| PATENT NUMBER | This data is not available for free |
| PATENT GRANT DATE | May 6, 2003 |
| PATENT TITLE |
Portable hydration system |
| PATENT ABSTRACT | A portable hydration system comprising water disinfection, filtration and pump features. The system comprises an electrolytic oxidant generating cell which utilizes a salt to create oxidants for disinfecting liquids such as water |
| PATENT INVENTORS | This data is not available for free |
| PATENT ASSIGNEE | This data is not available for free |
| PATENT FILE DATE | October 10, 2000 |
| PATENT REFERENCES CITED |
B.B. Gupta et al. "Permeate flux enhancement by pressure and flow pulsations in microfiltration with mineral membranes." Journal of Membrane Science, 70 (1992) 257-266. Internet advertisement for "Steri-Pen" by Hydro-Photon, Inc. www.hydro-photon.com May 9, 2000. L.V. Venczel et al. "Inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts and Clostridium perfringens Spores by a Mixed-Oxidant Disinfectant and by Free Chlorine." Applied and Environmental Microbiology, vol. 63, No. 4, Apr., 1997, p. 1598-1601. |
| PATENT GOVERNMENT INTERESTS | This data is not available for free |
| PATENT PARENT CASE TEXT | This data is not available for free |
| PATENT CLAIMS |
What is claimed is: 1. A portable hydration system comprising: at least one oxidant generating electrolytic cell; an electrolyte; a pump; a container; and a bag for carriage of said pump, container, and oxidant generating electrolytic cell. 2. The portable hydration system of claim 1 wherein said bag comprises at least one shoulder strap. 3. The portable hydration system of claim 1 wherein said pump comprises: a housing; a piston; at least one filter; and a pressure recovery mechanism. 4. The portable hydration system of claim 3 wherein said pump housing comprises at least one substantially cylindrical cavity for housing said piston and said filter. 5. The portable hydration system of claim 3 wherein said filter comprises a reverse osmosis filter. 6. The portable hydration system of claim 3 wherein said filter comprises a printed membrane. 7. The portable hydration system of claim 3 wherein said oxidant generating electrolytic cell is housed within said pump housing. 8. The portable hydration system of claim 3 wherein said oxidant generating electrolytic cell is positioned on said pump housing. 9. The portable hydration system of claim 3 wherein said filter comprises a micron filter. 10. The portable hydration system of claim 3 wherein said at least one filter comprises a reverse osmosis filter and a roughing filter combination. 11. The portable hydration system of claim 10 additionally comprising a valve interposed between said reverse osmosis filter and said roughing filter for separate or concurrent operation of the filters |
| PATENT DESCRIPTION |
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention (Technical Field) The filtration system of the present invention relates to a water treatment system that includes filtration as well as reverse osmosis for removal of total dissolved solids (TDS) from water to render the water potable. The oxidant generating apparatus and method of the present invention relates to water disinfecting systems, and more particularly, to an apparatus for generating disinfecting solutions to be added to potentially contaminated water to render that water potable. 2. Background Art Removing impurities from drinking water supplies is a major factor in reducing the health risks to the human population. High levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in water, such as dissolved salts in seawater, make the water unfit for drinking because of the ion imbalance in the human system. Most drinking water in the world today comes from ground or surface water sources and potable water from these sources is produced at small and large municipal drinking water treatment plants. A very small percentage of drinking water is produced from de-salination facilities. There are many settings in which these large systems are not practical. For example, campers, military personnel, and disaster relief situations require small man-portable systems that can treat water from just about any water source to produce potable water. To be effective in such remote settings, a system must be capable of repeated operation with little operator skill, no external power sources, and very little maintenance. To be fully comprehensive, water filtration must include the capability for both conventional filtration as well as desalination. Conventional filtration can remove particulates that cause turbidity such as dirt, silt, sand, and larger organisms such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. Reverse osmosis (RO) technology must also be included to remove ions from such sources as seawater. At sea water concentrations of 35,000 milligrams per liter (mg/L), the system must be effective enough to remove ions to levels less than 1000 mg/L. While sodium and chloride are the two ions of concern in seawater, the system must be able to remove other ions as well. All of these ions are collectively known as TDS. Existing technology removes TDS utilizing RO technology. The pressure required to drive the