Abstract
A system for decontaminating/neutralizing breathable air and surfaces in an occupied enclosed space, i.e., hydroponic greenhouses, aircraft, rail and road vehicles, in building ducts, or rooms, includes mounting an atmospheric hydroxyl radical generator along an inside surface of an occupied space having respective air inlets and air outlets. The hydroxyl radical generator includes a polygonal housing supporting a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV optics medical grade pure quartz, which 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. Apparatus for cleaning breathable air within an occupied enclosed space of a transit vehicle comprising: a stand alone unit within said occupied enclosed space for treating said breathable air; said stand alone unit enclosing a hydroxyl generator for generating and delivering hydroxyl radicals into said breathable air; said hydroxyl generator containing a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV lamp optics within a housing, said UV lamp 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 said breathable air; said housing having an air inlet to said hydroxyl generator on one end thereof and an air outlet on an opposite end of said housing; said stand alone unit having grated openings opposite said air inlet and outlet of said housing to allow for continuous air flow through said hydroxyl generator; said stand alone unit having at least one fan for circulating said breathable air through said hydroxyl generator and into said occupied enclosed space; said stand alone unit being situated anywhere within said occupied enclosed space of said transit vehicle which does not interfere with user traffic; whereby hydroxyl radicals, created and excited within said housing, becoming excited sufficiently to react quickly with impurities including VOC, viruses, bacteria and mold, rendering them inactivated; and whereby said breathable air passing through said hydroxyl generator is cleansed of said impurities before returning to said enclosed space.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said stand alone unit is located in a public transportation vehicle including a bus or a train.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said housing is configured as a clamshell having a pivotable wall for servicing said hydroxyl generator.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said stand alone unit has baffles located outside of said clamshell housing but within said stand alone unit, adjacent said inlet and outlet for creating a diversion of incoming and outgoing airflow, said baffles being configured to block any light emanating from said housing.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said baffles create an S shaped diversion of incoming and outgoing air flow.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said stand-alone unit is provided with air filters at locations of the air flow inlet and outlet within said stand-alone unit, outside of said clamshell housing, to protect optics therein from contamination by airborne dirt and other particles which might accompany incoming air flow and may degrade hydroxyl activation portions of said optics.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 in which a control box is mounted adjacent said hydroxyl generator, said control box including a microprocessor for controlling sensors and switches which control operation of said optics within said hydroxyl generator.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 in which one of said sensors is a detector to detect that airflow is on, so that said optics will only be on when there is airflow.
9. The apparatus of claim 7 in which other sensors include one for detecting emitted light and providing feedback to replace optics, and a proximity switch detecting opening of said housing and thereafter turning off said optics.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 having a mobile phone application connection for user feedback by wireless communication between an operator, said control box, and said hydroxyl generator, together with a timer.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 in which said apparatus is powered by DC power from the vehicle power supply, and a DC/AC inverter is supplied to convert said DC current to AC current for use within said apparatus.
12. A method for cleaning breathable air in an occupied enclosed space of a transit vehicle comprising the steps of: placing a stand alone unit within said occupied enclosed space in any location not interfering with user traffic therein; said stand alone unit enclosing a hydroxyl generator for generating and delivering hydroxyl radicals into said breathable air; said hydroxyl generator containing a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV lamp optics within a housing, said UV lamp 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 said breathable air providing said housing within an air inlet to said hydroxyl generator on one end thereof and an air outlet on an opposite end of said housing; providing said stand alone unit with grated openings opposite said air inlet and outlet of said housing to allow for continuous air flow through said hydroxyl generator; providing said stand alone unit with at least one fan for circulating said breathable air through said hydroxyl generator and into said occupied enclosed space; whereby hydroxyl radicals, created and excited within said housing, becoming excited sufficiently to react quickly with impurities including VOC, viruses, bacteria and mold, rendering them inactivated; and whereby said breathable air passing through said hydroxyl generator is cleansed of said impurities before returning to said occupied enclosed space.
