Electrolytic cell for surface and point of use disinfection

Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus and method for disinfecting or sanitizing a desired object. The apparatus includes a container for an aqueous solution; the container may be a spray bottle. The apparatus includes an electrolytic cell, containing an electrolyte, an electrical power source, a control circuit for providing an electric charge to the electrolyte to create an oxidant, and a fluid connection between the cell and container to permit introduction of the oxidant into the aqueous solution to create a disinfectant.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 785,610, entitled “Electrolytic Cell for Surface and Point of Use Disinfection”, filed Feb. 23, 2004, which application claims priority to and the benefit of filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 448,994, entitled “Electrolytic Cell for Surface and Point of Use Disinfection”, filed Feb. 21, 2003, and which is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 907,092, filed on Jul. 16, 2001 entitled “Portable Water Disinfection System”, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,966. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 785,892, entitled “Gas Drive Electrolytic Cell”, filed February 23, 2004. The specifications and claims of each application listed are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] This invention relates to the production of oxidants in an electro...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] The present invention comprises an apparatus and method for producing an oxidant to treat a liquid that may be dispensed from a spray bottle or other container as a disinfectant. The apparatus of the invention is low-cost, small and simple, suitable for consumer residential use, although industrial, medical and military applications are also within the scope of the invention. The apparatus may comprise a hand-held portable spray bottle or other container that is initially filled wi

Problems solved by technology

The word “disinfectant” means: a chemical that destroys vegetative forms of harmful microorganisms esp. on inanimate objects but that may be less effective in destroying bacterial spores.

These prior art systems are generally large industrial or commercial apparatus producing large quantities of solution and are therefore not suitable for residential use by consumers.

The devices lack portability due to th

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