RO process utilizes a pressure recovery feature to reduce the applied force. U.S. Pat. No. 3,749,524 to Jordan, entitled Manually Operated Pump Utilizing Backpressure for Easement of Pump Stroke, discloses a pressure recovery feature for a pneumatic application. This system does not apply to fluids such as water, and lacks a simplified valve system for retentate discharge, as well as a valve system for isolating the RO element in the event that TDS removal is not required. U.S. Pat. No. 4,124,488 to Wilson, entitled Water Purification by Reverse Osmosis, and U.S. Pat. No. RE033135 to Wanner, Sr. et al, entitled Pump Apparatus, discloses a reverse osmosis pump mechanism with pressure recovery feature. The present invention addresses the current problems by incorporating a simple valve mechanism integral to the piston and shaft for retentate discharge, as well as incorporating a valve switching mechanism to isolate the RO element for conventional filtration, thereby providing maximum efficiency for either reverse osmosis pumping and/or sweet water pumping by two different modes of operation. U.S. Pat. No. RE032144 to Keefer entitled Reverse Osmosis Method and Apparatus, discloses a pump mechanism with pressure recovery and accumulator for reverse osmosis. The mechanism does not incorporate a simple pressure relief and retentate discharge mechanism integral to the piston and rod assembly, nor does the device incorporate a valve switching mechanism to isolate the RO element for conventional filtration. While filtration presents one manner by which a substance can be rendered potable, and/or free of contaminants and/or fouling agents, chemical and/or radiative methods and devices are also suitable for destroying contaminants and/or fouling agents. In addition, such chemical and/or radiative methods and devices have more widespread use in, for example, bleaching and/or degrading material. In general, maintaining the sterility of drinking water supplies is a major factor in reducing the health risks to human populations. While large metropolitan water systems can make use of highly toxic chlorine gas for sterilizing drinking water, such systems are impractical in remote locations, which lack highly trained personnel and the equipment to maintain the systems. There are many settings in which sophisticated systems are not practical. For example, campers or military personnel in the field cannot be expected to operate such a system to provide potable drinking water from streams or other potentially contaminated water sources. To be effective in such rural settings, a system must be capable of running for long periods of time with little or no maintenance. In addition, the raw materials required by the system should be readily available. Systems based on the electrolytic production of chlorine and/or other chlor-oxygen species based germicidal agents are useful for decontamination. These systems require electricity and common salt as raw materials. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,761,208 to Gram, et al. entitled Electrolytic Method and Cell for Sterilizing Water, which is incorporated herein by reference. The oxidant generating system of the present invention uses, in a preferred embodiment, an electrolytic cell to generate an oxidant solution including, for example, chlorine in the form of hypochlorous acid and other chlor-oxygen species. Other embodiments of the present invention produce an oxidant solution that is predominantly sodium hypochlorite. The oxidant solution is preferably produced from a brine solution using common salt. This oxidant solution may be added directly to the drinking water at a dilution ratio compatible with the concentration of the oxidant produced in the device and the demand of the water. In general, the oxidant produced by apparatus and/or methods of the present invention is more effective at inactivation of microorganisms than is conventional chlorination technology, including chlorine gas, sodium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite. At adequate dilution ratios, the water is sterilized without causing the water to become unpalatable. This technology is particularly attractive because of its simplicity and long maintenance free operation time. Studies have been conducted to demonstrate the microorganism inactivation effectiveness of the oxidant, commonly referred to as mixed-oxidant solution. Linda V. Venczel, Michael Arrowood, Margaret Hurd, and Mark D. Sobsey with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina have conducted research and published a paper entitled, Inactivation of Cryptosporidium parvum Oocysts and Clostridium perfringens Spores by a Mixed-Oxidant Disinfectant and by Free Chlorine, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, April 1997, p. 1598-1601. The systems based on mixed-oxidant production have been used successfully in rural communities with small water supplies to larger municipal water systems treating millions of gallons per day. These larger systems are not well suited for use by individual campers and personnel in the field who must treat small quantities of water on a daily basis. The mixed oxidant systems designed to date are applicable to large quantities of water and are large and heavy. In addition, these systems require quantities of electrical power that are not practical at the mesoscale, or individual person level. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION (DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION) A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an apparatus for treating and disinfecting a substance, the apparatus comprising at least one filter, and a portable electrolytic cell for generating oxidation/reduction products, the products to be subsequently added to the substance. Preferably, the filter comprises at least one filter selected from a roughing filter and a reverse osmosis filter; the apparatus providing for use of the roughing filter separately from the reverse osmosis filter, and use of the reverse osmosis filter separate from the roughing filter, and use of both the roughing filter and the reverse osmosis filter in sequence. Preferably, the roughing filter comprises a pressure relief mechanism. A preferred embodiment further comprises at least one mechanism selected from the group consisting of a spring mechanism to assist in pressure generation and energy storage on a suction stroke to allocate force between suction and pressure strokes, and a pulsing mechanism to allow enhanced permeate flux of the reverse osmosis filter. The apparatus additionally preferably comprises a pressure recovery mechanism comprising a piston, and a pump-jack mechanism. The electrolytic cell preferably comprises an anode disposed proximal to a cathode, and additionally preferably comprises at least one power source selected from the group consisting of an electrical, solar, electro-mechanical or chemical generator, the power source for generating oxidants. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises at least one reservoir selected from the group consisting of a refillable and a disposable reservoir, the reservoir for containing a salt. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises an electrolyte storage compartment, and additionally comprises a deposit-removing apparatus. Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a circuit for measuring total dissolved solids. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises an apparatus for treating and/or disinfecting a substance, the apparatus comprising: at least one filter wherein the filter optionally comprises at least one filter selected from the group consisting of roughing filters, optionally comprising at least one pressure relief mechanism, and reverse osmosis filters; the apparatus optionally providing for use of the roughing filter separately from the reverse osmosis filter, and optionally use of the reverse osmosis filter separate from the roughing filter, and optionally use of both the roughing filter and the reverse osmosis filter in sequence; and a portable electrolytic cell for generating oxidants, the oxidants for addition to the substance. In a preferred embodiment, the inventive filtration apparatus comprises at least one pressure relief mechanism selected from the group consisting of a spring mechanism to assist in pressure generation and energy storage on a suction stroke to allocate force between suction and pressure strokes, and a pulsing mechanism to allow enhanced permeate flux of an optional reverse osmosis filter. Embodiments of the invention filtration apparatus optionally comprise a pressure recovery mechanism comprising a piston; a pump-jack mechanism; and an electrolytic cell comprising at least two electrodes, preferably at least one anode and at least one cathode wherein an energy source provides for at least one electrical potential between at least one anode and at least one cathode, the energy source optionally comprising a source selected from the group consisting of an electrical, solar, electro-mechanical, magnetic, heat, pressure, and chemical generator. The invention is also a method of purifying a substance comprising the steps of filtering the water in a portable filtering mechanism comprising at least one filter selected from the group consisting of a roughing filter and a reverse osmosis filter, and disinfecting with a portable disinfecting mechanism. Preferably, the substance is passed through at least one filter selected from the group consisting of only the roughing filter, only the reverse osmosis filter, and both the roughing and the reverse filter. Preferably, the step of disinfecting with a portable disinfecting mechanism comprises disinfecting by creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte, preferably by passing water through a porous salt chamber within the disinfecting mechanism, and preferably by passing an electric current through an electrolyte. Preferably, the oxidation reduction products are released into the substance to be treated. The electric current is preferably generated in an apparatus comprising a syringe-like configuration. Preferably, the oxidation/reduction products are created in a reservoir. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of measuring the total dissolved solids of the substance. In a preferred embodiment comprising an inventive method of purifying a substance, the steps of the method comprise: filtering the substance in a portable filtering mechanism comprising at least one filter selected from the group consisting of a roughing filter and a reverse osmosis filter; and disinfecting the substance with a portable disinfecting mechanism; and preferably wherein the step of filtering the substance comprises passing through at least one filter selected from the group consisting of only the roughing filter, only the reverse osmosis filter, and both the roughing and the reverse filter. A primary object of the filtration system of the present invention is to provide an improved filtration system for turbidity (optical clarity) reduction and TDS reduction that will provide potable water. Another object of the filtration system of the present invention is to provide an improved filtration system that is compact in size for one person to easily carry. A further object of the filtration system of the present invention is to provide an improved filtration system that can be operated purely with manual power as the only energy source. Still a further object of the filtration system of the present invention is to provide an improved filtration device that utilizes the same pump for both conventional filtration and reverse osmosis. A primary advantage of the filtration system of the present invention is that the valve system on the apparatus allows the same pump mechanism to be optimally configured for operation of the sweet water filter only (no pressure recovery and full volume flow), or sweet water and RO filtration together utilizing pressure recovery to minimize the applied driving force. Another advantage of the filtration system of the present invention is a pressure recovery feature in the pump that utilizes a simplified valve mechanism that is integral to the piston rod and piston, with retentate discharge through ports in the piston, and out the side of the pump housing. Still a further advantage of the filtration system apparatus is a pulsing mechanism in the pump that minimizes polarization concentration in the RO membrane thereby significantly reducing the applied pressure and improving the permeate flux produced for a given amount of power applied to the pump. Disinfection apparatus of the present invention are for use alone or in combination with filtration systems of the present invention. For example, disinfection apparatus optionally comprise features of the inventive filtration systems and/or the filtration system apparatus optionally comprise features of the inventive disinfection systems. The disinfection apparatus also comprise a novel method of use and/or method of performing oxidation and/or generating and/or applying oxidant to a substance, such as, but not limited to, water. Methods of filtration and oxidant generation and/or use also optionally comprise mutually beneficial features. A summary of the inventive disinfection apparatus and methods of oxidant generation and/or use appear below along with relevant objectives and advantages. The present invention optionally comprises a portable oxidant generator comprising a housing, the housing comprising at least one shape selected from the group consisting of tubular shapes and cap shapes, the tubular shapes comprising at least one cross section selected from the group consisting of circular, ellipsoidal and polygonal cross sections, a maximum length comprising a length between approximately 3 cm and approximately 60 cm and a maximum width comprising a width between approximately 0.5 cm and approximately 30 cm and the cap shapes optionally comprising at least one set of threads and optionally comprising at least one aperture for insertion of a drinking utensil; at least one cell positioned within the housing wherein the at least one cell comprises at least two electrodes wherein at least one electrode comprises at least one cathode and at least one anode; a circuit for providing an electrical potential between at least one of the at least one cathode and at least one of the at least one anode, the circuit comprising electricity wherein the electricity originates from an energy source, the energy source comprising at least one source selected from the group consisting of mechanical sources, chemical sources, magnetic sources, pressure sources and electromagnetic radiation sources; and an electrolyte, optionally comprising an electrolyte solution, for placement in the cell wherein the electrical potential causes electrical charge to pass to the electrolyte thereby generating at least one oxidant; and preferably further comprising an annular cell, the annular cell comprising an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface, wherein the annular cell preferably comprises at least one electrode positioned on the inner annular surface and at least one electrode positioned on the outer annular surface; and preferably wherein at least one of the at least two electrodes comprises at least one catalyst and wherein the at least one catalyst preferably comprises at least one Group VIIIB element of the Periodic Table of Elements and most preferably comprises ruthenium oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit optionally delivers a controlled electrical charge passed to the electrolyte solution, wherein the circuit optionally measures the electrical charge passed to the electrolyte solution and wherein the circuit, or optionally at least one additional circuit, measures at least one condition selected from the group consisting of temperature, total dissolved solids, conductivity, pH, ion concentration, residual oxidant, and oxidation-reduction potential and wherein the circuit, or optionally at least one additional circuit, for measuring provides information to the circuit for providing an electrical potential. In a preferred embodiment, the generator optionally comprises an output device for outputting information wherein the output device for outputting information optionally comprises an output selected from the group consisting of tactile, auditory, olfactory and visual and optionally outputs at least one piece of information selected from the group consisting of electrical charge, energy level, remaining energy, electrolyte level, remaining electrolyte, integrity of the portable generator, temperature, total dissolved solids, conductivity, pH, ion concentration, residual oxidant, and oxidation-reduction potential. In a preferred embodiment, the generator optionally comprises at least one reservoir wherein the at least one reservoir optionally comprises a refillable reservoir and optionally comprises an electrolyte reservoir wherein the electrolyte reservoir optionally comprises a salt reservoir. In a preferred embodiment, the generator comprises at least one cell wherein the cell comprises at least two electrodes wherein at least one electrode comprises at least one cathode and at least one anode. In a preferred embodiment, the oxidant generator comprises a circuit for providing an electrical potential between at least one of the at least one cathode and at least one of the at least one anode. In such an embodiment, the circuit comprises electricity that originates from an energy source, such as, but not limited to, energy sources comprising mechanical sources, chemical sources, magnetic sources, pressure sources and/or electromagnetic radiation sources. In a preferred embodiment, oxidant generation relies on an electrolyte solution that is placed in a cell wherein an applied electrical potential causes electrical charge to pass to the electrolyte solution thereby generating at least one oxidant in the electrolyte solution. According to the present invention, electrolyte and/or electrolyte solution resides in a cell that generates oxidant in a batch mode and/or electrolyte and/or electrolyte solution passes through a cell that generates oxidant in a continuous mode. In a preferred embodiment, an electrolyte solution resides in a cell that generates oxidant in a batch mode. In such a preferred embodiment, individual aliquots of batch mode generated oxidants are added to a liquid in an effort to disinfect the liquid. Of course, oxidants generated by the apparatus and method of the present invention are suitable for disinfecting, bleaching and/or degrading liquid as well as other material, such as, but not limited to, human and/or animal body parts and food and material contained in a liquid. Oxidants generally comprise chemically reactive species capable of oxidizing a substance by, for example, accepting electrons. Therefore, the oxidants generated by the apparatus of the present invention comprise many uses. In a preferred embodiment, the portable generator comprises an annular cell comprising an inner annular surface and an outer annular surface. In a preferred embodiment, the annular cell comprises at least one electrode positioned on the inner annular surface and/or at least one electrode positioned on the outer annular surface. Such electrodes optionally comprise the surface and/or electrodes in contact with the surface, for example, pins and/or plates. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one of the at least two electrodes comprises at least one catalyst. For example, in embodiments comprising a catalyst, a catalyst optionally comprises at least one Group VIIIB element of the Periodic Table of Elements and/or compounds thereof and preferably, at least one catalyst comprises ruthenium oxide. According to the present invention, an electrical charge is delivered to a solution and/or substance comprising, for example, electrolyte. In a preferred embodiment, the circuit delivers a controlled electrical charge to an electrolyte solution. In an alternative embodiment, the oxidant generating apparatus measures and/or signals a characteristic of oxidant generation that terminates electrical charge delivery and/or notifies a user to terminate electrical charge delivery. In a preferred embodiment, the portable oxidant generator comprises a circuit that measures the electrical charge passed to an electrolyte solution and/or other electrolytic substance, for example, but not limited to, a gel and/or a solid. In a preferred embodiment, the portable generator further comprises an output device for outputting information. For example, an output device for outputting information optionally comprises at least one output such as tactile, auditory, olfactory and visual outputs. Alternatively, the output comprises an electromagnetic output comprising, for example, electromagnetic radiation. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, information comprises at least one type of information selected from the group consisting of electrical charge, energy level, remaining energy, electrolyte level, remaining electrolyte, integrity of the portable generator, temperature, total dissolved solids, conductivity, pH, ion concentration, residual oxidant, and oxidation-reduction potential. The generator of the present invention optionally comprises a circuit for measuring at least one condition selected from the group consisting of temperature, total dissolved solids, conductivity, pH, ion concentration, residual oxidant, and oxidation-reduction potential. Such information is optionally provided to the same and/or a different circuit for providing at least one electrical potential for oxidant generation and/or other use. In a preferred embodiment, the cell of the inventive generator comprises a reservoir, for example, but not limited to, a reservoir for holding a batch for batch mode operation. The generator optionally comprises at least one reservoir, which optionally comprises the cell, an additional cell, and/or a reservoir other than a cell. In embodiments comprising at least one reservoir, the reservoir optionally comprises an electrolyte reservoir, for example, but not limited to, a salt reservoir, a refillable reservoir, a disposable reservoir, and/or a self-sealing reservoir wherein the self-sealing reservoir optionally comprises a seal selected from the group consisting of an elastomer and a mechanical check valve. In some embodiments, depending on use, deposits form on, or within, the portable generator. In such embodiments, the portable generator optionally comprises at least one deposit removing apparatus optionally comprising a scraper and/or a shaft comprising break-away segments. In a preferred embodiment, the portable generator comprising a clip for clipping the generator to an object and wherein the embodiment comprises a housing, the housing optionally comprises a clip for clipping the housing to an object. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the portable oxidant generator comprises a housing. In a preferred embodiment comprising a housing, the housing optionally comprises a tube comprising at least one cross-section selected from the group consisting of circular, ellipsoidal, and polygonal cross-sections. In tube embodiments, the tube preferably comprises a length between approximately 3 cm and approximately 60 cm and preferably comprises a width between approximately 0.5 cm and approximately 30 cm. In several preferred embodiments, described herein, embodiments comprising a tube are referred to generally as "pen" embodiments of the present invention. Alternatively, the housing comprises a different shape, such as, but not limited to, a "cap" or "lid" shape suitable for opening, closing and/or sealing a container; thereby the apparatus is optionally capable performing a cap or lid function in addition to oxidant generation. In a preferred embodiment, a cap-shaped oxidant generator optionally comprises at least one set of threads and/or at least one aperture for insertion of a drinking utensil, such as, but not limited to, a straw. Of course, other cap or lid functions are within the scope of the present invention including those that do not rely on threads for attaching to and/or opening, closing and/or sealing a container, for example, but not limited to, snap closure mechanisms. Alternatively, the oxidant generating apparatus resides within and/or on a surface of a container, such as, within a canteen and/or attached to a side of canteen (e.g., inner and/or outer surface). The present invention also comprises an inventive method for treating a substance using an oxidant generator. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the following steps: creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte; and releasing the products onto or into a substance for treating the substance. In a preferred embodiment, the step of releasing the products onto a substance for treating comprises releasing oxidants to a liquid (fluid) and/or other substance. Accordingly, the step of releasing the products to a substance for treating optionally comprises releasing the oxidants to a substance for decontaminating the substance. In general, generation of oxidants also results in the generation of reductants, or reducing agents. In some instances, reducing agents comprise gas, such as, but not limited to, hydrogen gas. According to a preferred embodiment, at least some of the reducing agents comprising gas are optionally vented from the oxidant generator. It is understood that the oxidant generator of the present invention preferably comprises a generator that generates both oxidants (e.g., oxidizing agents) and reductants (e.g., reducing agents). According to a preferred embodiment of the inventive method, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte comprises creating oxidation/reduction products by passing water through a porous electrolyte chamber to