Methods and devices for preventing viral transmission
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-11253015-B2
Publication Date
2022-02-22
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus includes multiple first reservoirs and multiple second reservoirs joined with a substrate. Selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs include a reducing agent, and first reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple first reservoirs are proximate to a first substrate surface. Selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs include an oxidizing agent, and second reservoir surfaces of selected ones of the multiple second reservoirs are proximate to the first substrate surface.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a bioelectric antiviral system that prevents viral transmission through the mouth and nose. The system includes a surgical mask with an adhesive and a planar substrate shaped to fit inside the mask, where the substrate reversibly attaches within the mask and includes one or more biocompatible electrodes configured to generate at least one of a low level electric field (LLEF) or low level electric current (LLEC). The system does not comprise an external power source.
The planar substrate implements biocompatible electrodes comprising a first array and a second array of microcells. The first array forms a pattern of microcells from a first conductive material, and the second array forms a pattern of microcells from a second conductive material. The microcells of the first and second conductive materials create at least one battery, enabling generation of at least one of LLEF or LLEC without external power.
The invention also provides an air filtration system using the same unpowered planar substrate concept. The system comprises an air filtration device and a cover comprising an unpowered planar substrate with biocompatible electrodes generating at least one of LLEF or LLEC, and the substrate is affixed to a surgical mask. The substrate includes the first and second electrode arrays of microcells formed from first and second conductive materials, where the microcells create at least one battery.
Claims Coverage
The document provides two independent claim scopes, one directed to a system for preventing viral transmission through the mouth and nose and the other directed to an air filtration system. Across the independent claims, the coverage centers on an unpowered planar bioelectric substrate inside or affixed to a surgical mask, with electrode microcells formed from first and second conductive materials that create at least one battery and generate at least one of LLEF or LLEC.
Unpowered surgical-mask-based viral transmission prevention using LLEF/LLEC biocompatible electrodes
A surgical mask comprising an adhesive; a planar substrate shaped to reversibly attach to and fit inside the mask, comprising one or more biocompatible electrodes configured to generate at least one of a low level electric field (LLEF) or low level electric current (LLEC); wherein the biocompatible electrodes comprise a first array of microcells formed from a first conductive material interspersed with a second array of microcells formed from a second conductive material; and wherein microcells of the first and second conductive materials create at least one battery; and wherein the system does not comprise an external power source.
Unpowered air filtration system using a mask-affixed planar LLEF/LLEC substrate with battery-forming microcells
An air filtration system comprising an air filtration device and a cover comprising an unpowered planar substrate comprising one or more biocompatible electrodes configured to generate at least one of a low level electric field (LLEF) or low level electric current (LLEC); wherein the substrate is affixed to a surgical mask; wherein the biocompatible electrodes comprise a first array comprising a pattern of microcells formed from a first conductive material interspersed with a second array comprising a pattern of microcells formed from a second conductive material; and further wherein microcells of the first and second conductive materials create at least one battery.
Both independent claims converge on an unpowered planar substrate integrated with a surgical mask. The core inventive element is the patterned electrode microcells formed from first and second conductive materials that create at least one battery to generate at least one of LLEF or LLEC for preventing viral transmission, with the second claim extending the same substrate concept to an air filtration system.
Stated Advantages
Prevents viral transmission through the mouth and nose.
Generates at least one of low level electric field (LLEF) or low level electric current (LLEC) without comprising an external power source.
Documented Applications
Preventing viral transmission through the mouth and nose using a surgical mask with an adhesive and a reversibly attached planar substrate including biocompatible electrodes.
Use in an air filtration system comprising an air filtration device and a cover with an unpowered planar substrate affixed to a surgical mask to generate LLEF/LLEC.
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