure 7A), and holds two receptacles 147 for receiving the UV lamp 144. The receptacles are typical of the type used with standard fluorescent lamps and they accept the bi-pin connectors of a standard lamp and the UV lamp 144 of the present invention. The receptacles 147 also serve to connect power conductors from the ballast 149 to the lamp 144.

[0038] An outer shell 142 may be of a non-UV transparent material and serves as an outer wall for a conduit for the water to be treated. A double wall lamp assembly includes a standard UV lamp 144 and a protective sleeve 143 positioned in the center of the outer shell 142 and concentric to it. This forms an annular space 145 which is the major part of the path for the water to be treated. An end cap 141 may be affixed to each end of the outer shell 142. The end cap 141 serves three purposes: to close each end of the annular space 145, or jacket, to contain the water, to hold the lamp 144 and lamp assembly in proper position, and to provide a seal around the protective sleeve 143. The end cap 141 holds and provides a hermetic seal around the water inlet and outlet pipes 148. [0039] In use, water flows into the unit via one of the pipes 148. The pipe allows water to enter into the annular treatment area 145. This area is contained by the cap 141 and the outer shell 142. The water is irradiated by the UV lamp 144 to sterilize it. The UV lamp is protected from the water by the sleeve 143. The size of the orifices in 148 are controlled in order to control the rate of water flow through the unit 140 and assure the proper UV dosage is delivered for a given pressure or otherwise.

[0040] As can been seen in Figures 2-4, the accessory or device 100 does not generally hold water, in and of itself, but forms a housing that both supports the bottle B by means of the upper collar 104 and engages the top collar or other open-ended area surrounding the reservoir R of the dispenser 181. By forcing the water to flow through the UV reactor 105, the water in the bottle B is delivered to the reservoir R in a sterile and generally biologically inert manner. Not only may this improve taste or otherwise, but this generally prevents the transmission of disease and sickness. If particulate matter needs to be filtered from the water in the dispenser reservoir 102, a mechanical filter may be used to remove this prior to or after the water has passed through the UV reactor 105.

[0041] Note should be taken that the initial reservoir of the upper collar 104 is contemplated as providing sufficient pressure and/or gravity flow such that the water passes through the UV reactor 105 and on to the dispenser reservoir R (through the flow valve 106) and as providing a flow rate that ensures UV sterilization of the water passing through the UV reactor 105. [0042] In order to ensure sterilization of the water as it flows by, the rate of water flow may be calculated; and either the inlet and/or the outlet (122 in Figure 5; 135, 136 in Figure 6; and 148 in Figure 7) may be configured to ensure flow of the anticipated pressure. Generally, such pressure is regulated by gravity. The configuration of the tubes 109, 110 and the UV reactor 105 are such that, should the dispenser reservoir R be empty, adding a new bottle of water at the upper collar 104 enables water flow through the UV reactor 105 through the float valve 106 and onto the dispenser reservoir R.

[0043] Without the float valve 106, water might flow freely from the bottle and out the exit tube 110 until the bottle is completely empty. With the float valve, once the water level in the dispenser reservoir R has risen to a certain level, the flow valve 106 closes, thereby preventing further flow of the water into the dispenser reservoir R. The reservoir 102 of the accessory 100 is generally controlled by the closing of the mouth of the bottle B by the rising water level in the enclosure 102. This is generally how water flow is controlled by dispensers; and the rising of the water level in the accessory reservoir 102 above the mouth of the bottle B prevents any further gas or air from entering into the bottle B which then in turn prevents the exit of water from the bottle B into the accessory reservoir 102.

[0044] The UV light may be left "on" at all times or, alternatively, may only be illuminated when water flows, as in by attachment to the valve through which the sterilized water flows to the consumer. However, the latter option may be less attractive due to the energy requirements in turning on and turning off the lamp of the UV reactor 105 and which often may shorten lamp life. At relatively low energy levels, gaining a high degree of sterilization and so ultimately consume little energy may be possible.

[0045] Replacement of the UV lamp and the reactor 105 may generally be made once the bottle B has been removed as, for example, when it is empty. Alternatively, a full bottle may be removed taking care no water or as little as possible spills out of the bottle B. The upper collar 104 may be removed from the enclosure 103 in order to obtain access to the UV reactor 105. The power to the UV reactor may be turned off so that the UV bulb may be replaced. Generally, the transmission of UV radiation from the UV reactor vessel 105 is entirely prevented so as to eliminate any injury that might occur due to the transmission of higher frequency UV light. The device 100 may be generally be conformed to adapt to a variety of water dispensers; and no limit is hereby placed upon the mechanical construction of the device 100; and accommodating a variety of water dispensers and water bottles or being adapted to be fit into only one type or one model of dispenser and/or bottle is encompassed by the present invention. [0046] Additionally, the reactor 105 may also find applications under a variety of circumstances which include use of the reactor for water purification for industrial, personal, camping, and travel, as well as other uses where water can become, should become, or is desired to be purified before consumption. Generally, the size of the reactor may be any that is advantageous for the use involved. For example, in industrial uses, the volume of water passing through the reactor 105 may be in the thousands of gallons per minute range. To achieve a such mass or volume of water purification, several smaller individual reactors 105 could be used in parallel, larger reactors 105 could be used of a variety of lengths (short or long) and/or volumes, or one very large and/or very long reactor 105 could be used.

