Air decontamination system

Abstract

An air decontamination system that cleans air which has been contaminated by a terrorist attack or other means of contamination. The air is drawn into the system, cleaned through the use of filters, and exits the system into an enclosed area where people have gathered to await passage of the danger. The unit is easily turned on and off via a switch.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 10 / 875,639, entitled AIR DECONTAMINATION SYSTEM, filed Jun. 23, 2004, which claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 60 / 480,613, entitled AIR PURIFICATION SYSTEM, filed Jun. 23, 2003, which are incorporated herein by reference.I. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] A. Field of Invnetion [0003] This invention pertains to the art of methods and apparatuses for filtering, cleaning and purifying air that may have become contaminated due to airborne toxic particulates and specifically, toxic particulates that may originate from a nuclear, biological, chemical or terrorist attack. [0004] B. Description of the Related Art [0005] In recent months since the events of Sep. 11, 2001, there has been increased interest developing tools that will reliably protect people from the after affects of further terrorist attacks. [0006] As a result of attacks around the world, the sense of vulnerability has been heightened. Attacks ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention may be installed within an existing opening, such as a window or air conditioner cut out, thereby providing an air decontamination system that is ready during any emergency situation. The unit is practical for every citizen in any type of dwelling to protect themselves and their family from many types of threats. The difficulties inherent in the art are therefore overcome in a way that is simple and efficient, while providing better and more advantageous results.

[0021] According to a another aspect of the invention a method of creating a contaminant free enclosed space is provided, the steps of which may include providing an associated enclosed space for use in housing associated people, wherein the enclosed space may have an opening formed within the walls of the enclosed space; providing an air decontamination apparatus which may include a housing having an air filtration compartment, wherein the air filtration compartment may have an outlet and an inlet, at least a first air decontamination filter received within the air filtration compartment, the at least a first air decontamination filter being operatively positioned between the outlet and inlet, an air mover operatively communicated to the air filtration compartment for use moving air through the at least a first air decontamination filter; and, a power supply for use in providing power to drive the air mover; selectively installing the air decontamination apparatus within the opening of the associated enclosed space; activating the air decontamination apparatus, and producing sufficient air flow from the air decontamination apparatus to provide positive pressure air flow within the associated enclosed space to prevent infiltration of contaminated air into the associated enclosed space from the exterior of the associated enclosed space.

Problems solved by technology

Attacks may come unexpectedly, thus leaving people to scramble for a safe haven.

Most recently the threats from biological, chemical, nerve gas and radioactive toxins (comprised of particulates in the 0.3 micron range) have become a real danger.

Covering windows with plastic and duct tape, however, is cumbersome and requires a considerable amount of time and energy.

Time may not be available if an attack or release of contaminants is unexpected.

Windows and doors covered in this fashion are also unsightly and there is much waste generated from this form of protection.

While gas masks generally work well for their intended purpose, they are burdensome to wear and can only protect one individual at a time.

The use of gas masks and plastic sheeting also has the possibility of creating panic in the general public and may result in low levels of safety for the general public.

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