Air-surface disinfection system, unit and method
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9433693-B2
Publication Date
2016-09-06
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 invention relates to a disinfection unit and an air-surface disinfector that use a blower or fan to blow air through a transparent tubular member defining a passageway and directing the air in a predetermined direction. A plurality of ultraviolet light sources is supported by the housing or arranged around the transparent tubular member in a predetermined pattern. When the ultraviolet light sources are energized, ultraviolet radiation is projected inward through the transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air blown through the transparent tubular member and outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside the housing or surrounding an area around the plurality of ultraviolet light sources.
The disinfection unit further includes a controller coupled to the blower or fan and the plurality of ultraviolet light sources for controlling operation of the disinfection unit. In the air-surface disinfector, ultraviolet radiation is projected inwardly through the transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air passing through the transparent tubular member, while ultraviolet radiation is also projected outwardly to facilitate sterilizing an environment or area around the ultraviolet light sources.
The invention adds transparent interrupters situated in a passageway of the transparent tubular member to slow or create turbulence in the air passing through the transparent tubular member. Each transparent interrupter is generally tubular and permits at least some of the air passing through the transparent tubular member to pass through it, and the transparent tubular member may be configured with reflective, focusing, concentrating, or baffling apparatus, including tubular quartz baffles.
Claims Coverage
The provided set includes four independent claims. Across these, the core claim coverage centers on blower-driven airflow through a transparent tubular member with multiple ultraviolet light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern to disinfect both air and an environment or area, under controller control where recited, and further includes transparent interrupters to slow or create turbulence.
Disinfection unit with blower-driven air through a transparent tubular member and outward/inward UV sterilization
A housing comprising a blower or fan for blowing air; a transparent tubular member for receiving air blown by said blower or fan and for directing it in a predetermined direction; a plurality of ultraviolet light sources supported by said housing and arranged in a predetermined pattern around said transparent tubular member such that, when said plurality of ultraviolet light sources are energized, said plurality of ultraviolet light sources project ultraviolet radiation outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside said housing and also projecting ultraviolet radiation through said transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air blown through said transparent tubular member; and a controller coupled to said blower or fan and said plurality of ultraviolet light sources for controlling operation of the disinfection unit.
Disinfection unit with end cap grate retaining upright, spaced UV sources and permitting airflow
A disinfection unit comprising a housing with a blower or fan, a transparent tubular member, a plurality of ultraviolet light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern around the transparent tubular member, and a controller coupled to the blower or fan and the ultraviolet light sources, wherein the disinfection unit comprises an end cap grate through which air may pass and the end cap is associated with first ends of the ultraviolet light sources and adapted to retain the ultraviolet light sources in an upright and spaced relationship.
Air-surface disinfector with inward/outward UV projection through transparent tubular member
An air-surface disinfector comprising a transparent tubular member defining a passageway for receiving air and for directing the air in a predetermined direction, and a plurality of ultraviolet light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern such that ultraviolet radiation is projected inwardly through the transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air passing through the transparent tubular member and outwardly to facilitate sterilizing an environment or area around the ultraviolet light sources.
Method of disinfecting area with surrounding UV sources and transparent interrupters
A method for disinfecting an area or environment comprising arranging a plurality of ultraviolet light sources in a predetermined order such that they generally surround a predetermined interior disinfecting area, directing infected air through the predetermined interior disinfecting area, energizing the ultraviolet light sources so that they radiate the predetermined interior disinfecting area and disinfect the infected air that passes therethrough, and situating a plurality of transparent interrupters in a passageway of a transparent tubular member to slow or create turbulence in the air passing through the transparent tubular member while permitting at least some of the air to pass through.
Overall, the claim set covers disinfection units and an air-surface disinfector that combine blower-driven airflow through a transparent tubular member with multiple energized ultraviolet light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern to disinfect both air within the transparent tubular member and an environment or area around the ultraviolet sources, with controller control for the disinfection units where recited. Turbulence is addressed via transparent interrupters situated in the passageway to slow or create turbulence while allowing airflow through.
Stated Advantages
Facilitates sterilizing an environment outside the housing and sterilizing air blown through the transparent tubular member.
Facilitates sterilizing air passing through the transparent tubular member and sterilizing an environment or area around the ultraviolet light sources.
Disinfects infected air passing through a predetermined interior disinfecting area while also disinfecting air surrounding the ultraviolet light sources and at least one surface in the area or environment.
Slows or creates turbulence in the air passing through the transparent tubular member while permitting at least some air to pass through.
Documented Applications
Disinfecting an area or environment, including an environment or area around the ultraviolet light sources and at least one surface in which the ultraviolet light sources are energized.
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