ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION MATRIX MEMBRANE APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHODS THEREOF

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to a novel redesigned or retrofitted cabin air filtration system utilizing an ultraviolet light, radiation, or an energy matrix membrane and related technology to eliminate toxins such as viruses, bacteria, mold, fungi, rickettsia, protozoa, etc. from the air system in a vehicle, such as an automobile, marine vehicle airplane, etc., thereby improving the current cabin air filter functionality and providing a sterile air distribution environment throughout the cabin of the vehicle or small area.

Claims

1. A cabin air filtration system intended to be coupled to a cabin of a vehicle, utilizing at least one radiation source to sterilize a toxin in the cabin air filtration system, thereby providing a sterilized air distribution environment throughout the cabin of said vehicle, comprising: a cabin air filter, said cabin air filter sized and configured to be securely installed into a proper location in said vehicle; a matrix membrane, said matrix membrane configured to be attached to said cabin air filter; and a matrix, said matrix configured to secure said at least one radiation source, said at least one radiation source emitting radiation to sterilize said toxin; wherein, once the cabin air filter containing said matrix membrane is securely installed in the vehicle and said cabin air filtration system forces said cabin air through said cabin air filter, said at least one radiation source on said matrix membrane will sterilize said toxin as said cabin air passes through the cabin air filter.

2. The cabin air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said cabin air filter is retrofitted from a standard cabin air filter.

3. The cabin air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said at least one radiation source is an ultraviolet light.

4. The cabin air filtration system of claim 3, wherein said ultraviolet light is in one of a UV-C, UV-B or UV-A wavelengths.

5. (canceled)

6. The cabin air filtration system of claim 4, wherein said ultraviolet light is in the 100 to 280 nm wavelength range.

7. The cabin air filtration system of claim 6, wherein said ultraviolet light is in the 250 to 262 nm wavelength range.

8. The cabin air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said toxin is at least one of a virus, a bacteria, a mold, a fungi, a rickettsia and/or a protozoa.

9. The cabin air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said matrix membrane is attached into said cabin air filter by sewing or weaving the matrix membrane into said cabin air filter, or otherwise attaching the matrix membrane to the cabin air filter.

10. The cabin air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said matrix membrane and said matrix are flexible.

11. The cabin air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said vehicle comprises one of an automobile, a marine vehicle or an airplane.

12. The cabin air filtration system of claim 1, wherein said proper location in said vehicle comprises behind or near a glove box or glove compartment.

13. A cabin air filter to be installed in a vehicle, utilizing at least one radiation source to sterilize a toxin in a cabin air filtration system, thereby providing a sterilized air distribution environment throughout the cabin of said vehicle, comprising: a cabin air filter, said cabin air filter sized and configured to be securely installed into a proper location in said vehicle; a matrix membrane, said matrix membrane configured to be attached to said cabin air filter; and a matrix, said matrix configured to secure said at least one radiation source, said at least one radiation source emitting radiation to sterilize said toxin; wherein, once the cabin air filter containing said matrix membrane is securely installed in the vehicle and said cabin air filtration system forces said cabin air through said cabin air filter, said at least one radiation source on said matrix membrane will sterilize said toxin as said cabin air passes through the cabin air filter.

14. The cabin air filter of claim 13, wherein said cabin air filter is retrofitted from a standard cabin air filter.

15. The cabin air filter of claim 13, wherein said at least one radiation source is an ultraviolet light.

16. The cabin air filter of claim 15, wherein said ultraviolet light is in one of a UV-C, UV-B or UV-A wavelengths.

17. (canceled)

18. The cabin air filter of claim 16, wherein said ultraviolet light is in the 100 to 280 nm wavelength range.

19. The cabin air filter of claim 18, wherein said ultraviolet light is in the 250 to 262 nm wavelength range.

20. (canceled)

21. The cabin air filter of claim 13, wherein said matrix membrane is attached into said cabin air filter by sewing or weaving the matrix membrane into said cabin air filter, or otherwise attaching the matrix membrane to the cabin air filter.

22. The cabin air filter of claim 13, wherein said matrix membrane and said matrix are flexible.

23. The cabin air filter of claim 13, wherein said vehicle comprises one of an automobile, a marine vehicle or an airplane.

24. (canceled)

Description

DRAWINGS

[0039] The preferred embodiments of the disclosure will be described in conjunction with the appended drawings provided to show and not to the limit the disclosure, where like designations denote like elements, and in which:

[0040] FIG. 1A shows a prior art cabin air filter for removing particulate matter from the cabin of a vehicle.

