BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Technical Field.

A. General Invention.

Primarily, the present invention relates generally to a system and method for the production and distribution of ozone. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for the production and disbursement of ozone at a specified concentration into liquids or gases so remove deleterious or offensive matter. Secondarily, the present invention relates to an apparatus for the production and disbursement of ozone at a specified concentration into an animal confinement house such as a poultry house.

B. Animal Confinement House Illustrative Embodiment.

The animal confinement house illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates generally to the field of raising healthier animals in animal confinement houses and relates more specifically to the field of raising healthier poultry by balancing the poultry house environment and reducing the amount of viruses, bacteria and other contaminants in the poultry house air and drinking water by treating the air and water entering the poultry house with ozone.

2. Prior Art.

A. General Invention.

Ozone is one of the more powerful oxidants and disinfectants. Molecular ozone is formed of three bound oxygen atoms rather than the two bound oxygen atoms normally found in molecular oxygen. Ozone can oxidize many chemical compounds, particularly organic molecules, which in some cases do not readily react with oxygen. As such, this property of ozone creates applications for ozone

in a substantial number of areas. In one example, the oxidizing property can be used in a treating process of water to kill or render harmless viruses and bacteria.

In another example, in that ozone reacts with cigarette smoke, odorous gases, and various harmful organic substances so as to render them harmless and/or odorless, ozone has substantial odor controlling properties.

Ozone has been in commercial use for many years for the purpose of disinfection, odor control and pollution control. Through the process of oxidation, ozone converts organic pollution into base harmless substances. Accordingly, ozone is an effective anti-bacterial, germicidal and fungicidal agent. Ozone is particularly useful, because of its ability to be manufactured on-site and is one of the fastest reacting oxidants known to science. Accordingly, one method of increasing air quality is through the ozonation of the ambient air. Similarly, one method of increasing water quality is through the ozonation of the ambient water.

In fact, one such method has been the use of ozone on factory farms to control odor, microorganisms, and pollution. Because ozone can oxidize organic pollution into base harmless substances and because ozone is an effective anti- microbial agent, ozone has been particularly attractive for use in factory farms.

Further, as ozone has the ability to be manufactured on-site and is one of the fastest reacting oxidants known, one method of increasing air quality within animal confinement facilities has been through ozonation of ambient air and water provided to animal confinement facilities.

Although systems exist to introduce and distribute ozone, there is currently no apparatus for producing and delivering ozone at controlled concentrations and flows. Often too little or too much ozone is dispersed into an environment, which prevents the facility from operating at optimum efficiency. Furthermore, an ozone generating system that simultaneously introduces and disperses ozone into air and water in desirable and selective quantities and concentrations has not disclosed not been disclosed by the prior art.

Accordingly, there is a need for an ozone generating system that is relatively simple in design, economical to operate, and capable of producing and distributing a predetermined concentration of ozone gas. There also is a need for an ozone generating system that simultaneously can ozonate both air and water.

It is to these needs and other needs that the present invention is directed.

B. Animal Confinement House Illustrative Embodiment.

As the consumption of poultry products in the US and throughout the world increases, it is imperative to raise healthier birds, both from the public health standpoint and from the corporate profit standpoint. Healthier birds will result in fewer people becoming ill from eating poultry, thus increasing the public health, and will result in fewer pounds of birds going to waste, thus increasing the profitability of poultry raising companies. Many different systems, methods and devices have been employed to increase the yield of birds.

A poultry house often has high concentrations of noxious gases resulting from the natural life processes of the poultry. For example, respiration and decomposition of excess food and waste products can produce such noxious gases and other contaminants. Further, the excess food and waste products can serve as a breeding ground for viruses and bacteria and can adversely affect the physiology of the birds resulting in slower growth and lower yield.

The use of exhaust fans to reduce the concentrations of noxious gases in poultry houses is well known. However, exhaust fans can increase the cost of heating and cooling the building. The use of disinfectant chemicals to destroy viruses and bacteria in poultry houses also is well known. However, the use of such chemicals have a number of drawbacks, including high cost and the dangerous possibility of such chemicals finding their way into the food chain, contaminating the birds, and being consumed by humans.

