METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROGRAMABLY TREATING WATER IN A WATER COOLER

• US 20070108135A1
• Filed: 09/27/2006
• Published: 05/17/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 04/21/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SIP Technologies LLC (S.I.P. Technologies)
• Original Assignee: SIP Technologies LLC (S.I.P. Technologies)
• Inventors: Davis, Kenneth
• Granted Patent: US 7,258,803 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 210/760
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 2210/00013 Sterilising means
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0009 provided with cooling arrangements cooling perse F25
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0029 provided with holders for bottles or similar containers
• CPC Class Codes: B67D 3/0077 Electronic circuitry
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 1/78 with ozone C02F1/4672 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/782 Ozone generators
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2201/784 Diffusers or nozzles for ozonation
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2209/005 Processes using a programmable logic controller [PLC]
• CPC Class Codes: C02F 2307/10 as part of a potable water dispenser, e.g. for use in homes or offices

Abstract

An apparatus for a programmable self sanitizing water dispenser apparatus with a digital computer as well as a programmable method for generating ozone for cleaning the reservoir and the water contained within it.

Claims

1. A water dispenser, comprising:

a) a cabinet having upper and lower end portions and an interior;

b) reservoir contained within the cabinet, the reservoir being capable of holding water;

c) at least one spigot in fluid communication with the reservoir for dispensing water;

d) a refrigeration system for cooling water within the reservoir;

e) a diffuser contained within the reservoir for emitting bubbles into the reservoir;

f) an ozone generator being operably connected to the diffuser;

g) a pump that is in fluid communication with the ozone generator and the diffuser;

h) a digital computer operably connected to the ozone generator;

i) the controller being programmable regarding the timing and duration of ozone generated by the ozone generator and sent to the diffuser; and

j) wherein the computer is programmable regarding activation of the pump.

2. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the pump is programmable regarding the timing and duration of air to be sent to the diffuser from the pump.

3. The water dispenser of claim 2, wherein the pump is spaced apart from the ozone generator.

4. The water dispenser of claim 3, wherein the pump is spaced sufficiently to allow air pumped by the pump to cool down to a temperature near ambient temperature before reaching the ozone generator.

5. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the digital computer is programmable regarding the amount of ozone generated, the amounts being chosen from between about 25-100 percent ozone generation.

6. The water dispenser of claim 2, wherein the digital computer is programmed to have air pumped through the diffuser for a set period of time before ozone is generated.

7. The water dispenser of claim 2, wherein the digital computer is programmed to have air pumped through the diffuser for a set period of time before ozone is sent through the diffuser and a set period of time after ozone is generated.

8. The water dispenser of claim 2, wherein the digital computer is programmed to have air pumped through the diffuser for a set period of time after ozone is generated.

9. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the digital computer is operably connected to the refrigeration system and programmable regarding the timing and duration of operation of the refrigeration system.

10. The water dispenser of claim 9, wherein the digital computer is programmed to shut off the refrigeration system a set period of time before ozone is generated.

11. The water dispenser of claim 10, wherein the refrigeration is shut off one hour before ozone is generated.

12. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the dispenser includes a voltage supply regulator circuit, the voltage supply regulator circuit automatically adjusting input voltage to the digital computer based on different electrical supply voltages.

13. The water dispenser of claim 17, wherein the voltage supply regulator, ozone generator, and digital computer are encased in a single case.

14. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the digital computer automatically adjusts for different electrical supply voltages.

15. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the computer can be programmed regarding the day of the week.

16. The water dispenser of claim 1, wherein the computer can be programmed for a 24 hour period.

17. The water dispenser of claim 1, further comprising a remote display operable connected to the digital computer but spaced apart from the digital computer, the remote display having at least one indicator regarding operation of the digital computer.

18. The water dispenser of claim 17, wherein the indicator is for ozone operation.

19. The water dispenser of claim 17, wherein the remote display includes three indicators, one for ozone, a second for power, and a third for a warning signal.

20. The water dispenser of claim 19, wherein the ozone indicator is red, power indicator is green, and warning signal is yellow.

21-37. -37. (canceled)