Air-surface disinfection system, unit and method
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10039854-B2
Publication Date
2018-08-07
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system, unit, device and method are shown for providing substantially simultaneous disinfection of bacteria or other pathogens in air passing through the system using C-band ultraviolet radiation from an ultraviolet light source and that is also capable of substantially simultaneous and efficient disinfecting air and surfaces outside the device using the same ultraviolet light source.
Core Innovation
The disclosed invention provides an air-surface disinfection system in which a blower or fan blows air into a transparent tubular member defining a passageway and directing the air in a predetermined direction. At least one ultraviolet light source is supported by the housing and arranged in operative relationship with the transparent tubular member so that, when energized, the ultraviolet radiation is projected outwardly to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside the housing. The same ultraviolet light source also projects ultraviolet radiation through the transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air blown through the transparent tubular member substantially simultaneously.
The invention further specifies an airflow relationship in which air flows generally linearly over a substantial length of the transparent tubular member. The transparent tubular member includes a tube axis, an inlet and an outlet, and a passageway defining a predetermined interior disinfection area for receiving air blown by the blower or fan. The air is subjected to ultraviolet radiation while passing through the interior disinfection area and then exits through the outlet in a direction substantially coaxial with the tube axis or generally parallel thereto.
In additional configurations, the ultraviolet light source is arranged in a predetermined pattern around the transparent tubular member to project ultraviolet radiation both outwardly and inwardly. The invention also includes at least one baffle or airflow interrupter for interrupting the air flowing through the transparent tubular member to facilitate improving ultraviolet radiation effectiveness, where the baffle or airflow interrupter comprises a plurality of quartz tubular members.
Claims Coverage
This disclosure includes multiple independent claims that share a common inventive concept: a transparent tubular member that directs airflow while ultraviolet light is projected both outwardly to sterilize an environment and inwardly to sterilize the air, with additional claim-dependent constraints on airflow, UV source arrangement, and airflow interruption.
Transparent tubular member directing air in predetermined direction with concurrent air and environment disinfection
A transparent tubular member for receiving air blown by said blower or fan and for directing it in a predetermined direction; at least one ultraviolet light source supported by said housing and arranged in operative relationship with said transparent tubular member such that, when said at least one ultraviolet light source is energized, said at least one ultraviolet light source projecting ultraviolet radiation outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside said housing, said at least one ultraviolet light source also projecting ultraviolet radiation through said transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air blown through said transparent tubular member; and wherein said environment comprises at least one surface, said ultraviolet radiation comprising an intensity adapted to disinfect at least a portion of said air that flows through said transparent tubular member and substantially simultaneously disinfect said at least one surface situated outside said housing and in said environment.
Generally linear airflow over substantial length and coaxial or parallel exit direction
Wherein said air flows generally linearly over a substantial length of said transparent tubular member; wherein said transparent tubular member comprises a tube axis, an inlet and an outlet and a passageway that defines a predetermined interior disinfection area for receiving air blown by said blower or fan, said transparent tubular member being generally tubular throughout its length from said inlet to said outlet and said blower or fan blowing or directing said air into said inlet and through said predetermined interior disinfection area and to said outlet where said air exits, said air being subjected to ultraviolet radiation while passing through said interior disinfection area until it passes through said outlet in a direction substantially coaxial with said tube axis or generally parallel thereto.
Ultraviolet light sources arranged in predetermined pattern around tubular member with outward and inward projection
A transparent tubular member for receiving air blown by said blower or fan and for directing it in a predetermined direction; at least one ultraviolet light source supported by said housing and arranged in a predetermined pattern around said transparent tubular member such that, when said at least one ultraviolet light source is energized, said at least one ultraviolet light source projects ultraviolet radiation outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside said housing, said at least one ultraviolet light source also projecting ultraviolet radiation through said transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air blown through said transparent tubular member.
Controller coupled to blower/fan and ultraviolet light source operation
A controller coupled to said blower or fan and said at least one ultraviolet light source for controlling operation of the disinfection unit.
Airflow interrupter to improve ultraviolet radiation effectiveness with quartz tubular members
Wherein said disinfection unit comprises at least one baffle or airflow interrupter for interrupting said air flowing through said transparent tubular member to facilitate improving ultraviolet radiation effectiveness; wherein said at least one baffle or airflow interrupter comprises a plurality of quartz tubular members.
Air-surface disinfector projecting ultraviolet radiation inward through tube and outward to environment
A transparent tubular member defining a passageway for receiving air and for directing said air in a predetermined direction; and at least one ultraviolet light source arranged in operative relationship with said transparent tubular member such that, when said at least one ultraviolet light source is energized, ultraviolet radiation is projected inwardly through said transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air passing through said transparent tubular member and outwardly to facilitate sterilizing an environment or area around said at least one ultraviolet light source.
Substantially simultaneous disinfection of air portion and external surface
Wherein said environment comprises at least one surface, said ultraviolet radiation comprising an intensity adapted to disinfect at least a portion of said air that flows through said transparent tubular member and substantially simultaneously disinfect said at least one surface situated outside a housing and in said environment.
Baffle or airflow interrupter within transparent tubular member
Wherein said air-surface disinfector comprises at least one baffle or airflow interrupter for interrupting said air flowing through said transparent tubular member to facilitate improving ultraviolet radiation effectiveness.
Baffle or airflow interrupter comprises plurality of quartz tubular members
Wherein said at least one baffle or airflow interrupter comprises a plurality of quartz tubular members situate in said transparent tubular member.
Across the independent claims, the core claim coverage centers on a disinfection unit or air-surface disinfector where a transparent tubular member carries air past an ultraviolet arrangement that simultaneously disinfects air and external environment surfaces. The claims additionally cover specified airflow geometry, a controller coupled to the blower or fan and ultraviolet light source, and an airflow interruption feature comprising quartz tubular members to improve ultraviolet radiation effectiveness.
Stated Advantages
Simultaneous disinfecting of air flowing through the transparent tubular member and at least one surface situated outside the housing in the environment using the ultraviolet light sources.
Use of the same ultraviolet light sources to facilitate sterilizing both air and an environment outside the housing, potentially reducing the need for separate disinfection units.
Documented Applications
Disinfection of a medical room or hospital room environment, including furniture surfaces and interior surfaces, using the mobile air-surface disinfection unit.
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