Commercial poultry producers are interested in low feed conversion ratios and low bird mortality rates. Feed conversion ratio is the amount of feed consumed relative to the amount of bird produced, and bird mortality rate is the number of birds dying prior to harvesting relative to the number of harvested birds.

Commercial poultry producers therefore attempt to minimize feed conversion ratios and minimize bird mortality rate, each of which can lower production costs, increase yield rates, and create greater profits. Thus, healthier birds can help achieve this goal.

A factor affecting both feed conversion ratios and bird mortality rates is the quality of the environment in the poultry house, including the air supply and the water supply provided to the poultry house, and the air and water provided to the poultry. Obviously, a higher quality environment will result in a higher bird quality,

both through higher feed conversion ratios and lower mortality rates, resulting in a more cost efficient operation and higher profits. One method of increasing air quality within the poultry house is through the ozonation of the ambient air provided to the poultry house. Similarly, one method of increasing water quality within the poultry house is through the ozonation of the ambient water provided to the poultry house.

While air and water treatment systems that use ozonation as a disinfecting agent have been used previously, these systems to date have been separate systems used for specific treatment purposes. For example, US Patent No.

6106731 to Hayes discloses a system and method for ozonating water for animal confinement houses comprising taking pressurized water from a water main, maintaining the water under a pressure less than the original water pressure but greater than atmospheric pressure, ozonating the water under pressure, and, ultimately, providing the ozonated water to the animal confinement house for consumption. Although the Hayes'731 system is step-and equipment-intensive, it does serve as a means for providing ozonated water to, for example, a poultry house. Much simpler water ozonating systems are available and can be utilized in the present invention's system.

US Patent No. 6156268 to Curry discloses an ozone distribution system for an enclosed space, in particular, an air ozone system for introducing ozone into an animal confinement house. Specifically, the Curry'268 system comprises a double tube system in which ozonated air is mixed with ambient air proximal to a duct register within the animal confinement house. Although the Curry'268 system also is step-and equipment-intensive, it does serve as a means for providing ozonated air to, for example, a poultry house. Much simpler air ozonating systems are available and can be utilized in the present invention's system.

US Patent No. 6325971 to Hayes discloses a method and system for disbursing ozone into a poultry house comprising means for directing ozone under and through the poultry house litter. The Hayes'971 patent is directed specifically to a system for reducing pathogens in a poultry house by disinfecting the poultry house litter.

Thus, from both a basic health standpoint and a commercial profit standpoint, it can be seen that providing a clean living environment for animals while they are being raised can result in a cleaner and healthier animal. As discussed previously, cleaner and healthier animals result in cleaner and healthier food products, as well as more or a greater yield of food products, which is to everyone's advantage. However, as can be seen, a complete and combined system for ozonating arguably the two most important necessities for raising animals-air and water-is not disclosed. Therefore, there is a need for an ozone air and water treatment system that is relatively simple in design and economical to operate. It is to this need and other needs that the present invention is directed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 1. General Invention.

Briefly, the present invention is an ozone generating system and a method for generating and distributing ozone into gases and liquids, such as air and water. The ozone generating system comprises as primary components an air compressor, an oxygen concentrator, and an ozone generator. The air compressor supplies a stream of pressurized air to the oxygen concentrator, the oxygen concentrator supplies an oxygen enriched gaseous stream to the ozone generator, and the ozone generator produces a gaseous stream of ozone. The ozone generating system further includes a heat exchanger for reducing the temperature of the air stream supplied to the oxygen concentrator. In addition, an air drier is utilized to reduce the moisture content of the air stream entering the oxygen concentrator.

