MEDICAL ULTRAVIOLET-C REMOTE RESPIRATOR

Abstract

An ultraviolet-C respirator mask that filters and destroys viruses by means of a HEPA type filter and a plurality of UVC LEDs projected on the filter. The filter element is worn on the garment of the user by means of an integral apparel clip and connected to the face mask through a breathing hose. This configuration allows easy replacement of the HEPA filter element and/or the facemask for considerations of hygiene. Filter element life is increased due to location further from contaminated field. Hygiene for the user is improved due to the collecting media being further from the user's face.

Claims

1. A reusable respirator comprising: (a) a mask comprising an inlet and an exhaust valve, wherein the mask is configured to securely attach and seal to a user's face and to only emit from the exhaust valve carbon dioxide or other gases exhaled from the user during respiration and to receive oxygen through the inlet of the mask when the user inhales during respiration; (b) a filter assembly positioned remotely from the mask, the filter assembly comprising: (i) an enclosed housing comprising an inlet in contact with at least one of an external atmosphere or an external environment having oxygen therein and an outlet, the housing inlet and the housing outlet being in fluid connection with one another; (ii) a replaceable filter comprising a vacuum high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter that is securely positioned completely over the inlet of the enclosed housing such that oxygen from at least one of the external environment or the external atmosphere passes through the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter internally into the enclosed housing towards the outlet of the enclosed housing during respiration of the user, the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter configured to at least one of filter or remove at least 99.95% of particles having greater than or equal to 0.3 μm diameter when passing oxygen internally into the enclosed housing from at least one of the external environment or the external atmosphere; and (iii) an ultraviolet C (UVC) light source internally secured within the enclosed housing and positioned downstream of and directly above the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter such that the UVC light source, while in operation, sanitizes at least one of the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter or oxygen passing through the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter and flowing towards the outlet of the enclosed housing by emitting light within the UVC wavelength; and (c) a flexible hose having two spaced apart ends with a first end of the flexible hose forming an airtight connection with the inlet of the mask and a second end of the flexible hose forming an airtight connection with the outlet of the enclosed housing of the filter assembly.

2. The reusable respirator of claim 1, wherein at least one of a connection or a contact interface between the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter and the inlet of the enclosed housing are sealed to prevent air leaks at least one of in or around the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter to prevent unfiltered oxygen from entering internally into the enclosed housing from at least one of the external environment or the external atmosphere.

3. The reusable respirator of claim 1, wherein the enclosed housing is openable and closable.

4. The reusable respirator of claim 1, wherein the enclosed housing further comprises a securing member that is configured to secure the enclosed housing to the user.

5. The reusable respirator of claim 1, wherein the UVC light source is operably connected to a power source.

6. The reusable respirator of claim 5, wherein the power source is rechargeable.

7. The reusable respirator of claim 5, wherein the power source is positioned internally within the enclosed housing.

8. (canceled)

9. A reusable respirator assembly comprising: (a) a mask comprising an inlet and an exhaust valve; (b) a filter assembly configured for remote positioning relative to the mask, the filter assembly comprising: (i) an enclosed housing comprising an inlet configured for contact with at least one of an external atmosphere or an external environment having oxygen therein and an outlet, the housing inlet and housing outlet being in fluid connection with one another; (ii) a replaceable filter comprising a vacuum high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter configured for at least one of secure positioning or attachment completely over the inlet of the enclosed housing such that, when assembled, oxygen from at least one of the external environment or the external atmosphere passes through the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter internally into the enclosed housing towards the outlet of the enclosed housing during respiration of a user, wherein the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter is configured to at least one of filter or remove at least 99.95% of particles having greater than or equal to 0.3 μm diameter when passing oxygen internally into the enclosed housing from at least one of the external environment or the external atmosphere; and (iii) an ultraviolet C (UVC) light source internally secured within the enclosed housing and configured for positioning downstream of and directly above the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter, when fully assembled, such that the UVC light source is structured and arranged to sanitize at least one of the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter or oxygen passing through the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter and flowing towards the outlet of the enclosed housing by emitting light within the UVC wavelength; and (c) a flexible hose having two spaced apart ends with the first end of the flexible hose configured for an airtight connection with the inlet of the mask and a second end of the flexible hose configured for an airtight connection with the outlet of the enclosed housing of the filter assembly.

10. The reusable respirator assembly of claim 9, wherein the enclosed housing is configured for at least one of a sealed connection or a sealed contact interface between the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter and the inlet of the enclosed housing, when assembled, to prevent air leaks at least one of in or around the replaceable vacuum HEPA filter to prevent unfiltered oxygen from entering internally into the enclosed housing from at least one of the external environment or the external atmosphere.