[0047] For smaller, personal use, a battery powered, solar powered, hand crank powered, or otherwise-powered reactor could be used. The reactor could be attached to a faucet, a water source or reservoir, such as a lake, or otherwise to ensure that the water is subject to biological decontamination as by UVC radiation prior to consumption. [0048] Further, with the advent of LED technology, it may be possible to obtain LEDs (light emitting diodes) that transmit radiation in the UVC or other beneficial band. As LEDs are generally known for their low power consumption, this may enable pocked-sized or other smaller water purifiers to be easily carried about that require little power but that provide significant purification by irradiation for water prior to its consumption.

[0049] Additionally, a carbon filter, such as an activated charcoal filter, can be used before or after any of the reactors disclosed herein. Such a filter may be easily replaceable and enable additional purification or taste improvement in the water prior to consumption. [0050] Furthermore, the reactor 105 set forth herein may be advantageously used in emergency conditions in order to make potable water that is otherwise biologically contaminated. If additional filtration is provided that eliminates water-born toxins, potable water can be readily provided that is safe for human consumption. Preferably, the reactor 105 in any of the configurations set forth above or otherwise eliminates water-born diseases including cholera and dysentery.

[0051] While the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment or to particular embodiments, that various changes and additional variations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the invention or the inventive concept thereof, will be understood. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to particular embodiments disclosed herein for carrying it out, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0052] These and other objects, advantages, and the industrial utility of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the accompanying specification and drawings. The present invention provides a method and device by which bottled water may be separately sterilized in order to ensure water quality for the ultimate consumer. This invention may prevent contaminated water from flowing through the dispenser to the user as well as prevent the transmission of disease. Consequently, lowered risks to health via the conception of bad water may be obtained generally improving a person's health and reducing risks thereto. These and other objects, advantageous, and the industrial utility of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the accompanying specification and drawings.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A purifier for a water dispenser, the water dispenser having a removable water container for containing water and a dispensing unit for dispensing the water, the purifier comprising: a holder adapted to engage the removable water container, the holder enabling water flow from the container; an electromagnetic water purifier coupled to the holder and adapted to receive water flowing from the container, the electromagnetic water purifier purifying water flowing through it by irradiation; and a valve coupled to the electromagnetic water purifier and adapted to engage the dispensing unit, the valve controlling flow from the holder; whereby the water held in the removable water container is purified by irradiation prior to flowing to the dispenser.

2. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1, wherein the holder comprises: an upper collar adapted to engage the water container; and an accessory reservoir container coupled to the upper collar, the accessory reservoir container defining an accessory reservoir and having an outlet coupled to an inlet of the electromagnetic water purifier.

3. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 2, wherein the upper collar is adapted to enable a neck of the water container to descend partially into the accessory reservoir so as to prevent further flow of water from the water container into the accessory reservoir when a water level in the accessory reservoir rises above an opening of the neck.

4. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier comprises an ultraviolet water purifier purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

5. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 4 , wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light in the ultraviolet C-band.

is

6. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 4 , wherein the electromagnetic water purifier further comprises: an inlet; and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the electromagnetic water purifier.

7. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 4, the electromagnetic water purifier further comprises an ultraviolet light source surrounded by a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, and the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light.

8. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 7, wherein the outer sleeve is selected from a group consisting of: at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof and at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein.

9. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 6 , wherein the electromagnetic water purifier further comprises a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring water flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path whereby such water is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path.

10. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1 , wherein the valve comprises a float valve adapted to descend into a reservoir of a dispenser, the float valve controlling water flow from the electromagnetic water purifier to the dispenser reservoir.