The present invention also relates to a method of producing ozonated air and/or ozonated water comprising producing a pressurized stream of air from an air compressor and passing the air stream through a heat exchanger to decrease the temperature of the air. The air stream then is passed through an air drier to reduce the moisture content of the air. Next, the air stream is introduced into an oxygen concentrator in order to increase the oxygen content of the air, resulting in what is referred to as a concentrated oxygen stream. The concentrated oxygen stream can then fed into an ozone generator that produces a stream of ozone

gas. The ozone gas can be mixed with air and/or water and, as such, the present invention provides a method for ozonating air and water.

In one embodiment, the heat exchanger, air drier, oxygen concentrator and ozone generator are located within a refrigerated unit. The refrigerated unit cools and dehumidifies the air passing through the ozonator system. The atmosphere within the refrigerated unit preferably is maintained at a temperature of less than approximately 70°F (21°C) and at a relative humidity of less than approximately 50%.

Using the poultry industry as an example, water and air quality play a significant role in the health and performance of broilers and other poultry production. The poultry industry has concentrated efforts toward improvements on ventilating poultry houses with ambient air, using untreated water supplies, and adding chemicals where necessary to fight disease. The battle between cost and results improvement has always been fought in small incremental improvements, balancing the added cost of treatment versus better growing efficiency.

Overburdening loads of bacteria, viruses and other contaminants (fungi, ammonia, <BR> <BR> dust, etc. ) can cause birds to grow at below optimum levels. Conversely, reducing the load levels of contaminants in an economical manner benefits the health and production of the birds as well as the profitability of both the grower and the integrator. Ozone is known as a natural bactericide and virucide as well as a chemical free purifier for water and air. The present invention can be used as an improved ozonator system for fighting this battle by delivering better all-around results to growers and integrators, namely, healthier birds, produced in less time, consuming less food and no chemicals.

2. Animal Confinement House Illustrative Embodiment.

The animal confinement house illustrative embodiment of the present invention harnesses nature's ozone with a method and system for introducing the ozone to an animal confinement house, such as a poultry house, to help rebalance environments within the animal confinement house. The present invention improves animal wellness, reduces environmental impact and offensive odors, improves feed conversion and animal weight, eliminates litter amendments and chemical based sanitizers, and cuts growing time.

Using the poultry industry as an example, water and air quality play a significant role in the health and performance of broilers and other poultry production. The poultry industry has concentrated efforts toward improvements on ventilating poultry houses with ambient air, using untreated water supplies, and adding chemicals where necessary to fight disease. The battle between cost and results improvement has always been fought in small incremental improvements, balancing the added cost of treatment versus better growing efficiency. The present invention is an improved system for fighting this battle by delivering better all-around results to growers and integrators, namely, healthier birds, produced in less time, consuming less food and no chemicals.

Overburdening loads of bacteria, viruses and other contaminants (fungi, ammonia and dust levels, etc. ) cause birds to grow at below optimum levels.

Conversely, reducing the load levels of contaminants in an economical manner benefits the health and production of the birds as well as the profitability of both the grower and the integrator. Ozone is known as a natural bactericide and virucide as well as a chemical free purifier for water and air.

The present invention comprises a combination system for ozonating the air and water provided to a poultry house to provide breathing air and drinking water with less viruses, bacteria and contaminants to the growing poultry. Briefly, a more or less typical air ozonation system provides ozonated air to the poultry house by taking air from outside the poultry house (ambient air), subjecting the ambient air to an ozonation process (ozonated air), and providing the ozonated air to the poultry house. Similarly, a more or less typical water ozonation system provides ozonated water to the poultry house by taking water from outside the poultry house (ambient water), subjecting the ambient water to an ozonation process (ozonated water), and providing the ozonated water to the poultry house.

The ozonation process helps eliminate viruses, bacteria and other contaminants in the ambient air and ambient water before the ambient air and ambient water is provided to the poultry house as ozonated air and ozonated water.

The air ozonation system comprises any suitable air ozonation device, including those disclosed in the prior art. The ambient air is ozonated and provided to the poultry house through a series of ducts. Generally, the ozonated air is introduced into the poultry house proximal to the middle of the poultry house

and ducted proximal to the ceiling of the poultry house. Vents or registers along the ductwork allow ozonated air to be provided throughout the poultry house.

