PROACTIVE AIR/SURFACE DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM AND DEVICES

Abstract

A system for decontaminating/neutralizing breathable air and surfaces in an occupied enclosed space, i.e. building, aircraft, vehicle or greenhouse, includes mounting an atmospheric hydroxyl radical generator along an inside surface of the atmospheric hydroxyl radical generator having respective opposite air inlets and air outlets. The hydroxyl radical generator includes a polygonal housing supporting a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV optics, which are tubular, medical grade pure quartz optics to emit/irradiate ultraviolet in the nanometer wavelength/ultraviolet spectrum of between 100 and 400 nanometers for deactivating and neutralizing atmospheric chemicals and pathogens in breathable air and surfaces. The hydroxyl radicals contact the walls of the reaction chamber housing. The hydroxyl radicals become created and excited to react quickly with impurities including VOC, virus, bacteria and fungi, rendering them inactivated and neutral. The breathable air passes through the polygonal housing and is decontaminated and neutralized of impurities before entering the occupied enclosed space.

Claims

1. A atmospheric hydroxyl generator comprising: a polygon shaped housing having a plurality of flat walls having reflective non-absorbent inside surfaces; a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV optics mounted parallel to each other within said housing for generating atmospheric hydroxyl radicals within said walls; whereby exposure of ambient water vapor within said polygon shaped housing, with said plurality of said UV optics irradiating light causes said atmospheric hydroxyl radicals to form; said housing having an inlet and an outlet for flow therethrough of breathable air; and said UV optics being tubular, having medical grade pure quartz optics designed to emit/irradiate ultraviolet in the nanometer wavelength/ultraviolet spectrum of between 100 and 400 nanometers for deactivating/neutralizing impurities including VOC, virus, bacteria and fungi in said breathable air, whereby atmospheric hydroxyl radicals created and excited within said walls, become sufficiently excited to react quickly with said impurities, rendering them inactivated/neutral.

2. The hydroxyl generator of claim 1 in which said reflective, non-absorbent surfaces are aluminum.

3. The hydroxyl generator of claim 2 in which said housing includes baffles arranged in such a manner that said UV optics are not exposed to eyes of any observers because of potentially harmful effects of such exposure.

4. A method of purifying breathable air comprising the steps of: providing a polygon shaped housing having a plurality of flat walls of reflective non-absorbent inside surfaces, a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV optics mounted spaced and parallel to each other within said housing for generating atmospheric hydroxyl radicals created and excited within said walls, and said UV optics being tubular, medical grade pure quartz optics designed to emit/irradiate ultraviolet in the nanometer wavelength/ultraviolet spectrum of between 100 and 400 nanometers; and passing said breathable air through said housing wherein impurities including VOC, virus, bacteria and fungi in said breathable air are deactivated by said hydroxyl radicals within and downstream of said housing, whereby hydroxyl radicals are created by exposure of ambient water vapor within said polygon shaped housing with said UV optics irradiating light that causes said hydroxyl radicals to form, and become excited within said walls, become sufficiently excited to react quickly with said impurities, rendering them inactivated.

5. The method of claim 4 in which said flat walls having aluminum inside surfaces.

6. The method of claim 5 in which said housing includes baffles arranged in such a manner that said UV optics are not exposed to eyes of any observers because of potential harm of such exposure.

7. A hydroxyl generator within a breathable air duct comprising: a clamshell configured, elongated housing polygonal in cross section comprising a top wall, side walls, and a bottom wall, said walls of said housing having reflective non-absorbent inside surfaces; a plurality of UV optics of Medical Grade quartz crystal tubular UV optics mounted parallel to each other within said housing extending lengthwise within said housing; whereby exposure of ambient water vapor within said polygon shaped housing, with the UV optics irradiating light, causes said hydroxyl radicals to form; a hinge for swinging open said top wall from said bottom wall for gaining access to said UV optics within said housing; a fixed portion of said housing being mounted along an inside surface of a wall of said air duct allowing flow of said breathable air lengthwise through said housing; and said tubular UV optics of medical grade pure quartz UV lamp optics being designed to emit/irradiate ultraviolet in the nanometer wavelength/ultraviolet spectrum of between 100 and 400 nanometers for deactivating impurities including VOC, microscopic bacteria, virus and fungi in said breathable air, whereby atmospheric hydroxyl radicals, are created and excited within said walls, and becoming sufficiently excited to react quickly with said impurities, rendering them inactivated/neutral.

8. The hydroxyl generator of claim 7 in which said housing includes baffles arranged in such a manner that said UV optics are not exposed to eyes of any observers because of the potential harm of such exposure.