13. The method of claim 12 in which said stand alone unit is placed in a public transportation vehicle including a bus or a train.
14. The method of claim 12 in which said housing is configured as a clamshell having a pivotable wall for servicing said hydroxyl generator.
15. The method of claim 12 in which said stand alone unit is provided with baffles outside of said clamshell housing, adjacent said inlet and outlet for creating a diversion of incoming and outgoing airflow, said baffles being configured to block any light emanating from said housing.
16. The method of claim 15 in which said baffles create an S shaped diversion of incoming and outgoing air flow.
17. The method of claim 16 in which said stand-alone unit is provided with air filters at locations of the air flow inlet and outlet within said stand-alone unit but outside of said clamshell housing to protect said optics from contamination by airborne dirt and other particles which might accompany incoming air flow and may degrade hydroxyl activation portions of said optics.
18. The method of claim 17 in which a control box is mounted adjacent said hydroxyl generator, said control box including a microprocessor for controlling sensors and switches which control operation of optics within said hydroxyl generator.
19. The method of claim 18 in which one of said sensors is a detector for detecting airflow, so that said optics will only be on when there is airflow.
20. The method of claim 19 in which other sensors include one for detecting emitted light and providing feedback to replace optics, and a proximity switch detecting opening of said housing and thereafter turning off said optics.
21. The method of claim 20 including the step of providing a mobile phone application connection for user feedback by wireless communication between an operator, said control box, and said hydroxyl generator, together with a timer.
22. The method of claim 12 is which said stand-alone unit is powered by DC power from the vehicle power supply, and a DC/AC inverter is supplied to convert said DC current to AC current for use within said stan-alone unit.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] The present invention can best be understood in connection with the following drawings, which are not deemed to be limiting in scope.
[0044] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polygonal hydroxyl generator shown in a closed position.
[0045] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 1 shown in partial cross section with an open view of the interior of the hydroxyl generator.
[0046] FIG. 3 is an end view in cross section of the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 1, with two UV optics for generating hydroxyl radicals.
[0047] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional end view of an alternate embodiment for a hydroxyl generator, showing four UV hydroxyl generator optics within the polygonal hydroxyl generator.
[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic controls of the hydroxyl generator of FIGS. 1-3 and 4.
[0049] FIG. 5A is a flow chart showing the electronic controls with respect to their position adjacent to the hydroxyl generator.
[0050] FIG. 5B is a block diagram of the electronic controls of the hydroxyl generator used in hydroponic greenhouse applications shown in FIGS. 6 and 6A, or in other applications requiring the electronic controls of FIG. 5B.
[0051] FIG. 5C is a block diagram of the electronic controls of the hydroxyl generator used in HVAC building duct applications, or in other applications requiring the electronic controls of FIG. 5C.
[0052] FIG. 5D is a block diagram of the electronic controls of the hydroxyl generator used in Portable Room-Sized Unit applications, or in other applications requiring the electronic controls of FIG. 5D, which include a proximity detector for safety reasons and a fan, such as a pulse width modulated fan, which regulates the air speed of the fan by regulating the voltage of the fan between on and off, to move air flow with air purifying generated hydroxyl radicals therethrough.
[0053] FIG. 6 is a perspective environmental view of the hydroxyl generator in use in a transit vehicle, where the hydroxyl generator is shown in a self-contained housing below a seat of the transit vehicle.
[0054] FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the housing for the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 6.
[0055] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional end view of the hydroxyl generator of FIGS. 6 and 6A showing the clamshell housing having oppositely placed optics within the self-contained housing and connected to the control box within the outer self-contained housing of the hydroxyl generator and where an inverter is provided to convert the normal 12 volt DC voltage from the vehicle power supply to AC power as required for the hydroxyl generator to operate. FIG. 6B also shows a fan unit in the housing to expel the newly purified air from the working operation of the polygonal hydroxyl generator unit and transferring the air through a grate in the outer self-contained housing of the hydroxyl generator.
