WO2007078294A1

WO2007078294A1 - Drinking water pitcher incorporating ultraviolet (uv) disinfection feature

Info

Publication number: WO2007078294A1
Application number: PCT/US2005/047668
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Witham; Keith Crawford
Original assignee: UltraViolet Devices Inc
Current assignee: UltraViolet Devices Inc
Priority date: 2005-12-30
Filing date: 2005-12-30
Publication date: 2007-07-12
Anticipated expiration: 2008-06-30

Abstract

A pitcher (100) for drinking water, and a method therefor, which utilizes UV for disinfection. Contaminated water is supplied to an upper reservoir (102). The water flows through a unique UV reactor (108) to the lower reservoir which can store and serve safe, disinfected water. The reactor (108) incorporates a UV lamp which is powered from a remote ballast (110), connected through wires/conductors, plugs and receptacles in the appliance.

Description

DRINKING WATER PITCHER INCORPORATING ULTRAVIOLET (UV) DISINFECTION FEATURE

TECHNICAL FIELD

5 [0001] This invention relates to water purifiers. More particularly, the present invention relates to small volume water purifiers using ultraviolet light to destroy active microbes.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Ultraviolet light in the "C" wavelength (approximately 243.7 nanometers/nm and often io referred to as "UVC" light) has long been used to disinfect drinking water, waste water, and industrial water in lieu of chemical disinfectants. Typically, it consists of large UV reactors which channel the water to UV lamps contained in quartz sleeves. These systems are large, expensive ,and normally utilized for very high water flow rates on the order of 100 gallons/day to 50 million gallons/day for municipalities. i5 [0003] In other smaller UV applications, a UV disinfection reactor may be used in individual residences at the POE (Point of Entry) or at the POU (Point of Use), either individually employed or in a series with a filter and absorbents to remove other contaminants. Water flow rates are typically on the order of 1 gallon/minute to 12 gallons/minute. These systems are also fairly expensive for the amount of water processed. Thus, a small economical water disinfection

2o appliance that can process (disinfect) small batches of water for household drinking water use is needed.

[0004] For many years, small economical water treatment devices have been produced by companies such as Brita GmbH and Pur. In these devices, water is poured into an upper reservoir. The water flows through a treatment section that filters particulates from the water,

25 and an absorbent filter section, typically carbon, that removes chemical pollutants from the water. The influent water must be basically free from microbiological contamination. [0005] In many parts of the world, microbiologically safe water is not readily available. What is needed is a small inexpensive device that can be used in households that would render water microbiologically safe to drink. Many examples and patents exist covering water pitchers which so have a provision for filtering water prior to its storage. A typical product is shown in PCT application publication number WO 98/32705. While these types of devices typically filter out chemical contaminates, improve the clarity, taste and odor, they do little or nothing to disinfect the water from microbial contaminates. [1)01)6] The prior art does snow some applications of UV in a water pitcher. In GB 2271 106 A (UK patent application), a UV lamp is incorporated in a base upon which the pitcher sits. The water is treated as a batch through a UV transparent bottom of the pitcher. This has distinct disadvantages. The water is treated as a batch and it is difficult to control the proper dosage

> delivered. Certain material in the pitcher may be damage by the UVC light energy. The product is complex and costly.

[0007] In another example, US patent application publication US 2004/0149643 Al, a UV lamp is placed in the bottom of the pitcher. Again, the water is processed as a batch in proper dosage is not controlled as in the flow through UV reactor of the present invention. Again, material may

) be damaged by the UV light.

[0008] Several prior attempts have been made in the art with respect to the disinfection of water by non-chemical methods and, otherwise, as reflected by the indication of the below-referenced background art which may be regarded as useful for the understanding, searching, and examination of the present invention set forth and claimed herein. Unless otherwise indicated, i e.g., as by the EP, WO, JP, etc. prefixes, the references are U.S. patents or publications. DISCLOSURE:

PATENT NO. OR ISSUE DATE OR PUBLICATION PUBLICATION NO. INVENTOR(S) DATE

6,841,067 Hofmann et al. 11 /Jan/05

EP 01561405 Wirz et al. 10/Aug/05

2005/183996 Zemel et al. 25/Aug/05

2005/0139540 Mierau et al. 30/6Jun/05

6,881,327 Tanner et al. 19/4Apr/05

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WO 2005074761 Wirz 26/Jan/05

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JP 04230335 Yanou 19/Aug/04

6,767,453 Lifschitz 27/Jul/04

WO 2004052789 Vandenbelt et al. 24/Jun/04

2004/0149643 Vandenbelt et al. 5/Aug/04

2004/0149642 Vandenbelt et al. 5/Aug/04

2004/0060873 Yanou et al. 1 /Apr/04

6,651,824 Miller 25/Nov/03 DISCLOSURE:

