Systems and methods for simulating coughs and sneezes

Abstract

The present invention relates to pathogen cleaning and simulation of pathogen spreading. More particularly, some implementations of the described invention relate to systems and methods for spraying materials in a manner that mimics the spreading of pathogens from coughing or sneezing. Some implementations further relate to using a non-aerosol sprayer that produces both a mist and droplets of a mixture containing water, a fluorescent marker, a surfactant, and an antifoaming agent. In some cases, the pump sprayer defines an internal compartment that includes the mixture. In some cases, the sprayer further includes a pump mechanism that is configured to be pumped to compress a gas within the compartment and a release valve that is configured to release pressure within the compartment through a spray nozzle of the sprayer such that droplets and mist of the mixture are sprayed from the nozzle. Other implementations are also described.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to the spreading of pathogens and other materials. More particularly, some implementations of the described invention relate to systems and methods for spraying materials in a manner that mimics pathogen spreading through coughing or sneezing. Some implementations further relate to systems and methods for using a non-aerosol, manually-pressurized sprayer that is configured to simultaneously spray both a mist and droplets of a mixture containing a detectable marker (such as a fluorescent marker).BACKGROUND AND RELATED ART[0002]Many diseases are transmitted through the air. Indeed, several types of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens are regularly distributed through the raising of dust, coughing, sneezing, spraying of liquids, and / or through a variety of other similar manners that introduce pathogens into the air. Indeed, in some cases, when a person (or animal) coughs or sneezes, a mist and droplets of saliva and mu...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0006]Some implementations of the described pump sprayer define an internal compartment that includes the mixture. In some cases, the sprayer further includes a pump mechanism that is configured to be pumped to compress one or more gases within the compartment. In some such cases, the sprayer further comprises a release valve that is configured to release pressure within the compartment through a spray nozzle of the sprayer such that droplets and/or a mist of the mixture are sprayed from the nozzle. In some instances, after the mixture has been sprayed, an ultraviolet light (or any other suitable light source in which the marker is readily visible) is used to determine where the droplets and/or mist have settled and/or are otherwise disposed. Additionally, in some cases, after the mixture is sprayed, the area that was sprayed is cleaned (e.g., in normal lighting in which the marker is not readily visible). In some such cases, an ultraviolet light is then used to determine the quality of the cleaning job, by determini

Problems solved by technology

While many such cleaners can be effective at killing or otherwise reducing the amount of pathogens on a surface, many cleaning techniques that use such cleaners are not witho

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