The water ozonation system comprises any suitable water ozonation device, including those disclosed in the prior art. The ambient water is ozonated and provided to the poultry house through a series of pipes. Generally, the ozonated water is introduced into the poultry house through known poultry drinker systems, such as nipple drinker systems, cup drinking systems, and the like.

Drinking stations proximal to the floor of the poultry house allow ozonated drinking water to be provided throughout the poultry house.

The present invention improves the overall performance of the poultry raising process, which is improved significantly for poultry houses treated using the invention. As shown in the accompanying graphs and tables, both average poultry weight and poultry feed conversion results improved consistently in experimental poultry houses utilizing the present invention. In field studies, the poultry houses treated using the present invention were the top performing houses for the grower and integrator for the time period that the birds were harvested.

Generally, one of the invention systems is needed for each grow-out house. Units preferably are installed in a freestanding, weatherproof exterior housing facility at the midline of each house. An ozone delivery is system is installed and the house is ready for increased production.

These features and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those of ordinary skill in the relevant art when the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments is read in conjunction with the appended drawings in which like reference numerals designate like components throughout the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an ozonator system made in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an animal confinement facility incorporating the embodiment shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the air ozonation aspect of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the water ozonation aspect of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 1. General Invention.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise a system and method for ozonating gases and liquids. Moreover, the system and method disclosed herein can be used for ozonating air and water so as to remove deleterious and offensive matter therein. Such embodiments can be bused to treating residential and municipal water supplies as well as treating air from many applications including for animal confinement facilities. While the provided example of the present invention is in connection with ozonating air and water, it is understood that the present system and method can be utilized for a wide range of applications including applications for disinfecting air and water and for producing disinfected air and water for various purposes.

Referring to FIG. 1, shown is an ozonator system 10 comprising air compressor 12, oxygen concentrator 26, and ozone generator 28. Air compressor 12 produces a pressurized stream of air to be introduced into oxygen concentrator 26. Air is supplied to air compressor 12 through compressor air intake 14. Any suitable air compressor may be used in the present invention including those disclosed in the prior art, those known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and those developed in the future. The pressure of the air stream exiting the air compressor 12 will vary depending upon the desired amount of ozone to be produced. Preferably, the discharged air stream is maintained at a pressure between approximately 50 psi and approximately 120 psi. More preferably, the discharged air stream is maintained at a pressure between approximately 60 psi and approximately 80 psi.

Air stream exiting air compressor 12 is then transported through a conduit 17 into heat exchanger 18. As ozone is more stable in cooler temperatures, heat exchanger 18 is employed to decrease the temperature of the air stream and also reduce the moisture content of the air stream. Thus, by decreasing the

temperature of the air stream later entering ozone generator 28, the efficiency of ozone generator 28 can be significantly improved. Preferably, heat exchanger 18 can reduce the temperature of the air stream to less than approximately 70°F (21°C). More preferably, heat exchanger 18 reduces the temperature of the air stream to less than approximately 50°F (10°C). Any suitable heat exchanger may be used in the present invention including those disclosed in the prior art, those known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and those developed in the future.

Upon exiting heat exchanger 18, the cooled air stream passes through a second conduit 21 into air drier 22 that can further decrease the moisture content of the air stream. Air drier 22 may be any air drier that is capable of sufficiently reducing the moisture content of the air stream, including those disclosed in the prior art, those known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and those developed in the future. The air stream entering air drier 22 may be contacted with an adsorbing material or other dehumidifying means within air drier 22 wherein the adsorbing material or means becomes saturated with water allowing the dehumidified air to exit air drier 22.