[0056] FIG. 6C is a perspective view in partial open cutaway cross-sectional view, exposing the interior components including the horizontally oriented polygonal clamshell unit with light producing optics as in FIG. 6B, the DC power supply input from the vehicle, and the DC to AC inverter for supplying AC power to the control box of the hydroxyl generator.
[0057] FIG. 6D is a diagrammatic side view in cross-section of the hydroxyl generator for transit vehicles, showing the “S- curve” diversion of the airflow by light blocking baffles provided at the intake forward entry end and at the exit aft end of the hydroxyl generator housing, to block inadvertent eye damaging light emanating from the concealed optics in the hydroxyl generator housing, while air filters are also provided at the forward entry end and exit aft end of the hydroxyl generator housing, to filter out any dirt or undesirable airborne particles that might tend to degrade the sensitive medical grade pure quartz material of the optics.
[0058] FIG. 6E is an exploded view of a stand-alone hydroxyl generator for transit vehicles with a three-pass air flow to limit UV light escape, where a clamshell hydroxyl generator reactor with a structural cover and an electronics cover, is insertable inside the housing in the open central area shown. The air input side of the unit includes a fan to move air with water vapor therethrough, and a filter is provided to prevent dirt, dust and other contaminating particles from compromising the sensitive quartz surfaces of the UV optics, which create hydroxyl radicals when water vapor from incoming air contacts the UV from the optics within the hydroxyl generator reactor portion. An exit grill is provided at the air exit end of the stand-alone hydroxyl generator, which is placed away from passenger standing or walking areas, within the confines of a transit vehicle, such as on the floor beneath one of more passenger seats in the transit vehicle.
[0059] FIG. 6F is a side view in cross section of the hydroxyl generator reactor enclosure for transit vehicles, showing two UV producing optics and a light and air flow sensor board.
[0060] FIG. 6G is a side view in cross section of the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 6E, showing the air entry fan and the undulated “S shaped” air flow of the incoming air around the centrally located hydroxyl generator reactor, then through the hydroxyl generator reactor, and finally around the hydroxyl generator reactor in a different direction out of the stand-alone hydroxyl generator for mass transit vehicles.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0061] As used throughout this specification, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to, or being optional), rather than a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must), as more than one embodiment of the invention may be disclosed herein. Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to.
[0062] The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” may be open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, and “A, B, and/or C” herein means all of the following possible combinations: A alone; or B alone; or C alone; or A and B together; or A and C together; or B and C together; or A, B and C together.
[0063] Also, the disclosures of all patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature cited within this document are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. However, It is noted that the citing of any reference within this disclosure, i.e., any patents, published patent applications, and non-patent literature, is not an admission regarding a determination as to its availability as prior art with respect to the herein disclosed and claimed apparatus/method.
[0064] Furthermore, any reference made throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature or characteristic described in connection therewith is included in at least that one particular embodiment.
[0065] Thus, the appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Therefore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of any particular aspect of an embodiment disclosed herein may be combined in any suitable manner with any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.
[0066] FIG. 1 shows a hydroxyl generator 1, including a polygonal-shaped housing, including a bracket brace 14 for supporting crystal-spliced UV optics 12 and 13 within respective C-shaped spring clasps 12a and 13a, which are each respectively mounted on bracket brace 14, which are mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing, but staggered so that UV optic 12 is on a different side of the bracket 14 from the side on which UV optic 13 is located, 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. These tubular optics 12 and 13 generate ‘Harmonic’ bio-mimicry nonchemical process of the present invention which 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.
[0067] 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.