9. The hydroxyl generator of claim 8 in which an electronic control box for said UV optics is mounted on an outside of said wall directly opposite from said housing.

10. The hydroxyl generator of claim 9 in which said UV optics are mounted on a bracket extending within and through a cross section of said housing.

11. The hydroxyl generator of claim 9 in which said UV optics comprise an array of four such optics separated by a cross bar.

12. The hydroxyl generator of claim 9 in which said reflective, non-absorbent surfaces are aluminum.

13. The hydroxyl generator of claim 12 in which said housing includes air flow and UV light sensors.

14. The hydroxyl generator of claim 13 in which said control box includes means for energizing said UV optics only when said air flow is detected by said air flow detector.

15. The hydroxyl generator of claim 14 in which said control box includes means to indicate failure of any of said UV optics as detected by said UV light sensor.

16. The hydroxyl generator of claim 15 in which said control box also includes safety features including means for detecting opening of said housing.

17. A system for decontaminating/neutralizing breathable air and surfaces in an occupied enclosed space comprises the steps of: mounting a hydroxyl radical generator along an inside surface of a source of breathable air in an occupied enclosed human or plant occupied space with an air inlet at one end and air outlet at an opposite end thereof: said hydroxyl radical generator including a polygonal housing supporting a plurality of spaced crystal spliced UV optics, said optics being tubular, medical grade pure quartz optics designed to emit/irradiate ultraviolet in the nanometer wavelength/ultraviolet spectrum of between 100 and 400 nanometers for deactivating chemicals and pathogens in the breathable air and surfaces; said hydroxyl radicals being caused to be created and excited within reflective non-absorbent walls of said polygonal housing; by exposure of ambient water vapor within said polygon shaped housing, with said UV optics irradiating light that causes said hydroxyl radicals to form; said hydroxyl radicals being excited to react upon contact with impurities, said impurities including VOC, virus, bacteria and fungi, rendering said impurities inactivated and neutral; whereby the breathable air passes through the polygonal housing of said hydroxyl generator and is cleansed of said impurities before entering the human or plant occupied enclosed space, outside of said hydroxyl radical generator.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The present invention can best be understood in connection with the following drawings, which are not deemed to be limiting in scope.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polygonal hydroxyl generator shown in a closed position.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 1 shown in partial crossection with an open view of the interior of the hydroxyl generator.

[0040] FIG. 3 is an end view in crossection of the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 1, with two UV optics for generating hydroxyl radicals.

[0041] FIG. 4 is a crossectional end view of an alternate embodiment for a hydroxyl generator, showing four UV hydroxyl generator optics within the polygonal hydroxyl generator.

[0042] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic controls of the hydroxyl generator of FIGS. 1-3 and 4.

[0043] FIG. 5A is a flow chart showing the electronic controls with respect to their position adjacent to the hydroxyl generator.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a perspective view in partial crossection of a standalone hydroxyl generator chamber housing mounted on movable member, such as wheels or casters.

[0045] FIG. 7 is a closeup perspective view of the airflow blower of the portable unit of FIG. 6.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic side view and cross section of a greenhouse embodiment, using hydroxyl generators to provide hydroxyl radicals for growing plants.

[0047] FIG. 8A is an end view and crossection taken along view lines 8A-8A shown in FIG. 8 of the greenhouse embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0048] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment for a greenhouse for using hydroxyl generators for treating plants.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0049] FIG. 1 shows a hydroxyl generator 1, including a polygonal-shaped housing, including a bracket brace 14 for crystal-spliced UV optics 12 and 13, which are mounted parallel to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing, wherein the crystal spliced UV optics 12 and 13 each have a length that runs substantially the entire length of the housing of the hydroxyl generator 1. A preferred example for the crystal-spliced UV optics 12 and 13 is the GPH457T5L/4P UV Optic 4-pin Base 18″ GPH457T5 of Light Spectrum Enterprises of Southampton these optics 12 and 13 are typically 18 inches long and are made of quartz. The tubular optics 12 and 13 are composed of pure Medical Grade quartz crystal in the portion of the optics which creates the hydroxyls. The present invention adds additional frequencies to the pure crystal optics. This tubular lamp optics 12 and 13 generate ‘Harmonic’ bio-mimicry nonchemical process of the present invention enables the production of desired atmospheric hydroxyls at a rate commensurate with the VOC/Bio loading in that particular space to be treated with the hydroxyls.

