Air-surface disinfection system, unit and method
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-10532122-B2
Publication Date
2020-01-14
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
A disinfection unit and an air-surface disinfector are described that include a housing with a blower or fan for generating a column of air passing inside and through the disinfection unit in a predetermined direction. At least one ultraviolet light source is supported in operative relationship to the column of air so that, when energized, ultraviolet radiation is projected toward the column of air to facilitate sterilizing air blown through the disinfection unit, and outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside the housing.
The controller is coupled to the blower or fan and to the ultraviolet light source for controlling operation of the disinfection unit, such that the blower or fan generates the column of air inside the housing which is irradiated by the ultraviolet light source. Substantially simultaneously, the ultraviolet light source also irradiates and disinfects at least one surface outside the housing, and the ultraviolet radiation includes an intensity adapted to disinfect the at least one surface and the column of air.
In the air-surface disinfector, ultraviolet radiation is projected inwardly through a passageway inside the air-surface disinfector to sterilize air passing through the passageway, and substantially simultaneously ultraviolet radiation is projected outside the air-surface disinfector to sterilize an environment or area around the at least one ultraviolet light source. The described arrangements include multiple ultraviolet light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern, including a generally circular pattern, and at least one elongated ultraviolet light source having an axis generally parallel to the axis of the column of air.
Claims Coverage
Two independent claims are identified. Each independent claim centers on coordinated, substantially simultaneous ultraviolet irradiation of a column of air passing through a passageway and at least one surface outside the housing, using a controller to energize an airflow generator and ultraviolet light sources arranged in operative relationship and predetermined patterns.
Substantially simultaneous air and outward ultraviolet disinfection using a controlled airflow housing
A disinfection unit comprising a housing with a blower or fan for generating a column of air that passes inside and through the disinfection unit in a predetermined direction; at least one ultraviolet light source supported by the housing and arranged in operative relationship to the column of air such that, when energized, the ultraviolet light source projects ultraviolet radiation outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside the housing and also toward the column of air to facilitate sterilizing air blown through the disinfection unit; and a controller coupled to the blower or fan and the ultraviolet light source for controlling operation of the disinfection unit.
Air-surface disinfector with predetermined ultraviolet arrangement projecting inwardly and substantially simultaneously outwardly
An air-surface disinfector having a controller, an airflow generator for generating a column of air in a predetermined direction, and at least one ultraviolet light source arranged in a predetermined pattern such that, when energized, ultraviolet radiation is projected inwardly through a passageway inside the air-surface disinfector to sterilize air passing through the passageway and substantially simultaneously projected outside the air-surface disinfector to sterilize an environment or area around the ultraviolet light source.
Across both independent claims, the inventive core is coordinated operation by a controller that energizes an airflow generator to create an internal column of air irradiated by ultraviolet light, while the ultraviolet light is also projected outward substantially simultaneously to disinfect at least one surface in an environment or area around the ultraviolet sources, with ultraviolet radiation intensity adapted to disinfect both the column of air and the outside surface(s).
Stated Advantages
Simultaneous efficient air and surface disinfection using the same UV sources, reducing the need for separate disinfection units.
Documented Applications
Disinfecting air and surrounding environment surfaces in a room environment, including surfaces in a hospital/medical room interior and furniture surfaces.
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