[0068] Other similar Medical Grade quartz tubed UV optics can be used. The optics 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, but where in FIG. 3 the crystal spliced UV optics 12 and 13 are staggered so that UV optic 12 is on a different side of the bracket brace 14 from the side on which UV optic 13 is located. FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment where there are two pairs of UV optics, namely 112,112 and 113, 113. The UV optics 112, 112 are staggered to the right on one bottom side of the horizontal bracket brace 114, but are separated by upright bracket brace 114. Likewise, UV optics 113 and 113 are respectively staggered to the left on the opposite top side of the horizontal bracket brace 114, also separated from each other by upright bracket brace 114. Optics pairs 112, 112 and 113, 113 are supported within pairs of respective C-shaped spring clasps, which pairs of optics 112, 112 and 113, 113 are each respectively mounted on bracket brace 114, and which pairs of optics 112, 112 and 113, 113 are mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing 1.
[0069] 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, fasteners 16a, 16a, a hinge 6 for opening the polygonal clamshell housing 1 and 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 the 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.
[0070] Furthermore, once these radicals are emitted, they can penetrate any crevices in any area, such as in hydroponic greenhouse plant media growing vessels, such as between seats of aircraft, mass transit rail and road vehicles, in building ducts and wall surfaces and other human occupied spaces, such as individual rooms with small self-contained hydroxyl generators, between the surfaces of seats and shelving, and anywhere where ultraviolet light by itself would not be capable of eradicating the undesirable VOCs, fungi, virus, bacteria, etc. In the aircraft environment, the polygon-shaped housing is strategically located within an air supply unit in an airport terminal building, or it can be located within a remote cart not located near the aircraft, on the tarmac of the airport, and preferably it may be provided in the air systems separately of an aircraft cabin, including the flight deck and the areas of the main cabin where passengers are seated. Therefore, the polygon shaped housings may also be strategically located in mass transit rail and road vehicles, in building ducts, in individual rooms, and wall surfaces and other human occupied spaces
[0071] 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. Baffles, optionally located outside of the hydroxyl generators, but in the vicinity of the hydroxyl generators, prevent the UV light from exposure to persons. Additionally, fibrous filters may be provided at input and outlet areas of the housing containing the hydroxyl generator portion with the UV optics, to capture any undesirable airborne particulates, such as dirt and dust and other particles which may compromise the sensitive quartz material of the UV optics. 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.
[0072] FIG. 4 shows an alternate embodiment for a four optic version, where polygon hydroxyl generator enclosure 100, having top wall 102, side walls 107, 108, 109, 110 of an upper shell, as well as lower walls 105, 111 a, 111b of the clamshell housing. The clamshell housing has inner walls 104 against which the hydroxyls being formed contact repeatedly during formation. FIG. 4 also shows the electronics control box 120, attached to the clamshell housing by brackets 119. The respective pairs of optics 112, 112, and 113, 113 are supported within respective pairs of C-shaped spring clasps, which are each respectively mounted on bracket brace 114, which are mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing 101. The upper half of the clamshell housing is connected to the lower half of the clamshell housing by fasteners 116, 116a. Clamshell housing 100 is openable via a hinge located near fastener 116a.
[0073] 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.
[0074] 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 one or more brackets 19 to the electronic control box 20. Similarly, the electronic control box 120 is attached by brackets 119 of FIG. 4.
[0075] 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 the hydroxyl generators 1 shown in FIGS. 1-3 and 4 respectively. 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. Box 25 of FIG. 5A discloses the 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. Box 26 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A discloses the sensor 26 for detecting emitted light, and providing feedback to replace optics, including a secondary backup optic, which is also disclosed in box 26 of the flowchart of FIG. 5A. Box 27 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A discloses a detector with a proximity switch 27 detecting opening of the enclosure, and thereafter used to turn off the optics 12 and 13, to protect people from being exposed to the possible harmful UV light emitted from the optics 12 and 13. This detector with the proximity switch 27 shown in box 27 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A also includes a limit switch, a micro switch and sensors. Box 28 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A discloses the mobile phone application connection 28 for user feedback by wireless communication, such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth® communications, between the operator, the control box 20 and hydroxyl generator 1 itself, together with a timer. The control box 20 also includes the LCD user feedback system 29, with a timer shown in box 29 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A with a timer, as well as a further timer 30 shown in box 30 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A, to provide feedback for regular maintenance. The voltage and frequency of AC main supply sensor 31 is shown in box 31 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A, Box 32 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A shows the voltage and frequency of the monitor of the ballast power outfit 32. Box 33 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A discloses a fire sensor 33, which detects excess heat in the system. Box 34 of the diagrammatic flow chart of FIG. 5A discloses a real time clock 34 which controls any fans providing and activating the airflow through the polygon hydroxyl generators 1.