[0050] In contrast to the medical grade quartz tubular optics, it is noted that total glass tubes cannot be used when generating UV. The glass would simply be vaporized. Some companies use a fusion of glass and quartz crystal, which is not optimal as the glass portion creates a frequency that actually attracts contaminants. This problematic action neutralizes the desired UV action. Such a fusion lamp of glass and quartz crystal is cheaper to produce, however the poor performance of the lamp would be the end result.

[0051] Other similar Medical Grade quartz tubed UV optics can be used. The optic 12 and 13 are preferably symmetrically positioned in the housing of the hydroxyl generator 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 to operate most efficiently. The clamshell hexagon housing hydroxyl generator 1 has a clamshell configuration, including a clamshell top wall 2, upper side walls 7, 8, 9 and 10, a hinge 6 for opening the polygonal clamshell housing land a bottom clamshell portion, including a bottom wall 4 and angle-oriented walls 11 and 11a, whereby the polygon housing opens hinge 6 to expose the inside of the hydroxyl generator 1 for maintenance and/or repair. In addition, the polygon hydroxyl generator enclosure can be removed from the air duct wall 40A for such maintenance and repair. The hydroxyl generator also includes an adjacent electronic control box 20, which is attachable to the clamshell housing of the hydroxyl generator 1. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the electronic control box 20 is preferably located outside of the air path, which may be a duct or other conduit. It can alternatively be attached outside of the duct. It communicates with the UV optics wirelessly. The reason for the polygon shape is that the hydroxyl generators generated by the crystal-spliced UV optics 12 and 13 are scattered upon being generated by the optics 12 and 13, but they dissipate quickly if not activated by contact with reflective non-absorbent surfaces inside the respective walls of the polygon. The purpose of the polygon shape is that when the hydroxyl radicals are generated, they are emitted radially in all directions from the UV crystal-spliced optics 12 and 13 and normally would dissipate when scattered radially from the optics. In order to permit the hydroxyl radicals to maintain their desired electron charge and ability to contact and inactivate mold, volatile organic compounds, pathogens, bacteria, virus, etc., they need to reflect and refract off of the reflective non-absorbent walls continuously, within reaction chamber confined space. As atmospheric hydroxyls are being activated by being created and excited in back-and-forth activity, the air inside the air duct/plenum 40a will contact the activated hydroxyl radicals with the end result of the neutralization of any impurities, such as VOCs, virus, bacteria, fungi, etc., in the air and surfaces.

[0052] Furthermore, once these radicals are emitted, they can penetrate any crevices in any area, such as between seats of mass transit vehicles, between the surfaces of desks; anywhere where ultraviolet light by itself would not be capable of eradicating the undesirable VOCs, fungi, virus, bacteria, etc. The polygon-shaped housing is strategically located within an air duct wall, which can be in a building which has sub walls extending to various rooms in the building, or it can be into the central area of a mass transit railroad or other mass transit vehicles, or it may be provided in the three air systems of an aircraft cabin, including the flight deck and the areas of the main cabin where passengers are seated.

[0053] As shown in the end view of FIG. 3, the inside of the polygon housing 1 is located below the field of vision within the sealed off plenum so that the ultraviolet (UV) crystal-spliced tubular optics 12 and 13 will not be exposed to the eyes of any observers. Therefore, while the hydroxyl radicals are being generated, the UV energy which create hydroxyl generation from optics 12 and 13 are completely sealed off so that when the optics 12 and 13 are operational, the UV light emanating therefrom will not penetrate outside of the polygonal housing. There is no restriction regarding the active flow of the hydroxyls inside the hydroxyl generator 1 and no interference with the excitement of the hydroxyls produced by the exposure of ambient water vapor within the polygon shaped housing with the UV optics 12 and 13 irradiating light that causes the —OH radicals to form.

[0054] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment for a four optic version, where polygon hydroxyl generator enclosure 101, having top wall 102, side walls 107, 108, 109, 110 of an upper shell, as well as lower walls 105, 111a, 111b of the clamshell housing. FIG. 4 also shows the electronics control box 120.