PATENT NO. OR ISSUE DATE OR PUBLICATION

PUBLICATION NO. INVENTOR(S) DATE

6,649,045 Tanner et al. 18/Nov/03

EP 1354857 Yanou et al. 22/Oct/03

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2002/0134715 Tanner et al. 26/Sept/02

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2002/0066698 Brunner et al. 6/June/02

6,375,833 Marston et al. 23/Apr/02

WO 2002030766 Larsen 18/Apr/02

WO 2002051755 Yanou et al. 4/Jul/02

2002/0020673 Nohren et al. 21/Oct/2

2002/0005377 Tanner et al. 17/Jan/02

WO 2001051422 Larsen 12/Jan/01

EP 0861809 Badni 19/Sept/01

6,290,848 Tanner et al. 18/Sept/01

6,227,382 Cutler et al. 8/May/01

6,312,588 Conrad et al. 6/Nov/01

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6,224,751 Hofmann l/May/01

EP 01268348 Lorenz et al. 29/Dec/OO

EP 1060130 Moretto 20/Dec/OO

WO 2000037363 Poirier et al. 16/Dec/OO

6,159,363 Collins, et al. 12/12/00

JP 00233175 Weyrauch et al. 10/Feb/OO

DE 203-0447-3031-5 Nichtenennung 17/Aug/00

GB 2 346 568 Weyrauch et al. 16/Aug/00 DISCLOSURE:

PATENT NO. OR ISSUE DATE OR PUBLICATION

PUBLICATION NO. INVENTOR(S) DATE

EP 1028090 Weyrauch et al. 16/Aug/00

WO 2000043319 Fish et al. 27/Jul/00

WO 2000034183 Morrehead et al. 15/Jun/OO

EP 0917488 Robinson 26/May/99

EP 914185 BTL International, LLC 12/May/99

5,868,924 Nachtman et al. 9/Feb/99

WO 1999041201 Moretto 19/Aug/99

D 406,003 Tanner et al. 23/Feb/99

WO 98/05401 Robinson 12/Feb/98

WO 1998005401 Robinson 12/Feb/98

WO 98/32705 Robinson 30/Jul/98

5,830,360 Mozayeni 3/Nov/98

D386,351 Joergensen lδ/Nov/97

D 386,041 Tanner et al. l l/Nov/97

5,665,224 Levene et al. 9/Sept/97

WO 97/40906 Mozayeni 6/Nov/97

5,628,895 Zucholl 13/May/97

D 377,437 Magnusson 21/Jan/97

EP 0655938 Levene 27/Dec/96

WO 95/04705 Batten 16/Feb/95

GB 2 271 106 Batten 6/Apr/94

GB 02269586 Levene 16/Feb/94

WO 1994004245 Levene et al. 9/Aug/93

5,225,078 Polasky et al. 6/Jul/93

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D 319,864 Geneve et al. 10/Sept/91

GB 02234967 Gentry 20/Feb/91

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION 9] In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of water purifiers now present in the prior art, the present invention involves a new water purification system, wherein the same can be used to purify water by destroying microbes and generally assures biological cleanliness for the water so purified. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail below, is to provide a new water purification system that can be used by the individual consumer or a family which has many advantages of the prior water purifiers aforementioned and indicated heretofore as well as many novel features that result in a new water purification system which is not anticipated, rendered obvious, suggested, taught, nor even implied by any of the prior art water purifiers or water purification systems, either individually or in any combination thereof. [0010] The present invention is an economical and easy to use device for disinfecting drinking water. The claimed device incorporates a pitcher which provides storage and serves the disinfected water. An upper portion of the appliance has an integral reservoir for the water to be treated and an UV disinfection chamber. Water is initially poured into the upper reservoir, where it then flows by gravity through a UV disinfection chamber into the pitcher where it is ready to be consumed. The handle of the pitcher contains a power receptacle for accepting power from a remote ballast and for providing power to the UV lamp via electric conductors sealingly embedded in the upper reservoir. The water inlet area, in the upper reservoir, may also include additional filtration if desired. [0011] In one embodiment of the present invention, a purifier for drinking water includes a pitcher portion and an upper portion coupled to the pitcher portion. An electromagnetic water purifier coupled to the upper portion is adapted to receive water flowing from the upper portion. The electromagnetic water purifier purifies the water flowing through it by irradiation and drains into the pitcher portion. In this way, water poured into the upper portion is disinfected as it flows through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion. [0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a purifier for drinking water includes a pitcher portion having a power supply conduit for supplying power. The power supply conduit includes a first receptacle adapted to be coupled to the upper portion and a second receptacle electrically coupled to the first receptacle. An electric supply cord removably attaches to the second receptacle; and the electric supply cord includes a plug adapted to engage the second receptacle. An electrically conducting cord is coupled to the plug. A ballast is coupled to the electrically conducting cord; and a utility plug is coupled to the ballast. The utility plug is adapted to engage a socket of a household or other power supply. [0013] An upper portion is coupled to the pitcher portion and includes a power plug adapted to engage tne pitcner portion. An electromagnetic water purifier is coupled to the upper portion and is supplied with power by the power supply conduit. The electromagnetic water purifier is adapted to receive water flowing from the upper portion with the electromagnetic water purifier purifying water flowing through it by irradiation and draining into the pitcher portion. The