[0076] In the mass transit vehicle applications, where a self-contained hydroxyl generator is located on the floor below a passenger seat, the primary source of power from the vehicle may be low voltage (12 VDC) which can be accompanied by a DC/AC inverter to convert the low voltage (12 VDC) to higher 120 V AC power to operate the hydroxyl generator within the mass transit vehicle.
[0077] In the alternate embodiment shown in block diagram FIG. 5B, there are disclosed therein shown the following differences of block diagram FIG. 5B from block diagram FIG. 5, wherein in block diagram FIG. 5B the following features are shown: [0078] 1. The key switch (22a) can alternatively be positioned before the power supply (22); [0079] 2. The key switch (22a) can alternatively be a pushbutton; [0080] 3. The power supply (22) can alternatively be included in the Master Events Controller (MEC) 20; [0081] 4. The user feedback display (29) of FIG. 5 is not needed in FIG. 5B, because the Wi-Fi/Bluetooth® communication works with a mobile application; [0082] 5. The PWM Speed controlled fan (34) of FIG. 5 is not needed, because the hydroxyl generator 1 will be located in an existing duct with moving air; and, [0083] 6. The power to the relay (not numbered) in FIG. 5 can alternatively be provided by the Master Events Controller (MEC) 20 in FIG. 5B.
EXAMPLE
Transit Vehicle Embodiment
[0084] FIGS. 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D, 6E, 6F and 6G show self-contained units 700 and 791 which can be provided within the passenger and/or cargo area 780 of a transit vehicle, 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 self-contained hydroxyl generator 700 for a transit vehicle includes a generator chamber housing 701, which is mounted inside a transit vehicle.
[0085] For example, FIG. 6 shows the generator housing 701 located on the floor of the vehicle below a passenger seat where the hydroxyl generator 700 is provided in a confined space area, such as a passenger cabin with seats or a cargo container with or without shelving.
[0086] Since the transit vehicle generates low voltage 12 DC for vehicle accessories (lights, wipers, cell phone chargers, etc.), the DC power is now converted to AC by an inverter 728 to power the optics and fans of the self-contained hydroxyl generator 700.
[0087] The transit vehicle generator 700 also includes the polygon generator chamber housing 701, which has inside the optics 712, 713,which react with water vapor within incoming airflow to produce hydroxyl radicals which are excited by exposure to the interior polygonal walls of the generator 700. The transit vehicle hydroxyl generator 700 also includes an air intake 719, as well as a partition and closed compartment space 720 for the electronics, and an air blower 740 which blows and pressurizes air to the chamber of the hydroxyl generator 701. Front frame 721 is provided for controls and the air intake 719 is provided on one of the walls of the housing 701, enclosing the clamshell shaped polygonal hydroxyl generator unit 711, which is enclosed within housing 701. The clamshell shaped polygonal hydroxyl generator unit 711 is preferably made of aluminum, or other suitable material. The clamshell shaped polygonal hydroxyl generator unit 711 has side walls 717a, 717b, top wall 717c and bottom wall 717d, as well as rear wall 717e and front cover 717f. When the aluminum cover 717c is removed, it provides easy access for optic cleaning and/or replacement of the optics of the hydroxyl generator 700, which can be taken out and opened along its clamshell hinge 716. The air is passed through the intake, blown by the blower 740, then through the polygonal generator chamber housing 701 and out through an air outlet 718. The blower 740 is mounted by a mount 741 to the exterior housing 701 of the hydroxyl generator 700.
[0088] FIG. 6D shows a side view in cross-section of the hydroxyl generator 700 for transit vehicles, showing the “S- curve” diversion of the incoming and outgoing airflow “A”, which diversion is achieved by light blocking baffles 760a and 760b, where one or more staggered baffles 760a, 760b are at the air flow exit portion of the hydroxyl generator housing 701 for transit vehicles and one or more staggered baffles 760a, 760b are at the air flow entry point of the hydroxyl generator housing 701. The staggered baffles 760a, 760b are configured to block inadvertent eye damaging light emanating from the hydroxyl generator housing, especially for curious short children or leased service dogs for people in need of canine assistance while traveling in a transit vehicle, who might tend to stare and look at the hydroxyl generator 700, located on the floor under a passenger seat of the passenger cabin 780 of a transit vehicle.
[0089] FIG. 6D also shows filters 770a and 770b, which are provided at the air flow entry and exit locations within the hydroxyl generator housing 701, to protect the optics 712, 713 etc. from contamination by airborne dirt and other particles which might accompany the incoming air flow and which may degrade the hydroxyl activation portions of the optics 712, 713, etc., which are made of sensitive medical grade pure quartz material.
[0090] The hydroxyl generators shown in FIG. 6-6G will inactivate any VOCs or pathogens, such as virus, bacteria or fungi, anywhere in the air of the transit vehicles 780.
[0091] FIG. 6E is an exploded view of a preferred embodiment for a stand-alone hydroxyl generator 790 in a housing 791 for a transit vehicle with a three-pass air flow to limit UV light escape, where a clamshell hydroxyl generator reactor 792 with a structural cover 793 and an electronics cover 794, is insertable inside the housing 791 in the open central area shown. The air input side of the hydroxyl generator housing 791 includes a fan 795 to move air with water vapor therethrough, and a filter 796 is provided to prevent dirt, dust and other contaminating particles from compromising the sensitive quartz surfaces of the UV optics 799, 799a, which create hydroxyl radicals when water vapor from incoming air contacts the UV from the optics 799, 799a within the hydroxyl generator reactor portion 792 in an enclosure 792a having a light and air flow sensor board 798.. An exit grill 797 is provided at the air exit end of the stand-alone hydroxyl generator 790, which is placed away from passenger standing or walking areas, within the confines of a transit vehicle, such as on the floor beneath one of more passenger seats in the transit vehicle.
[0092] FIG. 6F is a side view in cross section of the hydroxyl generator reactor enclosure 792a, showing two UV producing optics 799, 799a and a light and air flow sensor board 798 attached thereto.
[0093] FIG. 6G is a diagrammatic side view in cross section of the air flow within the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 6E, showing the air entry fan and the undulated “S shaped” air flow of the incoming air around the centrally located hydroxyl generator reactor, then through the hydroxyl generator reactor, and finally around the hydroxyl generator reactor in a different direction out of the stand-alone hydroxyl generator for mass transit vehicles.
CONCLUSION
[0094] The hydroxyl generator systems of the present invention are designed to neutralize and destroy virus’ everywhere safely and effectively, while purifying and sanitizing breathable heated, ambient, or cooled air emanating from a source and neutralizing up to 99.9999% of tested virus, including Covid -19 virus. The present invention also helps occupants an occupied space who are afflicted with asthma and 5 airborne allergies, including full air and surface protection, including in crevices between other surfaces.
[0095] The hydroxyl generator systems of the present invention can be placed in any environment where pristine air is required, in a state of the art technology that is chemical free, safe for people, pets and plants.
[0096] 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.
[0097] 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.