be collected in the cell. In a preferred embodiment, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte comprises creating oxidation/reduction products by passing an electrical charge to an electrolyte, preferably, the electrical charge passes to the electrolyte through an anode and/or cathode. In a preferred embodiment, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte comprises creating oxidation/reduction products by measuring the total dissolved solids of the substance. In a preferred embodiment, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte comprises creating oxidation/reduction products by pressing/pushing the end of the electrolytic cell comprising a self-sealing electrolyte storage compartment when electrolytic cell is inserted into the substance. In a preferred embodiment, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte comprises creating oxidation/reduction products by generating an electric current in an apparatus comprising a configuration selected from the group consisting of tube configurations and cap configurations. In a preferred embodiment, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte optionally comprises creating oxidants by: generating an electrical charge in an electrolytic cell comprising at least two electrodes; and/or generating an electrical charge from an anode comprising at least one catalyst wherein the anode and/or cathode optionally comprise titanium and/or optionally comprise a metal oxide coating, such as, but not limited to, ruthenium oxide. In a preferred embodiment, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte comprises creating oxidation/reduction products by generating an electrical charge from an anode comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of the Group VIIIB elements in the Periodic Table of the Elements and compounds thereof. According to a preferred embodiment, the step of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte comprises creating oxidation/reduction products in a reservoir. Preferred embodiments of the present invention comprise an apparatus to treat a substance, the apparatus comprising a portable electrolytic cell for generating oxidation/reduction products, the products to be subsequently added to the substance. The apparatus preferably comprises a hand-holdable configuration. Preferably, the electrolytic cell comprises a plurality of plates, more preferably an anode and a cathode. Preferably the anode comprises a catalytic material, more preferably a titanium substrate preferably with an oxide coating, more preferably at least one metal selected from the group VIII elements of the Periodic Table of the Elements, and most preferably wherein the oxide coating comprises ruthenium, for example, ruthenium oxide. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cathode is disposed within the anode, alternatively where the anode is disposed adjacent to the cathode and preferably comprises an outer housing for the anode, preferably wherein at least one of the anode or cathode comprises a metallic, plastic, ceramic, silicone, or a non-conducting material. A preferred embodiment also preferably comprises a pocket clip for attachment to the user's pocket. The electrolytic cell preferably comprises a delivery mechanism for adding oxidation/reduction products to the substance, and preferably comprises a power source comprising an electrical, electro-mechanical, or chemical generator. The power source preferably additionally comprises a generator to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the apparatus comprises a reservoir, preferably a salt reservoir, and more preferably a refillable or disposable reservoir. Preferably, the chamber comprises a reservoir. A preferred embodiment further comprises an electrolyte storage compartment comprising a self-sealing cap. The cap comprises an elastomer or a mechanical check valve. A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a deposit-removing apparatus, preferably a scraper and/or a shaft comprising breakaway segments. The apparatus also preferably comprises a circuit for measuring total dissolved solids (TDS) in the substance to be treated, preferably an electrical circuit included in an integral circuit, and preferably further comprises a visually readable, audible, or tactile indicator for completion of electric charge in the substance, most preferably a vibratory indicator. The apparatus preferably additionally comprises a temperature measuring device. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a method for measuring chlorine, for example, residual chlorine in treated water, comprising an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) apparatus. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention comprises a pH measurement apparatus that optionally provides a signal for use in adjusting the ORP apparatus for variations in pH, for example, variations in treated water pH. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises a method for treating a substance using an oxidant generator, the method comprising the steps of: creating oxidation products in a portable cell comprising an electrolyte solution wherein the electrolyte solution optionally comprises salt; and releasing the products to a substance for treating the substance wherein the substance optionally comprises a fluid. The present invention is also a method for treating a substance using an oxidant generator preferably comprising the steps of creating oxidation/reduction products in a portable electrolytic cell for holding an electrolyte, and releasing the products onto a substance for treating. Preferably, the oxidants are released onto a fluid, and more preferably the oxidants are released for decontaminating. The oxidants are preferably created by passing water through a porous salt chamber to be collected in the cell, preferably by passing an electric current through an electrolyte, and more preferably by generating an electric current from an anode to a cathode, and alternatively in an electrolytic cell comprising a plurality of plates. Preferably the anode comprises a catalytic material, preferably a titanium substrate. The anode preferably further comprises an oxide coating, and preferably comprises at least one metal selected from the Group VIII materials in the Periodic Table of the Elements, and more preferably comprises ruthenium oxide. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the oxidation/reduction products are created in a reservoir. The present invention also comprises a portable hydration system comprising a pump for filtering water; a container for containing water; and a disinfection device for disinfecting water. In one embodiment, the disinfection device is removably attachable to the container and optionally comprises a cap. In another embodiment, the pump, container, and disinfection device are interconnectable. Interconnections are made, for example, but not limited to, through use of snaps, VELCRO.RTM., straps, bands, and/or overall structural configuration of the elements. For ease of carriage, the portable hydration system optionally comprises a bag, wherein the bag optionally comprises at least one shoulder strap. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a hydration container comprising a disinfection apparatus or device. In such an embodiment, the disinfection device optionally generates mixed-oxidants and/or hypochlorite. The container optionally comprises at least one antimicrobial agent, for example, inhibiting microbial growth and/or attachment of microbes to the container. In one embodiment, the container comprises a material for inhibiting transmission of radiation, biological agents, and/or chemicals. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises a portable pump comprising a housing, a piston, a filter, and a pressure recovery mechanism, as described herein (or variations thereof). In an embodiment of the portable pump, the housing comprises at least one substantially cylindrical cavity for housing the piston and/or the filter. The filter optionally comprises a reverse osmosis filter, such as, but not limited to, a reverse osmosis filter that comprises a printed membrane, as described herein and in a co-pending patent application. In an alternative embodiment, the portable pump comprises a disinfection device, which is optionally housed within the pump housing and/or positioned on said pump housing. The portable pump further optionally comprises a container for containing water. In such an embodiment, the container for containing water contains filtered, unfiltered, disinfected, and/or undisinfected water. In another embodiment, the hydration system is suitable for filtering and/or disinfecting urine and/or other bodily fluid. Attachments known in the art of catheters are also within the scope of the present invention, for example, to collect and/or replenish body fluids. Broadly, it is the object of the disinfection apparatus of the present invention to provide an improved oxidant generator. It is a further object of the disinfection apparatus of the present invention to provide an oxidant generator that may be carried conveniently by a single person and utilized to sterilize small quantities of drinking water. A primary advantage of the disinfection apparatus of the present invention is the small size and light weight of the apparatus. Another advantage of the disinfection apparatus of the present invention is the ability to measure total dissolved solids in the sample with the same apparatus to treat the water. Yet another advantage of the disinfection apparatus of present invention is the ability to measure the oxidation reduction potential (ORP) of a substance, for example, but not limited to, treated water. Yet another advantage of the disinfection apparatus of the present invention is the ability to treat a larger volume of water using a portable apparatus. A further advantage of the disinfection apparatus of the present invention is the use of a safe-to-produce solution to disinfect a water supply. A yet further advantage of the disinfection apparatus of the present invention is the ability to provide a hand-holdable and/or portable treatment apparatus comprising, for example, a pen-like and/or container cap configuration. Other objects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. |
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