PROACTIVE AIR/SURFACE DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM AND DEVICES

Abstract

A system for decontaminating/neutralizing breathable air and surfaces in an occupied enclosed space, i.e., aircraft, rail and road vehicles, in buildings and other human occupied spaces, 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. An 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 on a bracket brace within said housing for generating atmospheric hydroxyl radicals within said walls, said bracket brace extending lengthwise in, and diagonally across, said housing, and supported on opposite sides thereof by a pair of oppositely facing sidewalls; 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 optics are mounted on opposite sides of said bracket brace and staggered from each other.

3. The hydroxyl generator of claim 2 in which each optic is mounted in a C-shaped clasp for ease of replacement.

4. The hydroxyl generator of claim 3 in which said reflective, non-absorbent surfaces are aluminum.

5. The hydroxyl generator of claim 4 further comprising baffles arranged outside of said housing in such a manner that said UV optics are not exposed to eyes of any observers because of potentially harmful effects of such exposure.

6. A method of purifying breathable air comprising the steps of: providing a polygon shaped housing having a plurality of flat walls having reflective non-absorbent inside surfaces; said housing comprising a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV optics mounted parallel to each other on a bracket brace within said housing for generating atmospheric hydroxyl radicals within said walls, said bracket brace extending lengthwise in, and diagonally across, said housing, and supported on opposite sides by a pair of oppositely facing sidewalls; 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; providing said housing with an inlet and an outlet for flow therethrough of breathable air; and in which 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.

7. The method of claim 6 in which said optics are mounted on opposite sides of said bracket brace and staggered from each other.

8. The method of claim 7 in which each optic is mounted in-a C-shaped clasp for ease of replacement.

9. The method of claim 8 in which said reflective, non-absorbent surfaces are aluminum.

10. The method of claim 9 further comprising baffles arranged outside of said housing 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.

11. A control system for and in combination with a hydroxyl generator comprising: said control system comprising a master events controller receiving input from sensors within said hydroxyl generator; said sensors including an air flow sensor for detecting air flow through said hydroxyl generator, a light sensor for detecting UV light, and a voltage monitor sensor; and said master events controller also having: (a) a power supply for sending data via a relay for providing power to UV lamp optics within said hydroxyl generator; and (b) a communication output comprising a WiFi/bluetooth signal output with wireless user feedback and a digital output with an LED status feedback; and whereby exposure of ambient water vapor in breathable air to optics irradiating UV light within said hydroxyl generator causes atmospheric hydroxyl radicals to form, said hydroxyl radicals deactivating/neutralizing impurities including VOC, virus, bacteria and fungi in breathable air.

12. The combination of claim 11 in which said hydroxyl generator comprises 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 on a bracket brace within said housing for generating atmospheric hydroxyl radicals within said walls, said bracket brace extending lengthwise in, and diagonally across, said housing, and supported on opposite sides thereof by a pair of oppositely facing sidewalls and having an inlet and an outlet for flow therethrough of breathable air, and 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.

13. The combination of claim 12 in which said master events controller is inside of a control box mounted on an outer surface of a wall, said housing for said hydroxyl generator being mounted on an inner surface of said wall adjacent said control box.

14. The combination of claim 13 in which said control box includes a microprocessor for controlling said sensors and switches which control operation of the lamp optics, including the turning off of said UV lights when said housing is opened to protect people from being exposed to UV light.

15. The combination of claim 14 in which said control box also contains a power source for said hydroxyl generator.

16. The combination of claim 15 in which said control box also includes a timer to provide feedback for regular maintenance.

17. The combination of claim 11 having a fire sensor for detecting excess heat.

18. The combination of claim 11 having a fan control for providing and activating airflow through said hydroxyl generator.

19. The combination of claim 15 in which said power source is either a DC low voltage battery or an AC power plug.

20. The combination of claim 19 having an on/off key power switch.

21. The combination of claim 20 in which said key power switch is a pushbutton switch.

22. A method for controlling operation of a hydroxyl generator comprising the steps of: providing a control system comprising a master events controller receiving input from sensors within said hydroxyl generator; using said sensors to detect air flow through said hydroxyl generator, presence of UV light, and providing a voltage monitor; providing in said master events controller: (a) a power supply for sending data via a relay for providing power to UV lamp optics within said hydroxyl generator; and (b) a WiFi/bluetooth signal output and wireless user feedback and a digital output with an LED status feedback; and whereby exposure of ambient water vapor in breathable air to optics irradiating UV light within said hydroxyl generator causes atmospheric hydroxyl radicals to form, said hydroxyl radicals deactivating/neutralizing impurities including VOC, virus, bacteria and fungi in breathable air.