[0041] FIG. 1B shows a novel cabin air filter for removing particulate matter from the cabin of a vehicle in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0042] FIG. 2 shows an ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane for a cabin air filter in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0043] FIG. 3 shows a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0044] FIG. 4 shows a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 5 shows a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0046] FIG. 6 shows a non-carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows a non-carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0048] FIG. 8 shows a non-carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 9 shows a non-carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0050] FIG. 10 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0051] FIG. 11 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 12 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 13 shows a close up view of a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 14 shows a close up view of a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 15 shows a close up view of a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0056] FIG. 16 shows a close up view of a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0057] FIG. 17 shows a close up view of a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0058] FIG. 18 shows a close up view of a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0059] FIG. 19 shows an extreme close up view of a cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0060] FIG. 20 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0061] FIG. 21 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0062] FIG. 22 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 23 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0064] FIG. 24 shows a carbon fiber cabin air filter incorporating ultraviolet radiation matrix membrane technology in accordance with the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] One way to properly cleanse and sterilize cabin air is through the use of ultraviolet radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from about 10 to 400 nanometers, and a corresponding frequency from around 30 PHz to 750 THz. The lower wavelength limit of human vision is approximately 400 nm, so ultraviolet rays are invisible to most humans.

[0066] Along those lines, Ultraviolet light at C, B and A wavelengths has been shown to disinfect and decontaminate surfaces, air, and water. UV light at these three different wavelengths can sterilize and clean bacteria. Specifically, the preferred embodiment utilizes the UV-C region (100-280 nm) of the UV spectral range. With respect to disinfection, the optimum UV-C wavelength occurs in the region of 250 nm to 262 nm.

[0067] As described herein, the present disclosure relates to a novel cabin air filter 10 and filtration system 100 utilizing a matrix membrane 12 that incorporates a matrix 14 with one or more ultraviolet lights 16 that generate ultraviolet radiation or energy, and the related technology. The matrix may also be flexible.

[0068] The technology is used to eliminate toxins such as viruses, bacteria, mold, fungi, rickettsia, protozoa, etc. from an air ventilation or circulation system 110 in a vehicle 18 (or other area), thereby improving the functionality of a standard cabin air filter 20 and providing a sterile air distribution environment throughout the cabin area 22 of the vehicle 18 or other small areas (not shown). The novel cabin air filter 10 can be created by redesigning the standard cabin air filter 20 and manufacturing process altogether, or by retrofitting standard cabin air filters 20 to produce the novel cabin air filter 10 disclosed herein.

[0069] FIG. 1A shows a vehicle 18 and the cabin area 22 of that vehicle where passengers (not shown) usually sit. In the cabin area 22, air is circulated throughout the area 22 using a ventilation system 110, as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0070] As the air in the cabin area 22 is drawn into the ventilation system 110, the air circulates around the system 110 and ultimately passes through the standard cabin air filter 20, where particulate matter or pollutants 24, such as pollen, dust, etc. are caught by the standard cabin air filter 20 and thus removed from the air. As the air is further circulated through the ventilation system 110 and returned to the cabin area 22 of the vehicle 18, the passengers are not subjected to these pollutants 24 and can breathe fresh air.

[0071] The standard cabin air filter 20 is usually located or placed behind the glove box or glove compartment 26 so that replacement of the standard cabin air filter 20 is not difficult to perform. Also, based on this convenient location, the circulating air (see arrows) 28 can be easily accessed in the ventilation system 110 before being sent into the cabin area 22.

[0072] In the present disclosure, FIG. 1B shows a similar system 100 to the prior art system 110 in FIG. 1A. In FIG. 1B, the novel cabin air filter 10 is incorporated into a novel filtration systems 100 and replaces the standard cabin air filter 10 completely, or is used in conjunction therewith. As described herein, the present disclosure incorporates ultraviolet light or radiation 16 into a standard or existing cabin air filter 20 to create the novel cabin air filter 10. In the preferred embodiment, the UV radiation is in the UV-C region (100-280 nm) of the UV spectral range, and with respect to disinfection, the optimum UV-C wavelength occurs in the region of 250 nm to 262 nm.

[0073] The disclosed novel cabin air filter or matrix 10 can be manufactured to size, to fit in any pre-existing cabin air filter box, such as those found in most vehicles, including, but not limited to, automobile, truck, marine or airplane vehicles.

[0074] In the preferred embodiment, a UV-C LED matrix 10 would receive its power from the vehicle through for example, a USB plug or suitable power supply 32 depending on the application (e.g. automotive or marine, etc.), allowing the UV-C LED matrix 10 to line the cabin air filter box 26 and sanitize the air 28 before it passes through a standard cabin air filter 20. The novel cabin air filter or matrix 10 can also be battery powered (rechargeable or disposable).

[0075] As explained above, despite the positive disinfecting properties, UV light exposure can damage human skin or eyes. In addition, the porousness and material of a surface for disinfection can influence the UV lighting. It has been shown that that certain materials, such as polypropylene, has varying results in disinfection from UV-C radiation based on its density. It has been demonstrated that layers made from polypropylene (PP), hydrophobic in nature, resulted in higher disinfection efficiency than layers composed of polyethylene terephthalate (PET-P), hygroscopic in nature. Many cabin air filters are made from polyester material, which may require longer dosage and exposure due to density.

[0076] For this reason, the present disclosure teaches placement of the continuously powered low-voltage UV-C LED blue light matrix within the cabin air filter system within the automobile compartment places the device out of reach and allows for safe and protected air sanitation when the vehicle is running.

[0077] FIG. 2 shows the flexible matrix membrane 12 that is created by attaching or otherwise incorporating the ultraviolet lights 16 into a flexible matrix 14 from the power source 32. Although the preferred embodiment discloses a flexible matrix membrane 12 and matrix 14, both the matrix membrane 12 and the matrix 14 can be rigid depending on the particular cabin air filter design. Additionally, the flexible matrix membrane 12 can be a single strand incorporating the UV lights 16, not the two-dimensional version shown in FIG. 2, and separately, the matrix 14 may be incorporated into the cabin air filter without a separate matrix membrane 12 (such as a string of UV lights 16).

[0078] The flexible matrix membrane 12 (or the matrix 14) may also comprise a center portion to facilitate the attachment of the one or more ultraviolet lights 16 therein. The flexible matrix membrane 12 is then incorporated into the standard cabin air filter 10, either by sewing or weaving the flexible matrix membrane 12 (or matrix 14 or a string of UV lights 16) into or throughout a standard cabin air filter 20, or otherwise attaching the matrix membrane to create the novel cabin air filter 10. Additionally, the novel cabin air filter 10 can be designed and manufactured as a unit without the need to upgrade or retrofit a standard cabin air filter 20. Further, for certain applications, the matrix membrane 12 can be manufactured to be nonflexible.

[0079] In the preferred embodiment, the UV-C LED matrix 14, for example, can be woven within the pleats of the standard filter 20 to manufacture the novel air filter 10. This particular manufacturing process will allow for the air 28 that passes through the filter 10 to be sanitized and/or disinfected.

[0080] Once the matrix membrane 12 is attached to or incorporated into the standard cabin air filter 20 to create the novel cabin air filter 10, the novel cabin air filter 10 can be placed or located behind the glove box 26 or into the proper location for that particular vehicle 18. Once properly installed, the ventilation system 110 will force cabin air from the cabin area 22 through the filtration system 100 and through the novel cabin air filter 10. The novel cabin air filter 10 will then remove particulate matter 24 (utilizing the materials from the standard cabin air filter 20) and utilize the ultraviolet lights 16 on the matrix membrane 12 to clean and sterilize toxins 30, such as viruses, bacteria, mold, etc., as they passes through the novel cabin air filter 10.

[0081] The present disclosure relates to other types of motor vehicles and other areas that utilize circulation or ventilation systems 110 and that can incorporate a similar filtration system 100. Incorporating the present disclosure into these vehicles 18 and areas (not shown) can eliminate toxins 30 from the circulating air 28, thereby cleaning and sterilizing the air 28 being recirculating throughout the vehicle 18 or area system. This functionality and capability of the novel cabin air filter 10 can be accomplished while continuing to remove particulate matter, pollutants, pollen, dust, etc. 24 as currently being performed in standard filtration systems.

[0082] There are numerous different types of standard cabin air filters 20 that the present disclosure may be incorporated into to create the novel cabin air filter 19. Of course, the novel cabin air filter 10 can also be manufactured separately (as an OEM product), without the need to upgrade a standard cabin air filter 20. Additionally, the matrix membrane 12, or the string of UV lights 16, can be manufactured and sold separately as an aftermarket device for attaching or using in conjunction with to a standard cabin air filter 20.

[0083] FIGS. 3 through 5 show a novel cabin air filter 10 incorporating the matrix membrane 12 and displaying the ultraviolet radiation or lights 16 attached to the matrix 14. The circulating air 28 will be forced across the novel cabin air filter thereby cleaning and sterilizing the circulating air 28.

[0084] Also illustrated are the power sources 32, such as a battery (not shown) and battery holder 34, along with the electrical connection 36 that is used to power the ultraviolet lights 16. In use in a vehicle 18, the electrical connection 36 can be incorporated into the power from the vehicle 18, such as the cigarette lighter (not shown) or other power connectors as understood by one having ordinary skill in the art.

[0085] Additional types of novel cabin air filters 10, having non-carbon fiber filters, are illustrated in FIGS. 6 through 9 incorporating the matrix membrane 12 and displaying the ultraviolet radiation 16.

[0086] FIGS. 10 through 12 show novel cabin air filters 10, using carbon fiber, and displaying ultraviolet radiation 16 incorporating therein.

[0087] FIGS. 13 through 18 show novel cabin air filters 10 using various different materials for the matrix membrane 12. Each of these different matrix membranes 12 provide different types of openings or holes thereby providing varying levels of translucence or opaqueness. In all of these matrix membranes the matrix 14 (or matrices 14) and the ultraviolet lights 16 are captured by the matrix membrane 12, but allow for the ultraviolet lights or ultraviolet energy 16 to sanitize the air passing through the matrix membrane 12 of the novel cabin air filter 10.

[0088] FIG. 19 is an extreme close up of the matrix membrane 12 of the novel cabin air filter 10 and more clearly displays the matrix 14 and the ultraviolet light and radiation 16 incorporating therein. As described herein, the matrix incorporates a flexible material facilitating the placement of the ultraviolet lights 16 and the flexibility of the matrix 14 to be used in many different combinations and embodiments.

[0089] FIGS. 20 through 24 show additional novel cabin air filters 10 incorporating the matrix membrane 12, the flexible matrix 14, and the ultraviolet radiation or lights 16 attached to the matrix 14. Again, a string or one-dimensional strand of UV lights 16 can be incorporated into the novel cabin air filter 20 with or without the matrix membrane 12. As with the examples above, the filtration system 100 will force the circulating air 28 across and through the novel cabin air filter 10 thereby cleaning and sterilizing the circulating air 28 from pollutants 24 and toxins 30.

[0090] Because the matrix 14 of the matrix membrane 12 is flexible, there are many other uses for the present disclosure besides incorporation into a standard cabin air filter 20. By sewing in or weaving the matrix membrane 12 into other products, the present disclosure can likewise be used to sanitize, clean and disinfect many other products, even if the air is not circulating through the product. For example, if the matrix membrane 12 is sewn or weaved into a blanket, and the blanket is laid out on the sheets of a bed, the ultraviolet lights and radiation 16 can sanitize the bed sheets. This type of use can be utilized in a hotel or hospital environment.

[0091] Additionally, the matrix membrane 12 with the incorporated ultraviolet lights 16 can be sewn into the drapes or other window coverings such that the air in the room can be sanitized by energizing the matrix membrane 12 and the ultraviolet lights. Further, because the matrix membrane 12 is flexible, it can be shaped to fit onto benches or seats (or other areas) of mass transit, airplanes, taxis, Uber or Lyft automobiles, public transportation, etc. where it can sanitize the surface of the fabric, and anything that comes in contact with the surface, in which it is installed.

[0092] The present disclosure matrix membrane 12 and/or UV lights 16 can be sewn or woven into a couch, chair, throws, tapestries, rugs, or other flooring, such that the ultraviolet radiation will work to sanitize the nearby area, by sanitizing the actual item that the flexible matrix membrane 12 has been placed no or over, or sewn or woven into, or sanitize the air within the vicinity. Other uses can be incorporated based on the flexibility (or non-flexibility) of the matrix membrane 12.

[0093] It will be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure, which have been described, are illustrative of some of the applications of the principles of the present disclosure. Although numerous embodiments of this disclosure have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could alter the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure.

[0094] All directional references (e.g., upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, leftward, rightward, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the disclosed system and methods.

[0095] Additionally, joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosed apparatus, system and methods as disclosed herein.