11. A purifier accessory for a water dispenser having a removable water container for containing water and a dispensing unit for dispensing the water, the purifier comprising: a holder adapted to engage the removable water container, the holder enabling water flow from the container, the holder including an upper collar adapted to engage the water container and an accessory reservoir container coupled to the upper collar, the accessory reservoir container defining an accessory reservoir and having an outlet coupled to an inlet of the electromagnetic water purifier, the upper collar adapted to enable a neck of the water container to descend partially into the accessory reservoir so as to prevent further flow of water from the water container into the accessory reservoir when a water level in the accessory reservoir rises above an opening of the neck; an ultraviolet water purifier purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light, including ultraviolet light in the ultraviolet C-band, the water purifier being coupled to the holder and being adapted to receive water flowing from the container, the water purifier having an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the water purifier, and the water purifier having an ultraviolet light source adjacent at least one watertight vessel selected from a group consisting of: a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, the inner sleeve generally transparent to the ultraviolet light, the outer sleeve being selected from the group consisting of: at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof; and at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein; an enclosing structure including a sealed tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring water flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path, whereby such water is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path; and combinations thereof; and a float valve coupled to the electromagnetic water purifier and adapted to engage the dispensing unit, the float valve controlling flow from the holder and being adapted to descend into a reservoir of a dispenser, and the float valve controlling water flow from the ultraviolet water purifier to the dispenser reservoir; whereby the water held in the removable water container is purified by irradiation prior to flowing to the dispenser.

12. A water purifier, comprising: a holder having a water-holding reservoir, the holder being adapted to engage a removable water container, and the holder enabling controllable water flow therefrom; a reactor emitting electromagnetic radiation coupled to the holder and adapted to irradiatingly purify water flowing through the reactor; and a valve coupled to the reactor and adapted to engage a water dispensing unit, the valve controlling flow from the holder; whereby

- water held in the water-holding reservoir is purified by irradiation prior to flowing past the valve.

13. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 12, wherein the holder comprises: an upper collar; and a water-holding reservoir container coupled to the upper collar, the water- holding reservoir container defining the water-holding reservoir and having an outlet coupled to an inlet of the reactor.

14. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 13, wherein the upper collar is adapted to enable a neck of the removable water container to descend partially into the water-holding reservoir so as to prevent further flow of water from the removable water into the water-holding reservoir when a water level in the water-holding reservoir rises above an opening of the neck.

15. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 12, wherein the reactor comprises an ultraviolet reactor purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

16. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 15, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light in the ultraviolet C-band.

17. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 15, the reactor further comprises: an inlet; and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the reactor.

18. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 15, wherein the reactor further comprises an ultraviolet light source surrounded by a jacket having an inner and an outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and the outer sleeve without leaking, and the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light.

19. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 18, wherein the outer sleeve is selected from a group consisting of at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof and at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein.

20. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 17, wherein the reactor further comprises a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring water flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path, whereby such water is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path.

21. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 12, wherein the valve comprises a float valve adapted to descend into a reservoir of the water dispensing unit, the float valve controlling water flow from the reactor to the dispenser reservoir.

22. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 12, further comprising a water dispenser coupled to the water purifier and having the removable water container and the water dispensing unit, the water purifier providing a retrofittable water purifier for the water dispenser.

23. A water purifier, comprising: a holder having a water-holding reservoir, the holder being adapted to engage a removable water container, the holder enabling controllable water flow therefrom, the holder having an upper collar and a water-holding reservoir container coupled to the upper collar, the water-holding reservoir container defining the water-holding reservoir and having an outlet coupled to an inlet of the reactor, and the upper collar adapted to enable a neck of the removable water container to descend partially into the water-holding reservoir so as to prevent further flow of water from the removable water into the water-holding reservoir when a water level in the water-holding reservoir rises above an opening of the neck; a reactor emitting ultraviolet radiation coupled to the holder and adapted to irradiatingly purify water flowing through the reactor, the ultraviolet radiation including light in the ultraviolet C-band, the reactor having an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the reactor, and the reactor having an ultraviolet light source adjacent at least one watertight vessel selected from a group consisting of: a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to • receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light, and the outer sleeve being selected from a group consisting of: at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof; and at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein; an enclosing structure including a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring water flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path whereby such water is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path; and combinations thereof; and a float valve coupled to the reactor and adapted to engage a water dispensing unit, the valve controlling flow from the holder, the a float valve being adapted to descend into a reservoir of the water dispensing unit and controlling water flow from the reactor to the dispenser reservoir; whereby water held in the water-holding reservoir is purified by irradiation prior to flowing past the valve.

24. , A water purification method, comprising: providing a holder having a water-holding reservoir, the holder being adapted to engage a removable water container, and the holder enabling controllable water flow therefrom; providing a reactor emitting electromagnetic radiation coupled to the holder and adapted to irradiatingly purify water flowing through the reactor; and providing a valve coupled to the reactor and adapted to engage a water dispensing unit, the valve controlling flow from the holder; whereby water held in the water-holding reservoir is purified by irradiation prior to flowing past the valve-

25. A method, as set forth in Claim 24, wherein the holder providing step comprises: providing an upper collar; and providing a water-holding reservoir container coupled to the upper collar, the water-holding reservoir container providing step comprising defining the water- holding reservoir and having an outlet coupled to an inlet of the reactor.

