Disposable liquid sterilizer unit
First Claim
1. A disposable unit for sterilizing the liquid comprising:
- an elongated plastic jacket having an inner surface and opposing ends,an elongated tube for generating radiation to sterilize liquid in said jacket, said tube extending longitudinally along the interior of said jacket and having an outer surface, said inner and outer surface forming a flow chamber within said jacket around said tube, said tube being nonremovably received by said jacket,said jacket being substantially opaque to said radiation,means adjacent said opposing ends of said jacket for providing an inlet and an outlet for flow of liquid from said inlet into said chamber and into direct contact with said tube for sterilization by the radiation therefrom and finally out of said outlet,said jacket ends including liquid tight seals engaging respective ends of said tube to prevent outflow of liquid from said flow chamber except via said outlet,said tube ends each terminating in electrically conductive terminal means extending exteriorly of said jacket ends for applying electric power to the tube and for providing mechanical support to said unit.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A disposable liquid sterilizer unit incorporating an ultra-violet tube designed to generate radiation at approximately 2537 Angstroms. The unit comprises an elongated cylindrical plastic jacket opaque to ultra-violet radiation concentrically mounted about the tube to provide a chamber between the jacket and the tube for the flow of liquid to be exposed to radiation generated by the tube. The tube extends beyond the ends of the jacket and includes electrical connectors at each end for removably mounting the unit to make electrical connection with electrical connections in a casing. A seal is provided adjacent each end of the jacket against liquid flow from the chamber between the tube and the walls of the jacket to the exterior of the jacket. Inlet and outlet connections for the flow of water to and from the chamber are provided as well as a viewport through the plastic jacket. The jacket includes a central portion and two integral injection moulded end portions fixed to the central portion by an adhesive. The moulded end portions include the inlet and outlet connections. The complete unit can be readily removed from the casing and disposed of when the tube is defective or worn out. One circuit arangement provides a visual warning, while another prevents the flow of liquid past the tube when insufficient current to achieve sterilization is flowing through the tube.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A disposable unit for sterilizing the liquid comprising:
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an elongated plastic jacket having an inner surface and opposing ends, an elongated tube for generating radiation to sterilize liquid in said jacket, said tube extending longitudinally along the interior of said jacket and having an outer surface, said inner and outer surface forming a flow chamber within said jacket around said tube, said tube being nonremovably received by said jacket, said jacket being substantially opaque to said radiation, means adjacent said opposing ends of said jacket for providing an inlet and an outlet for flow of liquid from said inlet into said chamber and into direct contact with said tube for sterilization by the radiation therefrom and finally out of said outlet, said jacket ends including liquid tight seals engaging respective ends of said tube to prevent outflow of liquid from said flow chamber except via said outlet, said tube ends each terminating in electrically conductive terminal means extending exteriorly of said jacket ends for applying electric power to the tube and for providing mechanical support to said unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification