CA2761144C - A circulating liquid dispenser with ozone gas disinfection - Google Patents

Abstract

A liquid disinfecting system utilizing ozone gas with a liquid dispenser suitable for animal consumption. An ozone generator produces ozone and such ozone is injected into a circulating liquid, such as water, within a disinfecting section. The circulating liquid then is dispensed into a liquid containing section appropriate for animal consumption, where unused liquid returns to said disinfecting section. A conventional liquid pump is used to cycle the liquid between sections and an air pump or venturi connector is used to move ozone gas from ozone generator into the circulating liquid. Embodiments of the invention may also include automatic water additions to the system from pressurized water lines or water reservoir tanks and filtration devices for collecting contaminants introduced to the system. Further embodiments can also include a means of controlling the duration of ozone gas production and start times. The invention can be used as a means of providing a safe supply of drinkable liquid suitable for use with animals automatically over longer periods of time than conventional circulating systems.

Description

A Circulating Liquid Dispenser With Ozone Gas Disinfection Field of the Invention [0001] The invention generally relates to the field of dispensing, filtering and disinfecting liquids, such as a water dispenser for animals, and methods for dispensing the same.
Background of the invention

[0002] Animals such as cats and dogs require a clean source of water or similar liquid nourishment to maintain their health. This has been done traditionally by manually filling and emptying simple bowls with water by a pet handler. Plain water bowls do not circulate, clean or disinfect the water. When a pet drinks from a water bowl, food and other contaminants are introduced to the standing bowl of water from the pets mouth. The water and contaminants left standing in bowls over time risks contamination and growth of pathogenic microbes, fungi and other unwanted biological contaminants.
Traditionally to maintain a clean healthy source of water, the water in the bowls are frequently and manually exchanged with fresh clean drinking water.

[0003] Systems for re-circulating water for a pet bowl are known and commercially available. (see http://www.petfountain.org) An example is the "Drinkwell platinum pet fountain". These systems are typically called pet fountains. Some of these systems use mechanical and or chemical (charcoal) filters to catch suspended solids and other contaminants that have been introduced into the re-circulating water system, while others rely solely on the re-circulation of the water to prevent stagnation and anaerobic conditions which would favor growth of unwanted microbes and contaminants.

[0004] Systems for dispensing water for a pet bowl utilizing a float valve connected to a pressurized water source are also known to be commercially available. (see http:www//petfountain.org/automatic-dog-waterer) An example is the "H20 animal hydration flow automatic waterer".
These systems maintain water level in the dog bowls only.

[0005] There are several issues which existing filtered and unfiltered water bowls, such as those described above, cannot solve. Traditional water bowls have no way to reduce contaminants other than through manually washing and changing of water. Filtered water bowls rely on physical filters made of mesh to remove particles greater than a given size from the water, but have no means to effectively reduce biological contaminants. Water bowls using charcoal filters are able to remove some biological and chemical contaminants, but must be changed regularly to maintain effectiveness.

[0006] IF a pet owner wishes to make water available for a pet for a longer period of time without the owner having to wash or change the water bowl, the owner must use a bowl equipped with a mechanical filter and or charcoal filter. If a pet owner wishes to make water available and untended for a length of time water will have to be added to the system. Commercially available watering bowls include an attached reservoir tank and pump for providing additional water or employ the use of a float valve attached to a pressurized water line. However such commercially available water reservoir systems still rely on charcoal filtering or offer no filtering at all.

[0007] Mechanical filters are typically used to prevent the pump in re-circulating systems from ingesting pieces of debris that can cause wear of various pumping mechanisms over time.
These filters do however get saturated with debris which results in diminished pumping capacity as the water flow is restricted. The solution to this issue traditionally is to manually change or clean the filters at regular intervals.

[0008] Generally, most of the pet water bowls and fountains are not suited well for outdoor use, in that the harsher environment of the outdoors will drastically shorten the functional life of these devices. The strength of light from the sun on the fountain will result in algae growth that will favor poor water quality. Also, debris like sticks, leaves and pollen from outside vegetation will contaminate the fountains, resulting in clogged filters, poor water circulation and water quality. Animals like insects, birds and even other pets will also be a source of pathogens and contaminates to the pet bowls and fountains.

[0009] Generally, most of these water bowls are intended to be used with tap water, and as such may be contaminated to some extent and does not have the benefit of continuous disinfection. As discussed earlier, every time an animal drinks from a water bowl, the animal further contaminates the water through mixing with contents of animal's mouth and consequent back flowing of water into the bowl.
The contaminants add nutrients to the water whereby bacteria and other microorganisms are then able to thrive and increase in numbers resulting in a general fouling of the water making it unsuitable for consumption.

[0010] Accordingly, an automated system and method for dispensing disinfected liquid is desired. A
relatively easy and self maintained system without the need to frequently change filters and or add additional water is also desired. Also, dispensers that are capable of continually disinfecting or disinfecting at pre programmed times with continuously circulating water are desired. A suitable system for outdoor and indoor use is also desired.

[0011] Generally, most animal watering systems practiced in modern farming utilize simple watering troughs, with no means of automatic disinfection and replenishment. Automatic watering systems that reduce manual labour, conserve water, and which are more hygienic for the animals is desired.
Summary of Invention

[0012] According to one aspect of an embodiment in accordance with the principles of the present invention, a system for dispensing disinfected liquid comprising: a liquid containing portion containing a liquid; a disinfecting portion in fluid flow communication with said liquid containing portion; a pump for pumping liquid from disinfection section to the liquid containing portion; an ozone generator oxidizing and disinfecting said liquid as it passes through the disinfecting section, wherein said ozone generator produces ozone gas sufficient to have antimicrobial and oxidizing effects on the water.

[0013] In another aspect, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the principles of the present invention includes an apparatus for providing disinfected liquid suitable for use with a pet comprising: a bowl containing a liquid, said bowl being concave in shape having sidewalls and a bottom surface; a basin having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall defining a liquid holding container; a pump arrangement that pumps the liquid in the basin through a tube into the liquid containing bowl; an ozone generator mounted on the exterior of the structure of said basin, said ozone generator producing ozone gas and arranged so as to direct ozone gas into a tube that enters said basin wherein said tube is connected to a diffuser submerged in said liquid in said basin, the bowl is supported by the basin and contains an outlet in fluid flow communication with the basin, whereby the ozone gas provides disinfecting and oxidizing effect on the liquid held within said basin.

[0014] In another aspect, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the principles of the present invention includes an apparatus for providing disinfected liquid suitable for use with animals comprising: a concavity holding a liquid, a tube in fluid communication with said liquid, said tube connected to a pump mounted within a housing adjacent to said concavity, an ozone generator mounted internally in adjacent housing and connected by tube to a venturi type connector or ozone injector on pump outflow, wherein ozone gas is injected into said tube liquid outflow from pump, said concavity is connected to said adjacent housing by outlet, said outlet containing mechanical filter whereby liquid moving through said outlet is filtered, wherein said liquid exiting said outlet travels into said adjacent housing, wherein liquid cycles through said dispenser system from said concavity and back to said concavity while being disinfected and oxidized by said ozone generator, a control timer integrated with ozone generator or externally connected with voltage supply to said ozone generator is used to control ozone production and consequent disinfection times.

[0015] In yet another aspect, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the principles of the present invention an apparatus for providing disinfected liquid suitable for use with animals comprising: The above mentioned apparatuses includes a float valve mounted internally in said basin with tube extending outwards connected to a pressurized water supply, wherein additional water is added to the system automatically.

[0016] In one embodiment of the invention, a voltage control timer is connected to said ozone generator power supply at plug in, enabling programming and setting of ozone generation start times and operating times.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, a control timer is integrated with said ozone generator and is mounted externally on basin side wall to allow programming of the ozone generator.

[0018] In another aspect, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the principles of the present invention includes an apparatus for providing disinfected liquid suitable for use with farm animals or for a large number of other animals comprising: a long watering trough holding a liquid, an intake tube in fluid communication with said liquid, said intake tube connected to the inflow of a pump, an ozone generator connected by tube to said intake tube, whereby ozone gas is injected into said intake tube sufficient to obtain antimicrobial and oxidizing effects on the water. Said pump is connected to an outflow tube in fluid communication with said liquid, said outflow tube is connected to said watering trough, wherein said liquid exiting said outflow tube travels through said watering trough and back to said intake tube allowing animals access to said liquid.

[0019] In yet another aspect, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the principles of the present invention an apparatus for providing disinfected liquid suitable for use with animals comprising: The above mentioned apparatus includes a mechanical filter mounted internally in said watering trough connected to said intake tube, whereby said liquid flows through said mechanical filter.

[0020] In another aspect, a system in accordance with an embodiment of the principles of the present invention an apparatus for providing disinfected liquid suitable for use with animals comprising: The above mentioned apparatuses includes a float valve mounted internally in said watering trough with tube extending outwards connected to a pressurized water supply, wherein additional water is added to the system automatically.
Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] For a more complete understanding of the present invention and for further features and advantages, reference is now made to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Fig. 1 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

[0023] Fig.2 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] Fig.3 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

[0025] Fig.4 is a cross-section view of another embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Embodiments

[0026] In one aspect, an embodiment of the invention comprises an AutoBowl as shown in Fig.1. AutoBowl is a liquid dispenser suitable for use as a dispenser for potable water for animals. AutoBowl comprises: a liquid containing section 14. Liquid containing section 14 comprises a concavity formed by retaining walls of bowl 1. The bowl wall 1 of liquid containing section 14 are formed of any suitable water-proof material, such as glass, ceramic, metal, plastic, or any other materials known to those of skill in the art. The top of liquid containing section 14 is uncovered, to allow liquid to be inserted into and removed from section 14 and to allow gas exchange with the atmosphere, whereby any ozone gas present has a means of escape from the system. The concavity of section 14, during operation, holds liquid 25 which may be water or any other liquid desired for dispensing to a user, such as a pet. Those of ordinary skill will understand that, although section 14 in Fig.1 is shown as having a bowl shaped cross-section, liquid holding section 14 need not have a bowl shape cross-section, but may have any cross-sectional shape as long as there exists a concavity or other suitable region within section 14 for holding a liquid, such as cup shape, saucer shaped, cylindrical, oval, hemispherical, square, or any shape suitable for use as a pet's water bowl. An advantage to the embodiment illustrated in Fig.1 is the bowl rim 23, which is carried by the basin wall 2 and supports the liquid containing portion 14. The bowl rim 23 allows for easy removal of the bowl from the disinfecting section 15 for cleaning of bowl or for easy access to the internal mechanisms of disinfecting section 15. The weight of the pooling liquid 25 in the liquid containing portion 14 holds the liquid containing portion 14 to the disinfecting portion 15.

[0027] Autobowl comprises disinfecting section 15. An embodiment displayed in Fig.1 comprises a basin having a bottom wall and side walls 2 extending upwardly from the bottom wall defining a liquid holding container, top cover of disinfection section 15 is the bottom wall of liquid containing section 14. Disinfecting section 15 comprises a drain outlet 3 in fluid flow communication with liquid 25 held in liquid holding section 14 and liquid 25 held in disinfecting section 15. The main drain outlet 51 may or may not include a means of mechanical filtration.
The liquid 25 moves by means of gravity through drain outlet 51 from liquid containing section 14 to disinfection section 15 as seen in Fig.1. A tube 28 connected to fluid outlet port of pump includes an outlet 16 by which fluid passes back into section 14. Fluid moves through the tube

28 by means of pumping action from a submersible pump 9. The submersible pump 9 is attached to bottom wall 24 by suction cups 20 and may or may not be attached to a mechanical filter 8 on the liquid inlet side of pump 9, whereby the fluid sucked into the pump is mechanically filtered before it enters the pump 9. Tube 7 and inlet 3 as shown in Fig.1 connect the mechanical filter 8 with the fluid intake of the pump 9 and act as a means of fluid conveyance with the vacuum created by pump 9. In this manner, liquid 25 in holding section 14 can be seen to be cycling from section 14, through tube 3 within disinfecting section 15, and back to holding section 14 through pump 9 and tube 28. One of ordinary skill will also recognize that the operation of returning liquid from outlets 51, 16 will cause liquid 25 to become aerated. For some pets or other applications, aerated liquid 25 may have benefits such as more refreshing taste for a pet. The aeration will also increase gas exchange of ozone from the liquid 25 into the atmosphere when ozone generation has resulted in increased ozone levels in the liquid 25.
[0028] Disinfecting section 15 also includes a sterilizer 10 mounted externally as shown in Fig.1, or can be mounted internally as shown in fig.2. External mountings may require a mounting board 17 in which the sterilizer 10 may be more securely fastened to the basin side wall 2 or by other means mounted to a nearby object, whereby, the tube 6 can still be connected to the disinfection section. In the embodiments, sterilizer comprises an ozone gas generator which produces ozone gas sufficient to obtain antimicrobial and oxidizing effects within said liquid 25 and for a sufficient interval to have disinfecting and oxidizing qualities on the cycling liquid 25 as it passes through disinfecting section 15. Disinfection time periods can vary and do not need to be continuous, the amount of disinfection is determined by ozone concentration and contact time with liquid 25. The operation of the ozone generator is controlled by a power supply control section 19. The power supply control section 19 can be integrated with the ozone generator 10 directly or can be external of the ozone generator 10 in line and connected by electrical wire 22 with the power supply to the ozone generator 10. Power supply control section 19 may include a connector to a conventional external power cord, or may include an internal power supply, such as one or more batteries, with even a solar power cell 37 to recharge the batteries in an outdoor environment. The ozone generator 10 is connected by tube 6, whereby the outlet of said tube 6 is in disinfection section 15. The means of fluid conveyance of ozone gas through tube 6 can be by means of an integrated air pump in the ozone generator 10, by an external air pump (not shown), or can be moved by vacuum created with the use of a venturi connector 30 as shown in fig.2. Ozone generators with air pumps are typically matched up with air diffusers 5, while ozone generators without air pumps can be used with venturi connections 30 as a means of ozone conveyance and injection.
Tube 6 as displayed in Fig.1 is connected to an air diffuser 5 submerged in the liquid 25 in the disinfection section 15.

[0029] In another embodiment, as shown in Fig.2, the outlet 3 from the liquid containing section 14, is connected to a tube 7 which is also connected to the fluid intake side of a liquid pump 31 within the disinfection section 15. Outlet 3 extends through a water tight aperture in concavity retaining wall 1 (Fig.2) or sidewall 2 (Fig.3, Fig.4) in a water tight manner such that liquid 25 does not leak into the interior portion of disinfection section 15.
In this way, the liquid 25 can be completely contained within tubes 7, 28 and pump 31, while the ozone gas is injected into the liquid 25 by way of vacuum created from a venturi type connector 30 or other means of ozone injection. The inlet 3 to tube 7 may also be in contact with a filtering device 49 as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, filtering device 32 as seen in Fig. 2, or filtering device 8 shown in Fig.1. The filtering devices may include mechanical filters, carbon filters, charcoal filters, or other filtration systems in fluid connection with the liquid 25 as it moves through the system.
Filtering devices can also be placed inside drain outlets 47, 50, 51 and 11 as shown in Fig.1 and Fig. 3 or between the drain outlets and the inlets 3 to tube 7.

[0030] In the embodiment shown on Fig.1, side wall 1 of the bowl includes a drain tube 11 which can act as a means of maintaining a water level 27 of liquid 25 in the liquid containing section 14 and or also as a means of preventing spillage or overflow of liquid 25 outside of system, whereby if the main drain outlet 51 gets plugged by debris, the liquid 25 will still flow into disinfection section 15 by way of drain tube 11. Also note the water level 18 in disinfecting section 15 is relatively set by the location of the float valve assembly 4 in section 15.

[0031] Another embodiment of the invention can include a power control section 19 that can be in electrical connection 22 with ozone generator 10 to provide power needed for operation of the sterilizer. An electrical connection 26 also can exist as shown in the figures connecting the pump 31 or submersible pump 9 with the power control section 19. Power control section 19 includes user-interface or user controls such as on-off switches or buttons to control the operation of the pumps 9 (Fig.1), 31 (Fig. 2, Fig.3, Fig.4), and or ozone generator 10; pump speed controls for regulating the speed with which the liquid is cycled from holding section 14 through disinfecting section 15 and back to holding section 14; timers for allowing a user to set one or more desired times, recurrent times, or lengths of time for the operation of pumps 9, 31 or sterilizers 10, or both; and a user interface for providing the user with helpful or desired information, such as liquid temperature (if connected to thermometer, not shown), time/date, programmed start times, ozone generator on/off, or error messages. Power control section 19 in some embodiments comprises a connection to a liquid crystal display panel 52 controlled by a microcontroller or microprocessor, for displaying appropriate information or messages to a user. The liquid crystal display and any operational buttons integrated with the liquid crystal display panel 52 are in communication with the power control section 19 by a telecommunications cable 53. Electrical power to the liquid crystal display will go through the telecommunications cable 53 or by another electrical wire suitable connecting the power control section 19 to the liquid crystal display 52 (not shown). In some embodiments of the invention, the liquid crystal display panel 52 can also be powered by internal batteries and can be mounted on any of the external sidewalls of the invention.

[0032] Further embodiments of the invention comprise a means of supplying additional water or liquid to the system when system undergoes a loss of liquid 25. Fig.1 displays the use of a float valve assembly 4 mounted within the disinfecting section 15, and attached to an external pressurized water supply 13. The float valve 4 is to be mounted above the pump 9 and below the drain outlet 51 and any attached filters to the drain outlet 51 that could hinder the operation of the float valve 4 in the disinfection section 15. The location of the float valve 4 determines the water level 18 within the disinfection section 15. The float valve 4 is mounted with housing 21 internally to the side wall of basin 2 with a nut 12 or by other means in a water tight manner, as to prevent water from leaking out of disinfecting section 15 while also securing water supply tube 13 to float valve 4. Another embodiment of the invention as seen in Fig.3 includes a water reserve tank or water holding tank section 44 that can be used as a means of supplying additional water to the system which would lengthen the time required to refill the system manually. The float valve 4 can also be placed in the liquid containing section 14 as shown in Fig. 3 and be attached to a tube 42 connected to the water holding tank 44, whereby additional water or liquid 46 in water holding tank 44 can flow to the liquid containing section 14 when needed to maintain liquid level 27 in liquid containing section 14.
Fig. 3 also shows a filter 47 on the intake 40 of tube 42, whereby a filtering of debris in the water holding tank 44 prevents malfunctioning of the float valve 4 and liquid flow through tube 42.

[0033] In another embodiment, the Autobowl may include a motion sensor in electrical connection with ozone generator 10, or pump 9, 31, or both. In operation, such a motion sensor would be arranged to detect motion near Autobowl (such as when a pet or owner approaches the system) and such sensor output interrupt or control signals which turn off pumps or sterilizer, or both whenever nearby motion is detected.
Alternatively, such a motion detector could be arranged to output a control signal which turns on pump 9, 31 or sterilizer 10 whenever nearby motion is detected.

[0034] Fig. 2 illustrates a cross sectional view of one embodiment of an Autobowl dispenser in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In Fig.2, liquid 25 is held within liquid containing section 14 adjacent to disinfecting section 15. Liquid containing section 14 comprises a concave area, open at the top. The concavity of section 14 is formed from curved wall 1 but could be constructed in other ways to create a concavity suitable for holding liquid.
The curved wall 1 acts as a waterproof barrier between the liquid containing section 14 and the disinfecting section 15. One of the differences between the embodiments seen in Fig. 2 and Fig.1 is that the embodiment of Fig.2 does not contain an open pool of liquid within the disinfecting section 15. The liquid 25 flows through an assembly of tubes throughout the disinfecting section 15 until it returns to the liquid containing section 14.
The liquid 25 in the containing section 14 enters tube 7 by means of vacuum created by pump 31 through the water tight outlet 3. The liquid 25 then is pushed by pump 31 to tube 28 and through venturi valve 30 that is also connected to tube 6, whereby ozone gas may be injected into liquid 25 when ozone generator and pump are both operating. The nature of the venturi connector allows the liquid to flow through tube 28 but not through tube 6, the venturi action creates a vacuum into tube 6 where ozone gas from ozone generator 10 is pulled into the flowing liquid stream 25. The flowing liquid 25 and ozone gas then flow through tube 28 until reaching outlet 16 where the liquid and ozone gas are released into the liquid containing section 14. A one way valve 29 positioned to allow ozone gas to move away from ozone generator 10 and prevent movement of liquid towards ozone generator 10 may be connected to tube 6 as a safety precaution preventing liquid 25 from flowing into ozone generator 10. The disinfecting section 15 basin and liquid containing section 14 concavity can be made of one continuous material, or from several pieces joined together in a conventional mann,er as long as wall 1 is waterproof (Fig. 2) and or side wall 2 is water proof (Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) or both.

[0035] Those of ordinary skill will understand that the cross section of liquid holding section 14 in the figures is exemplary only and that section 14 may have any cross-sectional shape as long as there exists a concavity or other suitable region within section 14 for holding a liquid.

[0036] The power supply section 19 seen in Fig.2 is connected to the ozone generator 10 and the pump 31 and to an external power plug or batteries or both. The location of the power supply section 19 seen in Fig.2 is internally but may also be mounted externally. The liquid flow outlet 3 from liquid containing section 14 may also have a mechanical filter 32 attached to it to collect debris that may be introduced to the system.

[0037] As shown in Fig.2, disinfecting section 15 is formed with a housing having a top surface 33, 1 and side walls 2. The bottom surface of disinfecting section 15 is formed of a continuous bottom surface 24. The housing for disinfecting section 15 may be formed of any suitable material such as plastic, glass, metal, or any sufficiently waterproof material.

[0038] In yet another embodiment, an outdoor version of the Autobowl system shown in Fig. 3 may comprise of similar features and design as seen in Fig.2, but also comprising the additional features: a liquid reservoir tank 44 mounted on top of disinfecting section 15 and adjacent so as not to block off access to liquid containing section 14, a tube 42 connecting the reservoir tank 44 to the liquid containing portion 14 in fluid flow communication, whereby liquid from the reservoir tank 44 can flow into the liquid containing portion 14 when fluid loss occurs. The outdoor Autobowl may also comprise a manual fill plug 38 on the top wall 45 of reservoir tank 44 for manually filling the tank with water, side walls 36 and bottom wall 48 for retaining liquid in a water tight manner. An overfill drain hole 43 in top of side wall 36 or top wall 45 is used as a means of liquid escape in the event of overfilling the reservoir tank 44.
Irrigation line attachment tube 41 may also be included for connecting an intermittent water source such as timed irrigation lines, wherein the reservoir tank 44 can be filled when the irrigation lines are pressurized. An outdoor embodiment as shown in Fig.3 may also contain a solar power cell 37 on the top wall 45 of the reservoir tank section 44 is connected by electrical wire 39 to power control section 19, whereby rechargeable batteries in the power control section 19 may be re-charged without the need for an external power plug connected to a traditional power outlet.
The liquid reservoir tank 44 can be mounted to disinfection section 15 by use of adhesives between the sidewalls 33 and 48 as shown in Fig. 3 or by other means of mounting, wherein the two sections cannot slide apart easily. The liquid reservoir tank 44 can be constructed of any water proof material and of any shape that still allows for the retention of additional liquid for the system.

[0039] In the embodiments shown in Fig.2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, housing walls, 2, 24, and 33 may include a selectively openable door or aperture through which a user may insert, adjust, or remove devices found within the disinfecting section 15.

[0040] The preferred embodiments of the invention involve the initial use and maintenance of an existing supply of potable water. The preferred embodiments of the invention are not intended for wastewater disinfection, or for the treatment of other sources of non-potable water. The use of potable water only in the system reduces the types of contaminants present and restricts most pathogens from introduction to the system. The organisms that are introduced to the system will most likely originate from either, the animals using the system, the water supply or from the environment, such as air bourne organisms. The number of contaminants introduced to the system and the overall concentration of contaminants in the system appears to depend primarily on the number of animals using the system.
Efficient disinfection is achieved by adjusting some of the ozone treatment variables, such as increasing or decreasing the frequency of treatment times, adjusting the length of treatment times and or adjusting the concentration of ozone dosage. Adequate levels of disinfection and oxidation can be determined by inspecting the water in the system for signs of colour, odour and taste. The oxidative process of ozone enhances the attractiveness of the water for animal consumption by removing many organic compounds responsible for taste, odour and colour from the water.

[0041] Moreover, the number of tubes 7, 28, 6, pumps 9, 31, sterilizers 10 and other features of different embodiments described above should not be interpreted as a limitation on the invention. Alternative embodiments of this invention contain more than one tube 7, more than one tube 28 or more than one tube 6, more than one liquid holding section 14 (for providing water for more than one pet, for example), more than one pump 9 or 31, more than one ozone diffuser 5, more than one sterilizer or more than one mechanical filter. Those of ordinary skill will understand that sterilizer 10 (ozone generator) and filtration devices need not completely eliminate absolutely all micro-organisms or contaminants from liquid 25 to be 100% completely free of contaminants at all times, but rather that a reasonable level of disinfecting or sterilization for the intended purpose of the system is required.