26. A method, as set forth in Claim 25, wherein the upper collar providing step comprises adapting the upper collar to enable a neck of the removable water container to descend partially into the water-holding reservoir so as to prevent further flow of water from the removable water into the water-holding reservoir when a water level in the water- holding reservoir rises above an opening of the neck.

27. A method, as set forth in Claim 24, wherein the reactor providing step comprises providing an ultraviolet reactor for purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

28. A method, as set forth in Claim 27, wherein the reactor providing step further comprises providing the ultraviolet light in the ultraviolet C-band.

29. A method, as set forth in Claim 27, wherein the reactor providing step further comprises: providing an inlet; and providing an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the reactor.

30. A method, as set forth in Claim 27, wherein the reactor providing step further comprises providing an ultraviolet light source surrounded by a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, and the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light.

31. A method, as set forth in Claim 30, wherein the reactor providing step further comprises selecting the outer sleeve from a group consisting of at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent -further transmission thereof and at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein.

32. A method, as set forth in Claim 29, wherein the reactor providing step further comprises providing a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring water flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path whereby such water is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path.

33. A method, as set forth in Claim 24, wherein the valve providing step comprises providing a float valve adapted to descend into a reservoir of the water dispensing unit, the float valve controlling water flow from the reactor to the dispenser reservoir.

34. A method, as set forth in Claim 24, further comprising: providing a water dispenser coupled to the water purifier and having the removable water container and the water dispensing unit, the water purifier providing a retrofittable water purifier for the water dispenser.

35. A water purification method, comprising: providing a holder having a water-holding reservoir, the holder being adapted to engage a removable water container, the holder enabling controllable water flow therefrom, the holder having an upper collar and a water-holding reservoir container coupled to the upper collar, the water-holding reservoir container defining the water- holding reservoir and having an outlet coupled to an inlet of the reactor, and the upper collar being adapted to enable a neck of the removable water container to descend partially into the water-holding reservoir so as to prevent further flow of water from the removable water into the water-holding reservoir when a water level in the water-holding reservoir rises above an opening of the neck; providing a reactor emitting ultraviolet radiation coupled to the holder and adapted to irradiatingly purify water flowing through the reactor, the ultraviolet radiation including light in the ultraviolet C band, the reactor having an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the reactor, the reactor having an ultraviolet light source adjacent at least one watertight vessel being selected from a — group consisting of: - ^•■- . . . . a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light, and the outer sleeve being selected from the group consisting of: at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof; at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein; an enclosing structure including a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring water flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path, whereby such water is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path; and combinations thereof; and providing a float valve coupled to the reactor and adapted to engage a water dispensing unit, the valve controlling flow from the holder, the a float valve being adapted to descend into a reservoir of the water dispensing unit and controlling water flow from the reactor to the dispenser reservoir; whereby water held in the water-holding reservoir is purified by irradiation prior to flowing past the valve.

36. A reactor for purifying fluids, comprising: a source of purifying electromagnetic radiation; and a jacket proximate the source and being irradiated thereby, the jacket having an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive fluid therethrough between the inner and outer sleeves without leaking, and the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the purifying electromagnetic radiation; whereby fluid may be passed through the reactor and purified.

37. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 36, wherein the fluid includes water.

38. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 36, wherein the purifying electromagnetic radiation includes ultraviolet light.

39. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 38, wherein the purifying electromagnetic radiation includes ultraviolet light in the C band (UVC).

40. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 36, wherein the outer sleeve comprises at least one element being selected from a group consisting of: at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof; at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any fluid therein; an enclosing structure including a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring fluid flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path, whereby such fluid is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path; and combinations thereof.

41. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 36, wherein the jacket comprises: an inlet; and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the jacket.

42. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 36, wherein the jacket surrounds at least a portion of the source.

43. A reactor for purifying fluids, comprising: a source of purifying electromagnetic radiation, the radiation including ultraviolet radiation in the C band (UVC); a jacket proximate the source and being irradiated thereby, the jacket having an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive fluid therethrough between the inner and outer sleeves without leaking, and the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the purifying electromagnetic radiation, and the outer sleeve comprising at least one element being selected from a group consisting of: io at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof; 12 at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any fluid therein; and i4 an enclosing structure including a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring fluid flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path whereby i6 such fluid is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path; and is combinations thereof; and the jacket having an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling 20 flow through the jacket, the jacket surrounding at least a portion of the source; whereby i

22 fluid may be passed through the reactor and purified.