11. The reusable respirator assembly of claim 9, wherein the enclosed housing is openable and closable.

12. The reusable respirator assembly of claim 9, wherein the enclosed housing further comprises a securing member that is configured to secure the enclosed housing to the user.

13. The reusable respirator assembly of claim 9, wherein the UVC light source is operably connected to a power source.

14. The reusable respirator assembly of claim 13, wherein the power source is configured for recharging.

15. The reusable respirator assembly of claim 13, wherein the power source is positioned internally within the enclosed housing.

16. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention are better understood when the following detailed description of the invention is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0034] FIG. 2 is a Left Isometric view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0035] FIG. 3 is a Right Isometric view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0036] FIG. 4 is a Bottom Isometric view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0037] FIG. 5 is a Left view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0038] FIG. 6 is a Front view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0039] FIG. 7 is a Section view FIG. 6;

[0040] FIG. 8 is another Section view FIG. 6;

[0041] FIG. 9 is a Top view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0042] FIG. 10 is a Bottom view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0043] FIG. 11 is a Right view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0044] FIG. 12 is a Back view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0045] FIG. 13 is an Exploded view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator;

[0046] FIG. 14 is a Top Isometric view of the UV printed circuit board assembly;

[0047] FIG. 15 is a Bottom Isometric view of the UV printed circuit board assembly;

[0048] FIG. 16 is an Isometric view of the mask assembly;

[0049] FIG. 17 is an Exploded view of the mask valve assembly;

[0050] FIG. 18 is an Isometric view of the hose assembly;

[0051] FIG. 19 is a Exploded view of the hose valve assembly, and

[0052] FIG. 20 is another Isometric view of the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown. However, the invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the representative embodiments set forth herein. The exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention and enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make, use and practice the invention. Like reference numbers refer to like elements throughout the various drawings.

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and 20, the medical ultraviolet-C remote respirator is comprised of a filter assembly 1, mask assembly 2, hose assembly 3, mask valve assembly 4, hose valve assembly 5, and a UV printed circuit board assembly 6.

[0055] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13, mainframe 8 in filter assembly 1 forms the mounting structure for the UV printed circuit board assembly 6 and the HEPA filter housing 7. The HEPA filter housing 7 holds and constrains the HEPA filter 18 by means of the filter housing clip 11, on each side of HEPA filter housing 7, engaging with the clip notch 25 on mainframe 8. As filter housing clip 11 is engaged, the HEPA filter 18 is biased against gasket 21 to form a seal between the HEPA filter 18 and flow channel 47 in mainframe 8. Gasket 21 is constructed from closed cell urethane foam with a pressure-sensitive adhesive backing to secure it to mainframe 8. Inhaled and/or exhaled air flows through HEPA filter 18 and to hose interface 17 in mainframe 8 via the flow channel 47.

[0056] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 15, UV printed circuit board assembly 6 is secured to mainframe 8 by silicone adhesive to seal flow channel 47, to protect from ingress of gas and liquids through the plurality of UV apertures 24 in mainframe 8. The UV printed circuit board assembly 6 forms a substrate for a plurality of UVC 280 nm LEDs 23. The 280 nm UV radiation 22 from each UVC LED is projected through the UV apertures 24 in mainframe 8, through the flow channel 47, and onto the HEPA filter 18. Any viruses in this area are exposed to this radiation.

[0057] Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15, the plurality of UVC 280 nm LEDs 23 is powered by battery 19 secured to mainframe cover 9 by means of a pressure-sensitive adhesive. Mainframe cover 9 is captured to and held in place on mainframe 8 by apparel clip 10. Apparel clip 10 is secured to mainframe 8 by two screws 16. Apparel clip 10 is used to attach filter assembly 1 to the user's garment in normal use.