[0042] While various embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous alterations may be made without departing from the scope of the invention or inventive concepts presented herein. Persons of ordinary skill will appreciate that changes can be made to dimensions, sizing, relative dimensions, materials, blends of materials, combinations of materials, connectors, spatial and angular relationships of and between components, and manufacturing processes and other commercial or industrial techniques, all without departing from the scope of the invention.
Also, those of ordinary skill will understand that the various components and sub-assemblies described with respect to alternate embodiments may be rearranged, substituted, or combined with each other and that various Process steps and sub-processes described above with respect to alternate embodiments may be rearranged, substituted, or combined with each other, all without departing from the scope of the invention. Many elements and subassemblies described above could be chosen or arranged differently by those of ordinary skill in the art, while still embodying the present invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize the materials needed to make the components of the Autobowl system can vary depending on aesthetics, size of pet, desire for portability, or economic efficiency. The scope of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in the examples, but should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.

Claims (12)

A Circulating Liquid Dispenser with Ozone Gas Disinfection.
Claims I Claim:

1. A system for dispensing disinfected and oxidized potable water suitable for animal use comprising: a liquid containing portion containing water; a disinfecting portion in fluid flow communication with said liquid containing portion; a pump for transporting the water from said disinfection portion to said liquid containing portion; a means of fluid conveyance for said water to move to said disinfection portion from said liquid containing portion, an ozone generator in fluid flow communication with said disinfecting portion, for disinfecting and oxidizing said water as it passes through the disinfecting portion, a means of ozone gas injection into said water, wherein said ozone generator produces ozone gas sufficient to have antimicrobial and oxidizing effects on the water.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1: further comprising: a means of setting timed intervals of ozone gas production by said Ozone generator, whereby an adequate level of disinfection and oxidation is achieved in said system suitable for animal use.

3. The system in accordance with claim 1, further comprising: a means of supplying additional water to the system when the system undergoes a loss of water.

4. The system in accordance with claim 1: further comprising: a means of mechanical filtering of said water.

5. An apparatus for providing disinfected and oxidized potable water suitable for use with an animal comprising: a bowl containing water, said bowl being concave in shape having sidewalls and a bottom surface; a basin having a bottom wall and side walls extending upwardly from the bottom wall defining a liquid holding container; a pump that pumps the water from said basin into said water containing bowl; a means for said water to return to said basin from said bowl, whereby said water in the apparatus is continuously circulating between said bowl and said basin, said bowl is carried by said basin; an ozone generator in fluid flow communication with said circulating water; said ozone generator producing ozone gas and arranged so as to direct said ozone gas into said circulating water by a means of fluid conveyance, a means of ozone gas injection into said water, whereby said ozone generator produces ozone gas sufficient to have antimicrobial and oxidizing effects on the water.

6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: an automatic means of water addition to the apparatus when said apparatus undergoes water loss, whereby the apparatus maintains a constant amount of water.

7. The apparatus in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: a means of controlling ozone gas production of said Ozone Generator.

8. The apparatus in accordance with claim 5, further comprising: a means of mechanical filtration of said water.

9. A system for circulating and dispensing disinfected oxidized potable water suitable for animal use comprising: a concavity holding water, a tube in fluid communication with said water, said tube connected to a pump mounted within a housing adjacent to said concavity; a means of ozone injection into said tube from an ozone generator; said tube having an outlet whereby said pump pumps said water through said tube and out said outlet, wherein the water circulates through said dispenser system from said concavity and back to said concavity while being disinfected and oxidized by said ozone generator producing ozone gas sufficient to have antimicrobial and oxidizing effects on the water.

10. The system in accordance with claim 9, further comprising: a means of supplying additional water to said system when the system undergoes a loss of water.

11. The system in accordance with claim 9, further comprising: a means of setting timed intervals of ozone gas production by said ozone generator.

12. The system in accordance with claim 9, further comprising: a means of mechanical filtration of said water.