[0055] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the network and electronics of the control box 20. Initially AC power 23 of 110 VAC is converted by converter 22 to low voltage 12 VDC, or else a low voltage battery alternatively delivers 12 VDC to a secure Key Switch 22a, to provide power to the Master Events Controller 20, which may have a microprocessor 21. The Master Events Controller 20 also receives input from sensors, such as Air Flow Sensor 25, UV Light Sensor 26, Proximity Switch 27 (detecting opening of the enclosure), Timer 30 and Voltage Monitor Sensor 31. These sensors provide Sensor Input to the Master Events Controller 20. Power Switching in the Master Events Controller 20 sends 12V Pulse Width Modulation data to a PWM Speed Controlled Fan 34, to send air through the hydroxyl generator unit 1 or 101, or to stop the flow of air when needed for safety and maintenance situations. The Power Switching also sends data via a Large Serve Outlet (LSO) to a Relay, which controls the Ballast 32, providing power to the Crystal UV Optics 12, which creates the needed hydroxyls within the hydroxyl generators 1 or 101. The Master Events Controller 20 also has a Communications Output, which can send data via a Controller Area Network (CAN) to a Visual Display 29 for user feedback. The Communications Output of the Master Events Controller 20 also sends digital data wirelessly as output to Status Feedback Units. The Communications Output of the Master Events Controller 20 also sends Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Signal output to Wireless input devices 28 for Wireless user feedback during use.

[0056] FIG. 5A is a diagrammatic flow chart, showing the electronic control box 20 of FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, which is also equivalent to the electronic control box 120 of FIG. 4. Adjacent to the hydroxyl generator 1 or 101, which in FIGS. 1-3, the hydroxyl generators are attached by brackets 19 to the electronic control box 20. Similarly, the electronic control box 120 is attached by brackets 119 of FIG. 4.

[0057] In the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A, related to the electrical block diagram of FIG. 5, the control box 20 includes a microprocessor 21 for controlling the sensors and switches, which control the operation of the optics 12 and 13, or 112 and 113, of FIGS. 1-3 and 4. There is also a power source being either a DC low-voltage battery 24, or an AC plug 23, to provide higher-voltage AC power. When the AC is used, a converter 22 can be provided to convert high-voltage AC to low-voltage DC power for operating any of the sensors and control elements within box 20. The controls include a detector 25 to detect whether airflow is on, so that the optics 12 and 13 will only be on after airflow is confirmed, so that they are not on when there is no airflow. In the sensor for detecting emitted light, and providing feedback to replace optics, including a secondary backup optic, is provided at box 26 of the flowchart. Box 27 is a detector for opening of the enclosure, to turn off the optics to protect people from being exposed to the possible harmful UV light emitted from the optics 12 and 13. This detection also includes a limit switch, a micro switch and sensors. Box 28 is a mobile phone application for connection for feedback by wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® communications between the operator and the control box and hydroxyl generator itself. The control box also includes an LCD display feedback system 29, as well as a timer 30 to provide feedback for regular maintenance. Voltage and frequency of AC main supply sensor 31 is provided and voltage and frequency of the monitor of the ballast and power outfit 32 is also provided. A fire sensor 33 detects excess heat in the system and a fan speed control 34 controls any fans for providing and activating the airflow through the polygon hydroxyl generators.

[0058] While FIGS. 1-4 show polygon hydroxyl generators 1 or 101, which are removably positioned within air ducts of a building, or other enclosure, for lower power needs in smaller confined areas, such as individual rooms in a building or schoolhouse or nursing home, FIG. 6 shows a portable unit which can be provided, which will have a smaller interior volume for producing the optimal number of hydroxyls generated to purify the air/surfaces and crevices/creases within the aforesaid areas. Such a portable hydroxyl generator includes a generator chamber housing 201, which is mounted on a bottom wall, including casters or wheels 245, 245a, 245b and 245c on the bottom for moving the hydroxyl generator 201 around in a confined space area, such as an individual room. The movable generator 201 also includes the polygon generator chamber housing 201, which has inside the optics 212, 213, and overlapping internal baffles 218, 218a, 218b, 218c, 218d, 218e, etc., again, to limit any leaking of UV light from the crystal-spliced tubular optics, which upon being engaged will generate the hydroxyl radicals flowing nearby. The unit 200 also includes an air intake 219e, as well as a partition and space for the electronics 220, an air blower 240 which blows and pressurizes air to the chamber of the hydroxyl generator 201. Front bezel 221 is provided for controls and the air intake 219a is provided on one of the walls 219c of the aluminum unit 219, enclosing the housing generator 201. The aluminum cover, or other suitable material, has side walls 219a, 219c, top wall 219b and bottom wall 219d, as well as rear wall 219E and front cover (not shown). When the aluminum cover is removed, it provides easy access for optic cleaning and/or replacement of the hydroxyl generator 201, which can be taken out and opened along its clamshell hinge 6 or 206. The air is passed through the intake, blown by the blower 240, then through the polygonal generator chamber housing 201 and out through an air outlet 242. The blower 240 is mounted by a mount 241.