The dehumidified air stream from air drier 22 is next transported through a third conduit 25 and introduced into oxygen concentrator 26. Preferably, the oxygen concentration is increased to between about 50% to about 70% oxygen by weight. Oxygen concentrator 26 for use with ozonator system 10 can be any suitable means that is capable of providing a sufficiently high concentration of oxygen, including those disclosed in the prior art, those known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and those developed in the future. For example, a typical method of creating an oxygen enriched air stream is through the use of an adsorbing media in which air is contacted under pressure with the adsorbing media causing the nitrogen in the air to be adsorbed onto the media. The oxygen within the air passes through the media unaffected, thereby producing a product stream of concentrated oxygen. An example of a suitable oxygen concentrator 26 for use in the present invention is oxygen concentrator Model OZO-OX020 manufactured by OZOMAX Ltd. (Quebec, Canada).

The oxygen enriched gaseous stream is next transported through a fourth conduit 27 and subsequently fed into ozone generator 28. Ozone generator 28 of the present invention may be any suitable ozone generator, including those

disclosed in the prior art, those known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and those developed in the future. One illustrative example of a suitable ozone generator 28 is a corona discharge tube ozone generator in which a gas containing oxygen is passed through a corona discharge field so as to cause oxygen molecules to recombine to produce ozone. More particularly, a high voltage electrode is spaced from a ground electrode with a dielectric member positioned in the middle so as to create the discharge field. As the air flows between the electrodes, ozone generator 28 produces ozone. An illustrative example of a suitable commercially available ozone generator of the type contemplated by the present invention includes those manufactured by OZOMAX Ltd. (Quebec, Canada). For example, OZOMAX Ltd. ozone generator models OZO-BAC, OZO-4VTT and OZO-2LT have each proven to be effective for use in the present invention.

Ozone generator 28 of the present invention produces a gaseous stream of ozone that preferably has a concentration between about 1% and about 10% by weight ozone. More preferably, the gaseous stream of ozone has a concentration of between about 5% and about 7% by weight ozone. In addition, ozone generator 28 preferably is adapted to generate ozone in quantities of up to 100 grams per hour. The ozone gas exits ozone generator 28 through ozone discharge conduit 29. The ozone gas then may be combined with air to produce ozonated air and/or combined with water to produce ozonated water.

The amount of ozone produced by ozone generator 28 will depend upon the size and type of facility within which the ozone gas is being distributed. A voltage control (not shown) can be attached to ozone generator 28 to adjust the amount of electricity supplied to ozone generator 28. Preferably, the voltage control is a variable transformer that is able to control the amount of electricity provided to ozone generator 28 and also prevent voltage surges from occurring within ozone generator 28. The amount of ozone gas produced by ozone generator 28 is directly proportional to the amount of electricity supplied to ozone generator 28. Accordingly, the precise concentration of the ozone gas being discharged from ozone generator 28 may be controlled through the use of the voltage control, thereby providing a more efficient ozone generating system 10.

Heat exchanger 18, air drier 22, oxygen concentrator 26, and ozone generator 28 preferably are all disposed within refrigerated unit 30. Any suitable refrigerated unit 30 may be used in the present invention that is able to maintain the temperature within refrigerated unit 30 at or below approximately 70°F (21°C), and maintain the relative humidity within refrigerated unit 30 at or below approximately 50%. Refrigerated unit 30 may be comprised of insulated housing 32 and cooling unit 34 disposed within insulated housing 32. Cooling unit 34 may be any cooling device that is capable of maintaining the temperature within insulated housing 32 at or below approximately 70°F (21°C), and maintain the relative humidity within insulated housing 32 at or below approximately 50%, including those disclosed in the prior art, those known by those of ordinary skill in the art, and those developed in the future.

Refrigerated unit 30 further includes air intake opening 35 for supplying air, typically from the surrounding environment, to the interior of refrigerated unit 30.

Preferably, air intake opening 35 includes air filter 36 to prevent debris from entering the environment within refrigerated unit 30. The ozone gas produced by ozone generator 28 is discharged from refrigerated unit 30 through outlet 38.

Refrigerated unit 30 provides an optimum environment that enables the ozone generating system 10 to operate at peek efficiency. Specifically, the cool temperature and low humidity environment within refrigerated unit 30 creates a clean and stable environment for operation of ozone generator 28.

Air compressor 12 also may be located within refrigerated unit 30 and may operate by taking air from within refrigerated unit 30. It is preferable however, for air compressor 12 to be located outside of refrigerated unit 30 as shown in FIG. 1, so that the heat generated by air compressor 12 does not have to be offset by cooling unit 34 of refrigerated unit 30. If air compressor 12 is located outside of refrigerated unit 30 it may operate using ambient air from the atmosphere.

Preferably, if air compressor 12 is located outside of refrigerated unit 30, it operates by drawing the cool, low humidity air from within refrigerated unit 30 via compressor air intake 14. The pressurized air exiting air compressor 12 then is transported back into refrigerated unit 30 and into heat exchanger 18 via first conduit 17.

A blower unit (not shown) may be connected in series with the ozone generator 28 in order to distribute the ozone gas for disinfection purposes. As previously mentioned, the ozone gas may be distributed within animal housing facilities in order to decrease the levels of microorganisms and other contaminants (ammonia, dust, etc.).

Further, the ozone gas discharged from ozone generator 28 also may be injected into an ambient water supply to provide ozonated water to a desired location, e. g. an animal confinement facility such as a poultry house. In such an embodiment, the water supply may be contained in a mixing tank or conduit that enables the ozone to mix with the water. The ozone gas is introduced into the water supply by any suitable means, for example, through the use of a venturi injector or similar injection assembly. The ozonated water then may be supplied to the intended location via water lines.

To ensure adequate ozone generation, ozone generating system 10 is designed to run constantly so as to maintain the appropriate level of ozone in the environment such as the air and/or water. However, the duration that ozone generating system 10 should run can depend on the amount of ozone required.

One skilled in the art will recognize that the appropriate level of ozone in the selected environment also can be controlled by turning the ozone generating system 10 on and off on a periodic basis.

2. Animal Confinement House Illustrative Embodiment.

A. System.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one illustrative embodiment of the present invention, ozonator system 10 can be used in connection with an animal confinement facility, such as poultry house 20, to provide ozonated air and water to such a facility.

The present invention comprises a combination system for ozonating the air and water provided to an animal confinement house to provide breathing air and drinking water with less viruses, bacteria and contaminants to the growing animals. Although the invention is applicable to confinement, growing and/or raising houses for all types of animals, for ease of understanding the detailed description of the preferred embodiments will use the poultry industry and poultry houses as a representative example of all animal industries and confinement houses. However, the invention is not meant to be limited only to poultry houses.

As shown in FIG. 2, an air ozonation system 100 provides ozonated air 104 to the poultry house 20 by taking ambient air 102 from outside the poultry house 20, subjecting the ambient air 102 to an ozonation process to produce ozonated air 104, and providing the ozonated air 104 to the poultry house 20. Similarly, a water ozonation system 200 provides ozonated water 204 to the poultry house 20 by taking ambient water 202 from outside the poultry house 20, such as water from a well or the municipal water supply, subjecting the ambient water 202 to an ozonation process to produce ozonated water 204, and providing the ozonated water 204 to the poultry house 20. The ozonation processes 100,200 help eliminate viruses, bacteria and other contaminants in the ambient air 102 and ambient water 202 before the ambient air 102 and ambient water 202 is provided to the poultry house 20 as ozonated air 104 and ozonated water 204.

Referring generally to FIG. 2 and specifically to FIG. 3, the air ozonation system 100 is shown in more detail. Air ozonation system 100 comprises any suitable air ozonation device 106, such as the ozonator system 10 disclosed herein. In general terms, the oxygen in ambient air 102 is ozonated by the ozonation device 106 and ozonated air is provided to the poultry house 20 through ductwork 108. Generally, the ozonated air 104 is introduced into the poultry house 20 proximal to the middle of the poultry house 20 and ducted proximal to the ceiling 110 of the poultry house. Ports, holes, vents, or registers 112 along the ductwork 108 allow ozonated air 104 to be provided throughout the poultry house 20. Ozone generated by ozone reactor 116, which is ozone generator 28 in FIG. 1, ultimately is provided to ductwork 108 through piping 118.

The air ozonation system 100 comprises an oxygen source, which is preferably oxygen from the ambient air 102 but can be an oxygen supply 122, and an ozone reactor 116 that generates a stream of ozone gas. If ambient air 102 is used as the oxygen source, ozone reactor 116 typically has an input vent 114 through which the ambient air enters the ozone reactor 116. If oxygen supply 122 is used as the oxygen source, oxygen supply 122 can be attached directly to ozone reactor 116. Ozone generated by ozone reactor 116 is provided to ductwork 108 through piping 118. The ozone reactor 116 can be cooled to improve the efficiency of ozone generation. The air ozonation system 100 which is referred to herein can be a conventional and commercially available system

currently known or developed in the future, or can be a custom-made system such as disclosed herein.

One or more sets of piping 118 carry ozone to poultry house 20, and one or more sets of ductwork 108 distributes ozonated air 104 within poultry house 20.

The illustrative example shown in FIG 2 comprises two sets of piping 118 and two sets of ductwork 108. This allows the level or amount of ozone or ozonated air 104 to be varied in different sections of poultry house 20. Valves 120 can be used to regulate the amount of ozone provided to ductwork 108.

Ductwork 108 directs the ozonated air 104, forced through the ductwork 108 by blowers 124, into the poultry house 20. It has been found that ductwork 108 comprising 2-inch diameter tubing (nominally between 1.5 and 2.5 inches in diameter) located within the poultry house 20 is suitable for delivering a sufficient quantity of ozonated air 104 to a conventionally sized poultry house 20.

Referring generally to FIG. 2 and specifically to FIG. 4, the water ozonation system 200 is shown in more detail. Water ozonation system 200 comprises any suitable water ozonation device 206. In general terms, ozone is mixed with ambient water 202 and provided to the poultry house 20 through pipes 208.

Generally, the ozonated water 204 is introduced into the poultry house 20 through known poultry drinker systems 222, such as nipple drinker systems, cup drinking systems, and the like. Drinking stations 212 proximal to the floor 224 of the poultry house 20 allow ozonated drinking water 204 to be provided throughout the poultry house 20.

The water ozonation system 200 can and preferably does utilize the same ozone reactor 116, namely ozone generator 28 shown in FIG. 1, as the air ozonation system 100 to generate a stream of ozone gas. Piping 226 directs ozone from the ozone reactor 116 to the ambient water 202 supply. Piping 226 can branch off of piping 118, with a valve controlling the amount of ozone supplied to the water ozonation system 200. Ozone is injected or mixed with ambient water 202 supply through mixers, injectors or venturis 234, and the ozonated water 204 is directed into a water holding tank 230. The ozonated water 204 is passed through the pipes 208 from the holding tank 230 into the poultry house 20 preferably by the water pressure from the water source or by alternate pressure generating means, such as pumps (not shown). For example, municipal water

systems supply ambient water under pressure, and this pressure has been found to be sufficient for the present invention to operate. Likewise, if the ambient water is provided by a well system, such well systems already typically have pumps of sufficient head for the present invention to operate. Alternatively, if necessary, a pump or pumps (not shown) can be provided to provide additional water pressure.

The water ozonation system 200 which is referred to herein is intended to be a conventional and commercially available system currently known or developed in the future, or can be a custom-made system such as that disclosed herein.

Alternatively, each of the air ozonation system 100 and the water ozonation system 200 can have a separate oxygen source and/or ozone reactor 116 designed and optimized for each specific system 100,200. However, it has been found to be economical and more efficient to use a single oxygen source (ambient air or oxygen supply 122) and ozone generator 116 for the invention.

The present invention improves the overall performance of the poultry raising process. As shown in the following graphs and tables, both average poultry weight and poultry feed conversion results improved consistently in experimental poultry houses utilizing the present invention. In field studies, the poultry houses 20 treated using the present invention had improved performance.

Generally, one combination system comprising one air ozonation system 100 and one water ozonation system 200 is needed for each grow-out poultry house 20. Units preferably are installed in a freestanding, weatherproof exterior housing facility at the midline of each house.

In operation, the ozone reactor 116 generates ozone from the oxygen source. In the air ozonation system, the ozone is directed through piping 118 to ductwork 108, and is then mixed with ambient air 102 and directed through the ductwork 108 within the poultry house 20 for breathing by the birds. The ozone also is mixed with ambient water 202 in the water ozonation system 200 and directed through the pipes 208 into the poultry house 20 drinker system 222 for drinking by the birds. The ozone helps to reduce the quantity of viruses, bacteria and contaminants in the air and water provided to the poultry house 20, resulting in healthier birds, decreased feed conversion ratios, and decreased mortality rates.

B. Experimental Results.

The following graphs and tables provide experimental results for the present invention. For the following graphs, the white bars represent test results using the invention and the black bars represent control results not using the invention. i. Feed Conversion.

Using the present invention in a conventional poultry house, the feed conversion of the poultry improved. As the following graph and table show, feed conversion improved for each of the six tests conducted using the present invention when compared to a control sample.

Graph 1 Table 1 ummaqRests'' ! ? 3 Lab Testt Tes Test Test4'Test5 M6 Average l75 1. 781 1-81, i6T'1, 68 1, 74 1. 74 Fet ç t 1 T1 # $ 1 7EB j eS1 ii. Average Weight.

Using the present invention in a conventional poultry house, the average weight of the poultry improved. As the following graph and table show, average weight improved for five of the six tests conducted using the present invention when compared to a control sample.

Graph 2 Table 2

umn, aiy Fosolis ri03 Libe ! fH Tesj"f6st3 Test4 ! Tes Test 6 Avee ! ret ! 7m43 <2Sj . 17 JSi 4373342 s CMm ! ! 467 : 4364. M 44 4. 224SM , The numbers shown in Table 2 are pounds. iii. Average Weekly Cost.

Using the present invention in a conventional poultry house, the average weekly cost of operating a conventional poultry house improved. As the following graph and table show, average weekly cost of operating improved for each of the six tests conducted using the present invention when compared to a control sample. For example, in Test 1, using the present invention, the grower would receive an additional 0.78 cents per pound above contract terms at the end of grow out, while under control conditions (that is, without using the present invention), the grower would receive 0.65 cents per pound below contract terms at the end of grow out.

Graph 3 Table 3 Somma. iyRp. sults FTest 6 5L i13 S d l i. tEMagsEcM i-78-76 ! 2)-0. 7i-0. 73-C. ."0. 64 ut ! l-o 5f IEQ s E s jR t 0. z-064 61 o. 4T

The numbers shown in Table 3 are fractions of cents.

As shown in the general overall schematic diagram of FIG. 2, operation of the animal confinement house illustrative embodiment of the present invention involves the generation of ozone, the mixture of a portion of the ozone with ambient air 102 and a portion of the ozone with ambient water 202, the transport and distribution of the ozonated air 104 and the ozonated water 204 to an animal confinement house 20, and the release of the ozonated air 104 and the ozonated water 204 into the animal confinement house 20 via overhead ductwork 108 for the ozonated air 104 and a drinking system 222 for the ozonated water 204. The ozone reactor 116 receives an input stream of oxygen from the oxygen source and produces, through a chemical reaction process not detailed herein, at least one output stream of ozone gas.

The above detailed description of the animal confinement house illustrative embodiment is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope and spirit of the invention, and its equivalents, as defined by the appended claims.

For example purposes only, the ductwork 108 can be located at any suitable position throughout the animal house 20, and not necessarily overhead; the ozone reactor 116 can be any source of ozone; additional additives, such as vitamins and antibiotics, can be added to the ozonated air 104 and/or ozonated water 204, for the health of the animals; and the like. Further, the foregoing detailed description of both the general invention, the preferred embodiments and the illustrative embodiment, and the appended figures, have been presented only for illustrative and descriptive purposes and are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were selected and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations can be made to the invention disclosed in this specification without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.