23. The method of claim 22 in which said hydroxyl generator comprises a polygon shaped housing having a plurality of flat walls having reflective non-absorbent inside surfaces, a plurality of spaced crystal-spliced UV lamp optics mounted parallel to each other on a bracket brace within said housing for generating atmospheric hydroxyl radicals within said walls, said bracket brace extending lengthwise in, and diagonally across, said housing, and supported on opposite sides thereof by a pair of oppositely facing sidewalls and having an inlet and an outlet for flow therethrough of breathable air, and 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 impurities including VOC, viruses, bacteria and mold in said breathable air, whereby said hydroxyl radicals, created and excited within said walls, become sufficiently excited to react quickly with said impurities, rendering them inactivated.

24. The method of claim 23 in which said master events controller is inside of a control box mounted on an outer surface of a wall, said housing for said hydroxyl generator being mounted on an inner surface of said wall adjacent said control box.

25. The method of claim 24 in which said control box includes a microprocessor for controlling said sensors and switches which control operation of the lamp optics, including the turning off of said UV lamp optics when said housing is opened to protect people from being exposed to UV light.

26. The method of claim 25 in which said control box also contains a power source for said hydroxyl generator.

27. The method of claim 26 in which said control box also includes an LCD display feedback system and said timer to provide feedback for regular maintenance.

28. The method of claim 22 having a fire sensor for detecting excess heat.

29. The method of claim 22 having a fan control for providing and activating airflow through said hydroxyl generator.

30. The method of claim 26 in which said power source is either a DC low voltage battery or an AC power plug.

31. The method of claim 30 in which said power source has an on/off key power switch.

32. The method of claim 31 in which said key power switch is a push button switch.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION′OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention can best be understood in connection with the following drawings, which are not deemed to be limiting in scope.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a polygonal hydroxyl generator shown in a closed position.

[0027] 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.

[0028] FIG. 3 is an end view in crossection of the hydroxyl generator of FIG. 1, with two UV optics for generating hydroxyl radicals.

[0029] 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.

[0030] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the electronic controls of the hydroxyl generator of FIGS. 1-3 and 4.

[0031] FIG. 5A is a flow chart showing the electronic controls with respect to their position adjacent to the hydroxyl generator.

[0032] FIG. 5B is a block diagram of the electronic controls of the hydroxyl generator

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 112,113 and 112a, 113a. The UV optics 112, 113 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 112a and 113a 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, 113 and 112a, 113a are supported within pairs of respective C-shaped spring clasps 112c,113c and 112d, 113d, which pairs of optics 112, 113 and 112a, 113a are each respectively mounted on bracket brace 114, and which pairs of optics 112, 113 and 112a, 113a are mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing 1.

[0036] 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 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.

[0037] Furthermore, once these radicals are emitted, they can penetrate any crevices in any area, such as between seats of aircraft, mass transit rail and road vehicles, in building ducts and wall surfaces and other human occupied spaces, between the surfaces of seats and shelving, 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 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. The polygon shaped housings may also be strategically located in mass transit rail and road vehicles, in building ducts and wall surfaces and other human occupied spaces

[0038] 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. 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.

[0039] 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. The respective pairs of optics 112, 113 are supported within respective pairs of C-shaped spring clasps 112a and 113a, which are each respectively mounted on bracket brace 114, which are mounted parallel lengthwise to each other inside the clamshell hexagon housing 101. Clamshell housing 101 is openable via hinge 106.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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: [0044] 1. The key switch (22a) can alternatively be positioned before the power supply (22); [0045] 2. The key switch (22a) can alternatively be a pushbutton; [0046] 3. The power supply (22) can alternatively be included in the Master Events Controller (MEC) 20; [0047] 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; [0048] 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, [0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.