[0058] Mainframe cover 9 is sealed to mainframe 8 by a silicone adhesive bead along the contact surfaces between mainframe cover 9 and mainframe 8 to stop the ingress of gas and liquids. The power switch 26 is sealed from outside ingress by switch cover 13. Switch cover 13 is constructed from 30 durometer translucent urethane rubber to allow the switch 26 to be depressed and not break the waterproof seal. Also, the status LED 30 is visible through the translucent switch cover 13. Switch protection ring 15, an integral feature of mainframe cover 9, forms a fence around switch cover 13 so power switch 26 cannot be actuated by accident. Battery-charging connector 29 aperture is also sealed from outside ingress by means of an interfering engagement between charge port cover 12 and seal boss 14, an integral feature of mainframe cover 9.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15, UV printed circuit board assembly 6 is comprised of a printed circuit board 20, a plurality of UVC 280 nm LEDs 23, battery charging connector 29, boost circuit 28, audio transducer 27, power switch 26, status LED 30, and microprocessor 31. Battery-charging connector 29 connects power from an outside source to charge battery 19. When power switch 26 is activated, battery 19 powers the plurality of UVC 280 nm LEDs 23 through the boost circuit 28 to boost the normal lithium-ion battery from 3.7 volts to 5 volts required to power the UVC LEDs. Microprocessor 31 detects power on, indicates green through the two-color status LED 30, and signals the audio transducer 27 for one beep. When the unit is off, microprocessor 31 signals the audio transducer 27 for two beeps. Microprocessor 31 also detects a low battery, turns off the green LED, turns on the Red LED and continuously beeps the audio transducer 27. During charging, the green LED flashes.

[0060] Referring to FIGS. 1, 16, 17, 18 and 20, hose assembly 3 consist of a breathing hose 40 and a urethane hose connector 41 on each end. One connector inserts into hose interface 17 on mainframe 8 and the other end slides onto the mask connector 32 on mask assembly 2. Mask assembly 2 consists of the mask 33, a soft PVC material that fits over the user's nose and mouth, an elastic strap 39 to secure mask to face, and two exhaust valve assemblies 4. The exhaust valve assemblies 4 consist of a mask valve body 34, mask valve cap 36 and mask valve disk 37. As pressure is decreased in the mask, during inhale, the mask valve disk 37 is drawn toward the low-pressure side through mask air aperture 35. The mask valve disk 37 is drawn tightly against valve body 34 and air flow is shut off. As pressure is increased in the mask, during exhale, the mask valve disk 37 is pushed away from valve body 34 and air flows freely. Valve mask groove 38 in mask valve body 34 allows exhaust valve assembly 4 to be installed in apertures in the mask 33.

[0061] Referring to FIGS. 3, 6, 7, 13 and 19, hose valve assembly 5 restricts or enables airflow from the filter to the mask, dependent on the installation direction of the valve by the user. Hose valve assembly 5 consist of a valve outlet cover 45, hose valve disk 44, valve inlet body 42 and O-ring 46. Tabs 48 on each side of the hose valve assembly 5 allow users to retrieve and reverse the hose valve assembly 5 in the hose interface 17 on mainframe 8. This changes air flow direction through the filter as desired by the user. O-ring 46 on valve inlet body 42 seals the hose valve assembly 5 in the hose interface 17 on mainframe 8. As pressure is increased on the valve inlet body 42 side of hose valve assembly 5, the hose valve disk 44 is pushed away from the valve inlet body 42 and air flows freely through the hose valve air apertures 43 in the valve inlet body 42. As pressure is increased on the valve outlet cover 45 side, the hose valve disk 44 is pushed toward the valve inlet body 42 and air flow is restricted through hose valve air apertures 43 in the valve inlet body 42.

[0062] The foregoing description provides embodiments of the invention by way of example only. It is envisioned that other embodiments may perform similar functions and/or achieve similar results. Any and all such equivalent embodiments and examples are within the scope of the present invention and are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

[0063] Parts List: [0064] 1 filter assembly [0065] 2 mask assembly [0066] 3 hose assembly [0067] 4 exhaust valve assembly [0068] 5 hose valve assembly [0069] 6 UV printed circuit board assembly [0070] 7 HEPA filter housing [0071] 8 mainframe [0072] 9 mainframe cover [0073] 10 apparel clip [0074] 11 filter housing clip [0075] 12 charge port cover [0076] 13 switch cover [0077] 14 seal boss [0078] 15 switch protection ring [0079] 16 screw [0080] 17 hose interface [0081] 18 HEPA filter [0082] 19 battery [0083] 20 printed circuit board [0084] 21 gasket [0085] 22 UV radiation [0086] 23 UVC 280 nm LED [0087] 24 UV apertures [0088] 25 clip notch [0089] 26 power switch [0090] 27 audio transducer [0091] 28 boost circuit [0092] 29 battery-charging connector [0093] 30 status LED [0094] 31 microprocessor [0095] 32 mask connector [0096] 33 mask [0097] 34 mask valve body [0098] 35 mask air aperture [0099] 36 mask valve cap [0100] 37 mask valve disk [0101] 38 mask valve groove [0102] 39 elastic strap [0103] 40 hose [0104] 41 hose connector [0105] 42 valve inlet body [0106] 43 hose air aperture [0107] 44 hose valve disk [0108] 45 valve outlet cover [0109] 46 O-ring [0110] 47 flow channel [0111] 48 tab