5 electromagnetic water purifier includes an ultraviolet water purifier for purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light, including light in the ultraviolet C-band. [0014] The ultraviolet water purifier includes an ultraviolet light source surrounded by a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve. The jacket is adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaks. The inner sleeve is generally transparent to the o ultraviolet light; and the outer sleeve is selected from the group such as outer sleeves being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof, outer sleeves being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein, outer sleeves being generally transparent to ultraviolet light, and combinations thereof. [0015] The electromagnetic water purifier includes an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which

5 controls flow through it. The upper portion has a conducting pathway conducting electrical power from the pitcher portion to the electromagnetic water purifier. The upper portion defines an upper reservoir into which water may be poured and temporarily held before flowing into the electromagnetic water purifier. The upper portion nests within the pitcher portion and prevents water flow into the pitcher portion, except for flow into the upper reservoir and through the o electromagnetic water purifier . In this way , water poured into the upper portion is disinfected as it flows through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion. [0016] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for purifying drinking water has several steps, including providing a pitcher portion, providing an upper portion coupled to the pitcher portion, and providing an electromagnetic water purifier coupled to the upper portion

5 and adapted to receive water flowing from the upper portion. The electromagnetic water purifier purifies water flowing through it by irradiation and drains into the pitcher portion such that water poured into the upper portion is disinfected as it flows through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion. [0017] In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method for purifying drinking water o includes the steps of providing a pitcher portion, providing an upper portion coupled to the pitcher portion, and providing an electromagnetic water purifier coupled to the upper portion and supplied with power by the power supply conduit. [0018] The electromagnetic water purifier receives water flowing from the upper portion. The electromagnetic water purifier purifies the water flowing through it by irradiation and the water then drains into the pitcher portion. The electromagnetic water purifier includes an ultraviolet water purifier for purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light that includes light in the ultraviolet C-band. [0019] The pitcher portion includes a power supply conduit for supplying power; and the upper portion includes a power plug adapted to engage the pitcher portion. The power supply conduit includes a first receptacle adapted to be coupled to the upper portion and a second receptacle electrically coupled to the first receptacle. [0020] Another step in the method includes providing an electric supply cord removably attachable to the second receptacle. The electric supply cord includes a plug adapted to engage the second receptacle, an electrically conducting cord coupled to the plug, a ballast coupled to the electrically conducting cord, and a utility plug coupled to the ballast. The utility plug is adapted to engage a socket of a household or other power supply. [0021] The ultraviolet water purifier includes an ultraviolet light source surrounded by a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking. The inner sleeve is generally transparent to ultraviolet light. The outer sleeve is selected from the group including outer sleeves being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof, outer sleeves being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein, outer sleeves being generally transparent to ultraviolet light, and combinations thereof. [0022] The electromagnetic water purifier includes an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controls flow through the electromagnetic water purifier. The upper portion has a conducting pathway for conducting electrical power from the pitcher portion to the electromagnetic water purifier. The upper portion has an upper reservoir into which water may be poured and temporarily held before flowing into the electromagnetic water purifier. The upper portion nests within the pitcher portion and prevents water flow into the pitcher portion except for flow into the upper reservoir and through the electromagnetic water purifier. In this way, water poured into the upper portion is disinfected as it flows through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion. [0023] In another embodiment of the present invention, a reactor for disinfecting fluids has a source of disinfecting electromagnetic radiation and a jacket attachable to a portion of a pitcher. The jacket is proximate to the source and is irradiated by it. The jacket has an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive fluid therethrough between the inner and outer sleeves without leaking with the inner sleeve generally transparent to the disinfecting electromagnetic radiation. In this way, fluid may be passed through the reactor and disinfected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S)

[0024] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the below- referenced accompanying Drawings. Reference numbers refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the several figures of the Drawings. [0025] Figure 1 is a side elevation view of the fully assembled drinking water pitcher incorporating an ultraviolet disinfection feature of the present invention. [0026] Figure 2 is an enlarged and partially cross-section side view of the assembly of Figure 1. [0027] Figure 3 is a exploded view of assembly of Figure 1. [0028] Figure 4 is a side cross-sectional view of the UV reaction unit shown in Figures 1-3.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING-OUT THE INVENTION

[0029] The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the invention and is not intended to represent the only forms in which the present invention may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the invention in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed, within the spirit and scope of the invention, is to be understood. [0030] In order to disinfect and sterilize drinking water prior to its consumption, a UV sterilization pitcher is provided that uses electricity to energize a source of UV radiation, particularly one radiating in the UVC band. Water passing by the UV (ultraviolet) light source is then subject to the sterilizing rays thereof which kill bacteria and other living organisms and may also serve to disable viruses and the like. Consequently, the water that passes through the UV reactor is biologically inert and when coupled with any additional filtration systems may also be chemically inert. Consequently, the water passing through die filtration system of the present invention might be completely potable even though the initial starting water was less than clean. [0031] Taking the form of a pitcher, the present invention has a lower pitcher unit having a handle, a spout, and a generally main reservoir. The main reservoir section not only holds the filtered/disinfected water, but also an upper portion that has its own initial reservoir as well as the UV sterilization unit. The cap or top may fit over both the upper portion and the top of the pitcher unit in order to enclose it. An electrical power supply is provided to the upper portion with its UV sterilization unit via the handle of the pitcher section. When water is poured into the upper portion of the assembled device, it is forced to pass by the UV light and through the UV sterilization unit. The irradiating UV light then disinfects the water which then exits into the bottom of the UV reaction chamber and into the bottom of the pitcher portion where it is ready for consumption.

[0032] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a pitcher 100 is the basis for the appliance and forms the lower portion of the present invention. The pitcher 100 provides for storage and serving of the disinfected water and includes a handle 104. A ballast 110 supplies proper electrical power and is combined with the utility plug 148 as well as the electric supply cord 112 and terminates at a small power plug 114. The handle 104 of the pitcher 100 contains a receptacle 116 to accept the plug 114. Conducting wires 118 are enclosed within the handle 104 and connect to another receptacle 120. [0033] The upper unit 102 of the appliance 100 is a reservoir for the water to be treated 124 and also holds the UV disinfection chamber assembly 108 which is below described in a more detailed manner. At the top of the UV disinfection chamber 108, is an inlet 126 for the water 124 to be channeled into the UV reactor 108. The upper unit 102 also includes a plug 122 to accept power from the receptacle 120 when the upper unit 102 is nested into the pitcher 100. A cap 106 may be added in a fitted manner to the upper unit 102 to keep airborne contaminants from the water 124.

[0034] Referring to Figure 2, taken at cross-section 2-2 of Figure 1 , more detail is shown. From the power plug 122, conducting wires 134 run in a waterproof channel embedded in the upper portion 102 to provide power to the UV disinfection unit 108. A water inlet 126 is located in the bottom of the upper unit 102 and channels the water 124 into the top of the UV section 108. Water flows through the UV reactor 108 and exits the bottom of the UV section 108 through an end cap structural device 130 which may also control the flow rate of the water from the upper unit 102. The clean water 128 that exits via the end cap 130 is held in the pitcher 100 for drinking and consumption. [0035] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the components with water flow indicated. The UV reactor 108 could be one of many types of small UV reactors. One unique reactor, a part of the present invention, is detailed in Figure 4 which shows a cross section of the reactor 108. Water to be treated 124 enters the top of the reactor assembly 108 through inlet 126. The water flows by gravity through the circular, or annular, space in a water-flow jacket defined between a UV transparent sleeve I4υ ana an outer sleeve 142. The inner sleeve must pass UVC light and is generally made from quartz or a UV transmissive soda barium glass. The outer sleeve may be of a UVC transmissive material or a UVC blocking material, depending upon if it is desired that all disinfection be contained in the space between the sleeves 140, 142. If additional UV radiation is desired outside the sleeve 142, material such as the material of the inner sleeve 140 can be used for the outer sleeve 142. Sleeve 142 may be transparent or opaque to visible light as desired. If the outer sleeve 142 is transparent, the pitcher 100 may be opaque to UV transmission. A UVC lamp 138 emitting primarily in the germicidal wavelength of approximately 254 nanometers, is sealed within the sleeve 140 by the end cap 130 and a top cap 136. The caps also hold the lamp 138 in place. In addition, the top cap 136 may house the wires 134 supplying power to the lamp 138 and a receptacle 132 to provide power to the pins of the lamp. Alternatively, the lamp may connect directly to the wires 134 without the use of a receptacle 132.

[0036] Additionally, the bottom cap 130 has carefully controlled orifices 144 of a size, B, to regulate the flow of water through the reactor. In the reactor design, the dimension A (being the cross-section of the annulus formed between sleeves 140, 142) and the water flow rate are critical to providing the proper dosage of UVC to the water for disinfection. Adjustment of these parameters enable the maker of a disinfecting and sterilizing pitcher as described herein to control the flow rate and the corresponding time of exposure water passing through the reactor 108 experiences as it travels into the pitcher portion 100.

[0037] The reactor vessel 108 may take a variety of forms, but is generally cylindrical in nature as shown in the drawings. However, the space between the inner and outer sleeves 140, 142 may be shaped in a variety of manners. In one particularly advantageous configuration, and to provide greater time of exposure, a spiral or helical configuration could be used that enables a much greater length of travel path in order to force the water to spend more time in the irradiating portion of the reactor vessel 108. Likewise, a series of interconnected descending and ascending channels could serve a very similar purpose by providing a longer pathway for the water to take, although this would generally require that there be some water remaining in the reactor 108 at any one time. In such a configuration, generally long vertical channels or paths travel in a generally shorter path length from a very long vertical path to a very short vertical just before exit of the irradiated water out of the aperture B or similar in the end cap 130. [0038] Other geometries also exist that enable the water 124 flow through the reactor 108 to experience longer times of radiation and consequently increase the dose of disinfecting UV radiation delivered and assure that the water is disinfected and rendered biologically inert. In some embodiments, the reactor vessel 108 may be interchangeable and replaced when the light source 138 has burned out, is broken, or otherwise no longer radiates the water passing through the reactor 108 through die sleeves 140, 142. [0039] Alternatively, the entire upper portion 102 may be disposable and/or replaceable in a

5 fashion that generally substitutes for the reactor vessel 108. This may be more convenient for the manufacturer and the user as the wires 134 transmitting power from the socket 120 to the reactor 108 are protected and do not need to be exposed as by the necessary interface should the reactor 108 or the bulb inside itself 138 be replaceable by the user. [0040] One alternative embodiment may be achieved through a circuitous water-flow jacket o defined between the UV transparent sleeve 140 and an outer sleeve 142. The path between the entrance 126 and the exit 144 of the jacket may be circuitous in a manner such that the water flowing between the two sleeves, 140, 142 is subject to additional radiation from the UVC lamp 138. By elongating the path taken by the water, the time it is subject to irradiation is generally correspondingly increased. s [0041] In another alternative embodiment of the pitcher system 100 set forth herein, if particulate matter needs to be filtered from the water 124 in the upper unit 102, a mechanical filter may be used to remove such particulates prior to or after the water has passed through the UV reactor 108. Such a filter may be a carbon filter, including an activated charcoal filter, which can be used before or after any of the reactors 108 disclosed herein. Other filters may include chemical o filters for filtering out chemicals from the water. Such a filter may be easily replaceable and enable additional purification or taste improvement in the water prior to consumption. [0042] Additionally, with the advent of LED technology, obtaining LEDs (light emitting diodes) that transmit radiation in the UVC or other beneficial band is possible. As LEDs are generally known for their low power consumption, they enable the use of smaller and more compact UV s reactors 108 that provide significant purification by irradiation for water prior to its consumption. [0043] While the present invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment or to particular embodiments, that various changes and additional variations may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof, without departing from the scope of the invention or the inventive concept thereof, will be understood. In addition, many modifications o may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, that the invention not be limited to particular embodiments disclosed herein for carrying it out, but that the invention includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims is intended. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0044] An object of the present invention is to provide clean water that is biologically inactive by means of ultraviolet radiation, in particular, radiation in the UVC band of ultraviolet light.

> Another object of the present invention is to provide a household pitcher device that enables water disinfection as above. Yet another objection of the present invention is to provide a UV sterilization pitcher for the disinfection of water that is powered by household voltage. By providing a structure by which water that may be or is biologically active can be disinfected and/ or sterilized in a locally useful manner, disease, illness, sickness, and general injury that

) occurs from the intake of biologically active water may be prevented or diminished. These and other objects, advantages, and the industrial utility of the present invention will be apparent from a review of the accompanying specification and drawings.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed:

1. A purifier for drinking water, comprising: 2 a pitcher portion; an upper portion coupled to the pitcher portion: and 4 an electromagnetic water purifier coupled to the upper portion and adapted to receive water flowing from the upper portion, the electromagnetic water purifier β purifying water flowing through it by irradiation and draining into the pitcher portion, whereby water poured into the upper portion is disinfected as it flows s through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion.

2. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1 , wherein the pitcher portion comprises a power 2 supply for supplying power to the electromagnetic water purifier.

3. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 2, wherein the power supply comprises: 2 a first receptacle adapted to be coupled to the upper portion; a second receptacle electrically coupled to the first receptacle; and 4 an electric supply cord removably attachable to the second receptacle.

4. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 3, wherein the electric supply cord comprises: a plug adapted to engage the second receptacle; an electrically conducting cord coupled to the plug; 4 a ballast coupled to the electrically conducting cord; and a utility plug coupled to the ballast, the utility plug adapted to engage a socket 6 selected from a group consisting essentially of a household supply and another power supply.

5. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1. wherein the upper portion comprises: j a power plug adapted to engage the pitcher portion; and a conducting pathway conducting electrical power to the electromagnetic water 4 purifier.

6. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1 , wherein the upper portion defines an upper 2 reservoir into which water may be poured and temporarily held before flowing into the electromagnetic water purifier.

7. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 6, wherein the upper portion nests within the pitcher 2 portion, the upper portion preventing water flow into the pitcher portion except for flow into the upper reservoir and through the electromagnetic water purifier.

8. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1 , wherein the electromagnetic water purifier : comprises an ultraviolet water purifier purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

9. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 8, wherein the ultraviolet light comprises light in the 2 ultraviolet C-band.

10. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 8, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier further comprises: an inlet: and

4 an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the electromagnetic water purifier.

1 1. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 8, the electromagnetic water purifier further 2 comprising an ultraviolet light source surrounded by a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer 4 sleeve without leaking, and the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light.

12. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 11, wherein the outer sleeve comprises at least one 2 element selected from a group consisting of: at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof, at least one outer sleeve being 4 generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water therein, and at least one outer sleeves being generally transparent to ultraviolet light.

13. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 11 , wherein the jacket defines a circuitous route for 2 water flowing through the electromagnetic water purifier, thereby subjecting water so flowing through to a longer period of irradiation than a non-circuitous path.

14. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1 , further comprising a top adapted to be received by 2 the upper portion, the top enclosing the upper portion.

15. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 1, further comprising a filter coupled to the 2 electromagnetic water purifier, the filter filtering water before flowing onto the electromagnetic water purifier.

16. A purifier, set forth in Claim 15, wherein the filter is at least one element selected from 2 a group consisting of a particulate filter for filtering particles and a chemical filter for filtering chemicals.

17. A purifier for drinking water, comprising:

2 a pitcher portion, the pitcher portion including a power supply conduit for supplying power; 4 the power supply conduit including a first receptacle adapted to be coupled to the upper portion and a second receptacle electrically coupled to the first receptacle; 6 an electric supply cord removably attachable to the second receptacle, the electric supply cord including a plug adapted to engage the second receptacle, an s electrically conducting cord coupled to the plug, a ballast coupled to the electrically conducting cord, and a utility plug coupled to the ballast, the utility plug adapted to ID engage a socket of a household or other power supply; an upper portion coupled to the pitcher portion, the upper portion including a i2 power plug adapted to engage the pitcher portion; an electromagnetic water purifier coupled to die upper portion and supplied M with power by the power supply conduit, the electromagnetic water purifier adapted to receive water flowing from the upper portion, the electromagnetic water purifier i6 purifying water flowing through it by irradiation and draining into the pitcher portion, the electromagnetic water purifier including an ultraviolet water purifier is purifying water by irradiation with the ultraviolet light including light in the ultraviolet C-band, the ultraviolet water purifier including an ultraviolet light source 20 surrounded by a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, the n inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light, and the outer sleeve being at least one element selected from a group consisting of: at least one outer 24 sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof, at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to 26 further irradiate the jacket and any water therein, and at least one outer sleeve being generally transparent to ultraviolet light, the electromagnetic water purifier including 28 an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the electromagnetic water purifier, the upper portion having a conducting pathway 3o conducting electrical power from the pitcher portion to the electromagnetic water purifier, the upper portion defining an upper reservoir into which water is poured and 32 temporarily held before flowing into the electromagnetic water purifier, and the upper portion nesting within the pitcher portion and preventing water flow into the 34 pitcher portion except for flow into the upper reservoir and through the electromagnetic water purifier, whereby water poured into the upper portion is 36 disinfected as it flows through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion.

18. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 17 , wherein the jacket defines a circuitous route for 2 water flowing through the electromagnetic water purifier, thereby subjecting water so flowing through to a longer period of irradiation than a non-circuitous path.

19. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 17, further comprising a top adapted to be received 2 by the upper portion, the top enclosing the upper portion.

20. A purifier, as set forth in Claim 17, further comprising a filter coupled to the 2 electromagnetic water purifier, the filter filtering water before flowing onto the electromagnetic water purifier, the filter being at least one element selected from a group 4 consisting of a particulate filter for filtering particles and chemical filters for filtering chemicals.

21. A method for purifying drinking water, comprising: 2 providing a pitcher portion; providing an upper portion coupled to the pitcher portion; and 4 providing an electromagnetic water purifier coupled to the upper portion and adapted to receive water flowing from the upper portion, the electromagnetic water 6 purifier providing step comprising the steps of purifying water flowing through it by irradiation and draining water into the pitcher portion, thereby disinfecting water a poured into the upper portion as it flows through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion.

22. A method, as set forth in Claim 21, wherein the pitcher portion providing step 2 comprises providing a power supply for supplying power to the electromagnetic water purifier.

23. A method, as set forth in Claim 22, wherein the power supply providing step further 2 comprises: providing a first receptacle adapted to be coupled to the upper portion;

4 providing a second receptacle electrically coupled to the first receptacle; and providing an electric supply cord removably attachable to the second receptacle.

24. A method, as set forth in Claim 23, wherein the electric supply cord providing step 2 comprises: providing a plug adapted to engage the second receptacle; 4 providing an electrically conducting cord coupled to the plug; providing a ballast coupled to the electrically conducting cord; and e providing a utility plug coupled to the ballast, the utility plug being adapted to engage a socket selected from a group consisting essentially of a household supply 8 and another power supply.

25. A method, as set forth in Claim 21 , wherein the upper portion providing step 2 comprises: providing a power plug adapted to engage the pitcher portion; and providing a conducting pathway conducting electrical power to the electromagnetic water purifier.

26. A method, as set forth in Claim 21, wherein the upper portion providing step comprises defining an upper reservoir by the upper portion into which water may be poured and temporarily held before flowing into the electromagnetic water purifier.

27. A method, as set forth in Claim 26, wherein the upper portion providing step comprises providing further comprises nesting the upper portion nesting within the pitcher portion, the upper portion preventing water flow into the pitcher portion except for flow into the upper reservoir and through the electromagnetic water purifier.

28. A method, as set forth in Claim 21, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier providing step comprises providing an ultraviolet water purifier purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light.

29. A method, as set forth in Claim 28, wherein the ultraviolet light providing step comprises providing light in the ultraviolet C-band.

30. A method, as set forth in Claim 28, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier providing step further comprises: providing an inlet; and providing an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the electromagnetic water purifier.

31. A method, as set forth in Claim 28, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier providing step further comprises providing an ultraviolet light source surrounded by a jacket having an inner and an outer sleeve, the jacket being adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and the outer sleeve without leaking, and the inner sleeve being generally transparent to the ultraviolet light.

32. A method, as set forth in Claim 31, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier providing step further comprises providing the outer sleeve as at least one element selected from a group consisting of at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the 4 ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof, at least one outer sleeves being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any water « therein, and at least one outer sleeve being generally transparent to ultraviolet light.

33. A method, as set forth in Claim 31, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier 2 providing step further comprises defining a circuitous route, by the jacket, for water flowing through the electromagnetic water purifier, thereby subjecting water so flowing 4 through to a longer period of irradiation than a non-circuitous path.

34. A method, as set forth in Claim 21 , further comprising providing a top adapted to be 2 received by the upper portion, the top enclosing the upper portion.

35. A method, as set forth in Claim 21 , further comprising providing a filter coupled to 2 the electromagnetic water purifier, the filter filtering water before flowing onto the electromagnetic water purifier.

36. A method, as set forth in Claim 35, further comprising selecting the filter as at least 2 one element from a group consisting of a particulate filter for filtering particles and a chemical filters for filtering chemicals.

37. A method for purify ing drinking water, comprising:

. providing a pitcher portion, the pitcher portion including a power supply conduit for supplying power, the power supply conduit including a first receptacle 4 adapted to be coupled to the upper portion and a second receptacle electrically coupled to the first receptacle; β providing an electric supply cord removably attachable to the second receptacle, the electric supply cord including a plug adapted to engage the second receptacle, an 8 electrically conducting cord coupled to the plug, a ballast coupled to the electrically conducting cord, and a utility plug coupled to the ballast, the utility plug adapted to o engage a socket of a household or other power supply; providing an upper portion coupled to the pitcher portion, the upper portion 2 including a power plug adapted to engage the pitcher portion; providing an electromagnetic water purifier coupled to the upper portion and i4 supplied with power by the power supply conduit, the electromagnetic water purifier adapted to receive water flowing from the upper portion, the electromagnetic water i6 purifier purifying water flowing through it by irradiation and draining into the pitcher portion, the electromagnetic water purifier including an ultraviolet water purifier is purifying water by irradiation with ultraviolet light including light in the ultraviolet

