Air-surface disinfection system, unit and method
Inventors
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-9764054-B2
Publication Date
2017-09-19
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 an air-surface disinfection system that includes a mobile housing having a blower that drives air axially through a non-perforated transparent tubular member. The transparent tubular member receives the air and directs it in a predetermined direction so that substantially all of the air entering the inlet end passes axially through the transparent tubular member. A plurality of elongated ultraviolet lamps is arranged around the transparent tubular member in a predetermined pattern to expose the passing air to ultraviolet radiation substantially simultaneously.
The ultraviolet lamps also project ultraviolet radiation outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside the housing. In this way, ultraviolet radiation is transmitted through the transparent tubular member to sterilize air blown through the transparent tubular member, while ultraviolet radiation projected outward facilitates sterilizing air-surface environments and surrounding surfaces. The transparent tubular member is not perforated, so the airflow passes through the predetermined interior disinfecting area and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation from the plurality of ultraviolet light sources.
The system further includes structural and optical/airflow features intended to improve ultraviolet effectiveness. An end cap or grate supports and spaces the ultraviolet lamps and the transparent tubular member while directing airflow in an upward exit direction. The tube may include reflective/focusing/concentrating/baffling apparatus or an airflow interrupter, including baffles and examples such as quartz tubular members situated in the transparent tubular member to interrupt airflow and improve ultraviolet radiation effectiveness. A controller energizes the lamps and the blower or fan to control operation.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover a disinfection unit and an air-surface disinfector that use a blower-driven, non-perforated transparent tubular member with multiple ultraviolet light sources arranged around the tube to sterilize both air passing through the tube and an environment or area outside the tube. Across the independent claims, two additional inventive feature areas are required: an airflow-interrupting baffle arrangement and, in one case, quartz tubular members that form the baffle or airflow interrupter.
Non-perforated transparent tubular member with axially driven airflow
The transparent tubular member is not perforated, and the blower or fan blows air in an inlet end through the transparent tubular member and out an outlet end so that substantially all of the air entering the inlet end passes axially through the transparent tubular member and is exposed to ultraviolet radiation generated by the plurality of ultraviolet light sources substantially simultaneously.
Multiple ultraviolet light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern projecting inward and outward
A plurality of ultraviolet light sources supported by the housing and arranged in a predetermined pattern around the transparent tubular member such that, when the plurality of ultraviolet light sources are energized, the plurality of ultraviolet light sources projecting ultraviolet radiation outward to facilitate sterilizing an environment outside the housing, and also projecting ultraviolet radiation through the transparent tubular member to facilitate sterilizing air blown through the transparent tubular member.
Controller coupled to the blower or fan and ultraviolet light sources
A controller coupled to the blower or fan and the plurality of ultraviolet light sources for controlling operation of the disinfection unit.
Airflow interrupter baffle for improving ultraviolet radiation effectiveness
The disinfection unit comprises at least one baffle or airflow interrupter for interrupting the air flowing through the transparent tubular member to facilitate improving ultraviolet radiation effectiveness.
Quartz tubular members as the baffle or airflow interrupter
The at least one baffle or airflow interrupter comprises a plurality of quartz tubular members.
Overall, the independent claims require a non-perforated transparent tubular passage for axially directed air, ultraviolet light sources arranged in a predetermined pattern to sterilize both air within the tube and the environment outside, and a controller for operation. Additional claim coverage further requires baffles or airflow interrupters to improve ultraviolet radiation effectiveness, with a specific requirement that the interrupter comprises a plurality of quartz tubular members in one independent claim set.
Stated Advantages
Substantially simultaneous and efficient sterilizing of both air passing through the transparent tubular member and the environment outside the housing using the same plurality of ultraviolet light sources.
Documented Applications
Disinfection of an environment outside a housing, including an environment or area around the plurality of ultraviolet light sources.
Disinfection of air blown through the transparent tubular member.
Sterilizing air-surface environments and surfaces in an environment (e.g., hospital rooms and furniture surfaces), as described in the partial content summary.
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