[0059] In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A, the hydroxyl generators can be used in greenhouses, for producing plants hydroponically, such as medicinal or other botanical plants, which are grown agriculturally inside a greenhouse. The plants are mounted in the greenhouse on troughs and tables, typically hydroponically, where the roots are held in place by media, such as coconut fibers, vermiculite, or other materials, so that a portion of the roots are soaked in hydroponic fluid, for irrigation and fertigation, and the upper part of the roots are exposed to air, which is brought through with hydroxyl radicals from the hydroxyl generators. For example, in FIG. 8, hydroxyl generator 310 (polygonal-shaped) is positioned in the greenhouse 300 in an air duct 330.

[0060] The greenhouse has a top roof area 300a, side walls 300b and 300c, and a base ground level 300d. The greenhouse 300 is adjacent to a utility room 350, which has utility controls 320 for controlling the electronics and mechanics of the system, as well as a hydroponic fluid source 390, which provides the hydroponic fluid through a pipe conduit 360. The pipe 360 has the lower parts of the roots and the media soaking in the fluid, with an upper portion of the roots and media being exposed to air of the plants 370, which have roots 370a held in place by media 370B. The hydroponic fluid 370e is provided through the hydroponic fluid pipe 360. The polygonal-shaped hydroxyl generators 310 are produced in an enclosed air duct, which is preferably a fan 351, and produces an airflow into an air duct 330, which emanates horizontally from the fan 351, or other air source, then makes an upward 90-degree turn, through an air duct portion 330a, which then turns at 90 degrees horizontally at an upper portion of the utility room 350 through a horizontal portion 330b, within which is located the hydroxyl generator, just before a further downward air duct portion 330c emanates downward to the level of trough 334 inside the greenhouse, so that the air from the downward portion 330c of the air duct is then sent horizontally through a flexible sock sleeve 340, having multiple upper apertures 341 to permit the radical hydroxyl flows below and then around the hydroponic fluid pipe, and then contacting the air and plant roots 370a of the plants 370, within the media, such as the coconut fiber 370b. Optionally, an overhead mister hose 365 may be provided in case the plants are not hydroponically bred. In any case, the hydroxyls, whether they are blown or pumped through the root system and media in the greenhouse trough in the hydroponic growing system in the greenhouse, the hydroxyl radicals are exposed to the portions of the roots 370a and growing media 370b, so that they can be misted exposed therein while being irrigated and/or fertigated, either hydroponically, or alternatively within conventional soil media. In this version, the greenhouse 300 is connected to the utility room 350. The hydroxyl generators are installed in a strategic position at the top of the air duct 330b, before the hydroxylated air is sent downward through portion 330c of undulating air duct 330 spanning from utility laboratory room 350 and greenhouse 300 and then the air filled with hydroxyls is sent to the flexible sock sleeve 340, having upper apertures 341 for release of the hydroxyls to intermingle with the plant roots 370a of the hydroponically grown plants 370 located above the parallel troughs 334 of greenhouse 300.

[0061] FIG. 8A shows a detailed view of the hydroxyl flexible sleeve 340, with hydroxyls 302 therein and the arrows indicate the flow of the hydroxyls around the lower portion of the pipe with the fertigation and irrigation fluids for the hydroponics where the lower levels of the roots 370a are provided, but where the upper level of the roots exposed to air within the media 370b are then exposed to the hydroxyls of the plants 370. The trough 334 is shown below the flexible sock sleeve 340. The hydroxyls are introduced into air surrounding exposed roots, leaves, stems, vascular or phloem tissues of the plant.

[0062] In an alternate embodiment in a non-hydroponic system, as shown in FIG. 9, a greenhouse 400 includes hydroxyl generators 410 and 411, which are provided either adjacent to an intake fan 451 for airflow through and out the greenhouse 400 through exhaust fan 451 and/or motorized or pressurized shutter outlets 480, 481. A trough 434 is provided for the plants and there may be a drip irrigation hose 470 with apertures for irrigation of hydroponic growing media 470c of the roots 470a of plants 470, where the hydroxyls less generated by hydroxyl generator 411 will mingle within the air exposed portions of the roots and in the media 470b of the plants 470. Optional hydroxyl generator 410 can be located at the intake fan for sending the hydroxyls through the airflow of the greenhouse 400 in areas above the plants.

[0063] The hydroxyl generators shown in FIGS. 1-9 will inactivate any VOCs or pathogens, such as virus, bacteria or fungi, anywhere in the air of the buildings FIG. 103, or having the controls of FIG. 4, as well as in small units where the portable housings are provided for the hydroxyl generators.

[0064] In addition, in the greenhouse embodiment, the hydroxyl generators are provided so that the hydroxyl radicals will flow adjacent to and through the media of the plants being farmed therein.

[0065] In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0066] It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims