Household appliances which utilize an electrolyzer and electrolyzer that may be used therein

Abstract

A household appliance incorporating an electrolyzer and a construction of an electrolyer that may be used therein.

1 . A method for a consumer to prepare a household appliance having an electrolyzer for use, the method comprising the consumer: 
 (a) obtaining a household appliance including an electrolyzer; and,    (b) preparing the electrolyte solution.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the household appliance, when acquired by the consumer, incorporates therein an electrolyte precursor and the electrolyte solution is prepared by the consumer adding one or more additional ingredients to the household appliance.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the consumer prepares the electrolyte solution in an external container and the method further comprises adding the prepared electrolyte solution to the household appliance.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the household appliance is provided in packaging and the method further comprises including an electrolyte precursor in the packaging.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte precursor is contained in the household appliance.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte precursor is contained in the electrolyzer.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte solution is prepared from a non-caustic electrolyte precursor and the consumer prepares the electrolyte solution by acquiring an electrolyte precursor and mixing the electrolyte precursor with water.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the electrolyte precursor is a dry powder or a concentrated solution.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the electrolyte precursor comprises bicarbonate.  
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8  wherein the electrolyte solution is prepared by combining the electrolyte precursor and water.  
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 9  wherein the electrolyte solution is prepared by combining the bicarbonate and water and operating the electrolyzer to produce hydroxide.  
   
   
       12 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the electrolyte solution is prepared by combining an electrolyte precursor and water to produce a first solution and passing a current through the solution to produce the electrolyte solution wherein the electrolyte solution is more caustic than the first solution.  
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the electrolyte precursor is contained in a soluble container.  
   
   
       14 . A method of shipping a household appliance having an electrolyzer comprising: 
 (a) inserting the household appliance in packaging wherein the electrolyzer does not incorporate therein an electrolyte solution;    (b) providing with the household appliance instructions for preparing the electrolyte solution.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14  further comprising inserting in the packaging an electrolyte precursor.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising providing the electrolyte precursor in the household appliance.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 15  further comprising providing the electrolyte precursor in the electrolyzer.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 15  wherein the household appliance includes a liquid reservoir for the electrolyzer and the method further comprises providing the electrolyte precursor in the reservoir.