C-band, the ultraviolet water purifier including an ultraviolet light source surrounded 20 by a jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket adapted to receive water therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, the inner sleeve 22 generally transparent to the ultraviolet light, and the outer sleeve being at least one element being selected from a group consisting of at least one outer sleeve being 24 generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to prevent further transmission thereof, at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further 26 irradiate the jacket and any water therein, and at least one outer sleeve being generally transparent to ultraviolet light, the electromagnetic water purifier including 2s an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the electromagnetic water purifier, the upper portion having a conducting pathway 3o conducting electrical power from the pitcher portion to the electromagnetic water purifier, the upper portion defining an upper reservoir into which water may be 32 poured and temporarily held before flowing into the electromagnetic water purifier, the upper portion nesting within the pitcher portion and preventing water flow into 34 the pitcher portion except for flow into the upper reservoir and through the electromagnetic water purifier, whereby water poured into the upper portion is 36 disinfected as it flows through the electromagnetic water purifier to be stored in the pitcher portion.

38. A method, as set forth in Claim 37, wherein the electromagnetic water purifier 2 providing step further comprises defining a circuitous route, by the jacket, for water flowing through the electromagnetic water purifier, thereby subjecting water so flowing 4 through to a longer period of irradiation than a non-circuitous path.

39. A method for purifying drinking water as set forth in Claim 37, further comprising 2 providing a top adapted to be received by the upper portion, the top enclosing the upper portion.

40. A method for purifying drinking water as set forth in Claim 37, further comprising 2 providing a filter coupled to the electromagnetic water purifier, the filter filtering water before flowing onto the electromagnetic water purifier, the filter being at least one element 4 selected from a group consisting of a particulate filter for filtering particles and a chemical filters for filtering chemicals.

41. A reactor for disinfecting fluids, comprising:

2 a source of disinfecting electromagnetic radiation; a jacket attachable to a portion of a pitcher, the jacket proximate the source and 4 being irradiated thereby; and the jacket having an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, the jacket adapted to β receive fluid therethrough between the inner and outer sleeves without leaking, the inner sleeve generally transparent to the disinfecting electromagnetic radiation, 8 whereby fluid may be passed through the reactor and disinfected.

42. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 41 , wherein the fluid includes water.

43. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 41 , wherein the disinfecting electromagnetic radiation 2 includes ultraviolet light.

44. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 43 , wherein the disinfecting electromagnetic radiation 2 includes ultraviolet light in the C-band (UVC).

45. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 41, wherein the outer sleeve is at least one element 2 selected from a group consisting of: at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light to 4 prevent further transmission thereof; at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to β further irradiate the jacket and any fluid therein; and an enclosing structure including a tray having a series of interconnected weirs s requiring fluid flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path, whereby such fluid is suoject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path.

46. A reactor, as set forth in Claim 41, wherein the jacket further comprises: 2 an inlet; and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the jacket.

47. A reactor , as set forth in Claim 41 , wherein the j acket defines a cross-section between 2 the inner and outer sleeves , the cross section sized to control water-flow through the jacket.

48. A reactor for disinfecting fluids as set forth in Claim 41 , wherein the jacket surrounds 2 at least a portion of the source.

49. A reactor for disinfecting fluids, comprising:

2 a source of disinfecting electromagnetic radiation, the radiation including ultraviolet radiation in the C band (UVC); 4 a jacket attachable to a portion of a pitcher, the jacket proximate the source and being irradiated thereby, the jacket having an inner and outer sleeve, the jacket « adapted to receive fluid therethrough between the inner and outer sleeve without leaking, the inner sleeve generally transparent to the disinfecting electromagnetic § radiation, the outer sleeve being at least one element selected from the group consisting of at least one outer sleeve being generally opaque to the ultraviolet light io to prevent further transmission thereof, at least one outer sleeve being generally reflective of the ultraviolet light to further irradiate the jacket and any fluid therein, i2 and an enclosing structure including a tray having a series of interconnected weirs requiring fluid flowing through the tray to take a circuitous path whereby such fluid i4 is subject to irradiation from various angles as defined by the circuitous path, the jacket having an inlet and an outlet, at least one of which controlling flow through the i6 jacket, the jacket defining a cross-section between the inner and outer sleeves, the cross section sized to control water-flow through the jacket, the jacket surrounding at is least a portion of the source, whereby fluid may be passed through the reactor and disinfected.